698 
site is of a semi-dispersive nature in that much of the material 
dumped (sewage sludge) would be flushed from the site. However, 
the relatively shallow depths and flushing characteristics would 
preclude total dispersal. Some measurable quantity of the material 
would reach the bottom and detrimental ecological effects could be 
expected. 
Use of the 65-Mile site offers minimal advantages over other 
ocean dumping locations. It would, however, cause the degradation 
of a pristine part of the continental shelf, potentially limiting 
fishing in the vicinity of the site. The following impacts can be 
expected if dumping were to occur at this site: 
a. Accumulation of organic carbon and a variety of toxic 
metals, synthetic organics, petroleum hydrocarbons, and 
artifacts, can be expected in topographic depressions at and 
near the site. 
b. Some change in the character of the sediment at and near 
the site from coarse (sand) to fine-grained would probably 
occur. 
c. A decrease of the general quality of the waters at and 
adjacent to the site would occur. 
d. Some impact on the benthos can be expected. Some species 
will be "advantaged," at the expense of others, a result, for 
the most part, of carbon enrichment. 
e. Organisms will be exposed to increased levels of toxic 
metals and organics. This probably would be reflected first 
as elevated levels of toxicants in liver or hepatopancrease 
tissues of resident benthic macroinvertebrates and fishes. 
lic Possible increased incidence of fin erosion, "black 
gill", and other syndromes associated with reduced environmental 
quality is expected. 
