537 



pendent hauler may not have control over other types of wastes Included with the 

 load, the exact disposal location, or the actual disposal technique practiced. 



We feel that the various responsibilities of the waste generator and the waste 

 hauler should be specifically delineated. A possible approach would be to issue 

 permits for various types of waste materials specifying the zone or area in which 

 the material could lawfully be discharged. The waste generator would certify 

 the quantity, nature of the waste material, and the permitted disposal area when 

 the waste material was loaded upon the barge. It would then be the responsibility 

 of the waste hauler to dispose of the material in the permitted disposal area. This 

 could be checked by requiring reports of the log of the barge's activities including 

 copies of the waste certificates of the barge load. This system is in accordance 

 with the realities of most ocean disposal activities, and would provide a work- 

 able and enforceable system of control. 



Recommendation 5 — Include a provision to allow continued ocean disposal pend- 

 ing implementation of the permit system. 



The reasons for not categorically banning all ocean disposal of waste materials 

 were stated earlier. Similarly, a precipitous moratorium on ocean disposal pending 

 the implementation of the permit system would be unwise and could result in 

 adverse environmental and economic consequences. We suggest two years as an 

 appropriate and realistic lead time for obtaining the requisite permits. Interim 

 measures such as prohibiting the discharge of waste materials within a 30-mile 

 limit could be initiated if thought necessary or desiirable. 



Recommendation 6 — Provide funding to initiate and support fundamental scien- 

 tific and social research related to ocean disposal practices. 



Existing knowledge of effects of ocean disposal on the actual physical, chemical 

 and biological properties of the oceans is sadly lacking. Active research in this 

 area should be sponsored by the Federal Government. We recommend that a sys- 

 tem of Federal grants be established to initiate and support fundamental scientific 

 and social research related to ocean disposal practices. 



In conclusion, the chemical manufacturing industry shares the national and 

 international concern over indiscriminate ocean dumping practices. We urge 

 recognition that ocean disposal has its place in a sound and comprehensive water 

 management program We support strict regulatory control of ocean disposal 

 of waste materials. 



Statement of Richard T. Barbesi. Director. Oceanographic Program, Duke 

 University Marine liABORATORY, Beaufort, North Carolina 



My experience with ocean dumping is as an oceanographer studying certain 

 parts of the biological system in the waters over the New York Bight dump sites. 



The proposed Bill H.R. 4723 seems to me to be a very good first step in improv- 

 ing relations between our way of life and the ocean. 



The fact that the Bill regulates, the transportation, as well as dumping, ( Sec. 

 4) of materials is wise and necessary in my opinion. I favor passage of the Bill, 

 but I feel it cou^d be strengthened. This bill will perhaps be adequate in the 

 future when we have good water treatment facilities, solid waste recycling, and 

 other environmental amenities, but I question whether this Bill will enable the 

 Administrator to deal in a reasonable manner with our current ocean dumping 

 problems. The acutely dangerous, small volume dum,ping practices, such as 

 chemical warfare agents and explosives, can be halted, but the large volume 

 practicer such as the New York Bight dumps, can not be halted. We have lived 

 with and rely on this kind of ocean disposal. How will the Administrator deal 

 with this problem ? 



One means would be to establish procedures such as the air pollution abatement 

 schedules which generate solutions in a realistic manner. Given 1) authority 

 and responsibility over the continental shelf to a depth of 200 meters; 2) public 

 dissemination of the condition of the environment; and 3) the establishment of 

 grades of environment (sanctuaries, moderately protected areas, and interim 

 lower quality sites) ; the Administrator could effectively protect the ocean 

 system. 



On the basis of my New York Bight experience I feel that involved government 

 units are devoting almost no effort to solving the problems of ocean dumping. 

 The very small studies to define the problem were good. Now that the problem 

 is defined it is time to start on the more difficult and risky work of decreasing 

 the degradation caused by this dumping. 



