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environmental groups, fishing and resort interests, and the general public 

 for the most part are strongly opposed to any ocean dumping. In some cases, 

 where a preference is expressed, the temporary use of the 106-Mile Site 

 pending implementation of a land-based alternative is grudgingly accepted. 

 I might note that since EPA did not propose the implementation of any 

 specific land-based disposal facility, few comments were received from the 

 public in areas services by the municipalities which currently ocean dump 

 their sludges. Our experience would indicate that had we done so, there 

 would be a strong opposition as well to the use of land-based disposal 

 sites. 



An interagency (EPA and NOAA) Task Team has been formed to review and 

 evaluate the complex scientific and technical information, both available 

 prior to the comment period and provided through public comment on the site 

 designations. This Task Team, made up of scientific, legal, and policy . 

 experts, will consider the available information in terms of statutory and 

 regulatory requirements and several pending legal actions, and integrate 

 them into recommendations. The Task Team has been charged to evaluate 

 information dealing with the proposed designation of the 106-Mile Site and 

 formulate its recommendation on site designation by July 31. This report 

 will in turn undergo intra-agency review prior to the announcement of final 

 Agency action. Concurrently, the Task Team will consider the data submitted 

 concerning the 12-Mile Site and will complete its report by August 31. 



