155 
We are working with EPA to establish a timeframe for production of dumpsite 
assessments required if ocean dumping of non-dredged wastes increases and deci- 
sions on amounts and locations are required. We have not requested additional 
funds for this activity. 
Question 12. Is there agreement among Federal agencies and in the scientific com- 
munity as to what would be considered an adequate research and monitoring pro- 
gram for ocean dumping and, if so, what are the most essential features of such a 
program? 
Do we have an adequate program now? 
Answer. There is general agreement that research and monitoring should include 
work on the overall effects of multiple wastes, effects of dumping mixed wastes in 
deep areas, and the need for evaluating the ability of waters to accept certain vol- 
umes and concentrations of wastes with acceptable impact. 
The present research and monitoring program does not meet all the needs re- 
quired in the immediate future, but does stress accomplishment of the most urgent 
roblems. 
: Question 20. To what extent does NOAA work with EPA in monitoring the dump- 
sites? 
Answer. Based primarily on research by NOAA in the New York Bight, the New 
York Bight Project of OMPA developed a monitoring plan with emphasis on the 
most contaminated inner Bight. The plan was implemented by OMPA, in close col- 
laboration with EPA, from 1977 to 1980. In fiscal year 1980 NOAA integrated its 
monitoring activities off the entire northeast coast. This Northeast Monitoring Pro- 
gram (NEMP) incorporated the OMPA monitoring plan. NEMP was designed in con- 
sultation with EPA, and works closely with EPA to provide the information re- 
quired by EPA in managing dumpsites. Such information includes any changed in 
the ecological status at and near dumpsites, warning of exceptional oxygen deple- 
tion, and monitoring long-term changes in pollutant concentrations and biotic ef- 
fects. In addition to NOAA providing information to EPA, data is routinely ex- 
changed by the agencies and assessments are made jointly. Currently, NOAA’s 
Northest Fisheries Center is also working with EPA (Environmental Research Labo- 
ratory, Narragansett) in monitoring specific dumpsites. 
QUESTION SUBMITTED BY Mrs. SCHNEIDER AND ANSWERED BY NOAA 
Question. What is the position of NOAA regarding whether or not disposal of nu- 
clear wastes on or under the seabed could be authorized under the ocean dumping 
permit program pursuant to the MPRSA? 
Answer. Disposal of low-level radioactive wastes at-sea is allowed under the 
MPRSA, although the U.S. has not done so since the mid-1960s. As a contractee to 
the London Ocean Dumping Convention, the U.S., if it were to resume such radioac- 
tive waste dumping, would be constrained by the Convention’s limitations on 
amounts and locations. Dumping on the continental shelf, for example, would be 
precluded. 
The London Ocean Dumping Convention and the MPRSA both define high-level 
radioactive waste and prohibit its being ocean dumped. It is our opinion that dispos- 
aa ene level nuclear wastes on or under the seabed is prohibited under the 
QUESTIONS SUBMITTED BY Mr. D’AMouRS AND ANSWERED BY EPA 
Question. Does EPA consider the London Dumping Convention (LDC) legally bind- 
ing on the U.S.? 
Answer. Yes. As long as the U.S. is a signatory of the Convention, its provisions 
are binding on the U.S. and, of course, the Agency. Furthermore, EPA’s ocean 
dumping criteria are specifically required to be at least as stringent as the LDC 
under the MPRSA. EPA believes that it has, in the past, acted in compliance with 
the LDC, and intends to continue to comply fully with its provisions in the future. 
Question. The NACOA Ocean Dumping recommendations specified that “The fed- 
eral program for ocean pollution research, development, and monitoring must em- 
phasize research and monitoring relevant to the disposal of wastes of all kinds on 
various oceanic environments.” 
Have designs for the monitoring of ocean dumpsites been developed within the 
Agency? What is the timetable for implementation? 
Will the Agency include field assessments of long-term bioaccumulation in any re- 
search and monitoring plan? 
Does EPA plan to do long-range assessments of environmental impacts of ocean 
dumping of different waste materials? 
