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Answer. EPA and NOAA are collaborating on a number of ocean monitoring and 
ocean pollution issues. One of the most advanced projects is a joint monitoring pro- 
gram for the Atlantic continental shelf from New England to North Carolina. We 
are now monitoring the major waste dumpsites as well as the general marine envi- 
ronment using an expanded list of environmental measures. Measurement of mate- 
rials known or suspected of bioaccumulation is an important feature of this monitor- 
ing plan. Results of the first year’s operations should be available in the fall. 
EPA is also doing long range assessments of environmental impacts of ocean 
dumping. Our work in this area is divided into two parts. First, we are developing 
better laboratory test procedures for characterizing wastes and thus potential for 
long-term impacts. Second, we are evaluating different areas in the ocean for their 
suitability to accept and safely process different kinds of wastes. We have been test- 
ing dredged spoil for some years now. Sewage treatment residues are being tested 
this year using this approach. 
Question. Preliminary estimates from NOAA indicate that sewage sludge dump- 
ing could increase from the current seven million wet tons to 17 million wet tons 
per year in the Boston to Washington corridor by 1987. Do you agree with this fore- 
cast? Has EPA made an analysis of the possible impacts from such dumping? 
Answer. Assuming that the municipalities currently ocean dumping their sludge 
continue such dumping, it is projected that by 1987 approximately 12 million wet 
tons per year will be dumped. The NOAA projection assumes that new municipal- 
ities will also be ocean dumping sludge by that year. However, as of now it is not 
clear that all of the municipalities now ocean dumping will continue to ocean dump 
their sludge, or which, if any, municipalities will begin ocean dumping. EPA is cur- 
rently cooperating with NOAA/NMFS to assess the potential impacts of municipal 
sludge dumping in or near the New York Bight. This evaluation will be used for site 
designation purposes. Assessment of the possible impacts of dumping particular mu- 
nicipal sludges must be made on a case-by-case basis. Such an analysis will, of 
course, be made before any municipal sludge ocean dumping permit is issued. 
QUESTIONS SUBMITTED BY Mr. BiaGGI AND ANSWERED BY EPA 
Question. Do you support the concept of multimedia risk assessments in evaluat- 
ing waste disposal options? Does the regulatory framework which currently exists 
under the MPRSA embody such an approach? 
Answer. We believe that integrated waste management should be used in deter- 
mining the best waste management and disposal options in any given situation. 
Such a management approach would include multimedia risk assessments of the 
human health and environmental impacts of feasible alternative disposal options. It 
would also enable us to encourage the recycling or reuse of materials and the reduc- 
tion of the quantities of sludges produced, where feasible. 
The regulatory framework under which we are currently operating the ocean 
dumping program does embody this approach. 
Question. Do you concur in the recommendations of the National Advisory Com- 
mittee on Oceans and Atmosphere study (“The Role of the Ocean in a Waste Man- 
agement Strategy’’) that the ocean should be considered an environmentally sound 
alternative for waste disposal? 
Answer. Yes, we concur with the recommendations of that NACOA study that the 
ocean should be considered an environmentally sound option for the disposal of cer- 
tain kinds of wastes. We also agree with that study that proper testing and analysis 
must be conducted before wastes are permitted to be dumped in the ocean, and that 
continuing monitoring is necessary to ensure that unreasonable degradation of the 
marine environment does not occur. We further agree that materials should be recy- 
cled or reused where feasible. 
Question. Various environmental statutes under the jurisdiction of EPA regulate 
the disposal of waste materials. Can you address the following potential conflicts be- 
tween regulated medium: Is it easier or more difficult to effectively monitor ground- 
water or ocean waters for contamination from waste disposal? 
Answer. Monitoring of environmental media such as ground and marine waters is 
comprised of monitoring pollutant concentrations and monitoring the effects of pol- 
ution. 
Monitoring pollutant concentrations is more easily done in groundwater. This is 
because movement and dispersion of groundwater pollution is so slow. In the oceans 
there is rapid dispersion of a waste dump over and through an enormous volume of 
water. In this case, contaminants are almost impossible to find because of the very 
low concentrations that result from high dilutions and rapid dispersion. 
