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Questions and Answers for the Record 



Hearing Before House MM&F-OGM&OCS on 30 March 1993 



Ocean Disposal of Contaminated Dredge Material 



Question from Chairman Ortiz - Should additional Federal 

 resources be spent in the development of alternatives to existing 

 contaminated sediment disposal methods? 



ANSWER Mr. Rees: The Corps of Engineers has spent in excess of 

 $120 million through Congressional appropriations over the past 

 20 years in pure and applied research investigating nearly every 

 facet of dredging and disposal. We are continuing to conduct 

 research to investigate and develop innovative new alternatives. 

 If the Congress appropriates additional funds, the Corps has the 

 capability to expand its contaminated sediments research. 

 However, the reality is that none of the research has produced 

 any magic solution to disposal needs. Any hypothesized 

 alternatives are either too costly, technically infeasible, or 

 simply not available. This is a very complex situation which is 

 difficult to convey in formal testimony. We would be pleased to 

 provide a full briefing on the issue for the committee staff, 

 should you wish. 



