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QUESTION: 



It is my understanding that new tests on the sediment show dioxin levels 

 below 10 parts per trillion standard EPA imposed. If the sediment exceeds 

 the threshold level, what options would remain for the Port to dredge its 

 facilities? 



ANSWER: 



The acceptability of dredged material for ocean disposal is based, in part, on 

 the potential of the material to cause accumulation of contaminants in 

 marine organisms. This determination is made based on conducting 

 biological tests. EPA's Region II set a limit on bioaccumulation of dioxin in 

 marine organism of 10 part per trillion. This limit does not directly relate to 

 contaminant concentration in sediment. 



There are currently no approved disposal or treatment sites for dredged 

 material available to the Port Authority in the NY/NJ area. There are a 

 number of alternatives that have been discussed (e.g., containment islands, 

 borrow pit confinement, treatment), but all such alternatives will take 

 substantial time to develop and implement. 



EPA and the Corps have entered into a consensus-building process with over 

 80 representatives of other agencies, elected officials, and interest groups to 

 find alternatives to ocean dumping and other ways of managing dredged 

 sediments from the harbor. EPA and the Corps will be the lead in this 

 process, which includes seven working groups to deal with harbor dredging 

 problems, and ways of managing dredged materials. 



