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Our problems are further complicated by poorly coordinated ap- 
proaches to rational use of our coastal and adjacent waters, by 
jurisdictional jealousies, by inadequate planning, and by the belated 
realization that we must face, and quickly, an environmental threat 
of major proportions. 
The gravity of this situation prompted President Nixon to advise 
Congress, in April of this year, that he had requested the Chairman 
of the Council on Environmental Quality, Russell Train, to initiate 
a study on ocean dumping and disposal problems that would recom- 
mend research needs, legislative changes, if needed, and a compre- 
hensive approach to the problems. 
This study is not intended as an in-depth analysis of the complex 
problems associated with ocean pollution. There are many excellent 
reports that have attacked this problem. What the Council’s panel— 
and I am privileged to be a member of that group—proposes to 
do is to formulate a Federal policy and appropriate recommenda- 
tions, and to develop guidelines for governmental agencies to begin 
to move immediately towards solutions which have been too long 
delayed. 
As we pointed out in our report to the committee on this proposed 
legislation, the panel is scheduled to present a final report to the 
President by September 1. Various subgroups of the Government- 
wide panel have held a dozen or so meetings as of this date. 
The final report will include the effects of ocean dumping on the 
environment, adequacy of existing control authority, extent and de- 
velopment of the toxic wastes now being discharged, availability of 
sites for suitable disposal on land, alternative methods of disposal, 
such as incineration and reuse, and innovative techniques for dis- 
posal at sea. These matters bear directly on the proposals which 
we are considering today. 
There is an additional recent development which relates to the 
bills before us and which also reflects the concern of this adminis- 
tration for the ecological effects of ocean dumping. On February 10, 
we sent to the Congress a legislative proposal which, if enacted, 
would direct the Secretary to establish water quality standards for 
the waters of the contiguous zone. 
That proposal, to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, 
is pending before the House as H.R. 15905. In addition to its require- 
ment of water quality standards, the bill would also make subject to 
abatement water pollution activities in the waters of the contiguous 
zone which adversely affect water quality in the territorial sea, and 
pollution of the seas resulting beyond the contiguous zone from dis- 
charge of material transported from U.S. territory. 
In view of these two significant actions which are pending, one in 
the Legislative Branch and the other in the Executive, we respectfully 
recommend that the committee defer action on the several bills under 
discussion. ; 
Further, the problems associated with the cessation of ocean dump- 
ing are very complex. Therefore, we must proceed only after thorough 
study and adequate caution. 
My colleagues and I will be pleased to attempt to answer any 
questions. 
