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oppose selection of the ocean as a medium for disposal if 

 comparative assessment of all reasonable disposal options 

 indicates that choice poses the least risk of significant 



hsrrn . 



We believe that the current practice of dumping municipal 

 sewage sludge at the 12-mile site is causing, or at least 

 contributing to, conditions that damage the marine environment 

 of the New York Bight and its resources. We believe that the 

 environmental quality of the New York Bight can be improved 

 by changes in sludge disposal practices coupled with improved 

 control of other sources of pollution. The Environmental 

 Protection Agency will further describe these other source 

 controls in its testimony today. 



I will first characterize the Bight, note the resources 

 at risk from marine pollution and describe some of the environ- 

 mental effects observed to date. Then I will outline recommen- 

 dations for improving environmental quality in the area and 

 conclude with NOAA's position on alternative ocean disposal 

 sites. 



Sources and Fates of New York Bight Contaminants 



The New York Bight Apex, the nearby Hudson-Raritan Estuary 

 and Western Long Island Sound are degraded marine environments. 

 Considering their proximity to the most populated and indus- 

 trialized urban center within the Boston to Washington corridor. 



