51 
wastes by mid-1977 and more advanced disposal methods by mid- 
1983. Grants for research, development and construction of treatment 
facilities are provided. Strict standards and regulations for industrial 
‘pollution are provided and are backed up by enforcement procedures 
and penalties including fines and imprisonment for violators. Permits 
and. guidelines are provided for any discharge into the territorial sea, 
the waters of the contiguous zone, or the oceans. The issuance of such 
permits are contingent on compliance with strict regulations pro- 
hibiting damage to the marine environment. This would include the 
effects of disposal or alternate ocean uses such as mineral exploitation 
-and scientific study on human health or welfare; marine life including 
bioconcentration and transfer of pollutants; esthetic, recreation, and 
‘economic values; and alternative means or locations of disposal. Presi- 
‘dent Nixon vetoed the measure because he considered its $24.6 billion 
authorization too high, but it was enacted into law over his veto by 
overwhelming margins in both Houses. 
Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 
The 92nd Congress was active in marine legislation. Prompted by 
U.S. Army disposal of explosives and toxic chemicals off the Atlantic 
coast, damage to beaches from industrial and municipal wastes, and the 
Santa Barbara offshore oil spill, several bills were introduced to 
regulate ocean waste disposal and control marine pollution. Further- 
more, a study undertaken by the Council on Environmental Quality 
revealed that there were over 246 dumping sites off the coasts of the 
United States. Marine life in these areas suffered from habitat loss, 
toxic poisoning, oxygen depletion, shock, diseases, and biostimulation 
(accelerated plant growth). 
Two Administration-backed bills were introduced, H.R. 4723 and 
S. 1238. In the House, joint hearings were held by the Subcommittee on 
Oceanography and the Subcommittee on Fisheries and Wildlife 
Conservation of the House Committee on Merchant Marine and 
Fisheries. Finally, a clean bill, H.R. 9727, which was essentially H.R. 
4723 amended, was reported out. 
In the Senate, hearings were held by the Subcommittee on Air and 
Water Pollution of the Committee on Public Works and the Sub- 
committee on Oceans and Atmosphere of the Senate Committee on 
Commerce. This latter Subcommittee also held an ‘International 
Conference on Ocean Pollution.”? On August 4, 1971, the Subcom-- 
mittee on Oceans and Atmosphere ordered H.R. 9727, the companion 
bill to S. 1238, to be reported to the full Committee on Commerce. 
With acceptance of several amendments of a technical nature, H.R. 
9727 was passed by the Senate on November 24, 1971. 
A Conference Committee was appointed to settle the differences 
between the House and Senate versions of H.R. 9727. Conferees 
appointed from the Senate included Senators Magnuson, Hollings, 
Hart, and Stevens, all members of the Senate Committee on Com- 
merce. The issues which absorbed most of the conference time con- 
cerned permits for discharge of dredge spoil into the oceans, the 
geographical coverage of the bill, and the question of marine sanc- 
tuaries. It was decided that the Corps of Engineers would retain 
authority to issue permits for the disposal of dredge material, subject 
to a veto from the Environmental Protection Agency. Senator Holl- 
