[The statement of Mr. Saxton follows:] 



Statement of Hon. H. James Saxton, a U.S. Representative from New Jersey, 

 AND Chairman, Subcommittee on Environment and Natural Resources 



I want to thank both Subcommittee chairmen for holding this hearing today. This 

 Committee supported and passed this legislation in the last Congress, with success- 

 ful passage in the full House. Unfortunately, the 102d Congress adjourned before 

 Senate deliberations could begin. Keeping an eye on the legislative calendar this 

 year, I feel optimistic that we can give the Senate the ample time they need. 



I also want to compliment my colleague from New Jersey, Mr. Hughes, who has 

 had the foresight to pursue this legislative initiative. Two recent studies have docu- 

 mented the critical need for developing standards, better testing criteria and moni- 

 toring procedures to address unsafe beaches and estuaries along our Nation's coast- 

 line. 



The National Academy of Sciences recently published their report on "managing 

 wastewater in coastal urban areas". Listed as one of the highest priorities by the 

 Academy's study are pathogens and the need to develop more accurate testing pro- 

 cedures and standards to ensure against the transmission of disease. And I quote: 



"Over 100 pathogenic viruses and bacteria have been identified in runoff and 

 sewage. Numerous shellfish beds and bathing beaches are closed due to unaccept- 

 able levels of coliform bacteria each year.. ..Although concentrations of coliform bac- 

 teria higher than conventional standards indicate unacceptably high risk of expo- 

 sure to human pathogens through water contact sports or consumption of shellfish, 

 the opposite is not true — concentrations of coliform bacteria below the standards do 

 not reliably predict that waters and shellfish have safe levels..." 



The National Academy recommends that "The EPA, public health agencies, and 

 wastewater treatment agencies should vigorously pursue the development and im- 

 plementation of techniques appropriate for routine monitoring to measure more di- 

 rectly the presence of pathogens, particularly in marine and estuarine waters." 



A similar study, conducted by the Natural Resources Defense Council, documents 

 the same urgency for developing more accurate testing and monitoring techniques — 

 recommending a provision for developing such standards be included as a critical 

 component of any clean water act reauthorization. 



Mr. Chairman, H.R. 31 is a good bill. It provides States with the flexibility neces- 

 sary for designing monitoring programs tailored to their specific needs. And it di- 

 rects the EPA to finally develop more accurate indicator tests capable of ensuring 

 the public's safety and the health of our Nation's coastlines. 



I look forward to hearing from today's witnesses and expeditiously moving this 

 legislation through Full Committee markup. 



Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 



STATEMENT OF THE HON. LYNN SCHENK, A U.S. 

 REPRESENTATIVE FROM CALIFORNIA 



Mr. Ortiz. Does the gentlewoman from California, Ms. Schenk, 

 have a statement? 



Ms. Schenk. Well, I will take that as a compliment Mr. Chair- 

 man, thank you. 



I do, and I would like to submit my statement for the record. 



I will just take a moment to thank you for holding this hearing 

 and to thank my colleague. Congressman Hughes, for his leader- 

 ship and persistence in pursuing this important legislation and it is 

 a very special moment for me to be here with my — I won't say old 

 friend because we don't say old — my long time friend. Senator Lau- 

 tenberg, who has been such a leader in this area. 



My district in San Diego, California, has the dubious distinction 

 of containing one of the most polluted beaches in the country: Bor- 

 derfield in Imperial Beach. But luckily, I also represent some of the 

 most beautiful beaches. Imperial Beach is basically a matter of un- 

 treated sewage outflow from Tijuana and we are working very hard 

 to correct that problem. 



