expect completion of the ARPA project in September 1996. 



Synopsis 



I believe that the technology for placing contaminated dredged material at a specified abyssal 

 seafloor site is either in hand or within easy reach. It is the environmental impact of the 

 proposed deposit of several million cubic meters of dredged material that is difficult to predict 

 with certainty. An in-situ experiment, spanning 7 years (including 2 years for planning and 

 set-up), involving the placement of several thousand cubic meters of uncontaminated, 

 organic-rich dredged material, will be the most efficient way 4o generate data and understanding 

 necessary for predictive model development and validation. 



My colleagues and I thank the Chairmen for this opportunity to make the results of our work 

 known to the Subcommittees. 



References 



Haggerty, B. 1993. "Dredge-Lock," Workboat Magazine, Nov-Dec, pp 28-31. 



Hightower, J.M., W.R. Richards, S. Balinski, W. Briggs, T. Foster, D. Mauck and A. Marcy 

 1995a. "Technical Assessment Report for Abyssal Plains Waste Isolation Project," 

 NRL/CR/740 1-95-0021, Naval Research Laboratory, Stennis Space Center, MS, 143 p and 

 7 appendices. 



Hightower, J.M., W.R. Richards and A.L. Marcy 1995b. "Economic Viability Report for Abyssal 

 Plains Waste Isolation Project," NRL/CR/740 1-94-00 16, Naval Research Laboratory, Stennis 

 Space Center, MS, 34 p. 



Hightower, J.M., W.R. Richards, S. Balinski, W. Briggs, T. Foster, D. Mauck and A. Marcy 

 1995c. "Summary Engineering Report for Abyssal Plains Waste Isolation Project," 

 NRL/CR/7401 -95-001 8, Naval Research Laboratory, Stennis Space Center, MS, 63 p. 



House Hearing 1992. "Ocean Dumping Enforcement and the Current Status of Research Efforts", 

 Hearing before the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Navigation of the Committee on Merchant 

 Marine and Fisheries, House of Representatives, Serial No. 102-96, US Government Printing 

 Office, Washington, DC, 573 p. 



JOC 1995. "Toxic Load of Mud Springs Leak," by A. Abrams, Journal of Commerce, 19 Oct, p 

 lA, 8 A. 



Spencer, D.W. 1991 . "Report of a Workshop to Determine the Scientific Research Required to 

 Assess the Potential of the Abyssal Ocean as an Option for Future Waste Management, An 

 Abyssal Ocean Option for Waste Management," Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, 7-10 



