Marine Science Affairs 



— study of sand movement in the littoral zone by use of radioisotopes. 

 A field trial in California waters was completed using Xenon-133 

 as a tracer. A detector vehicle with recording system was designed, 

 fabricated, and field tested. 

 — prediction of currents parallel to the shore. A study was published 

 on both available data and prediction of current velocity from 

 wave and beach characteristics. 

 In addition, prediction of tides, currents, storms, and storm surges in 

 relation to coastal engineering, are carried out by ESSA. Related research 

 on soil mechanics is also being conducted by the Naval Civil Engineering 

 Laboratory. 



Water Quality 



Water quality is one of the crucial determinants of the different uses of a 

 coastal area. Moreover, the higher the pollution, the fewer the choices 

 between uses: Reducing pollution may increase options. For particular uses, 

 minimum standards must be maintained. The Federal Water Pollution 

 Control Act, as amended, calls for the enhancement of the quality and 

 value of the Nation's water resources and for the prevention, control, and 

 abatement of pollution. The provisions of the Act apply to the coastal and 

 interstate waters of estuaries, rivers, and lakes. 



The Federal Water Pollution Control Administration, which administers 

 the Act, conducts technical studies, engages in comprehensive planning, 

 provides technical services, and participates in enforcement when necessary 

 (at present in 16 estuaries and the Great Lakes) . Its comprehensive studies 

 cover the Great Lakes and most coastal areas. The Water Quality Act of 

 1965 provides for establishment of water quality standards for interstate and 

 coastal waters. The States have submitted proposed standards to the Secre- 

 tary of the Interior. Primary responsibility for enforcement of the standards, 

 which vary with the nature of the area and the use of the water, rests with 

 the States. If the States fail to act, however, the Federal Government may 

 bring suit against polluters. 



The Clean Water Restoration Act of 1966 provided for grants, which 

 may be made by the Secretary of the Interior to States, municipalities, or 

 inter-Gk)vernmental agencies, for assistance in developing projects to demon- 

 strate advanced methods of waste treatment, and purification and discharge 

 control. The Act also provided for a comprehensive study of estuaries, in- 

 cluding (a) the effects of pollution on various uses of these areas of salt 

 water-fresh water interface, and (b) the effects of population and economic 

 development on water quality. The study began last year and is being con- 



66 



