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federal research and development of cost-effective, decontamination 

 technology should be given a high priority. 



2. We have heard today that contaminated sediments in dredged material make up only 

 3 to 5 percent of all material dredged. Do you feel that this is an adequate 

 assessment? If not, what do you think represents a more accurate figure? 



Answer: That assessment is based on estimates by the Corps of Engineers of the 



amount of dredged material from federal navigation channels that cannot be 

 disposed of in the marine environment without special management practices 

 under current regulations. It is likely that on a national scale, if you include 

 access channels and port berthing areas the percentage would increase 

 slightly. In addition, as the new Green and Gold Book testing manuals are 

 implemented across the country some additional material may be identified 

 as unsuitable for unrestricted marine disposal. 



3. How widespread do you think the problem of polluted runoff is for our nation's 

 harbors? 



Answer: According to EPA, 50 percent of current coastal pollution is attributable to 



nonpoint runoff. Historically, the problem is even more significant given the 

 build up of contaminated runoff in our nation's harbors. 



4. In order to address the growing problems associated with polluted runoff, do you 

 think that it is necessary to establish a nonpoint source management plan in order 

 to contain some of the potential harmful material that could impact sediment? If 

 so, what do you think some of the major components of such a strategy? 



Answer: There is no doubt that pollution prevention and the management of polluted 



runoff are the keys to the future environmental health of our coastal waters, 

 including bottom sediments. AAPA supports the nonpoint source control 

 programs mandated by section 6217 of the Coastal Zone Management Act of 

 1990. However, additional funding should be provided for implementation of 

 nonpoint pollution control programs under both the CZMA and the CWA. 

 With specific regard to sediments, ports are concerned that costly cleanups 

 will be required before continuing sources of pollution runoff are adequately 

 controlled. In the development of nonpoint source management plans, 

 upstream polluters should be required to consider sediment control measures, 

 as well as the potential impacts of downstream deposition of sediments. 



