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Since the proposed Amendment to the Act could preclude the opportunity to 
make these assessments, NYC feels it is important to summarize key issues 
on ocean disposal of sludge and to identify problems associated with 
land-based alternatives. This information, based upon a preliminary 
review, should provide a better understanding of the overall issues 
relevant to sewage sludge disposal at the 12-Mile Site based on current 
scientific information as well as point out the lack of technical 
justification for a rigid ban on sewage sludge dumping in the apex of the 
New York Bight. 
HISTORY OF THE 12-MILE SITE 
The present location of the sewage sludge dumpsite was selected by the 
states of New York and New Jersey in 1924 and has been in continuous 
use since that time. 
The site is located within the New York Bight Apex approximately 
11.4 and 11.8 miles from the Long Island and New Jersey coastlines, 
respectively. It was originally chosen to maintain the integrity (in 
terms of public health and aesthetics) of Long Island and New Jersey 
beaches, as well as to avoid possible hazards to navigation within New 
York Harbor. 
In direct contrast to the House Committee’s perceived need to close 
the Bight apex to ocean dumpers, EPA in their 1978 Environmental 
Impact Statement on Ocean Dumping of Sewage Sludge in the New York 
Bight, concluded that the "proposed action [to move the sewage sludge 
