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INTRODUCTION 
The Marine Protection Research and Sanctuaries Act (MPRSA) of 1977 (Ocean 
Dumping Act) is currently before Congress for reauthorization. During 
this period, an Amendment to the Act will be proposed and Congressional 
hearings held. New York City is concerned about the overall sap itweaealeus 
of the proposed Amendment, dated 25 February 1982, and its impact on the 
City’s sludge disposal options. For example, one change currently being 
considered will result in an outright ban on sewage sludge disposal at 
tthe 12-Mile Site. 
New York City has been and is currently committed to exploring all tech- 
nically defensible options for disposal of its sewage sludge. The City 
believes the existing Act and supporting regulations provide a vehicle 
for this comprehensive assessment. The City’s current commitments 
include active participation in the Environmental Protection Agency’s 
(EPA) proposed site-designation rulemaking process, which includes 
updating of the environmental impact statement issues for the existing 
12-Mile Site, as well as plans to prepare a comprehensive Special Permit 
Application for the 12-Mile Site. This Special Permit Application will 
include the results of comprehensive chemical and toxicological testing 
and multimedia risk assessments. The multimedia assessments will balance 
risks to the environment and human health from ocean dumping and land- 
based alternatives. 
