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dumping of wastes, as proposed by Representative John M. Murphy, in accord- 
ance with the following considerations: 
1. Some forty years of dumping of sewer sludge and dredging spoils off Amrose 
Light has created a ‘dead Sea” threatening the New York and New Jersey 
beaches. This contamination has poisoned marine life endangering the health 
of those who eat the sea food caught in the polluted waters in the vicinity of 
the dumping area. We must stop killing the sea. 
2. The phasing out of sewerage sludge and dredging spoils should be started 
immediately, as alternative methods are already available to the communities 
for this waste disposable, by composting for free distribution to rural areas, or 
by use in building blocks, ete. 
3. Scientific studies have already been made by the State University of New 
York, by the Smithsonian Institution, and by the United States Marine Labora- 
tory, so that new, costly, time consuming “studies” are not necessary to establish 
the facts that these wastes are highly toxic, some of the material is cancer 
producing. The sludge problem must be solved even if it is costly. 
4. We approve the creation of fish and wildlife sanctuaries in river, harbor 
and coastal areas, as called for under the bill, but wish to point out that any 
water and submerged land designated for deposit of waste should not be located 
on any of the productive grounds offshore. 
5. We respectfully request that this statement be included as part of the 
record in the hearings to be conducted on July 27-28. 
Sincerely, 
Rosert B. Litcn, Hxecutive Secretary. 
FRIENDS OF THE PARTH, 
Washington, D.C., September 29, 1970. 
Hon. JoHN D. DINGELL, 
Chairman, Subcommittee on Fisheries and Wildlife Conservation, Committee on 
Merchant Marine and Fisheries, House of Representatives, Washington, D.C. 
DrsR Mr. CHAIRMAN: Friends of the Earth are pleased to endorse the prin- 
ciples of H.R. 19359, which would authorize the Secretary of the Interior to 
protect marine and wildlife ecology by prohibiting the dumping of injurious 
substances. 
At this juncture, citizens are faced with the irony of suddenly discovering 
that substances dumped into rivers and oceans are harmful, but that nothing 
can be done to stop it. The results of technical studies are in, showing the 
ecological impact of dumping. The public has become aware of the problem 
through incidents such as the nerve gas fiasco, and through the educational 
work of Cousteau, Heyerdahl and others. Yet the enforcement of reasonable 
standards has not begun. 
Friends of the Earth favor giving the Secretary of the Interior the power 
to establish zones in which dumping of injurious substances, including heated 
water is prohibited. We favor the setting of standards governing discharges 
in other areas, with the burden of proof placed upon the person who wishes 
to engage in dumping, as provided for in Section 5C. The bill quite properly 
gives States the incentive to take on the responsibility of protecting their waters, 
by permitting the Secretary to let States set and enforce their own more stringent 
standards. 
Sincerely 
; GEORGE ALDERSON, 
Legislative Director. 
THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF PoRT AUTHORITIES, 
Washington, D.C., August 27, 1970. 
Hon. Epwarp A. GARMATZ, 
Chairman, Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries, U.S. House of Repre- 
sentatives, Longworth House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 
Dear CHatrMAN GaRMATz: The American Association of Port Authorities 
has reviewed H.R. 17608, which would amend the Fish and Wildlife Coordina- 
tion Act to require the designation of certain water and submerged land areas 
where the depositing of certain waste materials will be permitted, and to au- 
thorize the establishment of standards with respect to such deposits. At your 
kind invitation, I would like to offer a few preliminary comments on the bill. 
