65 
and control in terms of removing institutional constraints and 
adopting economic incentives. Indeed, there is increasing sup- 
port for the view that pollution is essentially an economic 
problem. 
Table 2 presents a preliminary analysis of possible alter- 
natives, none of which offers an immediate solution.» Known 
alternatives to present ocean disposal practices in the New York 
Bight will be more expensive than present operations. Research 
and development are needed to detail more clearly the relative 
advantages, operational requirements, and potential environmental 
problems for each alternative. Research is also needed on devel- 
opment of economic incentives, determination of the total pollu- 
tion costs, and on other institutional constraints that impede 
effective pollution abatement and control programs. 
Alternative methods of sludge disposal, and probable ranges 
of costs, are based on current practices and ongoing research. 
Alternatives not listed in the table include shipborne incinera- 
tion, which would combine both the costs and potential problems 
of transportation and of burning. The fusion torch, a theoret- 
ically attractive method of applying nuclear reactions to envi- 
ronmental problems, is another possibility. Still another 
approach would be the establishment of some type of assessment 
or tax that would force the polluter or consumer to pay a greater 
share of the cost of polluting. 
7 
= The Economic Common Sense to Pollution. Larry E. Ruff. 'The 
Public Interest’ Spring Issue No. 19, 1970. National Affairs, 
Inc., 404 Park Avenue South, New York 
42 
