145 



EXHIBIT III 



APR 7 1981 



MEMOPJ^KDUM 



SUBJECT; Directive to Seek Resolution of Disputes Over Ocean 

 Dumping of Kanicipai Wastes in the TJew York Eight 



FROM: Walter C. Berber 



Acting Adoinistrator (A-lOO) 



TO: Richard T. Etewling 



hctinc: Regional /vdninistrator 

 ^Region II 



Steven Schatzow 



Deputy Assistant Adr.irsistrstor 



for Vvater Kegulations and Standards (WR-551) 



President Reagan recently directed this Agency to explore 

 possible resolutions to disputes vith New York City over ciEposal 

 of Kcnicipal waste in the New York Bight. In reHponss to t*^e 

 President'E directive I have reviewed this situation end have 

 determined that, because of the environmental and legal corr- 

 plexities of this natter, the interests of csll concorned would 

 best be served by securing a period of ti:r.e in vhich to assess 

 whether the ocean dunping of soise or all of their wastes is a 

 7'er!r;isEible alternative to land-based disposal. It is i:nportant 

 that durinn this period of review any disposal of waster be i^one 

 in a manner which is both environmefntslly sound and which does 

 not foreclose future alternatives. 



Consequently, I as directing you to attcr^pt imn-.ediately 

 to arrange a rieetina with representatives of Hew York City and 

 other affected municipalities to explain that the Agency's 

 position is as follows: 



- the Agency believes that it does not have the authority 

 to authorize dumping of sevagc sludge after December 31, 

 18 El, the statutory deadline for cessation of ocean dunping 

 of 3ewage sludqe contained in the "Ocean Dumping Act" 

 and that there is no satisfactory adiainistrative action 

 which EPA can take which will provide relief before the 

 19S1 deadline; 



