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Predictions of New York Bight recovery following the elimination of 
sewage sludge range from skepticism to cautious optimism. From a 
technical standpoint, the prohibition of ocean dumping from the Bight 
apex will have absolutely no effect on contributions by the Hudson- 
Raritan estuary, surface runoff, or wastewater discharges, which are 
unquestionably the dominant sources of all contaminants to the Bight. 
Prior to the direct control of these more dominant sources, little 
improvement in the Bight Apex would be expected. 
Human Health Considerations 
Potential human health impact from the consumption of biota from the 
New York Bight is minimal and well below the acceptable levels promul- 
gated by FDA and EPA. Tissues concentrations in fish are far below 
those set by FDA as marketing restrictions. For carcinogens, muta- 
gens, and teratogens, water quality parameters of the New York Bight 
are below promulgated water quality criteria. 
Intuitively, available land-based disposal options, such as landfill- 
ing, would introduce the same constituents currently dumped at the 
12-Mile Site into areas closer to human populations and with more 
direct pathways to man. 
The Environmental Protection Agency’s 1978 Environmental Impact State- 
Ment states specifically that "continued use of the existing site is 
not a present threat either to public health or to water quality along 
the Long Island and New Jersey beaches." 
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