702 
Therefore, altered benthic biological communities in these areas 
have not developed solely in response to PCR or PAH contamination. 
Some bioaccumulation of PCBs and PAHs by benthic organisms in 
the deep sea probably would occur but there would be no consequences 
in terms of contamination of seafood or threats to the size of 
commercial or recreational fish stocks. Data from laboratory or 
field situations in the coastal ocean indicate that benthic organism 
tissue levels of PCB or PAH, corresponding to sediment contamination 
levels calculated here, would not be hazardous to maintenance of 
stable populations (O'Connor et al., in press e). 
In making these calculations, a number of questions have been 
raised that require further study. The distribution of sludge | 
settling velocities as a function of sludge treatment and discharge 
method should be investigated. If sludge is dumped at the 106-Mile 
site, chemical studies should be conducted to check estimates of 
water-column distribution and concentration of sludge components. 
Sediment traps should be deployed to collect settling sludge and to 
observe actual sludge fluxes. (It would be very difficult, if not 
futile, to seek sludge directly in the sediment). Estimates of 
sludge distribution on the seafloor could be refined by detailed 
examinations of existing long-term current meter records. 
If sewage sludge dumping occurs at the 106-Mile site these 
impacts can be expected: 
a. There will be a perceived problem of despoiling another 
area of the ocean. 
bs Minor accumulations of contaminants in commercially 
important fishes (primarily to squid and tilefish) may occur. 
c. The flux of sewage sludge (which contains about 5% solids) 
to the bottom will probably be about 10% of the natural particle 
flux. The concentration of a number of contaminants in surficial 
