590 



One would not expect such to be occurring. Basically, the proce- 

 dure is to do the best we can to take samples from as reasonably 

 near these dumpsites as we know how to do, and basically, on the 

 dock, the people collect the samples directly from the fishermen, 

 based on interrogations as to where their fish catch was occurring. 



That is about as good as we know how to do for a marketplace 

 assessment. 



I might point out that the EPA has also done studies in deeper 

 water directly in the vicinity, and these reports have also been pub- 

 lished. So, one really wouldn't expect radioactive waste at the 

 bottom to be showing up at the surface in these vicinities. 



This program simply provides a verification that that is in fact 

 the case. 



Mr. D' Amours. Mrs. Boxer. 



Mrs. Boxer. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 



Mr. Chairman, I would like to say, as a Member of Congress, and 

 as an American citizen, I would agree with the thrust of your re- 

 marks, I find that our position, our international position on ocean 

 dumping is very embarrassing to me, because what we really are 

 saying is that it may be true that ocean dumping of radioactive 

 waste could be dangerous, but until we know for sure, let's keep on 

 dumping, then maybe when we find out it has really gotten into 

 the food chain, maybe we will take a tough stand. 



I think if you are going to be conservative about health issues, 

 what you should be saying is, let us just stop everj^hing until we 

 really know for sure, and I feel very strongly about that. 



It reminds me of the days when Anne Gorsuch headed the EPA, 

 they were taking time to rework their rules on toxic waste dump- 

 ing on land disposal sites, and they were reworking the results. 



While they were reworking, they suspended all the rules. So, for 

 90 days, anyone could dump anything anywhere. I think that if, 

 indeed, it is one of our most important goals to protect the health 

 of the American people, then we are on the wrong track in an in- 

 ternational sense, and I am very sorry about that. 



I would like to ask the EPA a question about the Navy proposed 

 dumping of nuclear submarines, a subject which is very dear to my 

 heart, and to my constituents. 



You say that EPA has reached no decision on the disposal of 

 waste, radioactive waste into the oceans at this time, but you did 

 work with the Navy on their EIS stating that you sent 30 people 

 into the field to take part in the study. 



Does EPA have any position now on the dumping of these subs? 



Mr. Sjoblom. Under the terms of the act, EPA does not take a 

 position unless there is a permit application filed with the agency. 

 But recognizing that that could possibly happen after the Navy 

 completes its process, the EPA wanted to make certain that all our 

 technical, all the possible technical concerns that we might have, 

 with the Navy analysis, were brought fully into focus at the time. 



Mrs. Boxer. So the EPA position would be to wait until there is 

 a permit application and not advise the Navy prior to that on its 

 position. 



Mr. Sjoblom. That is correct. 



Mrs. Boxer. Will EPA consider, should that come to pass, the 

 fact that these subs are supposed to lose their radioactivity, these 



