378 



, EPA Regulations and Griteria for Ocean Dumping 



On January 11, 1977, EPA issued regulations and criteria for 

 ocean dumping pursuant to PL 92-532 (40 CFR Parts 220 - 229). These 

 reguJations specify that: 



1) radioactive materials must be contained to prevent their 

 dispersion into ocean waters, and 



2) the containment system must be designed to remain intact until 

 the radioactive materials decay to innocuous levels. 



The National Ocean Pollution Research and Development and 

 Monitoring Planning Act of 1978" 



Under this Act (PL 95-273), the National Oceanic and 

 Atmospheric Adminsitration (NOAA) is directed to: 1) establish a 

 comprehensive 5-year plan for federal ocean pollution research and 

 development and monitoring programs; 2) carry out a comprehensive 

 program of ocean pollution monitoring, including radiation; and 3) 

 provide necessary data to support and provide for the conservation, 

 utilization, and development of ocean resources. 



The London Dumping Convention 



The Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by dumping 

 of Wastes and Other Matter (London Dumping Convention) was convened 

 in 1972 to prevent pollution of the marine environment. The 

 Convention was signed by the United States in December, 1972 and 

 ratified by the U.S. Senate in August, 1973. The Convention became 

 effective in August, 1975, and has since been ratified by about 40 

 nations. 



Mr. Studds. You are going to synthesize and maybe even summa- 

 rize? 



Mr. Dyer. Yes. 



Mr. Studds. You are going to do a slide presentation? 



Mr. Dyer. Yes. 



That will require dimming the lights. 



Mr. Studds. That is a real crusher. 



The lights will have to be dimmed, I guess. 



Mr. Dyer. Mr. Chairman, and members of the subcommittee, I 

 am pleased to be here today. 



The primary focus of today's discussion will be on the most 

 recent surveys we have done in the Atlantic 



Mr. Studds. Again, as we did this morning, if people want to 

 move up here, you may do so. 



Mr. Dyer. As I was saying, I would like to focus my comments 

 today primarily on the results of our most recent survey in the 

 Atlantic, at the 3,800 meter dumpsite, in June 1978, shortly after 

 your last set of hearings on this subject. 



There are two reasons why I am pleased to be here today. 



First, we haven't had this opportunity before to discuss this 

 survey activity. Also, I am glad to be here in light of some recent 

 developments in the London Dumping Convention which add even 

 greater import to this 3,800 meter survey — in August 1978 the 

 IAEA issued its recommendation for sea disposal of low-level nucle- 



