340 



A more difficult problem arises where there is involved a massive 

 dredge or fill operation with its concomitant immediate effect on the 

 ecosystem. When such modifications are a necessary or desirable de- 

 velopment of the environment it may be necessary to forgo the habitat 

 use ; however, in many cases it may be possible to create a new, equiva- 

 lent habitat in a different part of the management unit, or it might 

 be possible to restore part of the damaged environment. 



While the resolution of prohibitive-use conflicts requires the aban- 

 doning of one use in favor of another, the potential for carrying out 

 any modifications necessary so as to increase habitat value as well as 

 economic value should be a key factor in the resolution of such 

 problems. 



Disposal of liquid wastes to the estuarine environment is the major 

 restrictive use impact of the socioeconomic environment. This use con- 

 flict can be resolved completely either by treating all wastes to such an 

 extent that they do not interfere with any other uses or else removing 

 them entirely from the environment. 



Technology exists to provide thorough treatment for nearly every 

 kind of municipal and industrial waste, and there is no reason not to 

 provide treatment sufficient to protect the environment from damage 

 and to permit other uses. Treatment requirements for different wastes 

 may vary from place to place according to local conditions, but damage 

 to the environment and restriction of other uses can be prevented. 



Water quality standards have been set and are now being imple- 

 mented in all the coastal States. These standards are the foundation 

 upon which the effective control of estuarine pollution rests, and they 

 provide the framework within which technical management can 

 effectively operate. 



As pointed out earlier in this chapter, however, estuarine waters 

 even in busy harbors are used for recreational purposes by those who 

 cannot afford to go elsewhere, regardless of whether the waters are 

 safe for body contact or not. Also the role of the estuarine zone as a 

 nursery for some fish, passage for others, and a residence for still more 

 is readily apparent although its full implications in the energy con- 

 version chain are not understood. For these reasons the long-range 

 achievable water quality ^oal of estuarine management should be to 

 keep all waters safe for direct contact by humans and also usable as a 

 fish and wildlife habitat. 



