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hydrocarbons, is prohibited by international treaty. Capping or 

 burial in the abyssal plains, which may be allowed, offers no 

 advantage over capping in near coastal waters, as it presents 

 additional engineering difficulties and greater expense. 



SUMMARY 



Though the specific amount of contaminated sediments that 

 may require cleanup or remediation in the foreseeable future is 

 not known, indications are that it could be in the millions or 

 tens of millions of cubic yards. Innovative solutions will need 

 to be developed, or costs will escalate and inhibit any real 

 progress. 



The Corps, undoubtedly, will have a role in many decisions 

 regarding contaminated sediments. Significant cost savings can 

 result from the close coordination of navigation and cleanup 

 dredging among federal, state and local agencies. Reduced costs 

 associated with mobilization and demobilization of dredging 

 equipment is one such example. In other cases, close 

 coordination of the two activities may significantly increase the 

 array of cost effective, environmentally acceptable disposal 

 options for highly contaminated sediments. Sediment remediation 

 will not be a simple or an inexpensive task and should be 

 considered only for those sediments that pose an unacceptable 

 risk if left unmanaged. Otherwise huge quantities of marginal 

 material may be remediated at a high cost without a commensurate 

 return in environmental benefits. 



The only long-term solution to the contaminated sediments 

 issue is the reduction or cessation of pollutants at their source 

 and the clean up of high risk hot spots on land as well as in 

 water. If these actions are not taken, we will be facing 

 significant problems indefinitely. 



Finally, I would like to note that the Corps, EPA and others 

 must continue to conduct intensive basic and applied research on 

 contaminated sediments. This should include risk 

 assessment/management techniques, and full-scale demonstration 

 projects to verify and refine the basic research products. 

 Future research and development expenditures will produce direct 

 benefits in many areas, including reduced testing costs and more 

 cost-effective project selection and implementation. 



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

 to answer any questions. 



