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Research in the 1990' s focuses on highly contaminated 

 dredged material emphasizing chronic-sublethal effects, 

 genotoxicity evaluations and risk assessment techniques. The 

 research, in conjunction with others, includes efforts to improve 

 endangerment assessments and risk assessment/management, as well 

 as clean-up techniques. Dr. Engler's testimony discussed several 

 of the specific clean-up alternatives being researched, to 

 include the costs and a viability assessment. These efforts are 

 being conducted jointly with or in support of programs of EPA, 

 DOD and NOAA. 



We are continuing our research into the most productive and 

 beneficial uses of both uncontaminated and marginally 

 contaminated sediments. These efforts are aimed at ensuring 

 economical and environmentally sound use of this massive volume 

 of material each year, nearly 400 million cubic yards. 



Also, could you discuss in greater detail what factors 

 are considered when you determine what is cost effective and 

 environmentally responsive when addressing contaminated 

 sediments? 



ANSWER Mr. Rees: First, there are environmental quality 

 thresholds which all open water disposal must meet. These 

 include compliance with all Clean Water Act criteria, both 

 Federal and State, as well as compliance with many other 

 environmental and preservation statutes. A list of 20 such 

 statutes follows: 



National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 



