This article clearly indicates the need (1) for better definition of sources of 
contamination in the Harbor, the processes driving the Harbor/Bay estuary, and the 
critical links between the Harbor and Bay, and (2) for corrective action to eliminate 
sources of contamination of the Harbor/Bay system. There are numerous potential 
contaminant sources; for example, sewage sludge pumped twice daily into the Harbor, 
combined sewer overflows, industrial sewage with poor pretreatment, non-point sources. 
However, the relative importance and effect of these sources is not well understood. 
The Boston Harbor/Massachusetts Bay estuary is a very interesting urban 
estuary. The Harbor and Bay have distinctly unique characteristics and yet, they are 
tightly coupled in some ways. Our speakers today will tell you what we know about the 
estuary and will raise many more questions than we have answers for. 
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