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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 Mr. Weldon - How effective have past technologies 

 been in addressing ocean disposal of contaminated sediments? 



ANSWER Dr. Engler: As noted in an earlier response, the Corps 

 does not ocean dump material that violates EPA's ocean dumping 

 criteria. Past technologies to identify, assess, and manage 

 material proposed for ocean disposal have used state-of-the- 

 practice physical, chemical, and biological procedures to 

 determine whether or not a material was contaminated and 

 unacceptable for unrestricted ocean disposal. These technologies 

 were jointly developed by the Corps and EPA and are in the Ocean 

 Disposal Manual, first published in 1977 with subsequent 

 revisions to reflect changing technical knowledge and 

 environmental concerns. This interagency process has been very 

 effective in ensuring that only acceptable dredged material, that 

 which meets EPA's environmental impact criteria, is ocean 

 disposed. Contaminated material may be disposed in the ocean if 

 proper restrictions, such as capping, are part of the project 

 that ensures isolation of the contaminated material from the 

 marine environment. This process has recently been augmented by 

 the Corps and EPA's joint Technical Framework manual cited in Mr. 

 Rees ' testimony. 



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