529 



2 



and SancCuaries Act Co limit EPA authority for issuance of ocean 



disposal penults for low-level radioactive wastes for a two-year 

 period, except for research purposes. These amendments also include 

 detailed requirements for any permits to be considered after the two 

 years. At the international level, the Contracting Parties to the 

 London Dumping Convention (LDC) , in February 1983, agreed by concensus 

 to undertake a two-year review of the scientific basis for the ocean 

 disposal of radioactive materials. In addition, a nonbinding 

 resolution was passed calling for the suspension of all dumping at sea 

 of radioactive materials until presentation of the report on the 

 scientific review to the Contracting Parties. Both of these events 

 reflect concerns at national and international levels for preventing 

 possible contamination of the oceans from sea disposal of radioactive 

 materials. The Environmental Protection Agency shares these concerns 

 and has taken steps in our domestic and international programs to 

 assure tnat factors key to protection of the marine environment and 

 public healtn will receive careful scientific evaluation. My testimony 

 today will review the status and purpose of these ongoing Agency 

 programs . 



DOMESTIC PROGRAMS 



The Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act requires EPA 

 to establish and apply criteria for reviewing and evaluating permit 

 applications for ocean disposal of waste materials not prohibited by 



