71 



CONCLUSIONS 



The Army continues to execute its responsibilities to 

 protect the environment, recognizing the need for, and the 

 benefits associated with, federal and non-federal dredging and 

 dredged material disposal operations. We will continue to strive 

 for as timely an administration of both programs as the degree of 

 complexity or controversy allows. While complying with the 

 established guidelines and the requirements of other statutes, we 

 are continually coordinating with and ensuring the involvement of 

 other federal agencies, state and local interests and the public 

 at large. 



The programs being managed encompass 400 mcy of dredged 

 material annually. We work to make beneficial use of as much as 

 possible of the uncontaminated material, while at the same time 

 dealing with the small percentage but significant volume of 

 contaminated sediments that require special handling. 



We have established processes for regulating disposal of 

 dredged material in inland, coastal and ocean waters. We are 

 continually working with others agencies, especially EPA, in 

 enhancing the process, ensuring full public involvement and 

 protecting the environment and the public at large. In our 

 efforts to expedite the process, we are working with other 

 agencies to minimize duplicative evaluations and enhance the 

 consistency of testing procedures and management approaches, such 

 as the Green Book, the Inland Testing Manual and the overall 

 umbrella management guidance. 



Even with all these efforts, complex and controversial 

 projects, such as the Port of Elizabeth/Port of Newark, will 

 require significant time to process to ensure full public 

 involvement in meeting environmental as well as economic 

 objectives. 



As the Nation's environmental agenda for testing, 

 regulating, and managing contaminated sediments unfolds, the Army 

 will make use of all its capabilities to aid in accomplishing 

 that agenda. 



Mr. Chairman, that completes my statement, I would be happy 

 cwo-r anv Questions. 



to answer any questions 



