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QUESTION: 



Should additional Federal resources be spent in the development of 

 alternatives to existing contaminated sediment disposal methods? 



ANSWER: 



Cost effective alternatives to existing contaminated sediment disposal 

 methods must be developed if we are to reduce the risk of exposure to 

 sediment contaminants. EPA presently has not budgeted resources for this 

 problem and EPA would be required to redirect funds to accomplish this 

 task. Title V of the Water Resources Development Act of 1992 requires 

 EPA and the Corps of Engineers to convene a Task Force to make 

 recommendations regarding actions needed to reduce the risk of exposure to 

 sediment contaminants. The Task Force, consisting of representatives from 

 a range of Federal agencies, the states, environmental groups, and the 

 regulated community, will evaluate the costs and benefits associated with 

 developing alternative disposal methods and make recommendations 

 concerning the expenditure of Federal resources. Ultimate Federal 

 investment decisions should be made with full consideration of other 

 demands and the relative risk reductions achieved. 



