268 



were prepared, similar estimates were submitted to EPA on May 2, 

 1983 by five New Jersey permittees. These latter estimates were 

 based on the quantities of sewage sludge disposed during 1982 

 and the resulting percent contribution estimates were nearly 

 identical to the City's estimate submitted to EPA March 9, 1983. 



(3) What are the City's plans in the event that New York's 



sludge is found unsuitable for ocean dumping? Has the City 

 made any effort since the Sofaer decision was rendered to 

 find alternative disposal methods to ocean dumping? 



It would appear that, based on the recent work done by New York 

 City and its Consultants, Ecological Analysts Inc, and 

 SEAMOcean, Inc., in the preparation of a Special Permit 

 application as well as the Site Designation documents. New Y»rk 

 City's sludge will meet the existing criteria for ocean 

 _disposal. We have always believed that ocean disposal of sewage 

 sludge was an environmentally acceptable sludge management 

 alternative. If, by some chance, some of New York City's 

 sludges do not meet the regulatory criteria, we would have to 

 initiate a review of our previously completed facility plan for 

 a land based alternative to handle those sludges. At this time, 

 this action is premature because a review of our Special Permit 

 application by EPA will be required prior to such a 

 determination . 



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