132 



appropriate handling practices, and i)ertinent casualty control 

 measures. 



This data is disseminated to the watermen and others involved in 

 transporting the materials. The center is telephonically available on a 

 24-hour-a-day basis for additional information. 



In the coastal zone, the increasing concentration of marine traffic has 

 heightened the collision risks, which could in some cases involve sub- 

 stantial spillage of oil or other deleterious material. Accordingly, the 

 Coast Guard has developed and placed into effect a number of traffic 

 separation schemes oif major ports wherein separate one-way lanes are 

 provided. 



These schemes have been established through the joint eiiorts of the 

 private sector, port authorities, and interested Government agencies. 

 These are not mandatory, but are in the nature of recommendations. 

 We hope that this method will prove satisfactory. 



Attempts to impose mandatory control measures on vessels would 

 not only entail a major change in our domestic legislation but would 

 require international agreement as well. We intend to monitor the 

 efficacy of these schemes ver}^ closely. At the same time, of course, we 

 are actively pursuing new and better methods of aiding navigation, 

 with particular attention upon the coastal zone. 



The Coast Guard has also been active in antipollution activities on 

 the Great Lakes. Every major cutter and nearly all of the shore sta- 

 tions have been involved at one time or another in activities related 

 to limmological and pollution abatement research. 



Our contribution has been in the form of providing the necessary 

 facilities for scientific and technical personnel from Federal agen- 

 cies. State agencies, and university laboratories to obtain data and 

 monitor natural processes. 



Turning to the other side of the coin, how do transportation ac- 

 tivities affect the coastal zone and what is the role of the Department 

 in attempting to minimize those effects? Perhaj^s the best example 

 is the recently well-published problem of the Everglades and the 

 proposed new jetport. 



Without going into all of the details as to how that problem arose 

 and how it is being solved, the Everglades situation demonstrates 

 why the Federal, State, and local governments must work closely to- 

 gether in developing public facilities in recognition of their potential 

 environmental impact. 



It is also a good case in point as to how we within the Federal 

 Government have to work together to assure that all aspects of major 

 public works projects are fully evaluated. 



Another example of transportation impact is the Federal highway 

 program. Highways can have a significant effect on the coastal zone 

 in two ways: (1) By opening up new coastal areas and encouraging 

 their development, and (2) by the construction itself, which, throus:h 

 silting or changes in drainage, can change the ecology of a particular 

 area. 



The coastal zone, of course, also includes the ports where the typical 

 waterfront industrial complex occupies some of the most valuable land 

 in the city. Changes in shipping and port operations have led to mak- 

 ing these areas the most unattractive and rundown sections of the city. 

 Abandoned piers, warehouses, and hulks cluttering the waterfront con- 

 tribute to the general impression of decay and untidiness. 



