20 
with bottom sediments, organic matter in the water, and heavy metals, all 
corroborate the dominant northeast movement of water indicated by our hydro- 
graphic studies. 
We have not yet found any major effects resulting from the disposal of 
industrial acid wastes. Our preliminary investigation does indicate, however, 
that certain species of zooplankters contain heavy metals, the origin of which 
we have not yet determined. We plan to pursue these studies further during 
the early part of 1970. In particular we would like to sample more intensively 
the benthic environment underlying the acid waste disposal area. This would 
involve both laboratory and field studies of the animals living there. 
We plan now to conduct additional field and laboratory studies to fill in 
gaps indicated by our work to date; and to integrate and interpret the mass 
of our hydrographic, meterological and biological data. 
Mr. Moureuy. A good deal of controversy developed following dis- 
closure of the interim report, and many legislative and other solu- 
tions were offered to remedy the critical situation in the Bight. It 
is necessary, at this point, to put into perspective the fact that the 
report of the Sandy Hook Laboratory was of an interim nature. 
Its findings cannot be considered final. 
However, at this point, the report does confirm that, at the very 
least, some critical damage exists in the’ Bight. Coupled with the 
findings of the 1967 Public Health Service Study, there can be no 
reasonable argument to dissuade prompt governmental action in 
responding to the environmental emergency that exists. 
Arguments about the degree of the damage will persist. for some 
time, and all concerned are anxious to see the final Sandy Hook 
report. But let us not quibble over the degree of damage while 
the pollution continues unchecked. Rather, let us begin to look for 
effective, long-range solutions to this and similar problems in vir- 
tually every coastal area of the United States. 
It should be noted, also, that one further report confirms that 
damage exists in the bight. In February 1970, the Assistant Sec- 
retary of Interior for Fish and Wildlife, Parks, and Marine Re- 
sources formed an ad hoc committee to review the practice of ocean 
disposal in the Bight and to make appropriate recommendations. 
The committee found that the “New York Harbor complex must 
rank as one of the largest grossly polluted areas in the United 
States.” 
I have this report with me, and I would like to include it at this 
point in the record. I am sorry that I was unable to bring more 
than one copy. 
Mr. Drncetxi. Without objection, the document referred to will 
be included in the record at this point, subject only to review by 
the staff to ascertain whether or not it will involve undue printing 
costs. 
(The information follows :) 
