353 



11 



program was designed to develop information to answer the critical impact 

 questions for Georges Bank. Essentially though, EPA required what DOI 

 required, and there was no point in EPA's calling for new work. 



The results of the BTF monitoring studies suggest that the NPDES 

 permitted discharges to date have not caused "unreasonable degradation" 

 or "irreparable harm" to the benthic environment of Georges Bank. 

 Looking ahead, EPA has a good grasp on the NPDES conditions for new 

 tracts, for example in Lease Sale #52, that might be sold near Lease Sale 

 #42. Similarly, the Agency will be able to identify oceanographic 

 conditions in other North Atlantic lease sale areas, which might require 

 special discharge or monitoring conditions. Moreover, EPA could use a 

 BTF recommended monitoring plan for submarine canyons and deeper waters, 

 which plan might suffice for any special monitoring EPA might requires of 

 new permittees. Such a plan would also address concerns raised by 

 scientists, operators, and States. 



Prospective Changes in Program 



As I indicated earlier, the Task Force is expanding its 

 responsibilities to Lease Sale #52, and is looking forward to including 

 the entire North Altantic Planning Area. With the possibility of Lease 

 Sale #52 taking place soon, the BTF at its May 12, 1983, meeting, set up 

 a new monitoring subcommittee to recommend a program for the deeper 

 waters, which subtend the continental slope and rise. The subcommittee 



