521 



vast array of industrial chemicals other than radioactive materials present signifi- 

 cant environmental problems. 



Recent studies conducted at the University of California at Santa Barbara indi- 

 cate that fish eggs (eelpout-melanostigma pammelas) sink to the sea bottom at the 

 Santa Cruz Basin and the life cycle of the species provides a potential transport 

 mechanism into the water column of the radionuclides posssibly leaking from the 

 drums deposited in that area. Fish samples of the indicated species collected rou- 

 tinely can be provided by the UCSB oceanography department. The university, 

 however, does not have the capability for measuring the potential radioactive con- 

 tent of the fish. The Lawrence Radiation Laboratory, however, does have this 

 capability. We urge that your Committee expedite the measurement of the potential 

 radioactivity of these fish in the basin by encouraging EPA to facilitate immediately 

 the necessary tests of this transport mechanism that potentially cycles radionuclides 

 into food chains affecting edible fish. 



The slipshod manner in which the radioactive wastes were handled by a nuclear 

 industry that prides itself on its safety record is especially disquieting. We urge the 

 most careful consideration of our questions to Secretary Costle and the broadest 

 possible site monitoring and remedial program including surveillance of the associ- 

 ated munitions and chemical wastes dumped along with the radionuclides. 



