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dynamic 60-Mile Site. Because of its distance from land (32 nautical 

 miles), the possibility of any accreted solids migrating to bathing 

 beaches is extremely remote (Section 2.1 and Chapter 9). 



Any benthic effects of sewage sludge disposal at the 50-Mile Site would 

 be expected to be no greater in magnitude than effects at other central 

 shelf sewage sludge dumpsites. Furthermore, transfer of sludge dumping 

 operations to the 5G-Mile Site would not be expected to measurably 

 improve the benthic populations at the 12-Mile Site, which would remain 

 affected by the Hudson-Raritan discharge, dredged materials and other 

 inputs. The 1978 FEIS concluded that: 



"Heavy metals, toxic organics, and microbiological agents will 

 contaminate bottom sediments at and near a new dump site after 

 initial use. Smothering of benthic organisms is not likely to 

 occur, however, unless dredged material is also dumped there. 



Composition of the benthic fauna at a new site may change; the 

 benthic biomass will probably decrease in diversity, and this 

 localized alteration of food supplies may also affect fish 

 populations in the area" (EPA 1973, p. 205). 



While these statements are supported by the technical information, the 

 extent and significance of any sediment contamination would be expected 

 to be small, as would any benthic faunal changes. 



Oxygen Depletion 



Any reductions in dissolved oxygen as a result of sewage sludge dumping 

 at the 60-Mile Site would only be temporary and too small to adversely 

 affect the biota, due to the depth of the water column and the inherent 

 dispersion capacity of the water masses present. Similarly, the techni- 

 cal literature indicates that the transfer of sewage sludge disposal 

 activities from the 12-Mile Site would not significantly reduce the 

 frequency or severity of periodic anoxic conditions in the Bight apex, 

 since dumping has been shown not to be a causative factor in these events 

 (Chapter 11). The 1978 FEIS states: 



"Concentrations of dissolved oxygen in the water column at a new 

 site may temporarily decrease immediately following a dump, but 

 this is not likely to significantly affect the ecosystem" (EPA 

 1978, p. 204). 



Fisheries and Contamination of Biota 



It is expected that sewage sludge dumping at the 60-Mile Site will have 

 little impact on the recreational and commercial fishery activities of 

 the Middle Atlantic Bight. This prediction is based on the limited size 

 of the dumpsite relative to available species habitats, the Site's dis- 

 tance from land, the dilution potential of middle shelf waters, and the 

 demonstrated ability of fish species to avoid high concentrations of 

 contaminants. Although flounder (summer, winter and yellowtail) and 

 butterfish may pass through the area during spring and fall migrations, 

 the 1978 FEIS correctly notes that use of the Site should also not inter- 



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