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The sea does have a limited capacity to assimilate certain biologi- 
cally active wastes and I feel using the sea for this purpose is legiti- 
mate. To do this effectively and without environmental degradation, 
however, requires the development of an ecological balance sheet so 
that the rate of supply of the pollutant does not exceed the rate of its 
decomposition. If the rate of supply exceeds the normal processes of 
recovery, the environmental conditions will inevitably get worse, The 
balance sheet must be worked out prior to disposal at new sites. 
My personal view is that disposal programs must allow into the 
ocean only that which can contribute to improving the ocean environ- 
ment, that which is essentially inert, or that which can be assimilated 
without adverse effects. 
In a sense this last comment really represents only a fallback posi- 
tion. The critical issue was well-phrased by another colleague, Dr. 
Bostwick Ketchum, associate director of Woods Hole Oceanographic 
Institute : 
“The only philosophy that mankind can adopt and continue to sur- 
vive on earth is the philosophy of recycling and reuse of as much of 
our waste materials as is humanly possible. This is the only real solu- 
tion to our problem. With our growing population and technology, 
all other means of disposal of waste materials merely delays the time 
when this philosophy has to be adopted.” 
Mr. Chairman, this concludes my testimony. I would be happy to 
answer any of your questions. 
Mr. Drnceu. Doctor, you have given this committee a most helpful 
statement. The committee is indeed grateful to you. 
Mr. Everett ? 
Mr. Evererr. Just one question. 
I notice you say that H.R. 17603 has your approval with respect to 
the kind of study authorized. Do I take this to mean you recommend 
passage of H.R. 17603? 
Dr. Aron. I would think so, yes, sir. 
Mr. Everett. Are you speaking today on behalf of the Smith- 
sonian Institution ? 
Dr. Aron. I think I would like primarily to speak on my own be- 
half. I would point out the Bureau of the Budget has indeed seen my 
comments. 
Mr. Everett. They have seen them ? 
Dr. Aron. Yes, they have. 
Mr. Everetr. Your statement has been cleared by the Bureau of 
the Budget? 
Dr. Aron. It has been cleared by the Bureau of the Budget. 
Mr. Evererr. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 
Mr. Dincetz. Mr. Murphy ? 
Mr. Murpuy. I want to thank Dr. Aron for his statement. 
Doctor, you say the sea does have a limited capacity to assimilate 
certain biologically active waste products. You also say you feel using 
the sea for this purpose is legitimate. I guess through time we have 
always felt that water and air have a certain purifying influence on 
things. Of course, the amounts of, let’s say, dumping that can take 
place, however, are certainly those which must be subject to careful 
scientific scrutiny. | 
