457 



the magnitude of the pollution problem, such as the problems associated with toxic 

 organic materials. 



NOAA has sought to work with other agencies which are involved in radionuclide 

 research whenever possible. In particular, over the past several months NOAA 

 researchers have been informally discussing with scientists from the Environmental 

 Protection Agency (EPA) areas where NOAA may coordinate with EPA on investi- 

 gations of low-level radioactive waste disposal. We look forward to reaching agree- 

 ment between the two agencies on a cooperative effort of the kind NOAA and DOE 

 have established for high-level waste disposal. 



This concludes my prepared statement. I will be pleased to answer any questions 

 the Subcommittee may have. 



Mr. Studds. If you could identify for the record the people by 

 whom you're accompanied. 



Mr. Walsh. Let me first start on my right. I think most of you 

 know Ned Ostenso, who wears two hats in NOAA. He is Director of 

 our Sea Grant Program, and he is also Deputy Assistant Adminis- 

 trator for Research and Development. On my left is Tom O'Connor, 

 who is with the Office of Marine Pollution Assessment. 



I am pleased to be before you again today to discuss NOAA's 

 activities related to ocean disposal of radioactive waste. The dispos- 

 al of high-level waste has been viewed as a relatively minor issue 

 compared to others involving nuclear fuel, until quite recently, 

 when concern has been growing over disposal. We have begun 

 looking more seriously at other alternatives for disposal including 

 ocean disposal. 



NOAA is assisting in these efforts primarily by providing science 

 support. 



This morning I will focus on our activities concerning disposal of 

 high-level radioactive wastes and also comment briefly on low-level 

 radioactive wastes. 



First, with regard to high-level wastes, let me say generally— and 

 this applies also to low-level wastes — that we have a number of 

 responsibilities under several statutes to conduct ocean-dumping 

 research and monitoring. This comes under the Marine Protection, 

 Research, and Sanctuaries Act, as well as the National Ocean 

 Pollution Planning Act. We conduct a broad program of marine 

 pollution research. It is by no means complete and comprehensive, 

 but it attempts to cover all the major problems that are perceived 

 at a given time. 



We also have special responsibilities, as you know, for protecting 

 living marine resources under the Fishery Conservation and Man- 

 agement Act, the Marine Mammal Protection Act, the Endangered 

 Species Act, and others. 



However, in this field other agencies— in particular, the Environ- 

 mental Protection Agency— are the principal regulatory bodies. 

 NOAA's role is primarly science and service support and advisory, 

 although we do have some limited regulatory authority to protect 

 living marine resources. 



In the international area we have, with EPA, been active in 

 supporting the scientific and diplomatic efforts of the United States 

 under the London Dumping Convention, the so-called Ocean Dump- 

 ing Convention. Most of the work under this convention has been 

 focused on standards for the disposal of low-level radioactive waste, 

 the monitoring of dumpsites throughout the world, and the enforce- 

 ment of applicable national laws. 



