I 



the water. Inadequately treated and disinfected sewage could con- 

 taminate receiving waters with bacteria such as Salmonella , Shigella , 

 Escherichia coli, Leptospira , and Mycobacterium . Enteric viruses such 

 as polio and hepatitis could also be introduced CEPA, 1972). On the 

 basis of studies completed, there is no evidence indicating that these 

 pathogens and viruses are introduced into the Bight or that their density 

 of occurrence constitutes a health hazard. In fact, none of the studies 

 completed to date has identified pathogenic bacteria. However, cases of 

 infectious hepatitis in shellfish from Raritan Bay have caused the closing 

 of this area for shellfishing. 



The distribution of bacteria, within each disposal area, as deter- 

 mined by the SHL, appears to be high as a result of the dumping activi- 

 ties. The pattern of distribution appears to conform with the mixing 

 and dispersion processes in the area. High numbers of fecal coli forms 

 suggest the introduction of pathogenic organisms into the Bight. The 

 relative concentrations or types of these pathogens have not been 

 determined and sampling has been inadequate. In view of the possible 

 human hazard that could result from eating seafood that may carry pathogens, 

 it is recommended that studies of pathogenic bacteria in the Bight be 

 given a high priority. 



3. Effects of Ocean Dumping on Regional Ecology 



The biological effects of waste disposal in the Bight have been 

 difficult to assess over a short time. The SHL study (1972), is the 

 only large-scale biological study of the Bight undertaken to date. 

 According to SHL, a circular area encompassing each of the waste dis- 

 posal sites is devoid of benthic life, and peripheral areas are either 

 severly impoverished or dominated by certain pollution-resistant species. 

 Laboratory studies on the response of various animals to waste con- 

 taminated sediments, according to SHL, showed the development of several 

 pathological anomalies. 



Although the benthic life investigations involved much sampling, 

 several important questions remain unanswered. Some SHL conclusions 

 have been questioned. The conclusion that important quantitative changes 

 in the fauna have resulted from dumping should be further investigated. 

 Future research should try to determine whether these changes result 

 from dumping or from natural processes, or from estuary and upland pol- 

 lution. Other research should study why groundfish venture into this 

 area, and why the stomachs of fish caught in the dumping area contain 

 large quantities of benthic, epibenthic and swimming organisms, when 

 these species are considered to be absent or diminished in the dumping 

 grounds. Apparently these food resources are obtained within, or on 

 the periphery of the dumping grounds. The fact that many of the marine 

 organisms are feeding in the area of the dumping grounds is a matter of 

 concern. The Bight is actively fished, and possible health hazards 

 should not be discounted. The wastes dumped in the Bight are knoim to 

 contain toxic substances and harmful bacteria. The long-term effects of 

 these hazardous materials have not been assessed. On the basis of present 



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