94 



-4- 



— In terms of pathogens, municipal wastewater (which, 

 according to the table, contributes 87% of indicator 

 coliform bacteria — during the winter) is at least 

 subject to disinfection. Sewage sludge is not and 

 is, therefore, likely to present a more sianificant 

 pathogen hazard, especially to seafood-eaters and 

 especially during the summer months, than is sewage 

 wastewater . 



What are the implications of all this to the feasibility of 

 restoring the environmental quality of the Bight? 



It suggests that curbs on ocean dumping, even without other 

 steps, would be expected to yield significant benefits, especially 

 in reducing impacts due to PCBs and cadmium (and, probably, 

 pathogens) . Enhanced sewage treatment, including industrial 

 pretreatment , would especially influence mercury inputs. Oil and 

 grease and lead inputs would be more difficult to completely 

 control (given the diversity of sources involved) , but even for 

 these contaminants, eliminating ocean dumping inputs to the 

 Bight Apex would be expected to yield significant reductions. 



One important point to note, based upon the table, is the 

 significance of ocean-dumped dredged material as a source of many 

 key contaminants (even after adjustment to take account of the 

 factors mentioned above, it would remain a significant contribu- 

 tor of PCBs, oil and grease — including PAH, etc.). Consequently, 

 the ultimate rehabilitation of the Bight Apex may to a 

 significant degree depend upon our ability (and willingness) to 

 reduce dredged material-derived inputs of contaminants (through 

 reducing dredged material ocean dumping, moving it out of the 

 Bight Apex, taking steps to reduce the contamination of ocean- 

 dumped sediments, and /or taking measures to sequester dredged 

 material contaminants) . 



