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posal of sludges containing large loadings from industrial facilities, 
whether from industrial or municipal systems. 
Such sludges are more likely to contain toxic organics or high 
concentrations of heavy metals. One of the hardest problems we 
face in determining how high the levels of toxic organics and heavy 
metals in municipal sludges are before they affect the successful 
use of different disposal alternatives. 
Another question is to what extent these pollutants are bound up 
in this sludge and to what extent and at what rate they will be re- 
leased to the environment. Unfortunately, we cannot determine sci- 
entifically the ocean’s full ability to absorb and biologically process 
toxic wastes, nor can we fully track the fate and effects of the po- 
tentially contaminated sludges. 
It is clear that we still do not have all of the answers as to the 
best disposable alternative for some wastes. The question which is 
being debated in the scientific community, as well as by policy- 
makers, is given the risks and uncertainties of both land-based and 
ocean disposal options, which would be the preferred disposal 
medium for our more polluted wastes? 
EPA does not pretend to know the complete answer. While the 
Agency is encouraging a reduction in the amounts of waste pro- 
duced, clearly disposal of those wastes produced should be in a loca- 
tion and manner so to minimize impacts. 
To accomplish this objective, knowledge about the composition of 
the sludge and a thorough understanding of viable disposal sites 
are needed. 
The Agency has established a work group to develop sludge-man- 
agement guidelines under section 405 of the Clean Water Act. The 
guidance will cut across all media and program lines to address the 
best methods for disposable sludges. 
Specifically, within the dumping program itself, the Agency is 
undertaking an effort to characterize different industrial and mu- 
nicipal sludges in order to determine the components of the 
sludges, and their potential for adversely affecting different marine 
settings. 
Concurrent with the waste characterization activities, the 
Agency is studying the characteristics of disposal sites to determine 
an area’s capacity to absorb various types of waste. In matching 
wastes with sites, the Agency will assess the risks and uncertain- 
ties of different disposal alternatives for particular wastes. 
In regards to potentially toxic sludges whose fate and effects are 
uncertain, EPA will devote much effort to improve the data base 
for decisionmaking. These activities by the Agency should assist 
waste disposers who are considering applying for an ocean-dumping 
permit. 
Even with additional data, the burden of proof will continue to 
be on the applicants to make their case for ocean disposal. Further- 
more, based on observed impacts and technological advances, the 
Agency will continually reevaluate the permits to assure there is 
no unreasonable degradation and that the most sound disposal al- 
ternative is being used. 
I mentioned earlier, municipal sludges vary as to the level of 
toxic organics and heavy metals. Problems result when the levels 
of toxic organics and metals limit the choice of disposal alterna- 
