46 



7 

 expected in phytoplankton production and community 

 structure, and zooplankton productivity, density, and 

 availability in areas of whale abundance. 



(2) Existing information suggests the present discharges are not 

 associated with the occurrence and frequency of red-tide 

 blooms in Massachusetts and Cape Cod bays. Red tide blooms 

 in this area appear to be associated with a buoyant fresh- 

 water plume originating from the Androscoggin/Kennebec River 

 (Maine) system. In addition, evidence suggests that 

 nutrient levels at the proposed discharge location are 

 already in excess of requirements of many phytoplankton 

 species, including the toxic phytoplankton Alexandrium . 

 Thus, this species should not benefit from an increase in 

 nitrogen in the area near the proposed discharge. 



(3) While heavy metals and organochlorines have been detected in 

 harbor porpoise from the Gulf of Maine population, there is 

 no information about the source of the toxins and 

 pathological effects have not been demonstrated. Porpoise 

 occurring in Boston Harbor and in the outfall's vicinity are 

 likely to be transient individuals, and will therefore not 

 be exposed to long-term effects of the outfall. 



(4) There is limited information on the effects of toxins such 

 as organochlorines and heavy metals on baleen whales. 



