696 
The sewage sludge contribution to eutrophication based on 
carbon and nitrogen loadings is currently small, and will remain a 
small portion even with larger future projections of sewage sludge 
production as advance waste treatment technology becomes available 
(O'Connor, 1979). 
Sewage sludge probably contributes to a variety of biotic 
effects suspected or identified in the New York Bight (Mayer, in 
press). However, no direct cause-and-effect relationships have 
been demonstrated to date. This, in part, results from the long 
history of human inputs to the Bight, the multiplicity of contami- 
nants present in the Bight that may act separately or in concert, 
and the occurrence of multiple sources, each contributing similar 
wastes. Wolfe et al. (in press) presented an extensive examination 
of the difficulty of identifying toxicant effects in the New York 
Bight. 
2.5. Benefits Expected if Sewage Sludge Ocean Dumping Ceased at the 
12-Mile Site. 
2.5a. Benefits to Society 
A possible decrease in human pathogens at and around the 
12-Mile site might lead the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to 
consider reopening some areas to shellfishing, however, the general 
region around the dumpsite is not a major bivalve-producing area. 
Shellfish might repopulate the area if all other sources of pollu- 
tion also were reduced. While present knowledge of pathogen 
survival in marine sediments is limited, it is possible also that 
existing pathogens would persist in the sediments for years and 
preclude reopening the inner Bight to shellfishing for a protracted 
period (R. Colwell, personal communication). 
A definite improvement should occur in public confidence and 
assurance in using New Jersey and Long Island beaches. Water 
quality at beaches and beach quality, per se, will not be improved 
