48 



■14- 



The 106-Mile Site is not located in major shipping lanes. 



NOAA reports that valuable living marine resources (fish, 

 shellfish, etc.) are associated with the 12-Mile Site and adjacent 

 areas. These resources are substantial and heavily utilized by 

 the commer-cial and recreational fishing industries and public. 

 The area is utilized by fish and shellfish for breeding, spawning, 

 nursery, feeding, and passage in both juvenile and adult phases. 



Living marine resources associated with the 106-Mile Site are 

 reported by NOAA to be far less valuable than those associated 

 with nearshore, on-the-Shelf areas. 



The 12-Mile Site is less dispersive than are sites located farther 

 offshore. Oceanographic conditions are such that dumping 

 operations cause temporary perturbations in water quality and 

 other environmental conditions. Elevated levels of bacteria and 

 viruses in the water column and bottom sediments have resulted in 

 the area being closed by the Food and Drug Administration to 

 shellfishing. Levels of toxic metals and organohalogens in bottom 

 sediments are increased over normal ambient levels. Changes in 

 relative abundance and diversity of species in areas affected by 

 sludge discharges have been observed as have indications of 

 sublethal effects, including bioaccumulation. 



