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6. Mechanical pollution (Harbor debris) — 
Pollution from physical or mechanical sources 
can cause 
serious aesthetic deterioration of the environment and create haz- 
ardous conditions in a variety of ways. In the New York Harbor 
area, perhaps the most critical types of mechanical pollution are 
floating debris, wrecks, and other stationary objects 
tures. The problem is so pronounced and serious that 
of Engineers has proposed a Federal-State solution to 
1,972 sunken wrecks and 331 run-down shore structures 
prevent a recurrence of this condition. This report, 
or struc- 
the Corps 
remove 
and to 
known as 
the "New York Harbor Drift Study," is being considered in the 
office of the Secretary of the Army as part of their development 
of legislation to cover the problem on a nationwide scope. While 
floating debris may not have a directly harmful effect on fish 
and wildlife, it destroys beaches and waterfront areas and makes 
recreational boating and water sports dangerous, even in other- 
wise non-polluted waters. It is unsightly, attracts rats and 
other pests, is a fire hazard, and the carrier or containment 
vehicle for other pollutants. 
2) 
