166 



Statement of Assistant Administrator for Enforcement and 

 General Counsel, Environmental Protection Agency, August 4, 

 1971 



statement of HON. JOHN R, QUARLES, JR., ASSISTANT ADMINISTRATOR FOR 

 ENFORCEMENT AND GENERAL COUNSEL, ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION 

 AGENCY 



Mv. QuARLES. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 



I am pleased to have the opportunity this morning to appear before 

 you and to present the views of the Environmental Protection Agency 

 on bills relating to the management of the coastal zone. 



The Environmental Protection Agency does not have primary re- 

 sponsibility for Federal programs aii'ecting land-use management and 

 development in the coastal zone under existing authorities, nor would 

 it receives such responsibility under any of the bills presently pending 

 before Congress. The Environmental Protection xVgency, nonetheless, 

 does have important responsibilities relating to the protection of estu- 

 aries and other aspects of coastal zone management. We, therefore, 

 are most concerned that any new legislation in this area be placed on 

 the soundest possible basis. 



In this regard, certain specific requirements are applicable to de- 

 velopment in the coastal and estuarine zones. Wherever a development 

 activity is to be carried out with Federal assistance or through a Fed- 

 eral license or permit, and that activity would have a significant 

 impact upon the environment, the responsible agency is required to 

 prepare a statement of environmental impact pursuant to the National 

 Environmental Policy Act of 1969. The Environmental Protection 

 Agency regularly reviews such statements to determine whether or 

 not adequate provision has been made for the protection of the 

 environment. 



In addition to our specific responsibilities under the National En- 

 vironmental Policy Act, we consult with other Federal agencies to 

 assist them in carrying out their responsibilities to meet air and water 

 quality standards. These responsibilities are set forth in Executive 

 Order 11507. 



Our responsibilities with respect to the protection of the coastal 

 and marine environment will be expanded if the Congress acts favor- 

 ably upon two important legislative proposals which were sent for- 

 ward by the President this year. The proposed "Marine Protection 

 Act of 1971," H.R. 4247, would require a permit from the xidminis- 

 trator for the dumping of any m^aterial into our ocean and coastal 

 waters. In addition, the administration's proposed amendments to 

 section 10 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, H.R. 5967, 

 would authorize the Administrator to establish water quality stand- 

 ards to govern discharges into the contiguous zone and to promulgate 

 regulations for the guidance of the States in establishing water quality 

 standards including effluent limitations, for our coastal and estuarine 

 waters. 



We believe that the Environmental Protection Agency could carry 

 out its responsibilities more effectively if effective controls are estab- 

 lished over land use in the coastal and estuarine zone. One of the most 

 important tools which we could use to protect the environment is a 

 system which would enable us to evaluate actions which may cause 



