481 



which now have extensive data, records, and information which can be 

 used to help predict the effects of ocean dumping. 



We have available in the Department hundreds of scientists, engi- 

 neers, and economists who working together can provide knowledge 

 and understanding of the processes of the marine environment which 

 can assist EPA in the formulation of policies and development of 

 effective regulations on ocean dumping. 



We feel it is the role of the Department, particularly through 

 NOAA, to perform ocean monitoring and to provide information 

 which will be useful to EPA in evaluating requests for permits. 



Section 5(a) of H.R. 4723 identifies the two primary considerations 

 that would be considered in reviewing and evaluating permit applica- 

 tions. These are (1) consideration of the likely ecosystem, human 

 health, and economic impact of the proposed dumping and (2) alter- 

 native locations and methods of disposal including land-based 

 alternatives. 



These criteria provide a proper basis for issuance of permits. A 

 rational investigation of the benefits and costs associated with alter- 

 natives, including land-based alternatives, will help identify least- 

 cost solutions within overall environmental protection objectives. 



The Department of Commerce has a wide range of resources capa- 

 ble of participating in the assessment of alternatives to ocean dumping. 



The National Bureau of Standards, for example, has for many years 

 maintained programs of research on corrosion of metals in soils and 

 in marine environment, and on degradation of a wide variety of ma- 

 terials, including plastics, under unfavorable conditions of temperature 

 and pressure. 



The capabilities of NOAA which I mentioned a moment ago would 

 also be valuable in assisting to design and to carry out suitable 

 experiments. 



It is widely recognized that there is a need to improve measurement 

 techniques and instrumentation which are used today to measure con- 

 centrations of pollutants in our waters. Especially needed are reliable 

 and cheap field tests which can be rapidly performed to give precise 

 results. 



The NBS has the capability to respond to the need for better meas- 

 urement techniques and calibration standards. There is now work 

 underway at NBS on new methods of detection and measurement of 

 low-level pollutants in water, and a survey of needs is being made to 

 determine how NBS research can best contribute to the solution of the 

 more pressing measurement problems that other agencies such as 

 EPA now face. 



The capability of EPA to effectively apply the criteria of dumping 

 impacts and consideration of alternatives as required under section 

 5(a) of H.E. 4723 can be enhanced by full utilization of existing infor- 

 mation exchange capabilities within the Department of Commerce. 



The National Technical Information Service (NTIS) of the De- 

 partment is a potential vehicle for the needed information exchange. 

 NTIS now handles about 45,000 new technical reports each year. 

 The reports cover mainly research and engineering work done with 

 Federal funds. They are cataloged, abstracted, indexed, placed on 

 microfiche, and sold to the public. 



