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Although presence of organochlorines and heavy metals has 

 been documented in whales from the North Atlantic, toxic 

 effects have not been observed in the endangered whales that 

 feed seasonally in Massachusetts and Cape Cod bays. The 

 level of most toxins in the effluent will be reduced when 

 secondary treatment is implemented. Expeditious 

 implementation of secondary treatment and a further 

 reduction of toxic loadings to the treatment plant would 

 ensure that the potential for impacts of pollutants to 

 listed species is further minimized. 



We have provided EPA with numerous conservation recommendations 

 to assess and minimize the potential for any adverse effects to 

 listed species and marine habitat. These recommendations can be 

 summarized into four broad areas: 



(1) A contingency plan should analyze reasonable steps, 

 including tertiary treatment options, that could be taken to 

 correct any adverse effects revealed by monitoring; 



(2) Studies should be completed prior to the discharge of 

 primary-treated sewage at the new outfall location to 

 provide additional information to determine if further 

 restrictions are necessary to protect listed species; 



