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Recommendations for Committee Action 
As a result of Judge Sofaer's decision, a decision which 
continues a ban on ocean dumping which unreasonably degrades 
the environment, a process has been set in motion to permit 
a comprehensive, multimedia assessment of ana risks to the 
environment and public health stemming from ocean dumping and 
land-based alternatives for sludge disposal. EPA has just 
completed a five-year EIS on disposal of dredged spoils and 
the Corps is implementing a scientifically based five-year 
program for the Harbor. I urge this Committee to permit these 
processes to go forward, and to allow the scientists to develop 
the information necessary to provide a safe and sound waste 
disposal strategy for the New York area. The draft amendments 
would set back this process for years, and should not be 
adopted. 
New York City has been and is currently committed to 
exploring all technically feasible and environmentally sensible 
options for disposal of its sewage sludge. The City believes 
the Marine Protection Act and supporting regulations provide 
a vehicle for undertaking such a comprehensive assessment. We 
believe that this is in the best interest of our citizens -- 
from a health and environmental point of view -- and that it is 
an approach which is endorsed yp ae scientific and environ- 
mental community. 
Le Gra 
