150 



10-9^92 



Echovirus (ECHO 13), and Poliovirus^ These viruses are members 

 of the picomavirus group which comprises the most important 



group of human pathogens^; They can result in anything from 



common cold to gastroenteritis to paralysis to death. I would 

 point out also that, although the FDA has closed the area to 

 commercial shellfishers , enfotxement by the Coast Guard is 

 minimal and the public does shellfish for lobster and crabs in 

 areas adjacent to the dump site. 



b) Toxic pollutants that are known to bioac- 

 cuffiulate are present in the water and sediments at the sewage 

 sludge site and the adjacent areas impacted by dumping, 

 including the Christiaenson Basin. Such substances as 

 polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (these represent the most 

 toxic components of oil), balogenated hydrocarbons such as DDT 

 and particularly PC3s , and heavy metals such as cadmium and 

 mercury are present in the City's sewage sludges. (Ex. A, pp. 

 5-7). Although sewage sludge dumping is not the only source of 

 such contaminants in the Bight Apex, it is not an insignificant 

 factor. 



c) Due to the high loading of decomposable organic 

 material, the sewage sludge dumped in the Bight Apex has played 

 a role in lowering bottom dissolved oxygen concentrations in and 

 adjacent to the dump site. (Ex. A, pp. 10-12). EPA studies 

 indicate that oxygen levels during late summer are normally 

 below U mg/1 at and adjacent to the dump site. Oxygen levels 

 below A fflg/1 impose stress on fish and shellfish, alter benthic 

 productivity and respiration, and result in death of bottom 

 organisms if severely below U mg/1. 



d) The dumping of sewage sludge has altered the 

 benthic community in the areas in and adjacent to the sewage 



