247 



Given the wide variance of opinion among scientists 

 and other experts involved in the dioxin issue, and 

 considering the air of contentiousness that has 

 surrounded this issue, it is not at all clear what 

 information, if any, would provide the public with a 

 greater understanding of the potential health threats 

 associated with contaminated sediments. 



We understand, however, that a national-level study of 

 the impacts of dioxin is currently being finalized by 

 USEPA. This study will evaluate the existing 

 'information available on the health effects and 

 environmental impacts of dioxin contamination. The 

 previously noted cooperative interagency seven-point 

 initiative includes a public information component to 

 address this very issue. In addition, other programs 

 can be developed and implemented under the auspices of 

 the HEP and the USACE Public Involvement Coordination 

 Group for the Dredged Material Disposal Management 

 Plan for the Port of New York and New Jersey (this 

 group has not been active for approximately two 

 years) . 



(G-l) Finally, in your testimony, you state that we must 

 find long-term solutions in a short-term time frame. How 

 would you suggest accomplishing this? What 

 recommendations can you make to the Subcommittee? 



It is imperative that ocean disposal of contaminated 

 dredged material be terminated as guickly as 

 possible. The USACE should reconvene the Dioxin 

 Steering Committee and the USACE Public Involvement 

 Coordination Group. The federal agencies should make 

 these issues a high priority and devote the resources 

 needed to resolve these issues in a timely manner. 

 Alternatives to ocean disposal should be evaluated and 

 implemented promptly. 



(G-2) You also mention that we need to develop a 

 comprehensive toxics management plan. Are there any 

 efforts on the local level to develop such a plan? 



Yes. As previously noted, the development of such a 

 plan, in cooperation with the New York-New Jersey 

 Harbor Estuary Program, is one component of the 

 seven-point interagency initiative recently 

 announced . 



