tPA
              United States
              Enviror.Tients;
              Agency
Oi: and Soecia' Materials
Cornroi Division
Marine Protectior. Branch
Washington DC 2045C
November 1979
              Water
             Statement (El
             for New  York
             Designation
         ight Ac
         Site
              1. NEW YORK BIGHT ACID
                WASTES DISPOSAL SITE

              2. NORTHERN AREA *

              3. SOUTHERN AREA

              A. DELAWARE BAY ACID
                WASTES DISPOSAL SITE

              5. 106-MILE CHEMICAL
                WASTES DISPOSAL SITE
              •
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               DRAFT
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT (EIS)

                   for

      NEW YORK BIGHT ACID WASTE

       DISPOSAL SITE DESIGNATION

                November 1979
                &EPA
           Prepared Under Contract 68-01-4610
             T. A. Wastler, Project Officer
                    for
        U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
          Oil and Special Materials Control Division
              Marine Protection Branch
              Washington, D.C. 20460

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            ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
                           DRAFT
            ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT ON
         THE NEW YORK BIGHT ACID WASTE DISPOSAL
                      SITE DESIGNATION
        Prepared by: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
                   Oil and Special Materials Control Division
                   Marine Protection Branch
                   Washington, D.C. 20460
Approved by:
              T. A. Wastler                     Date
              Project Officer

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                              SUMMARY SHEET

                   ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT
                                    FOR
        NEW YORK BIGHT ACID WASTE DISPOSAL SITE DESIGNATION

     (X)  Draft
     ( )  Final
     ( )  Supplement  to  Draft
                        ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
                      OFFICE OF WATER PROGRAM OPERATIONS
                          MARINE PROTECTION BRANCH

1.   Type of Action

     (X)  Administrative/Regulatory action
     ( )  Legislative  action

2.   Brief background  description of action and purpose.

     The proposed action is the designation of the New York Bight Acid Waste
     Disposal Site for continuing  use.   The  site  is approximately 15 nautical
     miles  east  of Long Branch,  New  Jersey  and  south  of Long  Beach,  Long
     Island, New York.  The site is used by two industries in the New Jersey
     area.    The  purpose  of  the  action  is  to  provide  an  environmentally
     acceptable area  for the disposal of  wastes  that  will comply with EPA's
     rigid marine environmental  impact criteria.

3.   Summary of major  beneficial and  adverse  environmental and other impacts.

     The major  benefit of the proposed action is to provide an environmentally
     acceptable location for  the disposal  of.acid  wastes  for which  land-based
     treatment  methods are not yet satisfactory.

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     Wastes  have  been disposed  at  the  Acid  Site  since  1948  and  long-term
     adverse effects caused by  the  various wastes have  not been demonstrated.
     There are  short-term  adverse  effects,  especially  upon  plankton,  but  the
     ecosystem  rapidly recovers.  EPA's  permit program  mitigates such adverse
     effects  where  possible.    No environmental  effects  caused  by  waste
     disposal at the Acid Site are  irreversible or irretrievable.

4.   Major alternatives considered.

     The alternatives considered in this EIS are:

     (1)  No Action  -  The  site  would  continue  with  an  interim designation.
          This is not a viable alternative since the EPA is required to decide
          the fate of this site; i.e.,  final designation  or  end of dumping  at
          the site.

     (2)  Proposed  action  -  Use  the  existing  Acid  Site  for  the  continued
          disposal of these wastes.

     (3)  Alternative sites - Use  another ocean site  for these wastes:    the
          106-Mile Chemical Waste Disposal Site  and the Northern and Southern
          areas near the  Hudson  Canyon.
5.   Comments have been requested from the following:

     Federal Agencies and Offices

     Council on Environmental Quality
     Department of Commerce
          Maritime Administration
          National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
     Department of Defense
          Army Corps of Engineers (CE)
          Department of the Air Force
          Department of the Navy
                                      VI

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     Department of Health,  Education,  and Welfare
     Department of the Interior
          Bureau of Land Management
          Bureau of Outdoor Recreation
          Fish and Wildlife Service
          Geological Survey

Department of Transportation
          Coast Guard

     National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
     National Science Foundation
     Water Resources Council

     States and Municipalities

     Connecticut,  Delaware,  Maryland, Massachusetts,  New Jersey,  New York,
     Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia

     Private Organizations

     American Chemical Society
     American Eagle Foundation
     American Littoral Society
     Audubon Society
     Center for Law and Social Policy
     Environmental Defense  Fund, Inc.
     Freeport (Li) Boatmen's Association
     Manufacturing Chemists' Association
     National Academy of Sciences
     National Wildlife Federation
     Resources for the Future
     Sierra Club
     United Boatmen of New  Jersey
     Water Pollution Control Federation
                                     VII

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     Academic/Research Institutions

     Lamont-Doherty Geological Observatory
     New York State University
     Rutgers University
     University of Delaware
     University of Rhode Island
     Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

     Permittees

     Allied Chemical Corp.
     ML Industries, Inc.

6.   The  draft  statement  was  officially  filed with  the Director,  Office  of
     Environmental Review,  EPA, on December 6, 1979.

7.   The  60-day review  period  for comments on  the  Draft EIS will end on
     -February 12,  1979.

     Comments should be addressed to:

          Mr. T.A. Wastler
          Chief, Marine Protection Branch (WH-548)
          Environmental Protection Agency
          Washington, D.C.  20460

     Copies of the Draft EIS may be obtained from:

          Environmental Protection Agency
          Marine Protection Branch (WH-548)
          Washington, D.C.   20460
          Environmental Protection Agency
          Region II
          Marine & Wetland Protection Branch
          26 Federal Plaza
          New York, NY  10007
                                     Vlll

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The draft statement may be reviewed at the following locations:

     Environmental Protection Agency
     Public Information Reference Unit, Room 2404 (Rear)
     401 M Street, SW
     Washington, D.C.

     Environmental Protection Agency
     Region II
     Library, Room 1002
     26 Federal Plaza
     New York, N.Y.

     Environmental Protection Agency
     Region II
     Woodbridge Ave.
     GSA Raritan Depot
     Edison, N.J.

     NOAA/MESA New York Bight Project
     Old Biology Bldg.
     State University of New York
     Stony Brook, N.Y.

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                                SUMMARY
         This  Environmental  Impact  Statement  (EIS) provides the public
         information required  for  the  decision-making  process  about
         formal  designation of the New York Bight Acid Waste Disposal
         Site  for   continued  use  as  an  ocean  disposal  site.    It
         recommends  the types of wastes that could be released at the
         site,  summarizes the history  of waste  disposal  at  the  site,
         and  provides guidance  for  the U.S. Environmental Protection
         Agency  (EPA)  to manage  the  site   under  the  ocean  dumping
         permit  program.
              ORGANIZATION OF THE  ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT

   The EIS has  three  levels of detail:   This summary highlights significant
points of the chapters, permitting readers to understand major points without
reading  the   entire   text.    The  main  text  contains   additional  technical
information,   with  full   discussions  of  the  options  and   decisions.    The
appendixes contain supplemental  technical  data and information which amplify
and  support  the  decisions.   It  is not  necessary  to read  the  appendixes to
understand the rest of the document.

   Four chapters comprise the main body of the EIS:

     •    Chapter  1   specifies  the  purpose  and  necessity  of  the proposed
          action  and  presents background  relevant  to  ocean waste disposal.
          The legal framework EPA uses to select, designate, and manage ocean
          waste disposal  sites is  described.

     •    Chapter  2   presents  alternatives   to  designating  the  Acid  Site,
          describes the   procedures  by  which alternatives  were  chosen  and
          evaluated,   and  summarizes   the  relevant   comparisons  of  all
          alternatives.

     •    Chapter 3 describes the environmental features of  the Acid Site and
          the  alternatives.   The  history of  waste  disposal   and  other
          activities  in the site  vicinities  is fully described.
                                       XI

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     •    Chapter 4 discusses  the  environmental  consequences  of  waste  disposal
         at  the alternative sites  and at  the proposed  location.
                           *
   Five  appendixes are  included  to  support the  text:

     •    Appendix A  specifies  the environmental characteristics  of the  New
         York Bight  and  describes the  oceanographic  processes occurring  at
         the Acid Site.

     •    Appendix B  discusses the Acid  Site in detail, specific  studies that
         have been performed  at the  site,  and  unique  features.

     •    Appendix C  describes the  waste inputs  to the  New York  Bight  from all
          contaminant sources.

     •    Appendix  D  discusses  the previous waste disposal  at  the Acid Site
          and compares  these  inputs to the total waste  loading.

     •     Appendix  E  summarizes the  existing monitoring  plan at the  site  and
          defines general  criteria for future site monitoring.

                                  BACKGROUND

   The  Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ)  identified  ocean  waste  disposal
as a potentially serious  environmental  problem (CEQ,   1970).   As a result  of
CEQ's report  and  increasing  public  awareness  of the  dangers  of  unregulated
waste disposal in the oceans, Congress passed  the Marine  Protection,  Research
and  Sanctuaries Act  (MPRSA)  in 1972.  This  law placed the  ocean  disposal  of
barged  wastes  under  the  authority  of  EPA,  which  published  the Final  Ocean
Dumping  Regulations and  Criteria  in  1977 (which  superseded  regulations
published in  1973).   This was designed to regulate  waste disposal,  evaluate
environmental effects of  various   waste types,  and  designate  and manage  all
                                      XII

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ocean  disposal  sites  for  continued  use.   These  regulations  identified 13
interim municipal and industrial waste disposal sites  for use until waste
disposal operations  were  terminated,  or until  sites  were  designated  for  use,
in  accordance  with  all   regulations.     The   subject  of   this  EIS   is  the
designation of the New York Bight Acid Waste Site for  continued use.

                                PROPOSED ACTION

   EPA proposes  to designate the New York Bight Acid Waste Disposal Site (Acid
Site)  for  continued  use  for  liquid  acid  waste  disposal.   This  action  will
fulfill  the  need for a suitable  location  in the  New York-New Jersey offshore
area  for disposal  of certain wastes which comply with the  criteria for ocean
disposal, under  EPA's ocean dumping permit program.

   The  Acid  Site  was  first  used  in   1948.    Only  two  industrial  waste
generators,  NL  Industries,  Inc.,  and  Allied  Chemical Corp.,  are presently
(1979) using  the site  for disposal  of highly acidic waste.  Acids in the waste
are  rapidly neutralized  by  seawater.    Other  waste  constituents,  present in
minute  quantities,  have  no  apparent impact  on  the  marine  environment.   NL
Industries  and  Allied  Chemical  have  each  submitted  reports  to  EPA, which
demonstrate  that their  respective wastes  comply with the environmental  impact
criteria of the Ocean  Dumping Regulations.    Land-based alternative  disposal
methods  are currently  less  environmentally  acceptable  and  more  costly  than
ocean  disposal;  therefore  ocean disposal of  such wastes  is  environmentally
preferred until  suitable alternatives can be implemented.

   Continued  use of  the  existing  interim site in the  Apex of  the  New  York
Bight is the preferred alternative  for several  reasons.  More than 30 years of
studies  have  not  documented  any  long-term  adverse  effects from  acid waste
disposal at  this site.   The  amount  of  pollution  introduced by  acid  waste is
slight  when  compared with  other  sources,  thus  the  transference of waste
disposal activities  to  a  more  distant  site  would  not  environmentally
counterbalance  increased  economic  costs  (to  the  waste  generators   and  the
Federal Government) and logistic difficulties of using a new site.
                                     Xlll

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                             MAJOR ALTERNATIVES

   The major  alternatives to designation of the Acid Site are:

     (1)  No  action -  The  site would  continue  with  an interim  designation.
         This  is  not  a viable  alternative since the EPA is required  to  decide
         the fate of  this  site;  i.e.,  final  designation or end of dumping  at
         the site.

     (2)  Use of alternative ocean disposal sites.

   Three  other  locations,  the Northern  and  Southern  Areas  in  the  New York
Bight,  and  the  106-Mile  Chemical  Waste  Disposal  Site  located   off the
Continental  Shelf, were  considered  as possible alternatives  to the  existing
site.  The  following  listing shows the  category of each  alternative site.
     Site
Category
     New York Bight  Acid
      Waste Disposal Site
Existing site located on the
 Continental Shelf
     106-Mile Chemical
      Waste Disposal  Site
Existing site located off the
 Continental Shelf
     Northern Area
     Southern Area
New site located on the
 Continental Shelf offshore
 Long Island

New site located on the
 Continental Shelf offshore
 New Jersey
                                     xiv

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Nine municipal and  industrial waste  disposal  sites  (excluding  dredged  material
disposal  sites)  exist in  the  mid-Atlantic region.   (See Figure 2-2,  Chapter
2).   Sites used  for  other types  of wastes  (cellar  dirt,  wood  incineration,
wrecks,  and  sewage sludge) were  not considered  as candidates for acid  waste
disposal.  Combinations  of  different waste  types  at a single  site  is generally
undesirable  because  synergistic  interactions may  occur between  the  wastes.
The Delaware  Bay Acid Waste Site  was not  considered  because  of its  inactive
status and distance from New York  Harbor.

   The  106-Mile  Site was  considered  as   a  viable  alternative  since  it  is
presently  used  for disposal  of aqueous  industrial wastes,  (including acids)
and is located beyond the  Continental Shelf.   The Northern and Southern  Areas
were considered  as  alternative  sewage sludge  disposal  sites, and  site-specific
information  is  available for both  areas.   The Alternate  Sewage Sludge  Site,
(Figure  2-2  in  Chapter  2)  has  been designated in the northeast corner of  the
Northern  Area.    These   areas  are   representative  of  the  mid-shelf region
offshore  New Jersey   and  Long  Island.    If  another specific  location  were
selected,  the same  reasoning  would apply.   Table S-l  summarizes  the favorable
and unfavorable  features of each alternative  considered  in this EIS.

                             AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT

   The Acid  Site  is located in the New York  Bight  Apex.  The  Apex  is  adjacent
to one  of the most industrialized  and  populated regions of  the country,  and
receives  wastes  from more  than 20 million people.   Large  quantities  of  acid
wastes are released annually at the  site,  but adverse effects last only  a  few
minutes following disposal.  When  compared  with waste  inputs from all  sources,
the  contaminants in  acid wastes  are  insignificant.    The  existing  site  is
15 nmi from  shore,  abuts the  Hudson  Submarine Canyon, has a sandy  bottom,  and
is in 26 m of water.

   The Northern  and  Southern  Areas  are  further  offshore (30  nmi), with  sandy
bottoms  in  deeper  water  (31   to  53 m).    The  Hudson  Canyon,  an important
geological feature, and  a migration  route  for  some animals,   lies  between  the
                                      xv

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                       TABLE S-l
SUMMARY EVALUATION OF PROPOSED ACTION AND ALTERNATIVES
Alternative
tv.-i Ac t i on
Continue
interim lite
desi gnat i on
Propospd Action
DP si gnatp e.xi st i ng
Si tP
Alternative Sites
Off-the-Continental
Shplf 106-Mile Site
On-the-Continental
Shelf
{ 1 ) Northern Area
( 2 ) bout nprn ArPa
Favorable Factors
None
whi ting, bluefi sh) not harmed
by waste di sposa I .
year*; wi thout apparent p.nv iron-
mental damagp.
moni tori ng e f fects of di sposal
and survei 1 lance of di sposal
programs i s low.
di sposal .
all pprrai tte.es .
aesthetics, or benthos due to


site.
(iiij Site has been used for 14 years
without apparent environ-
mental damage..
(i ) Area does not have large
numbers of commercially
ex pi oi table spec ies .
( i i ) Water movement carries
contaminants off-Shelf and
away from shore.
(iii) Short-term adverse effects on
the water same as at existing
site.
I i ) Short-term adverse effects on
the water same as at existing
si te .

Interi m desi gnat i on
expires January 1 9bU
(i) Altnough d small amount
( 1%) of the total input,
acid wastes are additional
sources of contaminants to
the Ape.x, a highly stressed
area.
visible plume, of ferric
hydroxide (rust ) whi ch is
persistent (48 hours),
aesthetically displeasing
and may intprfere with somp

difficult due to environ-
mental complex! ty.

5-8 times. Primary waste
generator probably could
not use si te and could
shut down plant .
( i i i ) Survei 1 lance and moni tori ng
costs increaspd .
hazard and risk.
(i) Distance from shore
increases hauling costs
3-4 t i mes . Primary waste
generator probably could
not use site and may shut
down plant .
(ii) Survei 1 lance and moni to ring
costs i ncreaspd.
( i i i ) Would con t ami nate an area
where wastes have never been
dumpe.u . Possible accumulations
i n the sediment s .
( i ) Area has potentially
exploitable biotic and
(i i ) Would contaminate an area
where wastes have never been
dumped. Possible, accumu-
lations in the sed iment s .
( i i i ) Economi cal ly , samr aaversp
effects as in Nortnern Are&.
                          XVI

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two  named  areas.    Potentially exploitable  shellfish resources  and mineral
resources exist  near the Southern Area.   The  Northern Area is neither  unique
nor especially productive.

   The 106-Mile  Site  is  located  just  beyond  the  edge  of the  Continental  Shelf,
90 nmi  from shore,  in over 1,500  m  of water.   The  site is oceanic with  the
water characteristics and biological  features resembling more  the open  ocean
to the  east than  coastal areas to  the west.    Chemical  wastes were released
there, beginning in  1961; munitions and low-level  radioactive wastes  have also
been  dumped in  this area.   Long-term adverse effects caused  by such  wastes
have  not  been  demonstrated.    There  are  no  known  exploitable  mineral  or
biological  resources  in  the  area.

                          ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES

   Since  acid-waste  liquids  do  not  have an appreciable solid phase, the  short-
term  effects  after release  will be  similar  at all  alternative sites.    Three
characteristics  of  these  liquid   acid  wastes  are   important  in  considering
possible  effects at  the  alternative sites:

      (1)  Aqueous  wastes  will not measurably affect benthos  at  deep sites,  but
          some waste  constituents may accumulate  in  sediment at shallow  sites.

      (2)  Aqueous  wastes have  short-term (minutes  to hours)  effects  on  the
          water  when released  at  rates that allow  adequate dispersion,  thus
          preventing  accumulation of  waste constituents in  the  water  mass.

      (3)  Bioaccumulation of waste  constituents  in organisms that  inhabit  the
          water  column (plankton or fish)  is unlikely.

   Acid waste disposal  has  had  minimal  adverse  impacts  on  the environment  of
the  Acid  Site  in  New  York Bight.    Assessments  of  over  30  years  of  docu-
mentation from investigations by Federal,  university,  and private  groups, show
that   there are no  long-term  adverse effects  from  the  wastes.  Accumulations of
waste constituents  in sediments are  possible, but acid  wastes represent less
than  1% of  total contaminant inputs to the Bight.  Consequently,  transferring
                                     xv 11

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waste  disposals  to  other  locations  probably  would  not measurably improve
either bottom water quality or ecosystem health in the Bight.

   The  effects  of  acid  waste disposal  in the  Southern  Area  could  be more
severe  than  at  the  existing site.   Since  wastes  have never  been  released  in
the  area,  detectable  accumulations may occur and  adversely  affect the
ecosystem.    It  should   be  noted  that  potentially  exploitable  biological
(shellfish)  and mineral  (oil  and gas) resources  exist  in the area,  and  waste
disposal operations could interfere with such profitable ocean usage.

   If  wastes were  released in  the  Northern Area,  effects  on  the  ecosystem
would  parallel those in  the Southern Area.   Such  effects are potentially more
severe  than those  resulting  from  continued use  of  the  existing  site.   The
adverse effects on public  health and  water quality would  be negligible  since
exploitable resources are not  found near  the site.

   If  the  106-Mile Site  were  designated  for the disposal  of acid  wastes, the
effects would  be similar  to  those at  the existing  nearshore  site.    Should
adverse environmental effects occur, however, they would be more  difficult  to
detect  because  of  the inherent  complex  oceanographic characteristics at the
site.   The  risk of emergency  (short)  dumping is  further  increased  because  of
the much longer transit time to the site  from New York Harbor.

                                  CONCLUSIONS

   After carefully  evaluating all reasonable  alternatives,  EPA  proposes the
New York Bight Acid  Waste Disposal Site  for  final designation  for  continued
industrial waste disposal in compliance  with the EPA Ocean Dumping Regulations
and Criteria.  However, under  the Marine  Protection,  Research, and Sanctuaries
Act of 1972, exploration  for alternative  ocean disposal areas should  continue.
Relevant research and development will be  a condition imposed by EPA  on waste
generators seeking  ocean  disposal permits.
                                     XVlll

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   Wastes  permitted  for  disposal  at  the  site  should  have  the  following
characteristics:

     •    Aqueous acidic wastes with low concentrations of solids

     •    Neutrally to negatively buoyant in seawater
     •    Contain no materials prohibited by the MPRSA

     •    Demonstrate  low toxicity  of neutralized  wastes   to  representative
          planktonic and nektonic marine organisms

     •    Contain  no  constituents  in  concentrations  detectable  outside  the
          site  or  above-normal ambient  levels more  than  4  hours  after
          discharge.

   The disposal operations should have the following characteristics:

     •    Wastes  should be  discharged from  a  vessel underway  to facilitate
          rapid and  immediate dilution.

     •    Each  barge  load  should be  sufficiently  small  to  permit  adequate
          dispersal  of the  waste  constituents  before disposal  of  the  next
          load  so  that  accumulation  of waste materials does not  occur  due to
          successive dumps.

     •    Except  in  emergency  situations,  only one  barge should  be permitted
          within the site for disposal operations within the 4-hour period for
          initial mixing.
                                      xix

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                                CONTENTS

Section                                                                   Page

  1  PURPOSE OF AND NEED FOR ACTION	1-1

          FEDERAL LEGISLATION AND CONTROL PROGRAMS  	  1-3
               Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act (MPRSA)  .  1-5
               Ocean Disposal Site Designation	1-8
               Ocean Dumping Permit Program   	  1-12
          INTERNATIONAL CONSIDERATIONS  	  1-14

  2  ALTERNATIVES INCLUDING THE PROPOSED ACTION 	  2-1

          NO ACTION ALTERNATIVE 	  2-3
          CONTINUED USE OF THE PROPOSED SITE	2-3
               Public Health and Water Quality  	  2-4
               Ecosystem	2-5
               Economics	2-7
          USE OF ALTERNATIVE EXISTING SITES 	  2-6
               Introduction 	  2-8
               106-Mile Chemical Waste Disposal Site  	  2-11
          USE OF NEW SITES	2-16
               Locations on the Continental Shelf 	  2-17
               Location Off the Continental Shelf 	  2-22
               Summary	2-23
          DETAILED BASIS FOR SELECTION OF THE PROPOSED SITE	2-24
               Geographical Position, Depth of Water,
                Bottom Topography and Distance from Coast 	  2-27
               Location in Relation to Breeding,  Spawning,  Nursery,
                Feeding, or Passage Areas of Living Resources in
                Adult or Juvenile Phases	2-27
               Location in Relation to Beaches and Other Amenity Areas   .  2-27
               Types and Quantities of Wastes Proposed to be
                Disposed of, and Proposed Methods of Release,
                Including Methods of Packing the  Waste,  if  Any  	  2-28
               Feasibility of Surveillance and Monitoring   	  2-28
               Dispersal,  Horizontal Transport and Vertical Mixing
               Characteristics of the Area, Including  Prevailing
                Current Direction and Velocity  	  2-28
               Existence and Effects of Current and Previous
                Discharges and Dumping in the Area (including
                Cumulative Effects) 	  2-29
               Interference With Shipping, Fishing, Recreation,
                Mineral Extraction, Desalination,  Fish and  Shellfish
                Culture, Areas of Special Scientific Importance
                and Other Legitimate Uses of the  Ocean	2-29
               The Existing Water Quality and Ecology of the Site
                as Determined by Available Data,  by Trend
                Assessment, or Baseline Surveys 	  2-30
               Potential for the Development or Recruitment of
                Nuisance Species in the Disposal  Site	2-31
                                      xxi

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CONTENTS (Continued)

                                                                          Page
Section                                                                   	

               Existence at,  or  in Close Proximity to,  the Site
                of any Significant Natural  or  Cultural  Features
                of Historical Importance  	 2-1
          CONCLUSIONS AND PROPOSED ACTIONS   	 ^31
               Types of Wastes	~
               Waste Loadings	~
               Disposal Methods  	 *";"
               Disposal Schedules 	 j--\i
               Special Conditions 	
  3  AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT
                                                                          3-1
          PROPOSED SITE - NEW YORK BIGHT ACID  WASTE  SITE	3-1
               Site Environment	3-1
               Waste Disposal at  the  New York  Bight  Acid
                Waste Disposal Site	3-8
               Other Activities  in the  Site  Vicinity	3-13
               Ocean Waste Disposal	3-21
               Marine Recreation   	 3-25
          ALTERNATIVE SITE OFF THE SHELF -  106-MILE  CHEMICAL WASTE SITE  . 3-25
               Site Environment	3-25
               Waste Disposal at  the  Site	3-32
               Concurrent and Fu  ure  Studies	3-39
               Other Activities  in the  Site  Vicinity	3-39
          ALTERNATIVE SITES ON THE CONTINENTAL SHELF  	 3-40

  4  ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES  	 4-1
          EFFECTS ON PUBLIC HEALTH AND  SAFETY	 4-2
               Commercial and Recreational  Fish and  Shellfish 	 4-3
               Navigational Hazards 	 4-6
          EFFECTS ON THE ECOSYSTEM	4-8
               Biota	4-9
               Water and Sediment Quality	4-15
               Emergency Dumping   	 4-20
          UNAVOIDABLE ADVERSE ENVIRONMENTAL  EFFECTS  AND
           MITIGATING MEASURES  	 4-22
          RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SHORT-TERM USE  OF THE SITE AND
           LONG-TERM PRODUCTIVITY 	 4-23
          IRREVERSIBLE OR IRRETRIEVABLE COMMITMENTS  OF RESOURCES  .... 4-24

  5  LIST OF PREPARERS	5-1

  6  GLOSSARY AND REFERENCES  	 6-1
                                     xxi i

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CONTENTS (Continued)

                             APPENDIXES
  A  ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE  NEW YORK BIGHT  	 A-l
  B  ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE  NEW YORK BIGHT
      ACID  WASTE  SITE	B-l
  C  CONTAMINANT  INPUTS TO THE NEW YORK BIGHT	C~l
  D  CONTAMINANT  INPUTS TO THE ACID DISPOSAL SITE	D-l
  E  RECOMMENDED  MONITORING 	 E-l
                            ILLUSTRATIONS

Figure

2-1  The Proposed Site  and the Alternative  Sites	2-2
2-2  Disposal Sites  in  the Mid-Atlantic Area	2-10
3-1  Location of New York Bight Acid Waste  Disposal Site	3-2
3-2  Distribution of Surf Clams, Ocean Quahogs, and Sea Scallops
      in the New York Bight (NOAA-NMFS, 1974c)	3-7
3-3  Benthic Faunal  Types in the mid-Atlantic  Bight 	 3-9
3-4  Inputs of Metals to the New York Bight	3-11
3-5  Total Landings  of  Commercial Marine Food  Finfishes in the
      New York Bight Area, 1880-1975	3-16
3-6  Total Commercial Landings of Marine Food  Shellfishes in the
      New York Bight Area, 1880-1975	3-16
3-7  Location of Foreign Fishing off the East  Coast of the U.S	 3-17
3-8  Gravel Distribution in the New York Bight	3-19
3-9  Oil and Gas Leases in the mid-Atlantic Bight	3-20
3-10 Traffic Lanes in the mid-Atlantic Area	3-22
3-11 Ocean Disposal  Sites in the New York Bight	3-23
3-12 Location of the 106-Mile Site	3-27
3-13 Monthly Averages of Oxygen Concentration  Versus Depth
      at the 106-Mile Site	3-30
                                    XXlll

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CONTENTS (Continued)
                                 TABLES
1-1  Responsibilities of Federal Departments and Agencies for
      Regulating Ocean  Waste Disposal Under MPRSA 	 1-7
2-1  Fish Landings  by States - 1974	•	2-9
2-2  Summary Evaluation of Alternative Disposal Sites for Acid Waste  .  . 2-25
3-1  Total Landings in  1974 of Five Major Commercial Finfishes
      in the New York Bight	3-15
3-2  Total Commercial Landings in 1974 and 1976 of Important
      Shellfish Species in the New York Bight (New York-New Jersey) .  .  . 3-16
3-3  Beach Attendance at State and National Parks in the
      New York-New Jersey Metropolitan Area 1976	3-26
3-4  Waste Volumes, 1973 - 1978 at 106-Mile Chemical Waste Site
      in Thousands of Tonnes	3-33
3-5  Projected Volumes, 1979 - 1980, at 106-Mile Chemical Waste Site
      (Thousands of Tonnes) 	 3-34
3-6  Physical Characteristics  for the Wastes at the 106-Mile
      Chemical Waste Site	3-35
3-7  Average Metal  Concentrations (ug/1) for the Wastes at the
      106-Mile Chemical Waste  Site  	 3-36
3-8  Toxicity Bioassays for Wastes at the 106-Mile Chemical Waste Site   . 3-37
4-1  Distances and  Transit Times (Round Trip) to Alternate Sites  .... 4-7
4-2  Worst-Case Contribution of Waste Metal Input to the
      Total Metal  Loading at the New York Bight Acid Wastes Site  .... 4-17
4-3  Estimated Waste Metal Input to the Total Metal Loading
      at the 106-Mile Site	4-18
4-4  Estimated Waste Metal Input to Total Metal Loading
      at the Southern Area	4-20
4-5  Estimated Waste Metal Input to Total Metal Loading
      at the Northern Area	4-21
5-1  List of Preparers	5-1
                                    xxiv

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                                 Chapter 1
               PURPOSE OF AND NEED FOR ACTION
         An ocean disposal site  is  needed since land-based disposal
         methods  for  some acid  wastes  cannot  be  implemented  using
         existing technology.   To fulfill  this need,  EPA proposes to
         designate  the  New York  Bight  Acid Waste Disposal  Site in
         accordance  with  the  January   11,  1977  EPA  Ocean  Dumping
         Regulations and Criteria.  This chapter defines the action to
         be taken,  discusses the  history  of  the regulation of ocean
         disposal, and  summarizes  the legal regime for identifying and
         establishing viable options.
   Ocean disposal  of waste  materials  has  been  practiced for generations on an
international scale.  In the early 1970's,  U.S.  legislation and international
agreements  were  enacted  to control  the disposal  of  waste  in   the  marine
environments.  This  legislation greatly decreased the number of industries and
municipalities using  ocean  waste  disposal  and  forced  the  development  of
land-based  alternatives.    However, some  industries and  municipal  waste
treatment  facilities  produce  wastes  which  cannot  (using  present-day
technology) be treated  or dispersed safely or economically  on  land, but can be
ocean-dumped without seriously degrading  the marir.e environment.  Most of this
waste-generating activity  is  centered  around the heavily populated  and
industrialized East  Coast.   To  safely meet  the needs  of ocean waste disposal,
the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposes to designate  the New
York Bight Acid Waste Disposal  Site  (hereafter referred to as Acid Site) for
continued use.

   The Acid  Site has  been  used  for  waste disposal  since  1948.   In 1973 EPA
designated this site for use on an  interim basis, for disposal of acid wastes.
Only three companies have  used  the site  for  waste  disposal:  (1) NL Industries
Inc.,  Sayreville,  New Jersey; (2)  Allied  Chemical  Corporation Elizabeth, New
Jersey;   and  (3)  the E.I.   du Pont de Nemours and  Company,  Grasselli  Plant,
Linden,   New Jersey.   Since December 1975,  only  NL  Industries  and  Allied
Chemical have  used  the site.   The  projected use  of  the  site  (1.4 million
tonnes   annually  until  April  1981) is  well  below the  long-term   average
                                     1-1

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 (2.3  million tonnes  annually  from 1958 to  1978).   Almost  all of  the  wastes
 released  at the  site have been  highly acidic  (pH  below  1.0);  some  caustic
 wastes  (PH  about  13) were  released by  Du Pont-Grasselli  before  1976,  when
 their  waste disposal operations  were  moved by  EPA  to  the 106-Mile  Chemical
 Waste  Site.

    Studies  of  the  effects  of waste  disposal  at  the  Acid   Site  have  been
 conducted  since 1948.  Until 1972 most of the work was conducted  by  university
 scientists  and  sponsored by NL Industries,  Inc.,  the main  user  of the  site.
 In 1973,  the  NOAA-MESA  New  York  Bight Project  assessed  the  environmental
 health  of  the New York Bight and  man's  influence on  the  area.  This work,  and
 all other  work  performed  at the site or  in  the general area, has  not uncovered
 significant  adverse  effects caused by acid  waste disposal.

    By  January  1,  1982 ocean  disposal  of industrial  wastes will be permitted
 only for  wastes  which  comply  with  EPA's  environmental  impact  criteria  and
 cannot   be   treated   on   land  for  environmental  or  economic  reasons.     NL
 Industries  and Allied Chemical have demonstrated that  their  wastes  comply with
 EPA's  environmental  impact criteria  and that technically  feasible  alternative
 disposal methods are  environmentally less preferable than  continued  use  of the
 site;  therefore,  a  present  and  future  need  exists  for the continued use  of
 this  site.   The  reason  for  this  continuing  need  is  threefold:   (1)  NL
 Industries  and Allied Chemical  each  produce wastes that  cannot be disposed  of
 using  land-based methods,  but  can be released  safely at  the Acid Site without
 unreasonable degradation of the marine  environment,  (2) ocean waste  disposal
 may be  required  for other wastes  that  do  not  comply   with  environmental
 regulations  for land  disposal  but can  be released  into  the  marine environment
 without  causing  irreversible   adverse  effects,  and  (3)  a  site  of   known
 environmental characteristics  is  required  for  disposal  of  some wastes  under
 emergency conditions.
* One metric ton equals 2,205 Ib. Throughout  this  EIS,  the word tonne will  be
used to designate a metric ton and to distinguish it from an English  ton.
                                      1-2

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   As  part  of  the  decisionmaking  process  in designating  the  Acid  Site  for
continued use,  EPA  has investigated  all. reasonable  alternatives.  Two  broad
categories of  alternatives  exist:   (1)  take  no  action, which would leave  the
existing  site  with  an interim  designation,  or  (2)  designate  another  ocean
location for waste disposal.

   After  a  careful  review of  the  alternatives,   EPA  has  determined  that
designation  of  the  New York  Bight  Acid Waste  Site  for  continued use is  the
most  favorable  course  of  action.    Continued  use  of the  site  will  permit
approved  dumping of  the  wastes  at  the  site  under current  ocean   dumping
permits, and will provide  for  the  disposal  of new wastes which the EPA  deems
acceptable for  ocean disposal.   EPA  Region  II  will  manage  the  site,  regulate
times,  rates,  methods  of  disposal,  and  quantities and  types  of materials
disposed,  develop and  maintain  effective monitoring  programs  for the  site,
conduct  disposal  site  evaluation  studies,  and recommend modifications  in  site
use or  further designation as necessary.

               FEDERAL LEGISLATION AND CONTROL PROGRAMS

   Until  the  early  1970's,   there  was   little  regulation  of  ocean  waste
disposal.  Limited  regulation  was  primarily derived  from the New  York Harbor
Act of 1888, which empowered the Secretary of the Army to prohibit disposal of
wastes,  except  those  flowing  from  streets  and  sewers,  into  harbors at  New
York,  Hampton  Roads,  and  Baltimore.   Additionally,  the  Refuse  Act   of  1899
prohibited  the  disposing  of  materials  into navigable  waters  when  disposal
impeded  safe navigation.  Under these acts, selection of  disposal  locations by
the U.S. Army  Corps of Engineers (CE)  and  the  issuance  of permits for  ocean
disposal  were  based  primarily  upon  transportation  and  navigation  factors
rather than environmental concerns.

   Public interest  in  adverse  effects of  ocean  disposal  was aroused  in  1969
and 1970 by  incidents  resulting  from  disposal of  warfare  agents in the ocean.
Simultaneous studies  by the National  Oceanic  and Atmospheric  Administration
(NOAA) and several universities identified potential  adverse effects of sewage
sludge and industrial  waste  disposal in the New  York Bight (e.g., Buelow et
                                      1-3

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al., 1968; Gross,  1970;  Pearce, 1972).  In 1970,  the  Council  on Environmental
Quality (CEQ),  identified poorly  regulated ocean waste disposal as a potential
environmental  danger in  its Report  to the  President.

   The  CEQ's   report,  and  the  increasing  public  awareness  of  potentially
undesirable effects  of   poorly  regulated   ocean  waste  disposal,  were  mainly
responsible for  the enactment  of  the  Marine  Protection,  Research,  and
Sanctuaries Act (MPRSA)   of 1972,  the primary U.S. legislation now regulating
barged  ocean  waste disposal.   In  late 1972,  when   it  became apparent  that
Congress  would  promulgate  an Act  to regulate  ocean  disposal,  EPA  began  to
develop criteria  to provide an effective  technical  basis for  the  regulatory
program.  During the development  of  the  technical criteria, EPA sought  advice
and  counsel from  its  own scientists,  marine  specialists  in  universities,
industries, environmental  groups, and other  Federal  and State  agencies.   The
criteria,  first published  in May 1973,  completed  in October  1973, and revised
in  January  1977,   are used to  evaluate needs  for  ocean  waste  disposal  and
potential  impacts  upon marine  environment.

   While  legislation began almost 100 years  ago to  control waste  disposal  in
rivers, harbors,  and coastal  waters,  barged ocean  waste disposal  was  not
specifically regulated in  the United States until the October  1972  passage of
the Marine Protection, Research,  and Sanctuaries Act  (MPRSA,  PL 92-532).  This
important  legislation  is  discussed  here   along   with  relevant  Federal
legislation, Federal control programs initiated under MPRSA,  and  EPA programs
for ocean disposal site  designation  and  issuance of  ocean disposal permits.

   The  Clean  Water Act   (CWA)  of  1977  (PL  95-217)  supplanted  and  superseded
earlier legislation  and established  a  comprehensive  regulatory program  for
controlling discharge  of pollutants  from outfalls into navigable waters of the
United States,  including ocean  waters.  The primary  objective of the CWA is to
restore and maintain  the chemical,  physical,  and biological  integrity  of the
nation's waters.  The CWA  provides  for  EPA to promulgate  criteria  to prevent
degradation of the  marine  environment  (Section 403),   and   to  apply  such
criteria in the issuance of permits  (Section 402).  The  CWA and MPRSA are the
primary Federal legislative means for control  of  ocean  waste  disposal,  either
through use  of  ocean outfalls  or  offshore  disposal sites.
                                      1-4

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MARINE PROTECTION. RESEARCH. AND SANCTUARIES ACT (MPRSA)

   The MPRSA regulates  the  transport  and release of waste materials  in ocean
waters.  The act is divided into three parts:  (1) Title I,  Ocean Dumping, (2)
Title II, Comprehensive  Research  on Ocean Dumping,  and  (3) Title  III,  Marine
Sanctuaries.  This EIS responds specifically to Title I, Section 102(c), which
charges EPA with  the  responsibility for  designating  sites  and  times  for waste
disposal.

   Title I, the primary  regulatory  vehicle  of  the act,  establishes the  permit
program  for  disposal  of dredged  and  nondredged   materials,  mandates
determination of  impacts,  and  provides for  enforcement  of  permit  conditions.
Title  I of  the act  defines methods  for regulating  ocean  disposal of  waste
originating  from  any country  into ocean  waters under  the  jurisdiction  or
control of  the  United States.   A permit  is  required for the following reasons
and  may be  obtained  by  any person  of  any nationality:   (1) Any  transport  of
wastes  for  ocean  disposal  in  U.S.  waters, (2)  for transporting  waste material
away from any  U.S. port, (3)  or in a vessel under the  U.S. flag  for disposal
anywhere in the world's  oceans.

   Title I  prohibits  ocean dumping of certain  wastes,  among  them biological,
radiological,  and  chemical warfare  agents, and  all  high-level  radioactive
wastes.  Title  I was amended  in  November 1977  (PL  95-153) to  prohibit barge
                                 *
disposal of harmful sewage  sludge   after December 31, 1981.  The provisions of
Title  I include  a maximum  criminal  fine  of $50,000, a  jail sentence  of up to
1  year  for  every unauthorized dump or violation  of permit  requirement, and a
maximum  civil   fine   of  $50,000.    Furthermore,  any  individual  may seek  an
injunction  against  an unauthorized  dumper with  possible recovery of all costs
of litigation.
*  Harmful  sewage sludge  is  defined by PL  95-153 as sewage  sludge  that "may
significantly  degrade or  endanger human  health, welfare and  amenities,  the
marine environment and ecological  systems, or economic potential."
                                      1-5

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   Title II  of  MPRSA provides  for comprehensive  research and monitoring of
ocean  dumping  effects  on  the  marine  environment.    Under  Title  II,  tne
NOAA-MESA New  York Bight  Project and  Ocean Dumping  Program have  conducted
extensive survey and laboratory  investigations over the  past  several years at
ocean waste disposal sites in the North Atlantic  Ocean.  This work aids EPA in
its management  of sites  by providing  data for site-use decisions.

   Several  Federal  agencies  share responsibilities  under MPRSA (Table 1-1).
The  major  responsibility is mandated  to EPA  to  review,  grant,  and enforce
dumping  permits  for all wastes  except  dredged materials,  and to designate and
manage  all  disposal  sites.   In  January  1977,  EPA issued  Final  Revised Ocean
Dumping  Regulations  and  Criteria  (hereafter the  "Ocean  Dumping Regulations",
40  CFR, Parts  220 to 229).    These  regulations  established  procedures  and
criteria for  designating  and  managing ocean   disposal  sites   (Part  228),
reviewing ocean  disposal  permit  applications (Part 222),  assessing impacts of
ocean disposal  and  alternative  disposal  methods  (Part   227),  and  enforcing
permits  (Part  226).  Interim  disposal   sites  were  authorized  pending  final
designation for  continuation or  termination  of use.   The Acid Site was one of
13 municipal and  industrial sites  approved for interim use.

   The Corps of  Engineers (CE) issues permits for disposal of dredged material
after determining compliance  of the  material with  EPA's  environmental  impact
criteria (40  CFR  227)  and  is  subject  to EPA's concurrence.    The  CE is
responsible for  evaluating disposal applications, recommending disposal  sites,
 and  granting dredge material  permits;  nevertheless, dredged material disposal
 sites are designated and managed by EPA.

   Under MPRSA,  the Secretary of Transportation has assigned  responsibility to
the  U.S. Coast  Guard  (USCG)  for surveillance of  disposal  operations  to  ensure
compliance  with  the permit conditions and to discourage unauthorized  disposal.
Violations  are  referred  to EPA  for  enforcement.   Surveillance includes  spot
checks of  disposal vessels  for valid  permits,   interception  or escorting  of
vessels  carrying  waste, use of shipriders during  disposal  operations,  aircraft
overflights during  waste  release,  and random inspections  of  land facilities.
                                       1-6

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       TABLE  1-1.   RESPONSIBILITIES OF FEDERAL DEPARTMENTS AND AGENCIES
                FOR REGULATING OCEAN WASTE DISPOSAL UNDER MPRSA
         Department/Agency
          Responsibility
  U.S.  Environmental  Protection Agency
  U.S. Department of the  Army
    Corps of Engineers
  U.S. Department of Transportation
    Coast Guard
  U.S. Department of Commerce
    National Oceanic and Atmospheric
    Administration
  U.S. Department of Justice
  U.S. Department of State
Issuance of waste  disposal  permits,
 other than for  dredged material
Establishment  of   criteria   for
 regulating waste  disposal
Enforcement actions
Site designation and management
Overall   ocean   disposal   program
 management
Issuance of dredged material
 disposal permits
Recommending disposal  site  locations
Surveillance
Issue   regulations   for   disposal
 vessels
Long-term monitoring and  research
Marine Sanctuary designation

Court actions
International agreements
   All of  these methods  are used  for surveillance  at  the  Acid Site,  and
interception  and  escort  by USCG  vessels or  aircraft  are  the most  common
methods.   In addition,  the USCG  is  testing the feasibility  and accuracy of an
automatic  Ocean  Dumping Surveillance  System (ODSS) ,  which  is based  on
electronic  navigation.   This system  has  been  field-tested and evaluated by the
USCG for  future use  in  routine surveillance.

   Title  II  of MPRSA  charges  NOAA  to  conduct comprehensive  monitoring  and
research  programs on the  effects of ocean dumping  on the marine environment,
including  potential  long-term effects  of pollution,  over-fishing,  and
                                      1-7

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man-induced  changes  in  oceanic  ecosystems.    Responsibility  for  field
investigations  of  ocean disposal effects is  shared  with EPA.   Title  III of
MPRSA  authorizes  NOAA  to  designate  coastal  marine  sanctuaries,  after
consultation  with  other  affected  Federal  agencies,  and  to  regulate  all
activities within these sanctuaries.

   The  Department  of Justice  initiates  relief actions  in  court,  upon EPA's
referral,  in  response  to violations of  the  terms of MPRSA.   When necessary,
injunctions to  cease ocean dumping  are  sought.   Civil and  criminal fines and
jail  sentences  may be  levied, based on  the  magnitude of the violation.   The
Department  of State seeks effective international  action and  cooperation in
protecting  the marine   environment by  negotiating  international  agreements
                              *
furthering the  goals of MPRSA.

   The  MPRSA  has  been  amended  several times   since  1972.    Most  of  the
amendments concern annual appropriations for  administration  of MPRSA; however,
two  amendments are  noteworthy.    One   amendment  in  Marcti   1974   (PL  93-254)
brought  the Act into full compliance  with the Convention.   Another amendment
(PL  95-153)  passed  in  November 1977,  prohibits  disposal  ot  harmful  sewage
sludge  in ocean waters after  i)ecex.j.._i  jl, lybi.

OCEAN DISPOSAL SITE DESIGNATION

   Under Section 102(c)  of the  MPRSA,  the EPA Administrator  is authorized to
designate sites and times for ocean disposal, provided that  the waste contains
no prohibited  materials and  will not  unreasonably  degrade  or  endanger human
health, welfare,  amenities, marine  environment,  ecological  systems,  or
economic  potential.    EPA,  therefore,  established   criteria  for  designating
sites in Part  228  of the Ocean Dumping  Regulations.
  The most  significant  international  negotiation, with respect  to  ocean waste
disposal is the Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping of
Wastes and Other Matter  (hereinafter  referred to as  "the  Convention"  or "the
Ocean Dumping Convention").
                                      1-8

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General site-selection criteria are listed in Section 228.5:


     (a)  The dumping  of material* into  the  ocean will be  permitted
          only  at  sites  or  in  areas  selected  to  minimize  the
          interference of disposal activities with other activities in
          the marine  environment,  particularly avoiding  areas  of
          existing fisheries or  shellfisheries,  and regions  of  heavy
          commercial or recreational navigation.

     (b)  Locations and boundaries of disposal sites will be  so chosen
          that  temporary  perturbations  in  water  quality  or  other
          environmental  conditions during  initial  mixing  caused  by
          disposal operations anywhere within the site can be expected
          to  be  reduced to  normal  ambient  seawater   levels  or  to
          undetectable  contaminant concentrations  or  effects  before
          reaching  any beach,  shoreline,  marine sanctuary,   or  known
          geographically limited fishery or shellfishery.

     (c)  If,  at  any  time  during or  after disposal site  evaluation
          studies,  it  is  determined  that  existing  disposal  sites
          presently  approved  on  an  interim basis  do  not  meet  the
          criteria  for site  selection set forth  in [Section]  228.5 to
          228.6,  the  use of  such sites will  be  terminated as soon as
          suitable alternate disposal sites can be designated.

     (d)  The  sizes  of ocean disposal sites  will  be limited  in order
          to  localize  for  identification  and  control  any  immediate
          adverse  impacts  and  permit the  implementation of  effective
          monitoring   and  surveillance  programs  to prevent  adverse
          long-term impacts.  The  size, configuration, and location of
          any  disposal  site will  be  determined as  a  part of  the
          disposal site  evaluation or designation study.

     (e)   EPA will, wherever  feasible,  designate ocean dumping sites
          beyond  the  edge of  the Continental Shelf,  and other  such
          sites that have been historically used.

   Factors  considered  under  the specific  criteria  for site selection treat the

general  criteria  in   additional  detail.    If a  proposed  site  satisfies  the

specific  criteria  for  site  selection, it meets the broader,  general criteria.

Eleven  factors  are considered in Section  228.6:


     •    Geographical  position,  depth  of  water, bottom  topography and
          distance from  coast.

     •    Location in  relation to breeding,  spawning,  nursery, feeding,
          or  passage  areas  of  living  resources in  adult   or  juvenile
          phases.

     •    Location in  relation to  beaches and other  amenity areas.
                                       1-9

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          Types and quantities  of wastes proposed to be  disposed of and
          proposed  methods  of release, including methods of  packing the
          waste,  if any.

          Feasibility of surveillance and monitoring.

          Dispersal, horizontal transport, and vertical mixing character-
          istics  of the area, including  prevailing  current  direction and
          velocity, if  any.

          Existence and effects of  current  and previous discharges and
          dumping in the area (including cumulative effects).

          Interference with shipping,  fishing,  recreation,  mineral
          extraction, desalination,  fish  and shellfish  culture, areas of
          special scientific  importance, and other legitimate  uses of the
          ocean.

          The  existing water  quality  and  ecology  of  the  site  as
          determined by available data or by trend assessment  or baseline
          surveys.

          Potentiality  for the  development  or  recruitment of nuisance
          species in the disposal site.

          Existence at,  or  in  close  proximity  to  the  site  of  any
          significant  natural or  cultural  features  of  historical
          importance.
These factors  are  applied to the Acid Site in Chapter 2.


   Once designated,  the site must  be  monitored for adverse  impacts  of waste

disposal.   EPA monitors the following effects  (listed  in  Section 228.lOb)  to

determine  the  extent  to which  the marine  environment  has been  affected  by

material released  at the site:


     •    Movement of materials  into estuaries  or  marine sanctuaries, or
          onto  oceanfront beaches or shorelines.

     •    Movement of materials toward productive fishery or shellfishery
          areas.
          Absence  from the  disposal site  of  pollution-sensitive  biota
          characteristic of the general area.

          Progressive  nonseasonal  changes in  water quality  or  sediment
          composition  at  the disposal site when  these  changes  are
          attributable to materials disposed of at the site.
                                     1-10

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     •    Progressive nonseasonal  changes  in composition or  numbers  of
          pelagic,  demersal, or  benthic biota  at  or near  the disposal
          site when  these  changes can  be  attributed to  the  effects  of
          materials disposed of at the  site.

     •    Accumulation of  material constituents  (including, without
          limitation, human  pathogens)  in  marine biota  at  or  near  the
          site.

   EPA  has  established  impact  categories   (Section  226.lOc)   in  its  Ocean

Dumping Regulations  which  specify impacts  detected  by  site  monitoring  which

dictates modifications in use of the  disposal site:


     (1)  Impact  Category  I:  The  effects of activities  at  the disposal
     site shall be categorized in  Impact Category I  when  one  or more  of
     the  following conditions is present and  can reasonably be attributed
     to ocean dumping activities:  (i) There is  identifiable progressive
     movement  or accumulation  (in detectable  concentrations  above  the
     normal ambient  values)  of any waste or  waste  constituent  from  the
     disposal  site  within  12  nmi of  any   shoreline, marine  sanctuary
     designated under Title  III  of the Act,  or critical area designated
     under  Section 102  (c)  of  the  Act.  (ii)  The  biota,  sediments,  or
     water column of the disposal  site, or  any  area outside the disposal
     site where any  waste or waste constituent  from the disposal site is
     present  in detectable concentrations  above  the  normal ambient
     values,  are adversely  affected  by the  toxicity  of such  waste  or
     waste  constituent to  the extent that  there  are  statistically
     significant decreases  in  the populations of valuable commercial  or
     recreational  species,  or  of specific species  of biota  essential  to
     the  propagation of  such species,  within the disposal site and such
     other  area as  compared to  populations of  the same  organisms  in
     comparable  locations outside  such site  and area, (iii) Solid waste
     materials  disposed  of  at  the site have accumulated there,  or  in
     areas adjacent  to the  site  to such an extent that major uses of the
     site  or  of  the adjacent  areas  are  significantly   impaired.   The
     Federal  or  state  agency  responsible  for regulating such  uses
     certifies that  such  significant  impairment  has  occurred  and states
     in  its  certificate,  the  basis  for   its determination of  such
     impairment, (iv) There  are  adverse  effects  on  the  taste  or odor of
     valuable commercial or  recreational species as a result of disposal
     activities, (v)  When  any toxic waste,  toxic  waste  constituent,  or
     toxic byproduct of waste  interaction,  is consistently identified in
     toxic  concentrations  above  the  normal  ambient  values  outside  the
     disposal site more than four hours after disposal.

     (2)  Impact Category II:   The effects  of activities at the disposal
     site  which are not  categorized  in  Impact  Category  I  shall  be
     categorized in Impact Category II.
                                      1-11

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OCEAK DUMPING PERMIT PROGRAM

   EPA1 s Ocean Dumping  Regulations  establish a  program for  the  application,
evaluation, and issuance of ocean dumping permits.   Once  a site is designated
for  use,  permits  for disposal  at  the  site  can be  issued by  the EPA  or CE
authority having jurisdiction  over  the site.   The Ocean  Dumping  Regulations
are  specific  about  the  procedures  used to  evaluate permit applications, and
the granting or denying of such applications.  EPA and  the CE evaluate permit
applications primarily to determine  whether  there is:  (1) a demonstrated need
for  ocean  disposal,  and that no other  reasonable  alternatives exist (40 CFR
227 Subpart C), and  (2) compliance with the  environmental  impact  criteria (40
CFR 227 Subpart B,  D, and E).

   Compliance  with   EPA's  environmental  impact  criteria  ensures  that  the
proposed  waste disposal  will  not  "unduly  degrade  or endanger  the  marine
environment"  and  that  this  disposal  will  not  cause  unacceptable  adverse
effects  on human  health,  the  marine  ecosystem,  or  other  uses of  the ocean.
The criteria are too lengthy to include here; however, the relevant points are
briefly summarized below:

     •    Prohibited Materials;    High-level  radioactive  wastes;  materials
          produced for  radiological,  chemical, or  biological  warfare; unknown
          materials; persistent floatable  materials which interfere with other
          uses of the ocean.
     •    Materials present as trace contaminants only;    Organohalogens; mer-
          cury  and   mercury  compounds;  cadmium  and  cadmium  compounds;  oil;
          known or suspected carcinogens,  mutagens, or teratogens.
     •    Trace contaminants in  the liquid  fraction must  neither  exceed the
          marine water  quality criteria  (EPA,  1976) nor  exist in  toxic and
          bioaccumulative forms.
     •    Trace contaminants  must   neither   render  edible  marine  organisms
          unpalatable  nor endanger  health of  humans,  domestic  animals,
          shellfish, and wildlife.
     *    Bioassays on the suspended  particulates  or solid fractions must not
          indicate occurrence of significant mortality  or significant adverse
          sublethal effects, including bioaccumulation due to waste dumping.
     •    When bioassay methods are unavailable;     Maximum concentrations of
          mercury and cadmium apply; organohalogen concentrations must be  less
          than is known  to be  toxic to organisms;  oils in the waste must not
          produce  a visible sheen on the water.
                                      1-12

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   Six  types  of  ocean  dumping  permits  may  be  issued:    (1)  Interim,  (2)
Special, (3)  General,  (4) Emergency,  (5)  Research,  and  (6)  Incineration-at-
Sea.  In the  past, EPA  has  usually issued Interim Permits.  These permits are
valid  for  1  year,  maximum.    They are  issued when  the  permittee  has  not
demonstrated  compliance  of  the waste with the  environmental  impact  criteria,
but  can  demonstrate  that  the  need for  ocean disposal  is of  greater
significance  to  the  public  interest  than the  possible  adverse  environmental
impacts.  Moreover,  Interim Permits cannot  be  issued  to  applicants who  were
not  issued  permits  before  April 23, 1978.   Holders  of  Interim  Permits  must
have a  compliance schedule  which will  demonstrate  either complete phaseout of
ocean dumping or compliance with the environmental impact criteria by December
31,  1981.   After  that  date,  EPA will not  issue Interim Permits and  ocean
disposal of harmful wastes will  cease.  No present permittees at  the  Acid  Site
hold Interim  Permits.

    Special  Permits  (issued  when  the  applicant  demonstrates a need  for  ocean
disposal and  when wastes  comply  with the environmental  impact criteria) may be
issued  for  a  maximum  of 3 years.  Holders of Special Permits  are  not  subject
to  the  1981 deadline for  cessation of the ocean disposal of harmful wastes, as
long  as  the  criteria  governing  such permits  continue  to  be  met.    Some
industrial permittees and all CE permittees have been granted Special Permits.
NL  Industries and Allied Chemical  each hold Special Permits  for use of the
Acid Site.

   General Permits are  issued  for  ocean disposal of  materials which  will  have
minimal adverse effects  on  the  environment.   Examples  of materials covered by
currently effective General  Permits are human remains or  ashes  for  burial at
sea, target vessels for ordnance testing,  and derelict  vessels transported for
scuttling.

   Emergency  Permits may  be issued for ocean disposal  of materials  which are
unacceptably  risky to human health and  for which there are no other reasonable
disposal techniques.  Emergency  Permit  requests  are considered individually by
EPA  Headquarters  on  the  bases  of the  waste's  characteristics  and the  safest
means for its disposal.
                                      1-13

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   Research Permits may  be issued  for releasing material  into the  ocean as
part of a research project, when the scientific  merit of the project outweighs
any potential  adverse  effects.   EPA designates  the disposal  site(s) to be used
by Research Permit holders on  the basis of the  nature of the study project.

   Incineration-at-Sea  Permits  are either  Research,  Interim,  or Special
permits.  Currently effective  Incineration-at-Sea permits are Special Permits,
issued for disposal of materials at  the New York Bight  Wood  Incineration Site.
As Special Permits, they  are issued for a maximum period of  3  years.   Burning
at the Wood Site  is conducted  under specified weather conditions  and  the ash
is transported back to shore and used as landfill.

                     INTERNATIONAL CONSIDERATIONS

   The principal international agreement governing  ocean dumping  is  the Ocean
Dumping Convention, which became effective in August  1975 upon ratification by
15  contracting countries.    The  Convention  is  designed  to  control  waste
disposal in the oceans,  and specifies that contracting  nations will  regulate
disposal in the marine environment within  their jurisdiction and  forbid all
disposal without permits.   Certain  hazardous  materials  are  prohibited  (e.g.,
biological and  chemical  warfare  agents and high-level  radioactive  matter).
Certain  other  materials  (e.g.,  cadmium,  mercury,   organohalogens  and  their
compounds, oil, and persistent  synthetic materials that float)  are  prohibited,
except when present as trace contaminants.  Other materials,  such  as arsenic,
lead, copper,   zinc, cyanide,  fluoride,  organosilicon,  and   pesticides,  while
not  prohibited from  ocean  disposal,  require  special  care.    Permits  are
required for  ocean disposal of  materials not  specifically  prohibited.   The
nature  and  quantities  of  all  waste  material,   and  the   circumstances  of
disposal,  must  be reported  periodically  to  the  Intergovernmental  Maritime
Consultative  Organization  (IMCO), which is responsible  for  administration of
the Convention.
                                      1-14

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                                Chapter 2
      ALTERNATIVES INCLUDING THE PROPOSED ACTION
        The proposed action is to designate  the  New York  Bight  Acid
        Waste  Disposal  Site  for  continued  use.   Thirty years of
        studies on  the  effects of  acid  wastes disposed at the  site
        have not produced evidence  of any  adverse, long-term  effects
        on the site environment.  Alternative sites (Figure 2-1)  were
        considered  but  rejected  because  there  would  be  no
        environmental  benefits  and barging costs to  the waste
        generators  and  monitoring  costs  to  the Federal  Government
        would  increase.   The quality  of the marine environment in the
        Bight  Apex  would  not  improve if the ocean  disposal  of  acid
        wastes were moved to another  site.  The No-Action alternative
        was rejected because there  is a  current  need for disposal of
        these wastes.
   After  reviewing  the  alternatives, EPA proposes that the interim New York

Bight  Acid  Waste  Disposal  Site  be  designated  for  continued  use.    The

alternatives considered were:


     •    No Action Alternative:    The  existing  Acid Site  Would  retain  its

          interim designation.


     •    Proposed Action:   Designate the existing Acid Site.


     •    Use of Other Sites:   Designate another, existing or new, disposal

          site.


   The environmental  consequences  of   each  alternative,  and  the economic

burdens,  implications and effects  of each alternative have been predicted from

analyses  of  available  data  and are  discussed below.   Evaluations  and

comparisons of the alternatives are based upon three major considerations:


     •    Public Health and  Safety

     •    Ecosystem Effects

     •    Economic Costs
                                   2-1

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41° -
40° -
39° -
38' -
                                                   LONG ISLAND SOUND
                                              LONG ISLAND  ... .
        1. NEW YORK BIGHT ACID
          WASTE DISPOSAL SITE
        2. NORTHERN AREA

        3. SOUTHERN AREA
        4. 106-MILE CHEMICAL
          WASTE DISPOSAL SITE
       DELAWARE
       BAY
                                                                  50
                                                           NAUTICAL MILES
              75°
                                    74°
                                                           73°
                                                                                     - 41°
                                                                                     - 40°
                                                                                     - 39°
                                                                                     - 38°
                                                                                  72°
               Figure  2-1.   The Proposed Site and the  Alternative Sites
                                              2-2

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                          NO-ACTION ALTERNATIVE

   The No-Action  Alternative  would result in  leaving  the existing Acid  Site
with an  interim  designation.   The  Ocean  Dumping Regulations  (Section  228.12
(a)) state that the site was  "...approved  for  dumping  the  indicated materials
on an interim basis pending completion of  baseline or trend assessment'surveys
and designation for continuing use or termination of use ...  The  sizes  and use
specifications are  based on  historical  usage and do not  necessarily meet the
criteria I for site designation] stated in  this Part".

   Taking  no action  toward   a final determination  of the  sites'  status  —
either  continued  use  or  termination of  use  -  would   violate  the  intent  of
Section  102  (a)  of the MPRSA  since the interim  sites may  not  comply with the
site  selection criteria  mandated  by  the MPRSA and  outlined in  the Ocean
Dumping  Regulations.   Therefore,  the no action  alternative has been rejected
because  of  the   need  for  a  decision  on  the  fate  of   this  site - final
designation  or end of dumping.
                 CONTINUED USE OF THE PROPOSED SITE

   This  section  presents a detailed  summary  of  the projected impacts of  the
proposed  action,   which  forms the  basis  for  comparison  with  the  other
alternative sites considered.

   The  Acid Site  was  established  in 1948  for  the disposal  of acid  wastes
generated  from  industries  in  the New York and New Jersey areas.  The site  is
14.5 nmi  (27  km) from the New  Jersey and  Long  Island coasts, covers 12 nmi
      2
(41 km  )  and  is  on the  Continental Shelf (Figure 2-1 #4).   The  boundaries  of
the site  are  latitudes  40°16'  to  40°20'N and  longitudes  73°36' to  73°4G'W.
Topographically, the bottom is  relatively  flat, with  an  average  depth of 25.6
m  (84  ft), ranging  from 22.6  m (74  ft)  to 28.3  m (93  ft).   Sediments  are
predominantly medium to  fine grained  sands.
                                     2-3

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   The principal user of the site, since  it was  first  established,  has been NL
Industries,  Inc.,  which  contributes  about  95  percent  of  the  total  annual
volume of waste  disposed  therein.   The only  other currently  active permittee
is Allied Chemical Corporation.  Du  Pont-Grasselli plant released  part of its
caustic  wastes  at  this  site  until  1975.  when  their entire waste, disposal
operations were moved by EPA to the 106-Mile Site.

   The effects  of  all  wastes released  into  the Apex  of  the  Bight,  including
those at the Acid  Site,  have been  extensively investigated  by the  NOAA-Marine
Ecosystems Analysis (MESA) Program,  New York Bight Project;  the  NOAA-National
Marine Fisheries Service  (NMFS),  Sandy  Hook  Laboratory;  and the  permittees
(Appendix B, Table B-l).  The site environment,  history of  ocean  disposal,  and
the  important   waste  constituents  are described in  Chapter  3.   Chapter 4
includes  a  description  of   the   environmental   consequences  of  acid  waste
disposal at this site.

PUBLIC HEALTH AND WATER QUALITY

   A winter  whiting  fishery  and some  lobster  fishing  are  conducted  near  the
site. During  some seasons,  bluefish appear to  be attracted  to  the  area,  so
there  is concern  that  disposal of  acid  wastes  may  adversely  affect  these
resources; however,  there  has been  no evidence  of  undesirable  effects.   The
wastes rapidly  disperse  through the water column and  are  neutralized  within
minutes  by the  tremendous  buffering  action  of  sea  water.   Biosssays  have
demonstrated that the acidity of the waste is  the  toxic component;  neutralized
wastes have low toxicity.

   There  is  a  visible  impact  of  one  waste type;  when  acid-iron  waatea  are
released,  the ferrous  sulfate  turns  the  water a distinctive  green  color,   As
the  ferrous  iron  oxidizes   to   ferric  hydroxide  (ruat),  the   eolor  turni
red-brown.   The waste  plume is distinguishable, aa much aa 41  houra  after a
disposal operation; however, there  are no apparent len|-terffl effeets  en  the
water quality.   Nonetheless,  thia  aeathetie  impact  may  be reapeaaible  f§*
attracting bluefish to the area.  When the site  wai  originally eh§e@a in 194S,
it was an  unproductive  fishing area.   Meatman  (19S8)  reported  that  the area
had  become popular  and,  in the  early  part   of the  e@aa§n,  bluefiih  were
                                     2-4

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abundant  at  the  site  and  the  area  was  heavily  used  by  sport  fishermen.
Recently (1978) charter boatmen  stated that  the overall effect on fishing was
harmful due to the waste plume drifting  outside  of  the  site.   The net effects
of the waste plume (beneficial or adverse) have not been determined.

ECOSYSTEM

   Effects  of  acid  waste  on  the   ecosystem  are  undetectable.    The  first
investigation of  the  area was  made  in 1948,  immediately before waste disposal
operations began.  Since then, studies have been periodically conducted and no
adverse  long-term effects  attributed  to  the  wastes   have  been detected  or
documented  (Appendix  D,  Table B-l,   p.  B~4).   The major reports  for  the  site
are by  Redfield  and Walford (1951),  Ketchum  et al.  (1958b,c), Westman (1958),
and  Vaccaro et  al.  (1972).   NL Industries  (1977)  has summarized  these  and
other  studies made of the  site in a document included  as part of their permit
application.

   Investigators  have  examined several  environmental features of the Acid Site
which  may have  been  affected by the waste.   Concerning  the  impacts  of  the
waste  on  the  biota,  the water quality, and the  sediment quality,  some  of  the
conclusions are:
          Vaccaro et al., 1972:
          -  "There is no indication of an increase in iron (the most abundant
             waste constituent) in sediments of the acid grounds over the past
             14 years.
          -  "Although the standing crop of zooplankton and numbers of benthic
             animals were  less on the acid grounds than  the  control area, we
             have been unable  to attribute these differences to acid waste.
          -  "A  phytoplankton toxicity  experiment  carried out  in  a  culture
             containing  a  10-4  concentration  of  acid  waste  in  seawater,  a
             concentration four times greater than that observed in the field,
             has no effect on  phytoplankton growth."
          Grice et al., 1973:
             "..laboratory  experiments  ...  [indicate]  the  mortality  of
             zooplankton caused by the release of  acid  waste  is negligible on
             adult copepod  populations  because  of  the very  few minutes  in
             which lethal  concentrations of  low pH  occur  immediately behind
             the barge.  The  iron  floe  which persists  in  the  acid grounds at
             great dilutions  does not affect  adult  copepods and probably does
             not affect their  developmental stages."
                                     2-5

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          Wiebe et al.,  1973:
             "...  In  the  laboratory  tests,  the  principal cause  of  copepod
             mortality appeared  to be the acidity of the waste  product rather
             than  some toxic component in  the  material.   Thus  the  laboratory
             experiments  suggest that  the  mortality of zooplankton  resulting
             from   acid  waste  discharge  is  negligible   because  potentially
             lethal concentrations  of low  pH  do not  persist  for  sufficient
             time  to  produce  a  noticeable  effect  in  the  field.   The  field
             observations  support  this conclusion... acid-waste discharges do
             not appear to have  a systematic effect on zooplankton numbers or
             biomass which  is  detectable...Longer  term effects on  develop-
             mental  stages  of  copepods  also  appear  negligible   since
             concentrations  of  acid  waste  required to inhibit  development do
             not occur for sufficient time  in  the receiving waters."
   The purpose of  monitoring  is to ensure  that  long-term adverse  impacts  do

not develop undetected, especially adverse  impacts  which are irreversible  or

irretrievable.    Monitoring  at   this  site  is  simplified  since  the  area  is
nearshore and  shallow,  yet difficult because  there are  so  many  contaminant

inputs  to  the  region (Appendix  C,  Tables  C-l  to   C-9).    However,   the

NOAA-MESA-New York  Bight  Project  has  coordinated  and   generated  many

investigations  in  the Bight, and  this  area  is  one  of  the best  understood
oceanic regions in  the world.   Although effects  of  acid waste  disposal  have

not been demonstrated, the  long  history of site-specific studies  provides  an
excellent base  from which  any  changes  could  be  detected.


     EPA  and  NASA  have   cooperated  in  programs  to  develop  remote  sensing

techhniques  (aircraft and  satellite flights) for monitoring.   Recent  dumpings
of acid-iron can  be located to  within  0.1  nmi and EPA can  determine if  the
operations conform to permit restrictions (Anderson and Mugler,  1978).  Other
work on remote sensing of acid  wastes determined  that  iron  concentrations  in
seawater can be estimated  using  these  techniques (Lewis,  1977),


   Emergency,   or   "short",  dumping  occurs when  the  waste  carrying vsssel

releases its load  before  reaching  the  designated disposal  ar«a.   iinet  Ehi
Acid Site is close to shore,  the probability of a  ghert dump  is  quiti  lew,
                                     2-6

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ECONOMICS

   For  the waste  generators  and  the  Federal  Government  the cost  of  waste
disposal  at  the Acid  Site  is  low.    This  section  examines  the  costs  of
transportation,  monitoring,  surveillance,  and  the  loss  of  other resources.

   In October  1977, NL  Industries,  the  primary  user  of  the site,  reported that
the  estimated cost  for barging  to  the existing  site  was  $1.84  million  per
year,  equal to  $2,900  per  trip  (estimated 640 trips).   Allied  Chemical  has
estimated  costs  at about  five times  NL Industries  cost.   For  12  trips  per
year,  the  cost  is about $170,000;  therefore,  the  estimated costs for  hauling
wastes  to   the  site  (including  tugs,  fuel, maintenance  and  associated  shore
facilities) are  about $2 million  per  year  for  the  two permittees.  The  effects
of  inflation   and  increased  fuel  costs  have  not  been  estimated;  however,  NL
Industries now  barges  less  frequently  to  the site.   This  estimate does  not
include other  costs associated with  permit  analytical requirements,  reporting,
and  alternative  studies  required by current  permit  conditions.   Site
monitoring costs are  discussed below.

   Rodman  (1977) reported  for  NL  Industries that a round  trip takes 12  hours;
timing  is  very important.  There  are  two drawbridges  between the waste  loading
dock and the  mouth of the  harbor,  and  the  barge can  only pass  at  certain times
and  under certain  tidal  conditions.     If  barging  operations  have  to  be
postponed, NL   Industries has adequate  storage  facilities  for temporarily
holding the wastes until barging  can  resume.

   Monitoring  costs are difficult  to  estimate  for  this  site; however,  the cost
to  the  Federal  Government is  low since monitoring  programs are required  for
the  other  ocean  disposal  sites in the Apex.  Monitoring costs are spread over
all  the sites.   The  Acid  Site is within the NOAA-MESA  sampling grid for trend
assessment surveys,  and this  grid would not  change if use of  the  site  were
discontinued.    The permittees are  required  to conduct a summer survey each
year  to evaluate  the   short-term  effects  of  the  waste.    These  surveys  cost
approximately  $17,000   each.    The  cost  is lower  for this  nearshore,  shallow
site than  it would be for  a  site  further offshore  in deeper  water.
                                      2-7

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   The program goal for USCG surveillance  at  industrial waste sites  is  75% of
all dumping operations.  Surveillance  at  the  Acid Site is effective  and costs
are relatively  low.   The  site  is within  the  normal cruising  range of  Coast
Guard ships  and  helicopters,  and  routine  surveillance can  be  conducted  with
only infrequent use of  shipriders.   Vessels assigned to surveillance missions
remain available for other, higher priority missions (e.g.,  rescue).

   There are  no  documented losses of  biological  or mineral  resources   in  the
Apex of the Bight  due  to acid  waste  discharges.  Potential mineral resources,
e.g., sand  and  gravel, may be  contaminated by other  waste  sources (dredged
material, sewage  sludge) but  are  unaffected  by acid waste.   Table 2-1  lists
the economically important  fish  and  shellfish   landed from  the  Bight.   Except
for  whiting,   important species  are  either   not  present  at  the  site,   not
affected by  acid wastes,  or  become contaminated  by other  sources,  such as
sewage  sludge.  A whiting  fishery exists  near  the  site  in  the  winter.   The
whiting  are   apparently unaffected  by the  waste.   Bluefish   appear   to  be
attracted to the site because of  the  iron  floe plume in the water:  "...it is
reported that  some fishes  tend  to  congregate   in  or near the  disposal area"
(Ketchum et al., 1958b).

                    USE OF ALTERNATIVE  EXISTING SITES

INTRODUCTION

   Eight  municipal  and industrial  waste disposal sites  (aside   from   the
proposed site) presently exist  in the mid-Atlantic  area  (Figure 2-2),   six in
the New York  Bight and  two near  Delaware Bay.   Only the  106-Mile Chemical
Waste Disposal Site is a viable alternative.
   The  other  interim  sites  were  not  considered   as   possible   alternative
locations  for  several  reasons:   Only  the Delaware  Bay Acid  Site  (inactive
since March 1977) has been used for acid waste  disposal.   The other  sites  are
for the disposal of construction debris (cellar dirt), wrecks, or  sewage
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           TABLE  2-1.   FISH AND  SHELLFISH LANDINGS BY STATES - 1974
Landings
Fish
Fluke
Menhaden
Scup
Whiting
Shellfish
Lobsters
Surf Clams
Scallops
New York
000 Ib

2,487
576
3,635
1,955

731
3,951
884
$000

846
18
852
250

1,396
719
1,158
New Jersey
000 Ib

3,499
107,307
6,040
7,022

1,191
22,657
344
$000

1,153
2,735
880
587

1,916
2,948
531
Total
000 Ib

5,986
107,883
9,675
8,977

1,922
26,608
1,228
$000

1,999
2,753
1,732
837

3,312
3,667
1,689
Note: Landings are shown in round  (live) weight except for clams, lobsters
(total meat), and scallops (edible meat).
Source:   Adapted from NOAA-NMFS, 1977a
sludge.   Combining  acid wastes  with  other materials  violates  the  tenet  of
segregating generic wastes by disposal  site.   Disposal of different types of
wastes at the same site could cause  problems such as:

     •    Synergistic  interactions  at  sites  where  the  wastes  are  not
          chemically inert.   The  effects  of the combined wastes might be worse
          than the sum effects of individual materials.  In 1974, EPA required
          that all  industrial chemical  wastes  dumped at  the  New  York Sewage
          Sludge  Site  be transported to  the 106-Mile  Site.

     •    Monitoring  would  be  more  difficult  since the  effects  of  the
          individual wastes would be extremely difficult to differentiate.
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                                                   LONG ISLAND SOUND
       1. DREDGED MATERIAL
       2. CELLAR DIRT
       3. SEWAGE SLUDGE
       4. ACID WASTES
       5. SEWAGE SLUDGE
       6 WRECKS
       7. WOOD INCINERATION
       8. CHEMICAL WASTES
       9. ACID WASTES
       10. SEWAGE SLUDGE
LONG ISLAND
       DELAWARE
       BAY
                                                                  50
                                                           NAUTICAL MILES
38° -
                 Figure 2-2.   Disposal  Sites in  the vnid-Atlantic Area
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     •    Some of these interim  sites have already experienced  adverse  impacts
          due to waste disposal  operations (e.g., New York Bight  Sewage  Sludge
          Site and Delaware  Bay  Sewage Sludge Site);   the  situation could  be
          aggravated by increasing  the  load  or changing the character of  part
          of the waste load.
     •    Increased traffic  to the nearshore  sites would increase navigational
          hazards  and  could  cause  logistic difficulties  in coordinating
          disposal operations.
   The  Delaware Bay  Acid  Site  (Figure  2-2,  v9)  was  not  considered  as  an
alternate  site  for  several  reasons:   (1)  it has been  inactive  since March  1977
and,  when sewage  sludge  disposal  ends  at a  nearby  site,  there will  be  no
anthropogenic  inputs  to the area,  (2)  the site  is more distant from New  York
Harbor  than  the  106-Mile  Site,  which  would  add  to  transportation  costs,
logistics  difficulties,  and fuel requirements,  and (3) if acid waste disposal
should  adversely affect the benthos  at  a shallow site, moving  the  disposal
operations  to  another shallow, coastal site would  not be logical, especially
when  a  very deep site  (106-Mile  Site) could be used.

   Consequently, the  other  disposal sites in  the mid-Atlantic region were not
considered acceptable  alternative  locations for acid  waste disposal.  Only the
106-Mile  Site  is considered here and  compared with  the Acid Site.

106-MILE CHEMICAL WASTE DISPOSAL SITE

   The  106-Mile Site  was established  in  1965  for  the  disposal of industrial
wastes  for which there were  no  suitable  land-based  disposal  methods.   It  is
106 nmi (196 km) southeast  of  Ambrose Light, New York and 90 nmi  (167 km)  east
                                                        2           2
of  Cape  Henlopen,  Delaware.  The   site  covers 400 nmi   (1,648   km )  on the
Continental  Slope   and  Continental  Rise   and  its  boundaries  are  38°40'N  to
39°00'N,  and 72°00'W  to 72°30'W.   Water depths at  the site range  from  1,440 m
in the  topographically rugged  northwest  corner  to 2,750 m  in the relatively
flat  southeast  corner.   An inactive  munitions waste disposal site is  located
within  the  site boundaries,  and  an  inactive  low-level   radioactive waste
disposal area is 5 nmi  (9 km)  due  south.
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   NOAA  assisted by  other government agencies and  academic  institutions, has
been studying this site  for  several  years and has published  survey results in
two  summary reports  (NOAA,  1975;  1977),  several  memoranda,  public  hearing
testimony,  and the annual  report  to Congress  (NOAA,  1978).   A private company,
under  contract  to the  permittees,  has  been monitoring  the site  for  several
years.  The permittees  have submitted the results of  these  monitoring cruises
to  EPA-Region  II (e.g.,  Hydroscience,  1978).   A  Draft Environmental  Impact
Statement on designation of  the 106-Mile Site has  been issued (EPA, 1979b).

PUBLIC HEALTH AND WATER QUALITY

   Waste  disposal  at  the  106-Mile  Site  will  not  directly  endanger  human
health.     This  site  is  not  located   in  a  commercially  or  recreationally
important  fishing or  shell fishing  area.   Although NOAA resource  assessment
surveys do  not  extend out to  the site,  it is known that the density of fish
eggs  and  larvae  is  low beyond the  edge  of  the Continental  Shelf.   Foreign
fishermen may  be near the  site in  the  late  winter  to early spring, but they
usually  catch   highly migratory  fish.    The probability  of  migratory  fish
remaining in the site and accumulating  toxic levels of  contaminants  from the
waste  is extremely unlikely.

   Navigational  hazards  due  to the use  of the site are  minimal.    Barges  can
use  the  Ambrose-Hudson  Canyon Traffic  Lane  for  most of  the  journey.    The
greatest danger  of  collision  is  in  the  Precautionary  Zone  through which  all
the vessel  traffic for  New York Harbor must  pass (Figure 3-10,  p.  3-22).  All
waste  barges will  pass  through  this  area,  irrespective   of  any  designated
disposal site.

ECOSYSTEM

   The short-term effects  of the  waste  will  be similar  to  those  observed at
the Acid Site.   Long-term adverse effects  are improbable, since  these  have not
been demonstrated for the Acid Site.  The  potential  for adverse  effects  on the
indigenous  biota and  existing  water  and  sediment quality, although remote, is
even less  at this site because the organism density  is much  lower  and  the site
is larger and  in deeper water.   The natural  variability of the water  at the
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site,  caused by  the  interactions  of  three different  water  masses,  causes
greater  changes  in  the  biotic  assemblages  of  the  site   than   acid  waste
disposal.   Consequently,  only immediate,  short-term  (minutes)  changes can be
related to the wastes (Chapter 3).

   Monitoring at a  site off  the  Continental  Shelf is  much more difficult  than
at a shallower, inshore site.  NOAA (1977) observed:

          "In  the  case  of  the  106-Mile  Site,  this  situation   [the
         difficulty  of  measuring and predicting  the  effects of waste
         disposal]  is further complicated by the  interactions of major
         water  masses,  Shelf  Water,   Slope  Water,  and  Gulf  Stream
         eddies.  The  [site]  is a complex oceanographic area in which
         to  assess  natural  environmental conditions and the impact of
         man's activities upon those conditions."

   Long-term impacts would be nearly impossible to document, since  potentially
affected animals  will  probably  have  moved out of  the  area,  either carried by
currents (plankton)  or actively  swimming (nekton).

   The  use  of  a distant  offshore site  causes increased  risks  of  emergencies
and  short  dumping.   The  effects of  a short dump of waste  materials  would
depend  upon  the location  of  the  dump, and  particularly water depth. Since  acid
wastes  are  liquid and are rapidly diluted  after  discharge,  a single cargo of
dumped  waste would  cause local,  immediate  acute  effects,  but  no long-term
effects.   If emergency disposal is  necessary;  during  inclement  weather,  the
effects would be mitigated by the rapid  dilution  caused by storm turbulence.

ECONOMICS

   NL  Industries  estimated  operating costs  to  barge  to  the  106-Mile  Site at
$9.25 million  per  year.   This  is about $14,500  per trip, or about five times
more expensive than  present  costs.  Assuming that Allied  Chemical's costs  also
increase five  times, their  annual  expense  would be $850,000,  and the total
cost would  be  about $10.1 million.   This estimate may be  low.   EPA (1978a)
estimated that the cost of hauling sewage  sludge  to the 106-Mile Sewage Sludge
Site would  be  from 6.4 to 8  times  more expensive  than  to the 12-Mile Sludge
                                     2-13

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Site.  Assuming  that  a  similar  relationship exists  for  acid  wastes, the  cost
for  hauling  acid wastes  to  the  106-Mile  Site would  be from  $12.8 to $16.0
million annually.

   Logistically,  the  use  of this  site  would  be  extremely difficult for  the
primary waste  generator.   NL  Industries,   Inc.,  submitted a  report (Rodman,
1977)  to EPA-Region II  concerning the problems of moving  out  to the 106-Mile
Site.   The  barge round trip transit  time would  increase from 12 to  38 hours.
Barging  from  the present  loading  dock  would  be  unfeasible due to  increased
travel  time,  higher  probability  of  weather delays,  the requirement to  pass
through  two  drawbridges   during  certain  tidal  conditions,  and  a  need   for
increased temporary  land  storage facilities.  NL  Industries  investigated  the
possibility of  building new loading  facilities below  the  drawbridges and  did
not  believe  that  the required construction  permits could  be  obtained,
especially  since the  facility would  be  located  in  a  wetlands  area.   If  the
permits were granted, the estimated capital costs would be $30 million.

   The  cost  of  monitoring the 106-Mile Site  is  high compared  to other areas
due  to the  complexity  of  the  environment   and distance  from shore.   NOAA is
responsible for  assessing  long-term  changes through  biological  monitoring.  A
cost  of  $1  million  per  year   has   been  estimated  for conducting baseline
surveys,  two  of  which  have  been completed (Breidenbach,  1977).   The  Ocean
Pulse  Program,  based  at the National Marine Fisheries  Service  Laboratory at
Sandy  Hook,  New Jersey,  monitors  the  entire  mid-Atlantic,   including   the
106-Mile Site.   The cost  to  permittees  for  a monitoring program  is  also high,
due  to the site's distant location.   These  costs  would be moderately  increased
if acid wastes were released at  the  site;  however,  the bulk of  the monitoring
costs are due to  ship time and crew costs.

Surveillance Costs

   The current Coast Guard Instruction regarding  surveillance  and enforcement
of ocean disposal sites (Commandant  Instruction 16470.2B,  dated 29  September
1976)  requires  75% surveillance  of chemical  waste  disposal operations.
Surveillance activities include  a shiprider aboard  the  vessel  to observe  the
disposal operation, with  random  spot checking before the  barge leaves port,
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and checking  the vessel  log  for  departure and arrival times.  The  Coast  Guard
presently  assigns  several  full-time personnel to the surveillance  of  disposal
activities in  the Bight, including  the  106-Mile  Site.

   Shipriders  are presently  the  only  effective on-site  surveillance method for
the  106-Mile  Site.    In  1978,  7,247  man-hours were  expended  in  providing
shiprider  surveillance,  excluding  the  time that  shipriders  were  awaiting
departure  due to delays  caused  by mechanical  failures or  weather and  tidal
conditions (Schubert,  1979).  Since the Acid Site is in the Apex of the  Bight
and within the normal  range  of Coast  Guard ships and aircraft,  shipriders are
not normally  used.

   Surveillance  of acid waste disposal  activities  at  the  106-Mile  Site  would
represent  a  significant,  additional  requirement  for  personnel, particularly
since ML Industries  barges wastes  at  least  daily.  Assuming  400  trips  per year
to  the  site,  surveillance of approximately 300  disposal  operations would  be
required.

Loss of Biotic or Mineral  Resources

   Only  fluke and  lobster may be present at  or  near  the  site, where  they may
be  affected  by  the  waste  materials.    (Table 2-1  lists the  most economically
important  finfish and  shellfish  in  the mid-Atlantic  Bight.)   Since  liquid
wastes  would be diluted  and dispersed in  the water  column  and not reach the
bottom  at  this  deepwater site,  stocks  would  not  be  adversely  affected  by
disposal operations.   Almost all U.S. fishing activities are  located  over the
Shelf, ana would not be directly affected  by  the  wastes.   Foreign  ships  fish
along the  edge of the  Continental Shelf from Georges  Bank  to Cape  Hatteras,
especially during the  late winter  and early spring; however,  the  site  is  not a
uniquely  productive   location for  foreign  fishermen,  and  does  not  obstruct
migration routes of  commercially valuable species.  Therefore,  the  probability
of fish  stocks accumulating toxic  levels  of  waste  constituents is  extremely
low.

   Oil and  gas  development  is  possible  near the  site (Figure 3-9).    Waste
disposal would  neither  interfere with drilling  operations  nor with oil  field
development.    The  only  navigational hazard would be  due  to  the barge  traffic
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to and from the site.  To date, there  has  been no known lost  income  resulting
from  existing  disposal operations  at  the  106-Mile  Site,  and if acid  wastes
were also released there, it does  not appear that income or resources  would  be
adversley affected.

OVERALL COMPARISON WITH THE ACID SITE

   There  would  not  be significant  adverse environmental  effects  from  acid
waste  disposal  at the  106-Mile Site.     Effects  on public  health and  water
quality  are  minimal  and  effects  on  the ecosystem  would   be  limited   to
short-term  changes.   However,  an  increase  in monitoring  activities  would  be
required, and the  probability of short dumping is greater because the  site  is
so distant  from New York Harbor.

   The economic impact of moving waste disposal  to  this site  would be  severe.
Barging  costs  would  increase  five  to  eight  times  over  present  levels and
barging may not  be feasible  for the dominant waste  generator.  Surveillance
requirements  by  the  Coast  Guard  would   increase   substantially  since
surveillance  would be  required for approximately  300  barge trips  a  year.
Shipriders  would be required  frequently,  whereas they are used infrequently  at
the Acid  Site.   If acid  wastes  are released at  this  site,  the probability  of
biological  or mineral resource losses is  low.

                              USE  OF NEW SITES

   In  addition to  the  use of an existing  interim disposal site,  new  sites  on
or off  the  Continental Shelf are   alternatives  to disposal at the  Acid  Site.
The area  under consideration is the New York  Bight  and the Continental  Slope
along  the eastern  edge of the Bight.  A feasible alternative site for  ocean
disposal  must  meet  the  criteria   for  "selection  of  ocean  disposal  sites"
(Sections 228.5  and  228.6 of  the  Ocean  Dumping Regulations).   The  criteria
require that the  site must not:  (1) conflict with other uses of the area,  such
as resource development or commercial fisheries, and (2) endanger human health
or amenities.  If possible,  the site should be located within  the range of the
present  fleet  of  waste  disposal  vessels  in  order  to  make  ocean   disposal
economically feasible.
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LOCATIONS ON THE CONTINENTAL SHELF

   The New York Bight  is one of  the busiest coastal and oceanic regions in the
world.    Activities  include  extensive  commercial  shipping,  fishing,  shell-
fishing,  recreation, resource development, and waste disposal.  In  selecting a
site  within  the  Bight for  ocean waste disposal,  other activities in the area
must  be  evaluated  for  potential  effects  on disposal operations and vice versa.
In  addition,  adequate  background environmental information on the area should
be  collected,  so  that  potential  effects  of waste disposal  can be  predicted.

    Most  of  the survey  work in the Bight has centered  around existing disposal
sites; however,  two  candidate  areas for sewage sludge disposal,   the so-called
Northern and  Southern  Areas,  have been extensively studied.  These areas were
selected for  study  by .NOAA,  partly  to  avoid  conflict  with  living  marine
                            v
resources (NOAA,   1976)  and are,  therefore,  the most reasonable alternative
locations for  acid waste disposal.  Within the greater areas suggested by NOAA
for consideration, two smaller  areas  were studied in  detail and  are discussed
below.

    The  Northern  and  Southern areas  are  representative  of  the  marine
environment  on the Continental  Shelf  off  New  Jersey  (Southern area) and Long
Island (Northern  area).   If another location were evaluated as an  alternative
site,, the same considerations discussed  below would  be  valid.   The advantage
in  considering these particular  areas is that surveys have been  completed and
 site-specific  data  are  available.   If  another  location  were chosen for acid
waste disposal,  predisposal surveys would  be  required.

SOUTHERN AREA

Public Health  and Water  Quality

    The  Southern  Area is  adjacent  to  commercially exploitable  shellfish
resources.   Surf  clams and ocean quahogs are numerous  in  and shoreward  of this
area, and  sea scallops  are  present,  but  abundance   estimates  were  not made
(EPA, 1978a).
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   Since other  contaminant  inputs do not  exist  in this area,  there is a risk
(although  low)  that  the bivalves  may concentrate  contaminants  from  the acid
wastes.  Preliminary work by Pesch et al.  (1977)  indicated that the tissues of
sea  scallops  accumulated  vanadium  from  acid wastes  released  by  Du Pont-Edge
Moor at  the Delaware Bay Acid  Waste Site.   However,  other metals  present  in
high concentrations  in  the waste  (e.g.,   iron, manganese, and  titanium)  were
not  accumulated by  the  animals.   Simpson  (1979), working with other bivalves
(mussels),  found that the uptake and  loss  of  trace  metals  varied with the body
weight of  the animal and the phase of its  reproductive  cycle.   Additional work
is needed  to  establish  if benthic  organisms  can  accumulate  contaminants  from
these  liquid wastes.

   Since  the  site  is  not  visited  by  sport  fishermen due  to  distance  from
shore, the undesireable visual  effect  of temporarily  discolored water
resulting  from  the  release  of  acid-iron wastes  would  not  be  noticed  at  this
site;  however,  if bluefish  are  attracted  to the waste  plume,  the sportfishing
value  would be lost.   In  addition, if  other pelagic fish  avoid the  waste
plume, these pelagic fisheries  could be adversely affected.

Ecosystem

   The  short-term  effects  of acid  waste   on  the  water column biota would  be
similar to changes  already  documented for  the  Acid Site  (i.e.,  minor  effects
on the plankton,  but no  irreversible changes).   As noted  above,  there  is a
small  possibility of changes in benthic populations due to waste constituents.
These  changes would be simple to detect, since the  site is outside the  Apex  of
the Bight where multiple contaminant inputs exist.
   Monitoring would  require  an  additional  program  since  none  of  the  existing
surveys concentrates on the area.  Due to  the existence of the NOAA data based
on predisposal conditions in the  Southern  Area,  monitoring  is  feasible.   This
site   is  outside  the  heavily  contaminated  Bight  Apex,  and there  are  no
contaminants  from  other  sources.   Thus  detecting  changes  caused by  waste
disposal at the site would be simplified.
                                     2-18

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Economics

   The  economic  consequences of moving  acid  waste disposal  to  this area  are
important.   Neither  permittee has  estimated the  costs of  using  this  area.
However, EPA (1978a)  estimated  that  the  cost  of hauling sewage sludge  to  this
area would  be  3.2 to 4  times  more expensive  than  the  cost  of hauling to  the
existing 12-Mile  Site.   Assuming  that the same relationship  is valid  for  acid
wastes, the cost  for  hauling acid  wastes  to the Southern Area would  range  from
$6.4 to $8 million  per  year.  For NL Industries,  logistic difficulties due  to
using  a more distant  site  (as  for  the 106-Mile Site), are  increased.   If  ocean
disposal  is not  feasible,  the  company would have  to  find alternative  treatment
methods.   According to  reports submitted  to  EPA-Region II in compliance with
previous  interim permits,   land-based  alternatives are  less environmentally
preferable  and economically unfeasible for the large volumes of waste liquid
generated  by  NL  Industries  (NL  Industries   1975a,  1975b,   1975c  1977;
Ryckman/Edgerly/Tomlinson  and  Associates,  1977).

   Monitoring  costs  would   increase  at  this  site.   The cost  to  the waste
generators  would probably  be  about the  same as  existing   costs,  since  the
short-term  effects  of  the  waste  would be  similar.   NOAA, however,  would  be
required  to establish additional  surveys  in the site to  evaluate the  long-term
biological  effects  of waste  disposal.

   Surveillance  costs and difficulties  would increase   at  this  site.   It  is
located beyond the  normal operating  range  of Coast Guard 82-foot and  95-foot
patrol  boats  and helicopters  normally  used for  surveillance,  so  multiple
missions  are  not possible.  As  for  the 106-Mile  Site,   the much higher number
of barge  trips would  require shipriders.   The overall  time would be  less  than
at the 106-Mile  Site since  the  transit time  is  less to this site.    However,
the use of shipriders for  acid waste would be a new requirement for  the  Coast
Guard.

   The  possible  loss  of biotic resources  is  probably  the most important  cost
of using  this  site.   As  shown  in Table  2-1,  economically   important  finfish
(scup  and whiting) and  shellfish  (lobster,  surf clams,  and scallops)  are  found
in the area.  The site  contains an important  and  established  fishery  resource.
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Ocean quahogs, shellfish which may be exploited in the future, are abundant in
the  area  (EPA,  1978a).   The  area  is shallow  so  that  wastes  may  reach the
bottom  and  shellfish  may  be  contaminated.    Finfish  may  avoid  the   area;
consequently, use  of  this  site  could  cause  a significant  adverse economic
impact  on  these living  resources.    The  potential economic  impact  c.annot be
quantified  because  the actual amounts of fish and  shellfish taken from the
area are unknown.

   Use  of  the Southern Area would not affect  sand and  gravel  deposits  which
could  be  mined in  the site vicinity, since  the  wastes  are  not sufficiently
toxic  to  require  decontamination of the  mined  materials.   Barging  operations
should not   interfere with  exploration  and development  of  oil and gas
resources.

Overall Comparison with the Acid Site

   The  possible effects on the areas of public health and water quality and on
the  ecosystem are much higher at a site in the Southern Area.  Since there are
no other  contaminant inputs to  the  area,  existing  resources are not adversely
affected.    The  possibility  of  acid  waste  constituents  contaminating
economically  important  resources  does  exist.   Use  of  this   area is  less
economically  desirable.    The  transportation  costs  to  the  waste  generators
would  increase 3.2 to 4 times, as would both monitoring and surveillance  costs
to the Federal Government.

NORTHERN AREA

Public Health and Water Quality

   Minimal or no effects on public health  and  water  quality would be expected
as a result of acid waste  disposal  at this  site.   Although  surf clams, sea
scallops,  and  ocean   quahogs  are  present  in  the  vicinity,  commercial
possibilities  are  probably   less  than  in  the  Southern  Area   (EPA  1978a).
Aesthetically, the effects of waste disposal should be minimal, the  same  as in
the Southern Area.
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Ecosystem

   Since the  oceanographic  features of the  two  areas  are similar, effects  on
the ecosystem would be similar to  those in  the Southern Area,  i.e., short-term
effects  on  the  water with  the possibility  of waste constituents  accumulating
in the  sediments  or benthic organisms.   NOAA would be required to initiate  a
new  long-term monitoring  program  in  addition  to  those  already  planned  for
other sites.  If  sewage  sludge were released at the Alternative Sewage  Sludge
Site '(Figure 2-2,  7f5)  it  would  be  difficult  to  differentiate  between  the
effects  of  acid waste  and sludge contaminants.

Economics

   The  Northern  Area  is  almost  the  same as the  Southern Area as  to  trans-
portation  costs,  the  logistics  difficulties related to  a more distant  site,
and monitoring  and surveillance costs.   These  costs would  be higher  for  the
permittees  and  the Federal  Government.   Although  the  Northern Area is  within
the normal  distribution  of  surf  clams, they  are  not abundant at the site.   The
density  of  sea scallops  is  not known, but ocean  quahogs are  abundant,  and acid
waste  disposal  could possibly  interfere  with  the  development  of  these
potentially valuable marine resources.  This adverse effect would  be mitigated
because  the  net   dispersive   flow appears   to  be  offshore,   away  from  the
Continental Shelf  (EPA,  1978).

   Ocean  disposal  at  a  site   in  the  Northern Area  would not  interfere with
development  of mineral   resources.   It  is approximately  60  nmi   (110  km)
northeast  of the  oil  and  gas  lease  tracts  identified   on  the   mid-Atlantic
Shelf.   Acid waste  disposal  could   not  possibly  interfere  with  petroleum
exploration or development  located  near the  Southern Area.

Overall Comparison with  the Acid Site

   There  are  few  economic  resources  in  the  Northern  Area,   thus  it   is
preferable  to the  Southern  Area.   The effects  on  the ecosystem  would  be
similar  to  those  predicted  for the Southern Area  and  potentially more  severe
than the documented effects at the  Acid Site.
                                     2-21

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   Economic considerations make  use of the Southern  Area much less  desirable
than continued use of  the Acid  Site.   Hauling  costs  for  the permittees  would
increase  3.2  to  4  times,  thus  ocean disposal  may  not  be possible  for  NL
Industries,  which generates  the  largest  volume  of  wastes  requiring  ocean
disposal.   Monitoring  and  surveillance costs to  the  Federal Government  would
increase.

LOCATIONS OFF THE CONTINENTAL SHELF

   Information on  the  mid-Atlantic Continental  Slope  and  Continental Rise  is
lacking  (TR1GOM,  1976).  The  106-Mile Site is located at  the closest point  to
New York Harbor  beyond  the  Continental Shelf  (Figure 2-1).   Due  north of  the
site  is  the Hudson Canyon,  a major migratory route  for fish entering  the New
York  Bight. (See  Chapter  3.)    Waste disposal  nearer  the Canyon  would  be
environmentally  unacceptable,  primarily  because migrating organisms  could
accumulate  toxic constituents  of the  waste, and become a potential  health
hazard to humans consuming infected animals.

   Little background environmental information exists for  the Slope beyond  the
106-Mile  Site.    The  environment  immediately southwest  of  the  106-Mile Site
along  the Continental  Slope  is  also  unknown.  Designating  a  site  for  waste
disposal  in that area would require extensive baseline survey work.

   There  are no  data  indicating  that  the 106-Mile Site is located on or near
an especially unique portion of the Shelf.  The same physical processes affect
this  entire  region and  the  benthos  is  fairly  uniform over great horizontal
distances at  these depths.    Other localities,  further northeast or south  of
the 106-Mile Site, would add  considerably  to  the  round trip time  and distance
without  any  clear environmental  benefit.   In addition,  the increased travel
time  increases  the  probability  of emergencies  and  thus  increases the
probability of short dumps.

   If a site off the Shelf is used  for acid waste disposal,  the  106-Mile Site
is the best  alternative  for a number  of reasons.  Unlike other areas off the
mid-Atlantic Shelf,  the  106-Mile  Site  has  been  studied  extensively,   thus
                                     2-22

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adequate  information  exists  for  projecting  effects  of disposal  activities.
Use  of  any other  Continental Slope  site  would require extensive new  survey
work to produce as much data as are presently available for the 106-Mile Site.
The  site   is  on  the  portion  of  the  Continental  Slope closest  to  New  York
Harbor, and  highly accessible to  potential  users  of the  site.   Finally,  no
environmental advantage would be gained by choosing another off-Shelf location
over the 106-Mile Site.

SUMMARY

   Several  alternative  locations  on  and  off  the Continental Shelf  have  been
evaluated  as potential disposal sites.  A number of features of the Acid Waste
Site make  it the most desirable location among all  alternatives examined:

     •     It conforms  to  the  Ocean  Dumping Regulations'  recommendation  to  use
           either  historical sites or  sites  off  the  Continental  Shelf whenever
           feasible.

     •     It has been studied extensively for more  than 30  years.

     •     Only  minor,  short-term,  adverse environmental  changes  and  no
           long-term  effects  caused  by   acid waste  disposal  have been
           demonstrated at the site.

     •     Moving  acid  waste  disposal  from the  New  York Bight Apex  would  not
           create a measurable environmental benefit, nor would areas  closed  to
           shellfishing be reopened.

     •    The site is convenient to New York Harbor.

   Considering all  reasonable  alternatives  to  the  proposed  action,  the
designation of  the New  York Bight Acid Waste Disposal  Site  for continued  use
is the most favorable alternative.  Although  there  are  risks  involved  in  this
action,  the environmental risk of  waste disposal at this site is considered  to
be less serious than the  risk  of  disposing of wastes at a  different location
on or off  the Continental Shelf (Chapter 4).   If subsequent monitoring  of  the
                                     2-23

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site shows  that  adverse  effects resulting  from  the wastes are greater  than

anticipated, EPA  may  discontinue or modify use  of  the  site  in  accordance  with

Section 228.11  of the Ocean Dumping Regulations.


   Table 2-2 summarizes a  comparative  evaluation  of the possible  effects  of

acid wastes  at the  four  alternate  sites  and  outlines  the effects on  three

major components:   (1)  public health and water quality; (2)  ecosystem,  and (3)

economics.


           DETAILED BASIS FOR SELECTION  OF THE PROPOSED SITE


   Part 22S of the Ocean  Dumping  Regulations  and Criteria describes  general

and  specific  criteria  for selection  of sites  to be  used for  ocean waste
disposal.    In  brief, the  general  criteria  state  that  site locations will be

chosen:

         •    "...to minimize  the interference  of disposal  activities
             with other activities in the marine environment"

         •    "...[So]  temporary perturbations  in  water  quality   or
             other   environmental    conditions   during   initial
             mixing...can be expected to be  reduced to normal  ambient
             seawater  levels   or   to  undetectable   contaminant
             concentrations  or   effects  before  reaching  any   beach,
             shoreline, marine sanctuary  or  known geographically
             limited  fishery or shellfishery."

         •    "[site  sizes]  will be limited  in  order to  localize  for
             identification and control  any  immediate  adverse  impacts
             and  permit the implementation of effective monitoring  and
             surveillance  programs  to  prevent  adverse  long-range
             impacts."

         •    "EPA will, whenever  feasible,  designate  ocean  dumping
             sites beyond  the edge of  the Continental  Shelf and other
             such sites that have been historically used."



   The  New  York  Bight  Acid Waste Disposal  Site  satisfies all of the above
criteria.
                                    2-24

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TABLE 2-2.  SUMMARY EVALUATION OF ALTERNATIVE DISPOSAL SITES FOR ACID WASTES
AFFECTED COMPONENT
PUBLIC HEALTH &
WATER QUALITY
Commercial Fishing
Recreational Fishing
Navipational Hazards
Aesthetics
ECOSYSTEM
Biota
• Plankton
* Nekton
• Benthos
Water Quality
• Trace Metals
Sediment Quality
• Trace Metals
Monitoring
Short Dumping
•
NORTHERN AREA SITE
None to very slight short-
term potential effects.
No effects as commercial
stocks either do not exist
(shellfish) or are not
unique (finfish) to the
area.
No effects as the site is
beyond the normal range of
most fishermen.
Very slight potential
effects as site is further
from shore.
No effects as area is not
frequented.
Slight potential effects.
Very slight toxic effects
when waste released. None
to very slight potential
for modifying the population
structure.
Very slight potential for
uptake of waste contaminants.
Moderate potential for
modifying the population
structure or contaminant
uptake.
Slight short-term increase
of concentrations.
Slight potential for
detectable accumulation .
No difficulty in following
short-term changes.
Slight short-term effects
along the Nantucket
Navigational Lane .
NEW YORK BIGHT
ACID WASTE SITE
None to very slight short-
term potential effects.
No effects documented after
30 years of disposal activi-
ties.
Slight effects.
Very slight potential effects
as site is located over part
of a traffic lane. No
increased hazard over present
practice.
Very slight effects when waste
is released. Discolored water
does not reach shore.
Very slight effects.
Very slight toxic effects
when waste released. None
to very slight potential for
modifying the population
structure.
Very slight potential for
uptake of waste contaminants.
Very slight potential for
further changes .
Slight short-term increase
of concentrations .
Very slight potential detect-
able accumulation. Cannot
distinguish from other waste
sources.
No difficulty in following
short-term changes.
Very slight short-term
effects in the Precautionary
Zone .
SOUTHERN AREA SITE
Slight potential effects.
Slight potential for contam-
ination of exploitable
resources .
No effects as the site is
beyond the range of most
fishermen .
Slight potential effects as
site is further from shore
and potential resource
development in area.
No effects as area is not
frequented .
Slight potential effects.
Very slight toxic effects
when waste released. None
to very slight potential
for modifying the population
structure .
Very slight potential for
uptake of waste contaminants.
Moderate potential for
modifying the population
structure or contaminant
uptake.
Slight short-term increase
of concentrations .
Slight potential for
detectable accumulation.
No difficulty in following
short-term changes.
Slight short-term effects
along the Hudson Canyon
Navigational Lane .
106-MILE
CHEMICAL WASTE SITE
None to very slight short-
term potential effects.
No effects as exploitable
resources are not found
in this area.
No effects as the site is
well beyond the range of
fishermen.
Moderate potential effects
as site is much further from
shore.
No effects as area is not
frequented.
Very slight potential effects
Very slight toxic effects
when waste released. None
to very slight potential for
modifying the population
structure.
Very slight potential for
uptake of waste contaminants.
No potential for bottom
effects .
Slight short— term increase
of concentrations .
No potential for detectable
accumulation .
Very slight difficulty in
following short-term changes.
Slight short-term effects.
More probable occurrence as
site Is so far from shore".

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           TABLE  2-2.  (Continued)
              AFFECTED  COMPONENT
                                          NORTHERN AREA SITE
                                                                          NEW YORK BIGHT
                                                                          ACID WASTE SITE
                                                                                                          SOUTHERN AREA SITE
                                                                                                                              106-MILE
                                                                                                                         CHEMICAL WASTE  SITE
Si

NS
             ECONOMICS
             Transportation
             Costs
                 Logistics
Energy
Requirements
             Monitoring


             Surveillance



             Loss of Resources

              •  Fisheries



              *  Mineral Resources
                                     Slight to moderate increase
                                     in effects over present
                                     practice.
                                                    Present practice.  Very
                                                    slight effects .
                                                                Moderate increase in effects
                                                                over present practice.
                                                                Moderate to severe increase
                                                                in effects over present
                                                                practice .
                    Moderate increase over
                    present practice .

                    Moderate difficulty due  to
                    increased barging distance
                    and location of loading
                    facilities.
Moderate increase over
current requirements .

Increased effort as site
is further from shore.

Moderate difficulty as site
is outside range of normal
Coast Guard activities.
                    No  loss  of  non-commercial
                    resources.
                                     No  potential  resources
                                     identified.
                                                                    No increase in costs .
                                No difficulty over current
                                practices .
No increase over current
requirements.

No increased effort over
current requirements.

No difficulties as site is
well within range of normal
Coast Guard activities -
                                Very slight  effects  on recrea-
                                tional fishing.  No  loss of
                                commercial resources.

                                Resources contaminated by
                                other waste  sources .
                                Moderate increase over
                                present practice .

                                Moderate difficulty due to
                                increased barging distance
                                and  location of loading
                                facilities.
Moderate increase over
current requirements .

Increased effort as site is
further from shore.

Moderate difficulty as site
is outside range of normal
Coast Guard activities .
                                 Slight  potential  loss  of
                                 commercial resources .
                                                                                    Very slight change of loss
                                                                                    of potential resources•
                                Large increase over present
                                practice .

                                Severe difficulty due to much
                                increased  barging distance
                                and location of loading
                                facilities.
                                                                                                                    Large increase over  current
                                                                                                                    requirements.

                                                                                                                    Substantially  increased effort
                                                                                                                    as site is  much further from
                                                                                                                    shore.
                                                                                                                    Moderate difficulty  as  site  Is
                                                                                                                    well outside range of normal
                                                                                                                    Coast Guard activities.
                                No loss of commercial or
                                recreational resources.
                                                                No  potential resources
                                                                identified.

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   Eleven specific  site  selection criteria are  presented  in Section 228.6  of
the Ocean Dumping  Regulations.   The  following  eleven subsections consolidate
the information  for the Acid  Site and  show  that the site  complies with  the
eleven  site   selection  criteria.    Additional   information  is  in  Chapter 3
(Affected Environment) and Chapter 4  (Environmental Consequences).

GEOGRAPHICAL POSITION. DEPTH OF WATER.
BOTTOM TOPOGRAPHY AND DISTANCE FROM COAST

   The New York Bight Acid Waste  Site is on the Continental  Shelf at the Apex
of the  New York  Bight.   (Figure  2-1.)   Its coordinates are latitudes 40°16'N
to 40°20'N and longitudes 73°36'W  to  73°40'W.   The water depth averages 25.6 m
(84 ft)  and  ranges from 22.6 to  28.3 m (74 to  93  ft).   The site is approxi-
mately  15 nmi south of Long Beach,  Long Island and  east  of Long Branch,  New
Jersey.

LOCATION IN RELATION TO BREEDING.  SPAWNING. NURSERY.  FEEDING.
OR PASSAGE AREAS OF LIVING RESOURCES  IN ADULT OR JUVENILE PHASES

   All  of the above activities occur  throughout  the entire coastal area of  the
mid-Atlantic  Bight. The  site  is  not  uniquely important for  any species and no
stage  in  the  life  history of valuable  organisms occurs primarily  at  or near
the Acid  Site.    The  site  is  just  north  of the  Hudson  Canyon,  which  is an
important migratory route  for  some animals.  However,  studies  have not  shown
that  aqueous  acid  wastes  affect  the benthos;  conditions  in the  Canyon  are
primarily  affected by  ocean  disposal   activities  at other sites  and   shore
contaminant inputs.

LOCATION IN RELATION TO BEACHES AND OTHER AMENITY AREAS

   The distance from the site to  the  shore  precludes  the possibility of danger
to beaches or other amenity areas.   Swanson (1977), Manager  of the NOAA-MESA -
New York Bight Project,  stated that, "...we  have no evidence to suggest  that
waste  materials from the Apex Acid Waste Dumpsite have reached shore".
                                     2-27

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TYPES AND QUANTITIES OF WASTES PROPOSED TO BE DISPOSED OF.  AND PROPOSED
METHODS OF RELEASE. INCLUDING METHODS OF "PACKING  THE  WASTE. IF ANY

   Wastes released at the site must meet  the EPA  environmental impact criteria
specified  in the  Ocean  Dumping Regulations  and  Criteria,  Part  227  Subparts
B,D,  and  E.   In all cases,  in  accordance with  Part 227 Subpart  C,  a need for
ocean  disposal  must be  demonstrated before  issuance  of  a permit.   At  this
time,  permit applications from compa ies  not  presently (1979)  barging  wastes
to  the ocean  are not anticipated.

    All wastes expected  to be released following final  site  designation will be
aqueous  acid wastes transported  by vessels.   The wastes  will  be  discharged
below the  surface  into  the vessel's  wake.   None of the wastes  are proposed to
be  containerized or packaged in any way.

FEASIBILITY  OF SURVEILLANCE  AND MONITORING

    Both  surveillance and  monitoring activities are quite  simple  at  the  site.
The  site  is  close to shore  and  well  within the  areas regularly  patrolled  by
the  Coast Guard  with  82-  and  95-ft patrol  boats.   The   site  is within  the
patrol range  (25 miles  from  shore) of the Coast Guard's HH-52A helicopter,

    The  New York  Bight  has  been  extensively  studied  by  researchers  from  the
EPA,  NOAA,  universities,  industries,  and  others.   One goal  of  the  NOAA-MESA
project is to develop waste  management plans and monitoring strategies for the
Bight  (MESA, 1977).    The   existing  monitoring  plan  for   the   Acid  Site  is
presented in Appendix E.
DISPERSAL. HORIZONTAL TRANSPORT AND VERTICAL MIXING CHARACTERISTICS
OF THE AREA. INCLUDING PREVAILING CURRENT DIRECTION AND VELOCITY

   The  physical  oceanographic  features  of thg  Aeid  Sits  ar§ ds§eribtd  in
detail in Appendixes A and B.  The waste bthavier  iffltnidiatsly after r§lsa§s is
discussed in Appendix D.
                                     2-28

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   Wastes  from  both  permittees  are  diluted  and dispersed  well  within  the
allowable 4-hour mixing  period.  Even  if  a direct  current  traveled from  the
site to  the  shore, the  concentration of the  most  abundant waste  constituent
would be well  below ambient levels.   One  waste type  forms  an iron hydroxide
(rust)  floe which is persistent; a colored waste plume may be detectable  up to
48 hours after a disposal operation.

   Surface currents in  the  Bight often move in  an anticyclonic  (clockwise)
eddy around the Bight.   At  the site,  surface  and bottom currents  tend  to move
in northerly and westerly directions.  These directions, however,  are  neither
constant nor  predictable,  and  the details  of the circulation within the Apex
                             \
of the Bight have not been resolved.

EXISTENCE AND EFFECTS OF CURRENT AND  PREVIOUS  DISCHARGES
AND DUMPING IN THE AREA  (INCLUDING CUMULATIVE  EFFECTS)

   Numerous  studies have  failed  to   detect   significant,  long-term,   adverse
effects caused by the acid wastes at  this site.  Redfield and Walford's (1951)
conclusion is still valid:
         "Consideration  of  the general  rate  of  exchange  of  water
         between  the  New  York Bight  and the  adjacent parts  of the
         ocean make it  extremely unlikely that  the  quantity of waste
         discharged during more  than  a few days could be found in the
         region  at any  one  time.    No  evidence  has  appeared  which
         indicates  that  undesirable  effects  of any  sort  have arisen
         from these waste disposal operations."
INTERFERENCE WITH SHIPPING. FISHING. RECREATION. MINERAL EXTRACTION.
DESALINATION. FISH AND SHELLFISH CULTURE. AREAS OF SPECIAL SCIENTIFIC
IMPORTANCE. AND OTHER LEGITIMATE USES OF THE OCEAN;

   Mineral  extraction,  desalination, and  fish and  shellfish culture  do not
occur at or  near  the site.   The  site  is not  located  in  a unique area of the
Bight and  is not  an  area  of special  scientific  significance other  than the
evaluation  of acid  waste  disposal.   Although  the  site  is in  one  of the
outbound traffic lanes from New York Harbor,  the  disposal operations have not
interfered with shipping.   When  in the  traffic lane,  the barge moves parallel
to it;  otherwise,  it moves at right  angles to  the traffic.  In the 30 years  of
                                     2-29

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operations  at   the  site,  there  has  never  been  a  collision  of  a  waste-

discharging barge and another vessel,  although a collision did  occur in 1976

between a ship  and a barge bound for the 106-Mile Site  (P.  Anderson,  personal
             *
communication ).


   Recreational  fishermen  in both  private and  charter boats  use the  site.

Numerous  studies  have been  made on  the  effects of acid  waste disposal  on

finfish of the  area.  The conclusions of Ketchem et  al.  (1958),  that the waste

is nontoxic and  rapidly  diluted,  are still valid.   No  deleterious  effects  of

waste  disposal  on the plankton  populations  have beeen demonstrated  and,  in

fact, some fish may be attracted to  the area.


THE EXISTING WATER QUALITY AND ECOLOGY  OF THE  SITE AS DETERMINED

BY AVAILABLE DATA. BY TREND ASSESSMENT. OR  BASELINE  SURVEYS


   The large numbers of surveys made at or near  the  site have  been summarized

above, in  Chapter 4,  and  in Appendix B.  Adverse effects resulting from acid

waste disposal  have not  been documented.


   Both  NL Industries and Allied  Chemical   Corporation  have  evaluated  the

influences of  their respective wastes  on  the  existing water  quality  of  the

site  (ERCO, 1978a,b).  The wastes  of both industries  comply  with  the marine

water quality criteria for all constituent materials.   Concerning  the ecology
of the site, Swanson (1977) stated:


         "Hydrated,  iron   oxide  precipitates   from   acid  wastes  coat
         suspended  particles,   including  biota.    It  might   be
         suspected that coatings could  adversely affect some membrane
         transport functions.  No observational  evidence can be found
         to indicate any  effects on  biota  from such  coatings.   Surveys
         of benthic populations in the  immediate vicinity of the Apex
         Acid  Waste Dumpsite  have  not  demonstrated  an   observable
         impact of waste acid.  Such an observation  at  the  site would
         not be expected  for two  reasons:    first,  the  acid  waste
         materials do not accumulate in the sediments at the site;  and
         second,  any  impacts  would  be the   sum  of  all  activities
         affecting  the  site,  and  could  not  be attributed  to  acid
         wastes  alone.    Long-term,  sublethal,  toxic  effects  on
         organisms  at   and  near  the Apex  site  have  not been
         investigated."
* P. Anderson, Chief,  Marine Protection Branch,  EPA,  Region II,  Edison N.J,
                                     2-30

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   Swanson's last  statement  refers  to comprehensive,  in situ,  studies.
Vaccaro's group (Vaccaro et al., 1972;  Grice et al.,  1973;  Wiebe et  al.,  1973)
did investigate chronic effects of acid  waste  in  the  laboratory and  concluded
that biologically significant  effects  did  not occur.   If  adverse effects  due
to  waste disposal  are detected,  the Ocean  Dumping  Regulations  state  that
appropriate  mitigating measures  must  be  taken  ranging   from reducing  the
discharge  rate,   frequency  of  dumping,  or  annual  volume  to   relocating  the
disposal operations or prohibiting ocean disposal (40  CFR 228.11).

POTENTIAL FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OR RECRUITMENT OF NUISANCE  SPECIES
IN THE DISPOSAL SITE

   Based on  31 years  of disposal, it  can  be  stated  that acid  waste does  not
promote  or  attract nuisance  species  in  the  area.   Extensive  phytoplankton
blooms in the Bight which cause adverse effects, usually  result  from  an  excess
of nutrients combined with  anomalous physical  conditions (Sharp, 1976).  Acid
wastes do not contain constituents which promote phytoplankton  growth.

EXISTENCE AT. OR IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO. THE SITE OF ANY SIGNIFICANT
NATURAL OR CULTURAL FEATURES OF HISTORICAL IMPORTANCE

   No  such  features are  known to exist  at or near  the site.   The site  is
sufficiently distant from shore so that wastes do not  affect state or national
parks or beaches.

                    CONCLUSIONS AND PROPOSED ACTIONS

   EPA has  determined  that  the  interim  Acid Waste  Disposal  Site   should  be
placed in Impact  Category II.   This area  is  the  most preferred location  for
disposal of some  acid wastes generated in the Northeastern  United States.

   All future  use  of  the  Acid  Site  for  acid  waste  disposal must comply  with
the EPA  Ocean Dumping  Regulations  and Criteria,  a  requirement which  brings
disposal into compliance with the MPRSA and the Ocean  Dumping Convention.   EPA
                                     2-31

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determines  compliance  with  the  Regulations  on  an  individual  basis  during
evaluation  of  applications  for  disposal  permits.    General  guidelines  for
determining the acceptability of  wastes  proposed  for  release at the Acid  Site
follow.

TYPES OF WASTES

   Waste  materials  similar  to  those  previously released  at  the  site  are
acceptable  since  significant  adverse environmental effects  from these  wastes
have  not  been demonstrated.    If  adverse  effects   are  observed   in   later
monitoring, disposal must  be  altered (reduced or  stopped)  until such effects
cease  (Ocean Dumping Regulations,  Section 228.11).   Provisionally, industrial
wastes with the following characteristics may be released at the site:

     •    Aqueous acid wastes with low solid phase content
     •    Neutrally buoyant or slightly denser than seawater
     •    Low  toxicity  (after  neutralization)  to  representative  marine
          organisms
     •    Containing no materials prohibited by the MPRSA
     •    Limiting  permissible  concentration  for all  waste  constituents will
          not  be  exceeded  outside the disposal site  during  initial mixing (4
          hours)  nor  will  it  be  exceeded  anywhere  in the  environment after
          initial mixing.
   Essentially, these  are  liquid wastes  which  comply with  the Ocean Dumping
Regulations  concerning  environmental  impact,  need   for  ocean  disposal,   and
impact on aesthetic, recreational, economic, and other uses of  the ocean.

WASTE LOADINGS

   Since  cumulative  adverse  effects  of  past  waste  loading  have  not  been
demonstrated at the  site,  no upper  limit can be assigned beyond which adverse
effects could  occur.   The  maximal  historical  input,  about 5.45 million  tonnes
of  acid  wastes  in 1963,  did  not  cause observable  adverse effects.   It is
certain  that   historical average  volumes  are  acceptable  (about  2.3 million
tonnes  per  year).   Existing  (1979)  permits  allow a maximum  of  2.2 million
tonnes annually to  be  released  at the site.  However,  the  total annual  input

                                     2-32

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is not the critical element  in  evaluating the effects of waste  loading  at  the
site;  rather,  an  individual  barge  Toad  is  important  because  the   waste
constituents  do  not  accumulate, but  are  dispersed  below detectable  levels  by
currents.  The rate of release  of each waste  load must not  be  greater than  the
ability of the water  to  dilute  it to acceptable  levels  within a  short  period
of  time.    Compliance with  Section  227.8 of  the Ocean  Dumping  Regulations
(limiting permissible concentration)  should ensure  that  the marine environment
will not be adversely or irreversibly affected.

   The total  assimilative capacity  of the site or area is  not known  for these
wastes since  long-term adverse  effects  have not been demonstrated.   Since  the
current patterns  in the  Bight are highly  complex  and  have  large,  unpredictable
variations,  even  the short-term  (days)  transport  of  the  waste  cannot  be
predicted.  Therefore, estimating maximal seasonal  or  annual waste loadings  is
not  possible  at this  time.   Each  waste proposed  to  be released must  be
evaluated  individually  and  relative  to  other  waste  inputs,  for  dispersal
characteristics  and  input  of toxic  elements  to  the  Apex environment.   Waste
loadings  above the present  level may  be  permitted  as  long  as  the site  is
carefully  monitored   for  adverse effects.    However,  the  amount  of  material
released  in   each barge  load   must  not  be  greater  than  can  be  reduced   to
acceptable levels by  dispersal  and  dilution  at the  site.   The size  of barge
loads  and  release rates of  materials at  the site are  established by  EPA  to
satisfy this  objective.

DISPOSAL METHODS

   Present disposal techniques  are  acceptable and will be  required for  future
permittees.   The wastes  are transported  to the site in specially constructed
rubber-lined  barges.   Wastes  are discharged from 30-cm  diameter  underwater
ports  at  a  specified rate  while  the barge  is  under way  (5  to  7 kn).   The
turbulence created by the  wake  of the barge  causes immediate  dilution  of  the
waste  (from   1:250  to 1:1,800).   The  acid  is  neutralized by  the  buffering
action of seawater; pH changes  are detected only  occasionally  behind  the barge
and  rarely  exceed 0.2 pH  units below ambient  conditions,  even a  few minutes
after  discharge.   This  method  (or  another method  that  maximizes initial
dilution upon discharge) will be required for all  future disposal.
                                      2-33

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DISPOSAL SCHEDULES

   Since  only two  companies  are  using  the  site,  there have  not  been any
scheduling  problems.   Allied Chemical  Corporation makes  12 to  18  trips per
year  to  the site,  while NL Industries  barges  at  most twice  (usually once)  a
day.  Only  one barge  will  be  allowed  in the site during a 4-hour period. This
requirement prevents additional  hazards from shipping and the possibility that
conditions  within  the site would  still  show  the influences of  the previous
dump.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

   Current  permits have  ten  special  conditions,  which  will  remain  part  of
future permits issued for waste  disposal at the Acid Site:

      •    Special  Condition  1  is  the  time  period  the  permit  is   in  force.
          Current permittees are:

                    NL Industries,  Inc., April 10, 1979 to April 9,  1981

                    Allied Chemical Corp., April 10,  1979 to April 9, 1981

      •    Special  Condition 2  is  a  description  of  the  material  to be
          transported for  ocean dumping.   This condition  requires  quarterly
          reports  from both the  waste generator and waste  transporter  on the
          volumes of waste delivered or  transported.   Allowable volumes (1979)
          are:

                    NL Industries  -  not  to exceed  2,147,000 tonnes  per  year
                    (2,370,000 wet  tons) or  2,721,000 tonnes  (3,000,000 wet
                    tons)  during  the  term  of  the permit  of  liquid sulfuric
                    acid and gangue solids slurry.

                    Allied Chemical -  51,700 tonnes (57,000 wet tons) per year
                    of  by-product  hydrochloric  acid  generated  in  the
                    manufacture  of fluorocarbons.
                                     2-34

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•    Special Condition 3 specifies the disposal site.  Present permittees
     both release wastes at the New York Bight Acid Waste Disposal Site.

•    Special Condition 4  lists the barges  to  be used and  requires  that
     navigational  overlays of the dump  vessel's  trackline during  any
     disposal  operation  be  submitted  to  the  Coast  Guard.   The  waste
     transporter must notify  the  Captain  of the Port, U.S.  Coast Guard,
     of  his  departure  time   from the port   and  the  time  of  actual
     discharge.  Discharge rates are also indicated.  Current barges used
     are:

               NL  Industries:   MORAN 102 (633,000 gal capacity)
                               MORAN 108 (990,000 gal capacity)

               Allied Chemical:  AC-5  (456,000 gal capacity)

     Discharge rates are presently:

               NL  Industries:   100,000 gal/nmi
                                     (378,500 1/nmi)

               Allied Chemical:  12,000 gal/nmi
                                     (45,400 1/nmi)

•    Special  Condition  5  specifies  the  waste constituents  to  be
     monitored,  the approved analytical procedures, and some requirements
     for laboratory quality control practices.  Samples are taken monthly
     for analyses.

•    Special Condition  6  requires the  continuation of the  EPA  approved
     monitoring  program to determine the short-term environmental impacts
     of  the ocean disposal of acid  waste.    Details  of  the  monitoring
     program are in Appendix E.
                                2-35

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Special Condition 7  pertains to  the  implementation of  alternative
disposal methods.   Both current  permittees  have  submitted  reports  to
demonstrate that their  respective wastes  are  in compliance with  40
CFR 227.  This condition requires  further  research  and  evaluation  of
alternative disposal  methods with  the objective  of  ending  ocean
disposal.  The conditions in the current permits are:

     NL Industries:
     (1)  After  publication of  the  proposed  national  effluent
          guidelines for the titanium  dioxide industry,  the  company
          will submit  a plan committing it to  cease  ocean  dumping
          within 18  months  of promulgation  of  final guidelines.

     (2)  Evaluate  the feasibility of three process changes:
          (a)   Chloride process
          (b)   Ishihara process  (ammonia neutralization)
          (c)   Malazsian Titanium  Corp., process

     (3)  For   the  acid  wastes,  report  amounts  produced,   amounts
          discharged to municipal  treatment plants,  amount recycled,
          and  amounts sold.

     (4)  Plan and  implement  a  land-based  disposal  method  for the
          insoluble  gangue  and ore slurry.   Anticipated cessation  of
          the  ocean  dumping of this  material is  June  30,  1981.

     (5)  Continue   research   and   development  on  alternative
          land-based disposal techniques for  the  acid  phase of the
          waste.

     Allied Chemical:

     (1)  Submit  a   detailed report  prepared  by an  independent
          consultant evaluating economic  and  environmental  effects
          of  several  alternative  technologies  recently  (1977-1978)
          studied  by the company.
                           2-36

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     (2)  Report  amounts  of  by-product  acid  produced and  amounts
          sold.

     (3)  Continue   research  and  development   in  alternative
          land-based disposal techniques.

The  EPA  has   required  the  waste  generators   to  evaluate  several
land-based alternatives  in previous permit requirements.   To  date,
these alternative disposal methods have not been economically and/or
technically  feasible,  nor  would  they  have  provided  significant
environmental  protection.   Recycling  or  upgrading and selling  the
wastes is done to the maximum possible extent.   Listed below are  the
alternatives to ocean disposal considered by the permittees:

     NL Industries:

     (1)  Neutralize  the  acid  waste  with caustic  soda,  landfill
          sludge  solids,   and  discharge  effluent  into the  Raritan
          River.
     (2)  Neutralize the acid waste producing usable by-products  and
          landfill sludge solids.
     (3)  Change to the chloride process to produce less waste.
     (4)  Neutralize the acid waste before ocean disposal.

     Allied Chemical:

     (1)  Neutralize  the  acid  waste,  landfill  sludge solids,  and
          discharge clarified effluent to Newark Bay.
     (2)  Upgrade  and  sell  a  portion  of  the  acid waste,  and
          neutralize the  excess-producing  sludge  for  landfill  and a
          clarified effluent.
     (3)  Convert by-product hydrochloric acid to chlorine using  the
          Kel-chlor process, which produces a less toxic waste.
     (4)  Neutralize the acid waste before ocean disposal.
                           2-37

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     •    Special  Condition 8 details procedures for notifying the U.S.  Coast
          Guard that dumping  is  to occur.   This  notification is required  to
          facilitate USCG surveillance  of  disposal  operations.

     •    Special  Condition 9  details  information  relative to correspondence
          and reports required by  the  special and  general  conditions of the
          permit.

     •    Special  Condition  10  specifies  the  liabilities  for compliance
          related  to the  special  conditions of  the  permit as applicable to the
          waste generator,  waste  transporter, or both.

These special  conditions will  continue  to be  part  of  all  permits authorized
for wastes to be released at  the  Acid Site.
                                    2-38

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                                Chapter 3

                     AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT
        The  environmental  characteristics  of the proposed  New York
        Bight  Acid  Waste Disposal Site  and  three alternative sites
        (106-Mile Chemical Waste,  Northern Area,  and Southern Area)
        were  assessed  in terms of oceanographic  features (physical,
        geological, chemical,  and  biological),  the  history  of waste
        disposal at  the sites, the effects  of  wastes  at  the sites,
        and other activities near  the sites which may be affected by
        waste  disposal.  The proposed site,  located nearshore at the
        Apex of the New York Bight, has been used since 1948 with no
        adverse  effects  on the environment  or  on activities in the
        area.   The  106-Mile  Site,  located  beyond  the Continental
        Shelf  in deep  water, has  been used since 1961 primarily for
        aqueous  chemical waste  disposal with  no  detected  adverse
        effects.  The Northern and Southern areas, located in shallow
        water  near Hudson Canyon with oceanographic  features similar
        to  the  proposed  site,  have  never been   used  for  waste
        disposal.  The Acid Site is preferred for  designation because
        of  (1) the  greater  distance to  the 106-Mile  site  and the
        difficulty  of  detecting   effects  in  deep   water,   (2)  the
        absence of  other  contaminant  inputs and the additional
        expense  of  surveillance  and monitoring at  the Northern and
        Southern sites,  and  (3)  the  lack  of adverse effects at the
        proposed New York Bight Acid Waste Disposal  Site.
           PROPOSED SITE - NEW YORK BIGHT ACID WASTE SITE


SITE ENVIRONMENT


   The Acid  Site  (Figure 3-1) is not unique when compared  with  the rest of the

New  York  Bight  Apex.    Physical  processes  operate  over  broad areas,  the

chemical  and biological  features  of the water  being  nearly uniform over the

entire Apex.  The sediments and associated biota in the Apex and at the site

are typical  of the sandy bottom assemblages  found  throughout the mid-Atlantic

Bight.  Although  anthropogenic  inputs  (dredged  material,  sewage sludge, and

cellar dirt)  have extensively modified  the  sediments  in  some  areas,  acid

waste, which is liquid, does not appear to affect the bottom.   (See  Appendix B

for details.)
                                     3-1

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    jr.  BROOKLYN ..>£-. .,
              SANDY HOOK - ROCKAWAY POINT TRANSECT
            DREDGED ,-.
            MATERIAL |
            SITE
                                    U—SEWAGE SLUDGE
                                       SITE
                                                ACID WASTES SITE
                             —^BIGHT APEX LIMITS
          WOOD INCINERATION SITE
                                            10
                                    NAUTICAL MILES
Figure 3-1.  Location of New York Bight  Acid Waste Disposal  Site
                                3-2

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PHYSICAL CONDITIONS

   The physical characteristics of  the  New York Bight are complex.   Seasonal
patterns  of   temperature,  salinity,   insolation,  ana  river  runoff  are
complicated  by strong meteorological  events  and  intrusions  of  Slope  Water
(Bowman and  Wunderlich, 1977).   The hydrography of the New York Bight exhibits
clear seasonal cycles  in  temperature,  salinity, and  density  structures.   Two
distinct  oceanographic  regimes,  with short  transition periods between  them,
prevail during an  annual  cycle.   Early  winter  storm  mixing  and rapid cooling
at   the   surface  create  well-mixed,  unstratified  water.    A  moderate
stratification develops in the early spring and intensifies through the summer
(Charnell and  Hansen,  1974).   The  rapid formation of  the  seasonal thermocline
divides the water  into  an upper  and lower layer.  Bottom  waters  retain  their
characteristics with little modification until storms  break up the thermocline
in  late autumn.

    The major feature of Bight circulation is a slow flow to the soutnwest over
most  of the outer  Continental Shelf; an anticyclonic (clockwise)  eddy is  often
present  in  the inner  Bight.   Exchange  circulation,  characterized  by seaward
surface  flow  of  estuarine waters  and  landward flow  of bottom  waters,  occurs
through the Sandy  Hook-Rockaway Point Transect.   All  of  these features  can be
masked  by stronger but variable  wind-driven  currents on  a  day-to-day  basis,
and may be drastically  altered  for  periods  of  several weeks.   Alterations are
more  common during the summer, when there may be sustained  periods of strong
southerly winds (Hansen, 1977).

GEOLOGICAL CONDITIONS

    The  Continental Shelf  surface of the New York Bight is a vast,  sandy plain,
underlain by clay  (Emery and Schlee, 1963; Milliman et al., 1972).  While sand
is  the  most abundant  textural  component on the Shelf, significant deposits of
gravel  and  mud are  also  present.   Sediments  at  the  Acid Site are  96  to 96%
sand  and  gravel with the  remainder  being silt.  The site is at the edge of the
Hudson  Canyon  where  the predominant sediments  are silts and clays.
                                      3-3

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   Suspended particulate matter  (SPM)  includes fine material  from  natural  and
man-made  sources.    SPM may  be  transported  for  some  distance  by waves  and
                            i
currents  before  sinking  to  the  bottom,  and  may  be  resuspended  by  bottom
currents  and  transported  to  another  area.    SPM  can  cause  several  adverse
environmental effects:  higher levels of this material can  increase  turbidity,
in turn decreasing  the  depth  light penetrates  in  water,  thereby limiting  the
depth at which plants can photosynthesize and the amount of primary  production
in the ocean.  Suspended particulates can be toxic or can bind or adsorb  toxic
materials  which  are  eventually  carried  to  the  bottom.    While  suspended  in
water or  lying  on  the  bottom,  the toxic material  can be  consumed by marine
organisms.

   The  Acid  Site has concentrations  of SPM typical  of ,other Apex areas  and
higher  than  areas  further offshore.   Acid-iron waste does contribute to  the
elevated  levels  of  SPM  in the Apex;  the ferric hydroxide  floe  forming  after
waste release  remains in suspension  for many  hours'.   Additional  significant
sources  of SPM  to   the  Apex  are  material  from  other  ocean  disposal  sites
(Dredge Material, Cellar Dirt, and Sewage Sludge Sites), atmospheric  fallout,
and  outflow  from  New  York  Harbor  through  the  Sandy Hook-Rockaway  Point
Transect.   SPM,  however, is  not a major environmental  problem  in  the Bight.
After  considering  the  effects  from  all  sources,  Pararas-Carayannis  (1973)
concluded  that,  "turbidity  associated  with  ocean dumping  does  not appear  to
have  an  adverse  lasting effect  on  the sediment  and  water  quality  of  the
Bight."

CHEMICAL  CONDITIONS

   The  coastal  metropolitan   area is   the  primary  source  of   heavy metals
entering  the  New York  Bight  (Benninger et al. ,  1975;  Carmody et  al.,  1973).
The  concentrations  of  dissolved  heavy metals  in the water  of  the New York
Bight  vary  seasonally..   Background   (natural)  concentrations  however,  are
generally higher than those reported for  the open ocean  (Brewer,  1975).   Heavy
m tal  concentrations  in  bottom  sediments are  not uniformly distributed
throughout the Apex;  elevated  levels  of metals  in .the  sediments of  the  Bight
are associated with Hudson Canyon,  and  the  Dredged Material and  Sewage Sludge
Sites.  Levels of iron  (the  most  abundant waste constituent)  were  similar at
                                      3-4

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the Acid Site and a control area, but were half the level oi metals in samples
from the Hudson  Canyon.   Although some  material  may reach  tne  bottom during
unstratified  (winter)  conditions,  there  is  no  indication of  a  Duildup  of
contaminants from acid waste in the sediments.

   Surface  values  of  dissolved  oxygen  are  usually  at  or near  saturation
levels.   Below  the seasonal  thermocline,  saturation may  fall  to  30X»  in the
vicinity  of the Sewage  Sludge  Site  (O'Connor  et  al.,  1977).   There  is  no
indication  of abnormally depressed  oxygen levels near the  Acid  Site.   Levels
of trace metals  in the water  are higher than in samples  from the outer Bight,
but  there  are no  indications of  consistently  higher  levels  near  the  ocean
disposal  sites  (Segar and  Contillo,  1976).   Acid  waste disposal only causes
short-term  perturbations in the water.   Since the,flushing  time for the entire
Apex of  the Bight  is  6  to  14 days, the  waste is being continually  diluted and
transported  from the region.

   Particulate organic carbon,  which may  act  as a  transport  agent for  toxic
substances,  has  the  highest concentrations near areas of wastewater discharge
                                                                           t
(outfalls)  and the Sewage  Sludge and Dredged Material Sites.  No  comprehensive
studies  of  chlorinated hydrocarbons  in  the New York Bight have been made, but
dredged  material and  sewage sludge  disposal  are probably the major sources of
these  materials  (EPA, March  25, 1975;  Raytheon,  1975a,  1975b;  West  et al.,
1976).

BIOLOGICAL  CONDITIONS

   During most of  the year, the ranges  of daily phytoplankton production  for
inshore  and offshore  areas of the  New  York Bight do not differ  significantly
from  one another.    Total   annual  production,  however,  is  higher  in coastal
waters.

   Phytoplankton populations  are dominated by  diatoms  in cold months, and  by
chlorophytes during warm months,  in the Hudson River estuary and Apex,  and  by
diatoms  year-round in  the  outer  Bight.   Zooplankton populations  are dominated
by copepods and  larvae of  vertebrates  and invertebrates (summer only)  in  the
estuary,  and by copepods  in the  outer Bight.   However,  the  high degree  of
                                       3-5

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spatial and temporal  variation  inherent  in plankton populations makes  studies
of their  abundance,  composition, and distribution  extremely difficult.   Even
though  plankton  have been  studied  for  about  75 years,  the  data  are  insuf-
ficient to  assess  the effects of man's  activities  on plankton populations in
the Bight (Malone, 1977).

   Many finfish of commercial and recreational importance  are  found in  the New
York  Bight.   Their  diversity  and  abundance  are  due  to  the  geographical
location of the Bight which  is  the  northern limit of tropical and  subtropical
migrants  and  the  southern limit  of boreal migrants  (Grosslein,  1976).   Some
species are found  inshore,  others offshore, and  some  migrate from inshore to
offshore.   However,  because of  wide  seasonal  fluctuations  in  the  Bight
(especially temperature,  which  ranges from 2  C  in  the winter  to  25  C  in the
summer),  the  important  fish  species are  migratory,  and not  unique  to the Apex
of the  Bight.

   There  is  a rich  mixture  of species   in  the  Bight,  with  each  species
occupying wide areas  over the Shelf.   Eggs, larval stages,  and  immature forms
can  be  found  all  year  round  throughout  the area.  Since  spawning and  larval
growth  usually spreads  over  a broad geographic area, it  is  difficult  to assess
man's effects  on  the  stock.   Grosslein indicated  that  there  are  no  Shelf areas
free  from potential changes  induced by waste disposal  activities.

   Commercial  fishing activities are  minor around the  Acid Site.   A  seasonal
whiting fishery  exists  north of the  site  along  the edge  of the Hudson Shelf
Valley  during  the winter, and lobster are  taken  inshore  from the  site.   Most
of  the  Bight  Apex  is  closed to shellfishing because  of  contamination.   For
commercially  important  shellfish, some species are evenly  distributed  over the
Bight,  while  others,  such as the sea scallop, show a more  patchy  distribution
(Figure 3-2) .

   Tht  inshore benthic  fauna are  dominated by  organisms  characteristic  of a
high-energy coastal  marine  environment;  bivalves Tellina  agilis  and  Spisula
solidissima, and  the  sand dollar, Echinarachnus  partita  (Pearce,  1972).   Benthic
                                       3-6

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                                   74'
                                                        73s u
41  -
       1. NEW YORK BIGHT ACID SITE

       2. NORTHERN AREA

       3. SOUTHERN AREA

       4. 106-MILE SITE
40'
 39
                                                                              72"
38-
        I. ':!. I OCEAN QUAHOC

            SEA SCALLOP

            SURF CLAM

            CLOSED TO  SHELLFISHING
                                                                           100
                                                                                   41-
                                                                                   40-
                                                                                   39:
                                                                                   381
                                                        73-
 Figure  3-2.
Distribution  of  Surf  Clams,  Ocean Quahogs,  and Sea Scallops  in
        the  New York Bight  (NOAA-NMFS, 1974c)
                                             J-7

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populations in  the  Bight are not  static  and substantial  annual  changes occur
due to natural causes.  The benthic  fauna  change  from a sand bottom assemblage
to  silty-sand  and  then  silty-clay  fauna  further  offshore  in  the  Bight'
(Figure 3-3).

WASTE DISPOSAL AT THE NEW YORK BIGHT ACID  WASTE DISPOSAL SITE

   The  Acid  Site  was   estaolished  in  1948  for  disposal  of  aqueous  waste
produced  by  industries  in  the  New  Jersey  and   New  York  areas.   Tne  site
location  was  specifically  chosen to  avoid  conflict  with  fisheries.    The
Interim Site, established by EPA in  1973,  is  bounded by 40°16'N to 40°2U'N and
73°36'W  to 73°40'W.   Waste disposal  at   the  site  is  discussed  in  detail  in
Appendix D, and summarized  below.

RECENT WASTE  DISPOSAL ACTIVITIES

   Two  permittees:   NL  Industries,  Inc.,  and  Allied  Cnemical Corp.  are  now
(.1979)  using  the  Acid Site.   NL  Industries  liquid  waste  material consists  of
approximately 8.5%  (by  weignt)  sulfuric  acid   (H..SO,)  and  10*  (.by  weignt)
ferrous  sulfate (FeSO,)  dissolved  in fresh water.   Insoluble materials (e.g.,
silica  and unrecovered  titanium  dioxide)   are present in the  waste.   when  the
waste  is  discharged, the  ferrous  sulfate  colors the water  light  green.   The
barge's wake  then turns  brown as  the  ferrous  iron is  oxidized  to form ferric
Hydroxide  (rust) .   NL  Industries' waste  represented 97%  of  the  total amount
discharged at the site between  1975  and  1978.

   Allied  Chemical's waste  material consists of approximately  30/o  by volume
hydrochloric  acid  (HC1) ,  2/» by  volume  hydrofluoric  acid  (HF) ,  and  trace
constituents  in  aqueous  solution.  Allied  Chemical wastes  represented  3£  of
tne  total  material  released at  the Acid  Site between 1975 and 1978.

WASTE  CHARACTERISTICS

   Several studies  have  shown that the acid wastes do  not  remain  together as a
cohesive  mass but  are diluted  rapidly after discharge.   Redfield and Walford
(1*51)  reported that the maximum  volume  of water  having  an acid  reaction was
                                       3-8

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                                                 LONG ISLAND SOUND  ^
            1. NEW YORK BIGHT ACID SITE

            2. NORTHERN AREA

            3. SOUTHERN AREA

            4. 106-MILE SITE
LONG ISLAND ,, .
            SAND FAUNA

            SILTY-SAND FAUNA

            SILTY-CLAY FAUNA
       DELAWARE £
       BAY
                                                    0           50          100
                                                         NAUTICAL MILES
38° -
             75:
   Figure 3-3.  Benthic  Faunal  Types  in the  mid-Atlantic  Bight  (Pratt,  1973)

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162,000 m   (640  m long, 23 m  wide,  and 11 m  deep);  the acid  was  neutralized
within 3-1/2 minutes after  discharge.   They calculated  that  at discharge,  the
sulfuric acid  would  be immediately diluted  to 0.02 ug/1  and  the  seawater  pH
would not  fall  below 4.5.   The  actual  pH  depression observed  2  minutes after
discharge was only 1.3 pH units  (from 8.2  to 6.9).

   Trace metals in acid waste are insignificant sources  of  contaminants to  the
Bight Apex.   In  all  cases,  the  acid  wastes  contribute less  than  1%  of  the
total  input and  usually  much  less  than  the  input  from  atmospheric  fallout
(Figure 3-4).

EFFECT ON ORGANISMS

   Before  ocean  dumping  was  regulated  by the  EPA,  numerous  laboratory  and
field  toxicity studies had  been performed on the wastes  dumped at  the Acid
Site.   Observations  of minor  effects  were  reported  by Redfield and  Walford
(1951), PHSSEC  (1960),  Ketchum  et al.  (1958a,b),  Vaccaro et  al.  (1972), Wiebe
et  al.  (1973),  Grice  et  al.  (1973),  and  Gibson  (1973).    In  contrast,  the
NMFS-Sandy  Hook  Laboratory  (1972) reported  severe effects  due to  acid waste
disposal; however, the NMFS method and conclusions  were  criticized  by Buzas  et
al. (1972).

   A  variety of  phytoplankters  and  zooplankters  have  been  collected  in  the
wake of an  acid waste discharge.  Animals may  be  immobilized  immediately after
disposal, but  recover  quickly  when  the waste  is  diluted with  an equal volume
of  seawater.    The  gastrointestinal tracts of  copepods  and ctenophores
collected at  the  site  after a  discharge were  full  of iron particles  from  the
waste, but  the animals did not appear to show  ill  effects.

   Laboratory  work  indicated  that phytoplankton  were  unaffected by  a concen-
tration of  acid waste  four  times higher  than concentrations  observed in  the
field.   Zooplankton  were chronically  affected by  concentrations of  one  part
waste  in  10,000  parts  seawater.   Reproduction was  impaired  and  development
slowed  over an 18-day period.   These  results, however, are not biologically
important since  this concentration of  waste  only  persists for  a  few minutes
after disposal.   When  the  toxicity  of  neutralized  acid  waste and the toxicity
                                      3-10

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                    NEW JERSEY COASTAL
                                       LONG ISLAND COASTAL
                                                         SEWAGE SLUDGE
                                                         ACID WASTE


                                                         ATMOSPHERE
                     MASS LOADING BY SOURCE - ALL METALS
CHROMIUM (5.6 METRIC TONS/DAY)
   LONG ISLAND
  NEW JERSEY
   ACID WASTE


  LEAD (12.6 METRIC TONS/DAY)
                NEW JERSEY
COPPER (13.8 METRIC TONS/DAY)
     LONG ISLAND
    NEW JERSEY
                                                  ATMOSPHERE
                  SEWAGE SLUDGE
     ACID WASTE
 ZINC (32.3 METRIC TONS/DAY)
               NEW JERSEY/LONG ISLAND
                              SEWAGE SLUDGE
                          ACID WASTE
                    \
                    ATMOSPHERE

              ALL VALUES OBTAINED IN 1973 (ADAPTED FROM MUELLER et al., 1976)
                              ACID WASTE

                          ATMOSPHERE
               Figure 3-4.  Inputs  of Metals to  the New York Bight
                         (Adapted from Mueller et  al.,  1976)
                                           3-11

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of  the  pH  change  were  determined,  the  pH change  appeared  to  cause  lethal
effects rather than the  toxic  elements in  the  waste.   Neutralized  acid  waste
was not toxic to test organisms.

   When  the site  was  first  established  (.1948),  there  was controversy  over
possible  effects on  the  migratory fish in  the  New York  Bight.   NL  Industries
sponsored  the  first  comprehensive studies  of  the  effects  of acid-iron  waste
which  concluded  (Redfield  and  Walford,  1931),  that  there  was  no  conflict
between the waste disposal operations  and sportfishing  activities  in the  Bight
Apex.   Since  this  work,  Westman  has  periodically surveyed  the site  and  other
fishing areas in the Bight (Westman,  1958,  1967, 1969; Westman et al.,  1961),
and concluded that bluefish and yellowfin tuna  were attracted  to  the site,  and
that  an active pelagic  fishery  had  begun  in  the  area.   He  did not  observe
adverse effects caused by the waste dispossal.

    The  waste  does  not  appear  to  be  toxic  to  the  bottom-dwelling  animals
(benthos).  The site supports a typical sand-bottom community;  the biomass  and
species  diversity  are comparable to  a  control  area  (Vaccaro  et  al.,  1972)
although  the  number of  animals  is  significantly  less.   Other  investigators
(Westman,  1967,  1969;  NMFS,  1972) have reported anomalous  benthic  conditions
at  the  site.   Recent  samples (Pearce et al., 1976a,b,  1977) showed  that  there
were  wide  natural  variations  at stations in  and  around   the  site.    Such
variability is common  for sand-bottom  assemblages  of  animals.

CONCURRENT  AND FUTURE  STUDIES

Scientific  Investigations of  the  Area

    The  NOAA-MESA  program  is responsible   for  identifying  and  measuring  the
impact  of  man on  the  marine  environment of the  New  York  Bight and  its
resources.     This program  began in  1973  and  is scheduled to  end    in  1981.
After  that date,  a  smaller  monitoring program will  be  maintained  to provide
the data  necessary  for management decisions about use  of the  resources  in the
Bight.   The MESA project has  sponsored and conducted  numerous  investigations
of  all  the oceanographic features of  the  Bight;  these data  provided  much of
the information used in  the  EIS.
                                       3-12

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   The Sandy  Hook Laboratory  (SHL)  of the  National  Marine Fisheries  Service
(NMFS) conducts  continuous  studies  of  the  area,  primarily  with  respect  to
man's impact  on  commercial  fish  and  shellfish  resources.   Their Ocean  Pulse
Program  is  designed to  monitor  and  assess  the  health of  the ocean's  living
resources  on  the  Continental Shelf  of  the  Northwest Atlantic  Ocean.    This
program  includes  the   study  of  effects  of  pollutants  on  important  marine
species.

Area-Wide Planning

   The Interstate Sanitation Commission  (ISC)  conducts research, monitoring,
and regulation  activities  in  the New  York-New Jersey  area.   They  are  primarily
concerned with  monitoring  water quality  and  verifying compliance  with existing
interstate regulations  by  sanitary  waste  dischargers.   The  ISC is developing  a
combined  management plan  for  municipal  waste  and  have begun to monitor  air
quality  in  the  New York Bight.   Although this work  is not  directly  pertinent
to  the  Acid  Site,  it  is  close   enough  to  the  site  to  produce  important
information for evaluating effects  of acid wastes on  the marine environment.

Monitoring

   The EPA  Region 11 requires  permittees to monitor  the  respective  sites  to
determine if disposal operations have a  short-term  adverse  impact.   Monitoring
surveys  are made  at  the  Acid  Site  once a year (1979) and at the  Sewage  Sludge
Site  daily  during  the  summer.   Monitoring  plans have been developed  for  the
Cellar Dirt Site  and are being developed  for  the  Dredged Material Sites.

OTHER ACTIVITIES  IN THE  SITE VICINITY

COMMERCIAL FISHERIES

   Extensive  fin- and   shellfishing  activities are conducted  in the  New York
Bight.   Most  of  the  finfish grounds  lie  over  the  inner Continental  Shelf  or
near  the  edge  of the Shelf.   Most species of  shellfish  are  found  throughout
the Bight, while others,  such as  lobster, are most  abundant  nearshore  in the
Hudson Canyon or  at the  edge  of the Continental  Shelf.
                                       3-13

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DOMESTIC FISHERIES

   Table 3-1 shows the total yield and dollar value in 1974 for the five major
species of.  commercial  finfish in the  New  York Bight.  Although  the  stock of
most  commercial   species   is  still  substantial,  there  has   been  a  general
decline in  annual  yields  of  finfish  over  the last two decades (Figure 3-5),
with commercial  landings  of over-fished  species (e.g.,  menhaden)  declining.
The  yield  of  the  domestic  shellfishery  has  greatly increased since  196U
(Figure 3-6) with  the developing surf clam fishery.     While  surf  clams  are
becoming increasingly scarce, other shellfish species  have only recently begun
to be exploited (e.g., red crab), and potential resources  still exist, such as
ocean  quahog.   Table 3-2 shows  the  total  annual values  in 1974  and  1976  for
the  more  important  shellfish species.    The  American  lobster  is  the  most
important species  fished  in the  Continental  Slope area,  and  is  becoming  the
most important fishery resource of the New York Bight  (Chenoweth, 1976).

FOREIGN FISHERIES

   Nearly all  foreign fishing  in the  north  and mid-Atlantic region  of  the
United States is  in the Continental  Shelf  area, vessels  being mainly
concentrated in  the  outer  Shelf  region south of  Georges BanK (Figure  3-7).
Peak foreign  fishing  activity in the  New  York  Bight  occurs  during spring  and
early  summer when the fleet moves south from the winter fishing grounds on tne
Georges Bank.  An average of 1,000 foreign vessels fish along  the mid-Atlantic
coast  annually (Ginter,   1978).   Foreign  fishing  in the New York  Bight  is
dominated by  the Soviet  Union,  followed  by  East Germany, Spain,  and Japan.
Major  foreign  fisheries are  herring,  silver and red  hake, and mackerel.   The
seasonal migrations  of  these species  account  for  the north-to-south movement
of the  foreign fleet throughout the year.  Recently,  fishing efforts have also
been directed towards squid, butter fish, tuna, and saury.
                                      3-14

-------
TABLE 3-1.  TOTAL LANDINGS IN 1974 OF FIVE MAJOR COMMERCIAL FINFISHES
                         IN THE NEW YORK BIGHT
Species
Fluke
Menhaden
Scup
Striped
Bass
Whiting
New York
UOO lb
2,487
57b
3,635

1,409
1,955
$000
846
18
832

533
250
New Jersey
000 lb
3,499
107,307
6,040

714
7,022
$000
1,153
2,735
880

177
587
Total
000 lb
5,986
107,883
9,675

2,123
8,977
$000
1,999
2,753
1,712

710
837
   Source:   Adapted  from  NOAA-NMFS,  1977
   Table  3-2.   TOTAL  COMMERCIAL  LANDINGS  IN  1974  AND  1976  OF  IMPORTANT
      SHELLFISH SPECIES  IN  THE NEW  YORK BIGHT  (NEW  YORK-NEW JERSEY)
Species
American Lobster
Hard Clams
Surf Clams
Oysters
Sea Scallops
Blue Crabs
1974
000 Lb
1,922
9,769
26,608
2,563
1,228
2,864
$000
3,312
15,164
3,667
4,778
1,689
725
1976
000 Lb
1,117
10,072
9,493
2,256
1,953
407
$000
2,368
19,396
3,299
5,642
3,170
123
        Source:   From NOAA-NMFS,  1977a,  1977b
                                   3-15

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            35
            30
          | 25

          O
          H 20
          O
          I/)
          Q
          I '5
          V)
          O
          I 10
             1880 1890  1900 1910  1920  1930  1940  1950 1960  1970
 Figure 3-5.   Total Landings  of Commercial  Marine Food  Finfishes
                in the New York Bight Area,  1880-1975
                   (From McHugh and Ginter,  1978)
 30


 25


-------
                                                     73°
                                                                          72°
     1. NEW YORK BIGHT ACID SITE

     2. NORTHERN AREA

     3. SOUTHERN AREA

     4. 106-MILE SITE
38= -
                                                                          72 =
   Figure  3-7.
Location of Foreign  Fishing off  the East  Coast of the  U.S.
     (Adapted from  McHugh and Ginter, 1978)
                                         3-17

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RECREATIONAL FISHERIES

   The majority of  recreational  fishing in the New  York Bight  is  confined  to
the inner Shelf Waters, which is most accessible  to  the  public,  and more sport
species  are  found  there   than  in  the  outer  Bight  (Chenoweth,  1976).    The
important species  are striped bass, weakfish,  bluefish,   and mackerel.
Recreational  species  fished  further  offshore are  bluefin  tuna,  marlin,  and
swordfish.  The sport  catch  often  equals  or surpasses the  commercial  landings
of certain  species  (e.g.,  striped bass) and  significantly contributes  to  the
economics  of   several  coastal  areas.    In 1970,  1.7 million   anglers  caught
1.3 million  kilograms  (2.1 million  pounds) of  fish from  the   North  Atlantic
coast.

SAND AND GRAVEL MINING

   Sanko (1975) states that "sand Deposits  in the Lower  Bay  of New York Harbor
have  been  the  largest  single source of commercial  sand  for the New York City
metropolitan area since 1963."  Although this is  the  only  area in  the  New York
Bight where sand  is  presently mined,  recent geological  surveys  show that sand
could be mined nearly  anywhere  in  the  New  York Bight, with  current technology
limiting the outer boundary to the 50 m (165 ft)  isobath.

                                              2            2
   There is an estimated area of over 2,680 km  (777.2 nini  ) suitable  for sand
mining between the  50  m isobath  and  the Long Island  shoreline (Schlee,  1975).
Most  of  this  sand is of uniform  grain-size and  contains  a  low  percentage  of
fine  particles.   Gravel deposits in the New  York Bight  are much  more  limited
than  sand.  Potential mining  areas for gravel are few, mainly off  the  northern
coast of New Jersey (Figure 3-8).

OIL AND GAS DEVELOPMENT

   No existing or planned  oil and  gas  lease tracts  are  located  in any interim
or designated  ocean disposal site.   Figure 3-9  is  an EPA  (1978a)  summary  of
oil and gas development in the New York Bight.
                                      3-18

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             75°
                                    74°
                                                           73°
                                                                                 72°
41
        1 NEW YORK BIGHT ACID
         WASTE DISPOSAL SITE

        2. NORTHERN AREA

        3. SOUTHERN AREA

        4. 106-MILE CHEMICAL
         WASTE DISPOSAL SITE
40;
 39
38:
                                                                                      41°
                                                                                      40°
                                                                                       39°
                                                              KILOMETERS
                                                      0           50
                                                           NAUTICAL MILES
                                                                              100
                                                                             50
                                                                                       38'
                                    74=
                                                           73°
                                                                                  72°
       Figure 3-8.  Gravel  Distribution in  the  New York Bight (Schlee,  1975)
                                              J-19

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      1. NEW YORK BIGHT ACID SITE

      2. NORTHERN AREA

      3. SOUTHERN AREA

      4. 106-MILE SITE
38° -
            Figure 3-9.  Oil and Gas  Leases in  the mid-Atlantic  Bight
                               (Adapted from EPA,  1978a)
                                           3-20

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   The  U.S.  Department  of  the  Interior's  Bureau of  Land  Management  (BLh)
completed its first sale  of  oil  and gas  leases  in the  mid-Atlantic Baltimore
Canyon  trough  in  August  1976  (Outer  Continental  Shelf  [OCSJ  Sale  Wo.  40).
Exploratory drilling at o of the 93 tracts  leased  in  DCS  Sale No. 4u oegan in
the spring ana summer  of  1978.   On May 19, 1978,  BLM published a draft EIS on
the OCS Sale No.  49, including most of  the  Baltimore  Canyon trough,  bale No.
49 was  neld  in May 1979.   A third sale (No. 59) is under consideration and is
tentatively scheduled  for August 1981 (JbLM, 1978).

SHIPPING

   Ine  major trade  routes  identified  by  NOAA,  (TRIGOi>i,  1976) to serve the new
York-New  Jersey   area  coincide  with  the  three traffic  lanes  into  New  YorK
Harbor:    tne  Nantucket,  Hudson  Canyon  and  Barnegat  Traffic  Lanes  (Figure
3-10).   Barnegat  Lane  lies across the Acid Site,  and the other  lanes straddle
tne Northern and  Southern  Areas.

OCEAN WASTE DISPOSAL

   The  EPA  (1979) permits  municipal  or  industrial  waste  disposal  at  six
locations  in  the  New  York Bight, and  the CE permits dredged material disposal
at otner  sites  (Figure 3-11).   This  section  briefly  describes activities at
tne six sites, but  not the Acid  Site  (Figure 3-11,  f/4) .

SEWAGE  SLUDGE SITE

   Sewage  sludge  is composed of residual municipal sewage  solids  from  primary
ana   secondary  treatment  plants.   The  present sewage  sludge  site  was
established  in  1924  (Figure 3-11, #5).    There  are  25  permittees  currently
(1979)  disposing  of  sewage  sludge at  this site,  witn  the  City of New  Yortc
discharging  more  than  any other  permittee.   The total volume  of sewage  sludge
                                                      3
to be discharged  in 1979  is estimated  to  be  7,770 m   and  is  predicted to  be
9,890 m3  in  1981.
                                       3-21

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             75
      1. NEW YORK BIGHT ACID SITE



      2. NORTHERN AREA



      3. SOUTHERN AREA



      4. 106-MILE SITE
39° -
38° -
                                                                                 - 38°
                Figure  3-10.   Traffic  Lanes  in the mid-Atlantic Area
                                            3-22

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                                             LONG ISLAND SOUND
                                   KX- •' LONG ISLAND
1. DREDGED MATERIAL

2. CELLAR DIRT

3. SEWAGE SLUDGE

4. ACID WASTES

5. SEWAGE SLUDGE (ALTERNATE)

6. WRECKS

7. WOOD INCINERATION
                                             NEW YORK
                                             BIGHT LIMIT
 DELAWARE
 BAY
                                                           50
                                                     NAUTICAL MILES
                                                    73°
                                                                           72°
        Figure  3-11.   Ocean Disposal  Sites  in the New  York  Bight

-------
   The alternate sewage  sludge  site (Figure 3-11,  #5)  was designated  in 1979
for use  if the  existing site cannot  handle the  increased volumes  of  sludge
before ocean disposal  ends  in  1981.  No sludge  has  yet  been released  at this
site.
DREDGED MATERIAL SITE

   Several  sites  have been  used  for  the disposal  of  material  dredged  from
navigable waterways  in the New  York-New Jersey Metropolitan  area.   Use of the
present  site  (Figure 3-11,  #1)   began  in  1940.   Until  1973,  fly ash  residues
from fossil-fueled power plants  were released at the  site.

   Each  year, the volume of  dredged  material exceeds that of any other waste.
The average annual volume of dredged material for the  period  1960  to  1977 was
approximately 6  million  m .   The annual  volume  is   estimated  to  increase  by
another  46,000  to 54,000 m  .    Some dredged material is contaminated  because
particulate solids carried in the  Hudson  River settle in the  harbor.

   Other  dredged  material  sites exist  just  outside  the inlets along  the  Long
Island  and New  Jersey  shoreline  (not  shown in  Figure  3-11).    Much  lower
volumes   of  sediment  are  released  at  these  sites  and  this  material  is
relatively uncontaminated sand.

CELLAR DIRT SITE

   The Cellar Dirt Site  (Figure 3-11,  #2) has been relocated  several  times to
prevent  excessive moundings  of   the  waste.   The  site has occupied  its  present
location  since  1940.  Inert materials from land-based construction  projects
(demolition  wastes),  including  excavated earth,  broken  concrete, rock,  and
other  nonfloatable  materials,  are dumped at  the site.   The  average annual
                                                                             •j
volume of cellar  dirt released  at  the  site  from 1960 to  1977  was  450,000 m .
The annual volume will fluctuate  from  year  to  year   according  to  the  activity
of  the  construction  industry   and  the   availability   of  alternate  disposal
methods.
                                       3-24

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 WRECK SITE

    The  Wreck  Site  (Figure  3-11,  #6)  has  been designated  by  the  EPA  for
 derelict and wrecked vessels.  The site has been used infrequently since 1962,
 and  in  1977 was moved  slightly to avoid interference with shipping.

 WOOD INCINERATION SITE

    The  EPA has designated  the  Wood  Incineration  Site  (Figure 3-11, if!)  for
 burning and disposal  of  scrap  wood  from harbor  debris,  pier  pilings,  and
 waterfront  construction  sites.   The site  is   used  as needed  ana   only  the
 combustion  products  reach the  ocean.   The remaining ash is buried in sanitary
 landfills.

 MARINE  RECREATION

    The  shorelines of Long Island  and  northern New Jersey support an  estimated
 $2-billion  per year beach industry (Interstate Electronics Corporation,  1973).
 The  popularity  of  the  low, sandy beaches  is  due  to  their  quality and access-
  ibility.   Beach  property in the  New York-New Jersey metropolitan area is both
 publicly  and  privately  owned.   In  the   metropolitan  area,   the 1976  beach
 attendance,  at  state   and  national parks  alone,  was over  20  million
 (Table  3-3).

ALTERNATIVE SITE OFF THE CONTINENTAL  SHELF - 106 MILE CHEMICAL WASTE SITE

 SITE ENVIRONMENT

    The  106-Mile Chemical Waste  Disposal  Site   (.Figure  3-12;   is  in an  area
 typical of the Atlantic Continental   Slope  and  upper Continental Rise.   The
 physical  and  chemical  characteristics of the  site  are highly  complex,  with
 great,  natural  variability.  The  sediments  and benthic biota  are typical  of
 deep-water, silt-sand  sediments.   Although disposal of  chemical  wastes began
 at  the  site  in  1961,   measurable  changes  caused  by  the wastes   have  not
 occurred.
                                       3-25

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       TABLE 3-3.   BEACH ATTENDANCE AT STATE AND NATIONAL irARKS IN THE
                  NEW YORK-NEW JERSEY METROPOLITAN AREA 1976
          Park
                                                          Attendance
Island Beach State Park, N.J.*
Gateway National Recreation Area
     Breezy Point, N.Y.  (Jacob Riis State Park)+
     Sandy Hook, N.J.+
     Staten Island,  N.Y.+
Smith Point Co.  Park,  Fire Island, N.Y.**
Robert Moses State Park, Fire Island,  N.Y.**
Captree State Park,  Long Island, N.Y.++
Fire Island National Seashore, N.Y.**
Fire Island "Other," N.Y.***
Jones Beach State Park,  N.Y.++

                                        Total
   194,223

 3,800,000
 2,OUO,UUU
 1,240,000
   735,256
 2,122,200
   500,000
   702,194
 2,301,000
 7,000,000
20,594,873
Sources:
* New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Parks,  1978.
+ National Park Service, May 1978.
** Fire Island National Seashore Headquarters, 1978.
++ Long Island State Parks and Recreation Commission Headquarters, June 1978.
*** National Park Service, 1975.
PHYSICAL CONDITIONS


   The  site  is  located  within  the  influence  of the  Gulf Stream  and three

different water  masses (Shelf  Water,  Slope  Water,  Gulf  Stream  hater),  each

having distinctive  physical,  chemical,  and  biological  characteristics, which

may be present in the site.


   Slope Water normally occupies the site; however, when the Shelf/Slope ocean

front  migrates  eastward,  Shelf  Water of  equal  or  lower  salinity  and

temperature  mixes  with Slope  Water.    The  differing  densities  of  the water

masses causes  formation of separate layers.   Therefore,  the mixing of waters

at the site  can  be quite  complex, influenced  by highly unpredictable  factors

and normal seasonal changes (Warsh, 1975).


   Occasionally, warm-core  rings of water (called eddies)  break off from the

Gulf Stream  and migrate through  the site, entraining Gulf  Stream  water  or wari

Sargasso Sea water.   Both are  of  higher  temperature and  salinity than Slope
                                      3-26

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                                         72°
70rW
                                              0               100
                                               NAUTICAL MILES
                               HUDSON
                               CANYON
                                                                         38°N
                  Figure 3-12.   Location of the 106-Mile  Site

Water.   Eddies do not pass  through  the  site  on a seasonal basis; they  occupy
part or all of the site  about 70 days a  year  (Bisagni,  1976).

   As the surface waters of the site warm in late spring, they stratify  within
the  top  10  to  50  m forming  layers of water  with differing  temperatures,
salinities, and densities.  This stratification (thermocline), which can occur
within one  water mass  without  any mixing witn  another  water mass,  persists
until  September/October,  when  cooling  and  storm activity destroy  it.    From
autumn to  early  spring,  the temperature of the  water column  is  the same  from
the surface to  a depth  of  approximately 200  m.  At 200-m depth,  however,  a
                                      3-27

-------
permanent stratification exists.  Deeper water always has a  lower  temperature.
These  characteristics  are  important because they  greatly influence  the
ultimate fate of liquid waste discharges.

   Although  few ocean-current  measurements (1979)  exist  for the  &ite,  the
literature  indicates  that water  at  all  depths  in this  area tenas  to  flow
southwest,  generally  following  the  boundary   of  the  Continental  Shelf  and
Continental Slope (Warsh, 1975).  Changes in the direction of  flow are  usually
associated  with  Gulf  Stream eddies.   The  flow  direction may  change  even in
deep water.   Water  motion is important  because it provides information  as to
the directions waste discharges may follow.

   The  physical and  chemical  characteristics  of  the  site  cause  biological
complexity  because  each water  mass  possesses   characteristic  associations ot
plants  and  animals.

GEOLOGICAL  CONDITIONS

   The  Continental  Slope witnin  the  disposal  area  has  a gentle  (4 percent)
grade,  leveling  off (1  percent) outside  the site,  in  the region  of the  upper
Continental  Rise.   Sediments within  the  site  are principally sand and  silt,
with  silts  predominating (.Pearce  et al.,  1975).   The  sediment composition is
an  important  factor which determines  the  types  of animals  found  in an  area.
Generally,  greater  diversity and  abundance of  fauna  is  associated  with  finer
sediments (e.g., silt),  although  unusual  physical conditions  will  alter  this.
Fine-grained  sediments  commonly  have  higher concentrations  of heavy metals.
Sand,   gravel,  and rocky  bottoms  rarely contain such  elements  in high
concentrations.

   Continental  Slope  sediments  across   the  site  are  subject  to different
dynamic forces;  the upper Continental Rise is  an  area of  tranquil deposition,
and  the lower Continental Rise is an  area  of  shifting deposition.  Erosional
areas   (caused  by  bottom currents)  lie  between  these two  provinces.   These
different  processes would  largely determine  the  ultimate  fate  of any waste
products  (probably  insignificant)  whicn  reach  bottom.    In  areas swept by
currents,  waste products would be  carried out of  the  disposal  site,  greatly
                                       3-28

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diluted before  being buried.   In erosional  and  shifting depositional  areas,
the waste material may  be  temporarily deposited before being moved.   In areas
of tranquil or slow deposition, waste  products  would  be  slowly  buried.

CHEMICAL CONDITIONS

   Dissolved oxygen concentrations at  the  106-Mile  Site  follow  the  temperature
gradients; the permanent stratification  level at  200 m divides the water  into
upper and lower regimes.   The  different  water densities of these regimes  (due
to differences  in temperatures and  salinities) keep  the  two  layers  distinc-
tively different, and no mixing  occurs.   Dissolved oxygen levels decline  from
surface levels to a natural minimum between 200 to  300 m,  then  slowly  increase
with depth.   Figure  3-13  illustrates  that  summer  and winter dissolved  oxygen
gradients  are  similar,  with  slightly  higher  surface  concentrations  during
winter.  Acid wastes, which have not  caused  oxygen depletion  problems  in  the
Apex, would not significantly  change  these natural  conditions.

   Chemical surveys  and monitoring  programs  at the 106-Mile Site have  studied
trace metal levels in sediments,  water,  and selected  organisms.  Metals  in  the
sediments  and  water represent   contaminants  potentially  available   to  site
fauna,  and  may possibly  be assimilated  (bioaccumulated)  and  concentrated  by
them in toxic quantities.

   Since  metals  are  naturally present  in  seawater,  only  concentrations  of
metals which  exceed  natural background levels and  approach known or  suspected
toxic  levels  threaten the  marine fauna  or man.    The most  recent  studies  of
trace metal currents in the water of the 106-Mile Site found  near-background
levels  typical  of other Shelf-Slope  regions  (Kester  et  al. ,  1977; Hausknecht
and Kester, 1976a, 1976b).

   Trace  metals  in  sediments  all   along  the  Continental   Slope  and  Rise
(including  the  site  area)  are  elevated  in  comparison to  Continental  Shelf
values (Greig et  al. , 1976;  Pearce  et al. , 1975).   However,  these values  are
widespread, thus  they cannot be attributed to waste disposal  activities  at  the
site.
                                      3-29

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  OXYGEN (mg/1)
4     5     6	7
      "    'A
                                  8
                                                          OXYGEN(mg/l)
                                                          456
£300
  400
  500:
  600
  700
  800
  900
  1000i
  2000;
  3000
   -  FEB - MAY
      1      1     I
                                      -  AUG-DEC  \l\
     Figure  3-13.  Monthly Averages of Oxygen Concentration Versus Depth
                    at  the 106-Mile Site (from Warsh, 1975)

   Analyses  of  trace  metal  concentrations  in  finfish  caught  at  the  site
revealed high cadmium  levels in  three  swordfish  livers,  mercury levels above
the Food and Drug Administration action level ("unfit for human consumption11)
in  most  fish  muscle  samples,   and  low  to  moderate  copper   ana  manganese
concentrations,   similar  to  those  in  New  York  Bight   finfisn   (Greig  and
Wenzloff, 1977;  Greig et al., 1976).   However,  since  the fish were migratory
and transient  species,  and  the  levels  in benthic  organisms were  similar over a
large area, waste disposal was  not  suggested as the "cause"  of the  elevated
metal concentrations; other  factors  were important  (Pearce et ai.,  1975).
                                      3-30

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BIOLOGICAL CONDITIONS

   Plankton  are  microscopic  plants and animals which drift  passively  with  the
current or swim  weakly.   Plankton are divided  into  plants  (phytoplankton)  and
animals (zooplankton).   Since  the plankton are the  primary  source  of  all  food
in the  ocean,  their health  and  ability to reproduce is of  crucial importance
to  all  life  in  the  ocean,   including  fish  and  shellfish  of   commercial
importance.

   Plankton  populations  at  the  106-Mile Site  are highly  diverse  due  to  the
influence  of the  Shelf,  Slope,  and Gulf  Stream Water masses.   Diatoms  dominate
in Shelf  Waters  while coccolithophorids,  diatoms, dinoflagellates, and  other
mixed  flagellates  are  important in the low-nutrient  Slope Waters  (Hulburt  and
Jones,  1977).    Mixed assemblages of  zooplankters  (common  to the  different
water  masses)  occupy  the  site during winter,  spring,  and summer  (Sherman  et
al., 1977; Austin,  1975).

   Fish  have been surveyed at  various  depths  within the site.  The  diversity
and  abundance  of near surface  fish is similar  inside and  outside  the  disposal
site  (Haedrich,  1977).   Fish  occurring  primarily at mid-depths  (mesopelagic
fish),  are  dominated by  Slope  Water species with anticyclonic  (clockwise)
eddies  bringing   in  some north  Sargasso  Sea  species (Kreuger  et  al.,  1975,
1977;  Haedrich,   1977).    For   some depths,  particularly  in  the   lower  water
column,  the  density  of mesopelagic fish  may be lower at  the  site when  compared
with nondisposal  site  areas  (Krueger  et  al.,  1977).   Several  migratory oceanic
fish,  usually  associated with  the  Gulf  Stream,  are  found in  midwater regions
of the  site.   The  diversity  and  abundance of benthic (bottom)  fish  in  the  site
area  are  similar to  those  in  other Slope  areas  (Musick,  et  al.,  1975;  Cohen
and  Pawson,   1977).   Fifty-five  species  have  been reported at  the  site.
Numbers of individuals and numbers of species  decrease with  depth.

   At the  bottom,  the  abundance  and diversity  of  invertebrates at  the  ll)6-Mile
Site  are  similar  to  other  Slope  localities  of  the  mid-Atlantic  Bight.
Invertebrates  living  on  the  surface  of  the bottom  (the  epifauna) of  the
106-Mile Site  are dominated  by echinoderms  (such  as starfish and sea  urchins),
while segmented worms  (polychaetes) are  the dominant burrowing organisms.
                                       3-31

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WASTE DISPOSAL AT THE SITE

PERMITS AND WASTE VOLUMES—1973 to 1978

   The 106-Mile Chemical  Waste  Site  was proposed  for  use  in 1965 by  the  U.S.
Fish  and  Wildlife  Service as an  alternate  to inland  discharge  of industrial/
chemical  wastes  which  might contaminate  potable  water  supplies.    However,
chemical  wastes were  released in the  area  during 1961, 1962, and 1963.   From
1961  to  1978,  approximately  4.6   million  tonnes  of  chemical  wastes   and
400,000  tonnes of  sewage sludge were released  at  this  site,  an average  of
275,300 tonnes per year.

   When ocean  waste disposal  came under EPA regulation  in 1973,  there  were  66
permittees  at  the  site.   Since  then,  the number  of  permittees  has  steadily
declined  until,  as  of November  1979,  only four  permittees  remain:    American
Cyanamid  (.Linden, N.J.),  E.I. du  Pont  de Nemours  and Co.,  Inc. Edge Moor Plant
(Edge Moor, Del.) and Grasselli Plant  (Linden, N.J.),  and  Merck  & Co.  (Rahway,
N.J.).   The volume of waste  released,  however,  increased from  299,000 tonnes
in  1973  to 735,000 tonnes  in 1977.    The  increase  was due  to   four  factors:
(1)  the  relocation  of industrial  waste generators from  the  Sewage Sludge  Site
in  1974,  (2)   Du  Pont-Gr asselli' s move   from the Acid  Site   in 1975,
(3)  Du Pont-Edge Moor's  move from the Delaware Bay Acid  Site  in 1977,  and (4)
the  relocating by court  order,  of  waste  disposal  operations of the  City  of
Camden,  New Jersey to  the  site  in  1977.   Camden,  however, contributed  only
48,000 tonnes.   In  1978,  the volume  of  waste dumped   totalled 612,000  tonnes,
representing   a  16%  decrease  from   the  higher  volume  in  1977.    Overall,
approximately  80%  of  the  waste  discharged from  1973  to  1978  was from  three
industrial  sources:    Du Pont-Edge   Moor,  Du  Pont-Grasselli,  and   American
Cyanamid.   The actual dumping volumes of  each  permittee appear  in Table  3-4.
Table 3-5 shows the projected inputs  to  the site  from  1979 to  1981.
                                      3-32

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                   TABLE 3-4.  WASTE VOLUMES,  1973 - 1978  AT 106-MILE  CHEMICAL WASTE SITE
                                             IN  THOUSANDS OF TONNES
Permittee
American Cyanamid Co.
Camden, N.J.
Chevron Oil Co.
Du Font-Edge Moor
Du Pont-Grasselli
Hess Oil Co.
•it
Mixed Industries
**
Mixed municipalities
Totals
1973
118
—
25
—
116
7

34

41
341
1974
137
—
26
—
155
—

35

93
446
1975
116
—
22
—
264
—

78

96
576
1976
119
—
—
—
164
—

67

25
375
1977
130
48
—
380
107
—

85

16
766
1978
111
54
—
372
172
—

72

16
797
Totals
731
102
73
752
978
7

371

287
3,301
Average
122
51
24
376
163
7

62

48

 *  Crompton  and Knowles, Merck and Co.,  and Reheis Chemical  Co.
**  Permittees  using New York Bight Sewage Sludge Site (sewage  sludge digester cleanout  residue).
Source:   Data  from EPA Region-II permit  files

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  TABLE  3-5.   PROJECTED VOLUMES,  1979 - 1980, AT 106-MILE CHEMICAL WASTE  SITE
                             (THOUSANDS OF TONNES)
Permittee

American Cyanamid
Du Font-Edge Moor
Du Pont-Grasselli
Merck
Annual totals:
Scheduled Phaseout Date

April 1981
May 1980
None
April 1981

Year
1979
123
299
295
36
753
I960
123
136
295
36
590
1961
30
0
295
10
335
WASTE TYPES AND CONTAMINANTS

   The types of  wastes,  physical characteristics,  authorized discharge  rate,
and dispersion factors  are  summarized in Table  3-6.   The averages and  ranges
of concentrations of selected trace metals  are  presented in Table 3-7.   Table
3-6  shows  that the  different  wastes have  some common  characteristics.  The
wastes are heavier than seawater, although American Cyanamid  wastes are  almost
neutrally buoyant.   Minimal  dilution after initial mixing  ranges from  20,000
to  25,000:1 up   to  75,000:1.    The  authorized  discharge  rates  have  been
established by EPA-Region II to  prevent  long-term adverse  effects  caused by
the  waste  discharges.    Comparing the mean and  maximal trace  metal concen-
tration (Table 3-7)  with  the minimal  dilution  factors (Table 3-6) shows  that,
with  few  exceptions, even  maximal  concentrations  of waste  constituents are
diluted well  below predischarge  ambient  levels within  4  hours  after a  waste
disposal operation.

TOXIC1TY

   Periodic toxicity bioassays  are  required of each permittee at  the  106-iMile
Site.   Table  3-3  summarizes  the results  for  the remaining  waste generators.
These  results  show the  variability  common  to  tests  of this  type  and  probable
variability  in  the  toxicity   of different  bargeloads  of  waste.    The EPA
established the  discharge rates  (Table 3-6)  based upon tne  more  conservative
bioassay results.
                                      3-34

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                                     TABLE 3-6.  PHYSICAL  CHARACTERISTICS FOR  THE WASTES AT  THE
                                                      106-MILE CHEMICAL WASTE SITE
Company
American Cyanamid
Du Font-Edge Moor
Du Pont-Grasselli
Merck & Company
Waste Produced
From the Manufacture of:
Rubber, mining and paper
chemicals, nonpersistent
organophosphorus pesticides
and surfactants
Titanium dioxide (chloride
process) iron chloride and
hydrochloric acid
DMHA and Anisole
Thiabendazole
( Pharmaceuticals)
N umb e r of
Barge Trips
Per Month
7
7
7-9
1-2
Mean Specific
Gravity (Range)*
1.02S
(1.010-1.055)
1.135
(1.085-1.218)
1.109
(1.036-1.222)
1.115
(1.022-1.132
pH
(Range)**
2.7 to
8.3
0.1 to
1.0
12.4 to
13.6
5.2 to
10.3
Authorized Discharge
Rate
(per nautical mile)
113,400 liters
(30,000 gallons)
140,000 liters
(37,000 gallons)
197,000 liters
(52,000 gallons;
492,000 liters
130,000 gallons)
Minimum Dilution and
Dispersion 4 Hours
After Waste Release
25,000:1
75,000:1
30,000:1 to
55,000:1
20,000:1 to
52,000:1
 I
u>
          Sources:    Data  from EPA-Region II permit files
                  *  Specific Gravity of seawater = 1.025
                  ** pH of seawater = 7.8 to 8.4

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                            TABLE 3-7.   AVERAGE METAL  CONCENTRATIONS  (in ug/1) FOR THE WASTES

                                            AT THE 106-MILE CHEMICAL WASTE SITE
Metal
Arsenic
Cadmium
Chromium
Copper
Lead
Mercury
Nickel
Zinc
Seawater
Concentration
2-3
0.15
1
3.0
0.03
0.05-0.19
5-7
10
Reference
Kopp, 1969
Fleischer et al . , 1974
EPA, 1976
Mero, 1964
Home, 1969
Robertson et al. , 1972
NAS, 1974
EVA, 1976
American Cyanamid
Mean
620
4
550
350
120
30
1,100
560
Range
20-2,600
1-150
45-4,900
1-4,100
1-1,000
1-200
145-6,400
7-5,150
Du font-Edge Moor
Mean
140
320
270,200
3,250
40,540
30
29,060
100,960
Range
5-525
20-900
52,600-900,000
4-7,400
2,700-76,000
1-500
200-65,000
110-530,000
Du Pont-Grasselli
Mean
7
170
330
3,150
900
7
730
540
Range
1-30
3-7UO
10-3,500
25-154,700
10-4,900
1-20
30-2,000
30-2,700
Mixed Industries
Mean
30
3,200
21,170
10,900
8,840
300
4,900
163,800
Range
1-130
20-15,600
4-170,000
1-115,000
8-62,000
21-3,830
20-31,500
15-1,400,000
o-
 I
        Source:  Data from EPA Region-II permit files

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    TABLE 3-8.  TOXICITY BIOASSAYS FOR WASTES AT THE 106-MILE CHEMICAL WASTE SITE
Company

American
Cyanamid
Du Font-
Edge Moor
Du Pont-
Grasselli
Mixed
Industries
( includes
wastes other
than Merck)
Menidia
(Minnow
Aerated
0.24 to
2,900
5,000
1.8 to
6,950
650 to
100,000
menidia
96-h TL5Q)
Unaerated
0.10 to
2,900
5,000 to
14,400
1.7 to
6,170
150 to
100,000
Skeletonema costatum
(Phy to plankton-diatom)
96-h EC5Q
10 to 1900
712 to 3,450
29 to 8,600
65 to 12,000
Acartia tonsa
(Zooplankton-copepod)
96-h TL5Q
19.5 to 3,500
No data
57 to 238
29.7 to 5,300
Source:   Data from EPA - Region II permit files

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In addition to these  bioassays,  the  Du Pont plants have  sponsored  additional

laboratory work on  the  toxicity of  their  wastes.   For  wastes  from  the  Edge

Moor Plant, Falk  and Phillips  (1977)  concluded  that:


     •    In 200-day chronic toxicity tests, the  "no-effect"  level  for
          Mysidopsis j>ahia  (opossum  shrimp)  and  Cyprinidon  variegatus
          (sheepshead minnow)  ranged  from 25 to 50  ppm.

     •    pH-neutralizeci waste  (which  rapidly occurs  in seawater)  produces
          mortalities only  at  concentrations several orders of magnitude above
          the unaltered  waste.

     •    Pulsed   exposure  of  Palaemonetes  pugio  (grass   shrimp)  to  initial
          wastewater  concentrations  of 250  ppm (v/v)*  followed  by  dilution
          slower  than that  observed in the  barge wake  produced no  mortalities.

     0    Maximum waste  concentrations in the barge wake  were  calculated to be
          approximately  150 ppm within  2  hours,  and about  5  ppm  within 8
          hours.   The 2-hour calculated wake concentrations is  about  half  the
          acute LC5a value range  of  240   to  320  ppm  and   the  8-hour wake
          concentration  is  a  fifth of the  calculated  chronic no-effect level
          of 25 to 50 ppm for  unaltered waste.


   Based  on  these results,  Falk and  Phillips  (.1977)  concluded that  the Edge

Moor wastewaters   can  be discharged  into the marine environment over  a  5-hour

period, at a barge speed of 6  kn, without adverse impact  and  without  violating

the requirements  of Section 227.8 of the EPA Ocean  Dumping Regulations.


   For wastes from the Grasselli plant, Falk and Gibson (1977) concluded:


     •    Under oceanographic conditions least likely to  enhance  dispersions
          peak wastewater  concentration in  the  barge wake  is  about 450  ppm
           (v/v) 1 minute after release.

     •    Wastewater  concentrations  decline to  a  maximum of 80  ppm 4 hours
           after release, and to about 60 ppm after  12  hours.

     •     In  178-day chronic   toxicity  tests,  the  no-effect level  for
          Mysidopsis bahia (opossum shrimp) and Cyprinodon variegatus (sheeps-
          head minnow) was 750 ppm.

     •    The wastewaters are  not selectively toxic to a particular life stage
          °f Cyprinodon or Mysidopsis.

     •    There  is  little  difference in  the  toxicity of the wastewater to
          several species of marine organisms.
* v/v - volumetric ratio

                                      3-38

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   These results supported the discharge of Grasselli waste into the site over
a 5-hour period, at a barge speed  of  5  kn  without adverse impact,  and without
violating  the  requirements  of  Section  227.3  of the  EPA  Ocean  Dumping
Regulations.

CONCURRENT AND FUTURE STUDIES

   The  NOAA Ocean Dumping  Monitoring Division  will continue  monitoring tne
106-Mile  Site to  detect any  long term  changes due  to the  chemical wastes
released.   All  permittees are  required  to monitor  the  short-term effects of
their  waste discharges.   Present permittees  have contracted  with  a private
company  to  conduct continuous monitoring,  and  twelve reports  (as of 1979J have
been submitted to EPA-Region  II.

OTHER ACTIVITIES IN THE  106-MILE  SITE VICINITY

   Few   activities  occur  in   the site  vicinity  other  than  waste  Disposal
operations  at the  site  itself.  A large area immediately south  of  the  site has
been  proposed as  an ocean  incineration  area;   however,  there are  no   otner
active  ocean disposal  sites  in the vicinity.   Oil ana gas  lease tracts are
located  west  and  north  of the site, along the outer Continental Shelf (Figure
3-9).   While  the Hudson  Canyon  Navigational Lane crosses the  Continental  Slope
to the  north  of the  site, major  traffic lanes  are  not near the  106-Mile Site.

   Limited  fisheries  resources  occur at the 106-Mile  Site  and vicinity.   Due
to  the  abyssal  depths  at  the  site,  none  of the shellfish common  to  shallower
Shelf-Slope areas are   found  at  the  site.    Lobsters,  which  are a  valuable
 fisheries  resource in the  New York Bight,  are  confined  to areas shallower than
50U m.   The red crab  (a potential fishery  resource)  is  most abunaant  at cieptns
between 310 and 914  m;  its depth range is to 1,S30 m.  Small  individuals may
occur  at the site;  however,  liquid  wastes  would  not  affect  bottom  dwelling
animals.

   Existing  population  data  show  that  commercially  important   species   of
finfishes  in the  New York Bight vicinity  are most  abundant in Shelf  areas  and
along  the Continental Shelf-Slope break  (MESA,  1975;  BLM,  1978;  Chenowetn  et
                                       3-39

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al., 1976).  Consequently,  most foreign and domestic fish trawling is conducted
at  depths  shallower  than  1,000 m,  much  shallower than  the  lOG-Mile  Site.
Nearby waters  have  been used  for  the commercial  longline  fishing of marlin,
swordfish, and  tuna  (Casey  and Hoenig, 1977).   However, only  1,041  of  these
fisii were taken in 1973 and  1974  in a large area including the 106-Mile  Site.
In  general,  catch  statistics  for  Continental  Slope  areas  are  unavailable
because landing records do not separate Shelf species from Slope species.

             ALTERNATIVE SITES ON THE CONTINENTAL SHELF

    In addition to existing disposal sites, the so called Northern and Southern
Areas  were  evaluated as  alternative  sites  for  the  release  of  acid  wastes.
These  sites might  be considered if disposal operations  were  moved out of the
New York bight Apex, but not off the Continental Shelf due to environmental or
economic considerations.  The  Alternate  Sewage  Sludge  Disposal  Site is in the
rortheast corner  of  the  Northern  Area,  but  antnropogenic wastes  have never
been released  in either location.

    The  main  environmental  features  of  the  two  areas   are  similar  to those
discussed  earlier  in  this  chapter   for  the   Acid  Site,   and  detailed  in
Appendix A.  This  section empnasizes  the  most  significant differences between
the  areas,  and  the  general  oceanography of   the  New  York Bight.    The
information is  taken  from NOAA (1976).

    The  flow  of waters  is generally southwestward, following  depth contours,
although  (as in  the  Apex) this flow is highly variable  and subject to intense
meteorological  events.   Flow  in  the Hudson  Canyon is  both  up and  down the
canyon,  but  the  long-term   flow  is distinctly  up-canyon,  towaras  the Bight
Apex.

    Surface sediments  are mostly clean, medium-sized sands.  The most prominent
feature  of  the  bottom sediment  in the  Southern Area  is  a band  of coarse,
gravelly  sand  near the northeast rim of the site, parallel to the Hudson  Shelf
Valley.    The  motion  in both  areas  is  generally  towards  the  southwest,
especially during winter "northeaster" storms.
                                      3-40

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   Dissolved oxygen concentrations in surface, mid-depth, and bottom waters in
the  Northern  and  Southern  Areas  are  moderately  to  highly  saturated under
winter,  spring,  and  critical  summer  conditions.   The  saturation  value   for
oxygen at these  sampling  depths  probably does not  fail  below  50^ at any  time
of year, and is usually much higher (75£ to 110%).

   The  concentrations of  heavy  metals  in the  sediments  and  waters  of   the
Northern and Southern Areas  are  low compared  to  those  found  in  the Bight Apex,
but  all  levels  of chemical  parameters are  typical  of the New  York liignt.
Concentrations of  suspended  particulate matter are lower in these areas since
they are further removed  from  shore influence.

   The living marine  resources are  typical  of those along  the mid-Atlantic  and
New  England  Continental   Shelf.    NOAA (1976)  reported  surf  clams  and   sea
scallops  at each site.   Commercial  possibilities were  not  determined.  Ocean
quahogs  were  also  present  in both  areas.   Figure 3-2 shows  tne  distribution of
these  three species.
                                       3-41

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                                       er 4
                ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES
        The release  of acid waste  at  any of  the  alternative sites
        would produce similar environmental consequences.  There will
        be minor,  short-term,  adverse  effects  on the  plankton  and
        minimal effects on  bottom-living  organisms.   Effects  on  the
        benthos are most probable and would be easiest to demonstrate
        at the  Southern or  Northern Areas;  effects  (if present)  at
        the  Acid  Site are  obscured  by  the  multiple  contaminant
        sources, while no effects are expected at the 106-Mile Site,
        which is located in water depths of 2,000 m.

        Adverse effects from acid waste  disposal on the  public health
        and water  quality will  be minimal except for a  site  in  the
        Southern Area,, where acid waste  disposal might interfere with
        development  of  exploitable  shellfish  resources.   Demon-
        strable, adverse  effects  on the ecosystem are most probable
        at a new site  in  the Northern or  Southern Areas since wastes
        have never been released in these regions.

        Most importantly, 30 years  of study  at the existing New York
        Bight  Acid  Waste  Disposal Site  have  not  demonstrated  any
        adverse effects resulting from  the disposal of these wastes.
        There  may be  a beneficial effect of  waste  release  if
        bluefish,  a  popular  sport fish, are  attracted to the area by
        the  discolored  water  caused   by   waste  discharge.   The
        alternative  sites  are  too distant from shore  to  support  an
        active sportfishery.
   This  chapter details  environmental  effects  of waste disposal  at  various

alternative  disposal  sites outlined in Chapter  2.   Included are unavoidable

environmental  consequences which  would  occur  if  the  proposed  action  takes

place.   The effects discussed first are environmental changes which directly

affect  public  health,  specifically,  commercial  or recreational fisheries  and

navigational  hazards.   Secondly,  the  environmental consequences of acid waste

disposal  at each  alternative  site,  which  cover effects of  short  dumping in

nondesignated  areas,  are discussed.   Finally,  the chapter  concludes  with

descriptions  of  unavoidable   adverse  effects  and  mitigating  measures,  the

relationships  between  short-term uses of  the  environment,  maintenance  and

enhancement  of long-term productivity,  and  any  irreversible or  irretrievable

commitments  of  resources  which  would occur  if  the proposed action is

implemented.
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   Much data and other information was examined  to  evaluate  potential effects
of acid waste disposal at  the sites.   The  principal  data sources for each area
are:

     0    New  York Bight Acid  Waste  Disposal Site:    NOAA-MESA  studies
          beginning in 1973.   NMFS/Sandy Hook Laboratory  study from  1968  to
          1972.   Site-specific  studies   sponsored   by  NL  Industries,  Inc.,
          beginning in  1948.   Routine  monitoring   surveys  sponsored by  the
          permittees.

     •    106-Mile Site:    NOAA  surveys,   starting in 1974.    Waste  dispersion
          studies and monitoring  of  short-term disposal effects  sponsored  by
          the  permittees.    Public  hearings concerning  relocation  of  sewage
          sludge disposal  sites  and  issuing  of  new permits.

     •    Southern Area:   NOAA survey in  1975.  Public  hearings concerning  the
          disposal of  sewage sludge  in the New  York  Bight.

     *    Northern Area:    NOAA  and  Raytheon  Corporation  surveys  in  1975.
          Hearings concerning the disposal  of  sewage sludge  in the New York
          Bight.

   Information from these  and other  sources  was collected  and  compiled into  an
extensive  data  base   entitled  Oceanographic  Data   Environmental  Evaluation
Program  (ODEEP)   (Appendix  D).    The  following   discussion   is  based  on  an
evaluation of the available data.

                  EFFECTS ON PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY

   A  primary  concern  in  ocean waste  disposal   is the  possible  direct  or
indirect link  between contaminants  in  the waste  and man.   A direct  link may
affect man's  health and  safety.  An indirect  link  may  cause changes in the
ecosystem which,  although not  apparently harmful  to  man,  could  lead  to  a
decrease in the quality of the human  environment.
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COMMERCIAL AND RECREATIONAL FISH AND SHELLFISH

   Ttie most direct  link  between man and waste  contaminants  released into tne
marine environment  is via  consumption  of contaminated seafood.  Snellfishing,
for  example,  is  automatically  prohibited  by  the FDA  around  sewage  slucige
disposal  sites   or  other  areas  wnere  wastes  are dumped  which may  contain
disease-producing  (pathogenic)  microorganisms.   Thus,  the  possibility  of
consuming  shellfisn which  may be contaminated  by  pathogens,  is  eliminated or
minimized.  Harmful effects caused  by  eating fish containing high  levels of
mercury,  lead,  or  persistent  organohalogen  pesticides  have  been documented.
Certain compounds (e.g., oil) have made  fish  flesh and shellfish unhealthy and
unpalatable.  Therefore, wastes containing  heavy metals, organohalogens,  oil,
or  pathogens  must  be  carefully evaluated  with respect to  possible contami-
nation of  commercially or recreationally exploitable marine animals.

   Foreign  long-line  fisheries  exist  on  the  Continental   blope,  but  U.S.
fishing  in  the mid-Atlantic  is  mostly  restricted  to  waters  over  the
Continental  Snelf.    Commercial  fishing  and  sportfishing  activities on  the
Shelf are  widespread  and  diverse;  finfish and shellfish  (mollusks  and
crustaceans)  are taken.    The New York  Bight  is  one of the  most  productive
coastal  areas in the North  Atlantic,  and  the  region may be  capable  of  even
greater production  as new fisheries  develop.

   Important  spawning grounds  and  nursery  areas  lie  within the Bight,  but
critical  assessments  of  the effects of  man-induced contamination on fish and
shellfish  populations are lacking.   Many factors complicate the collection &n
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NEW YORK BIGHT ACID WASTE DISPOSAL SITE

   There  is  an extremely  low potential  for endangering  public  health from
continued acid waste disposal  at  this site.  The  site  location was chosen 30
years ago because  it was not a point  of concentration  for  fish or fishing and
because the sandy sediments of the  site are seldom associated with productive
fishing.   Ironically,  the  site  has  become a  sportfishing  area  because the
discoloration  of  the  water  caused  by  acid-iron  waste disposal  apparently
attracts bluefish, a prized sport fish, to the area (Westman, 1953J.  However,
fishermen  in  the  New Jersey  and  Long Island areas claim  that the discolored
water hurts the fishing  for other pelagic  sport  fish.   In  winter a commercial
whiting  fishery exists near the Acid  Site,  and  lobstering  may occur northeast
of  the  site.

    Effects of acid  waste  disposal on  these  resources   are practically
nonexistent.   The area nearer shore  is closed  to  shellfisning because of the
material released at the Sewage Sludge and Dredged Material Sites.

    Acid  waste  contains  only small  amounts  of tainting substances, such  as oil
and grease.   Relative to  total  inputs of  oil  ana grease  to  the bight, acia
waste  is  an  insignificant  contributor  of  these   contaminants.    Waste
constituents may  reach  the bottom and be  assimilated  by organisms, but  other
sources  of contamination are  probably more  significant.   (The New York  Bight
Sewage  Sludge  Site  is only 2.8 nmi  from the Acid Site.;

    No health  problems  associated  with sport fish caught at the  site have been
reported.    Although  adverse  effects  have  been  observed  in  mackerel eggs
exposed  to moderately   high  concentrations of  acid  waste  (Longwell,  1976),
tainting  or harmful accumulations  of waste components  in the  flesh  of fisti
taken from the area  nave not  been reported.  Long-term  damage  to  the resources
resulting  from acid  waste disposal  have  not  been documented  (EG&G,  1977e;
ERGO,  197cia,b).

1U6-MILE  SITE

    Commercial  or  recreational  fishing  is  infrequent  at  this  site;  conse-
quently,  acid waste disposal  will not  directly  endanger human  healtn.

                                      4-4

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Although the NOAA resource  assessment  surveys do not extend beyond  the  Shelf,
densities of  fish eggs  and  larvae  are  low beyond  the  edge of  the  Sheif.
Foreign  fishermen  are near  the site  in the  late  winter,  but  usually  catch
tughly  migratory  fish.   The  probability  of  these  fish  accumulating  toxic
levels of contaminants from the waste is extremely unlikely.

   A small fishery for the  deep  sea  rea  crab (Geryon quinquedens) exists  near
the Shelf-Slope break  in  the mid-Atlantic.   Immediately north of the  106-Mile
site, crabs are  found  in moderate abundance  (33 per half  nour  otter  trawl,),
but the  water  depth  is much shallower than at  the  site Oil to 1 Si  ;nj .   at  a
station 70 nmi (130 km) northeast of the site,  at a comparable depth,  no  crabs
were  taken  (Wigley  et al., 1975).   Although the site  is  within  the  range of
smaller crabs, none of commercial size were  taken  deeper tnan 914 m.  As  with
finfisn,  the   probability of  liquid  wastes   affecting a  benthic   animal is
extremely low.   Therefore,  disposal at  this site does not directly  endanger
human health by contaminating edible organisms.

SOUTHERN AREA

   Although numerous surf clams, ocean  quahogs, and scallops are found  in the
Southern Area, most commercial shellfishing is  presently to  the west,  near the
New Jersey coast.  However, declining  harvests may cause the Southern Area to
be exploited  in  the  future  (EPA,  1978a).  Recreational  fishing is unlikely at
this  site due  to  its distance  from  shore  and  the  competition  from  more
attractive  sportfishing   areas  closer  inshore.   If  this area were  used  as  a
disposal site  for wastes  similar to  those presently  being  released at  the Acid
Site,  a real  but  low  potential for an  accumulation of waste constituents in
the flesh of shellfish would exist.

NORTHERN AREA

   Disposal of aqueous acid wastes  in  this  area  would probably not  directly
endanger  public  health.    This  site  is   not in  a  known  commercially or
recreationally  important  fishing or shellfisning area.   Resource  assessment
surveys  show  that  this area has a similar, or  lower, density  of  fish  eggs and
larvae when compared  with other Shelf sites  (NOAA,  1975.).   Shellfish are not
                                     4-5

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abundant  in  the  area.    Since the  area  supports  no  commercially  or  recre-
ationally  exploitable  finfish or   shellfish,   a  health  hazard  from  eating
animals contaminated by waste materials  is  unlikely.

NAVIGATIONAL HAZARDS

   Navigational  hazards  may  be  separated  into  two  components:    (1)  hazards
resulting  from  the movement  of  transport barges to  and  from a  site,  and (2)
hazards resulting  from barge  maneuvers within  the  site.

   If  an  accident  occurred involving the  release  of wastes,  the  effects  from
the dumped  waste  would  probably be  equivalent  to  a  short  dump.    The  effects
from the other ship would depend on  the  cargo and could be  severe  if the barge
collided  with  an oil or  liquefied  natural  gas (LNG)  tanker.   There  is  the
possibility of  loss  of  life  in any  collision.   Sites further offshore  have  a
longer  search and rescue response time than  sites closer  to  shore.

   For  all  sites, barges  must pass  through the Precautionary  Zone  centered
around Ambrose light, where traffic  is densest and hazards  are greatest.  Once
through  the Precautionary  Zone,   the potential  for problems increases  with
increasing  distance  from  shore.   Table  4-1 shows  the  distance and  estimated
transit time for the four alternate  sites.

NEW YORK BIGHT ACID WASTE DISPOSAL SITE

   The New York Bight Acid Waste Disposal  Site is situated  across  the outbound
section  of the  Hudson  Canyon  Traffic  Lane  from  New  York  Harbor,  but  the
barging operations are designed  to  minimize interference with traffic.   In 30
years  of use at the Acid  Site,  no  collision between  a barge  discharging waste
and a  ship  has  ever occurred.  In April 1976,  a collision did occur near the
Acid Site  between a  ship  and a barge  outbound for  the 106-Mile  Site.   The
permittees  now  using the  site  barge wastes  about  once a  day.   Any accident
would  be close to New Jersey  or Long  Island  beaches.
                                     4-6

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   TABLE 4-1.  DISTANCES AND  TRANSIT TIMES (ROUND TRIP) TO ALTERNATE SITES
Site
New York
Acid Waste
106-Mile
Chemical
Waste
Southern
Area
Northern
Area
*
Distance
nmi
17
113
53
50
(km;
(31)
(209)
(96)
(93)
**
Transit Time (Hours)
5 kn (9 km/hr)
7
46
22
21
7 kn (13 km/hr)
3
32
16
Ib
*  Measured  from the Rockaway - Sandy Hook Transect
** Does not  include time in  transit from the  loading  dock to  tne  Rockaway-
   Sandy  Hook Transect (New  York Harbor), nor time spent at the sites.
106-MILE  SITE

   Barges in  transit  to the  106-Mile  Site  from  New  York  Harbor  use  the
Ambrose-Hudson Canyon  Traffic  Lane  for  most  of  the  journey.    There  is  a
slightly  greater  possibility for problems during the round-trip transit to the
106-Mile  Site  than to a site closer inshore.

   Hazards resulting from maneuvers within  the site  are negligible.   The site
is extremely large, and  permittees  are  required to  use different quadrants of
the site  if there  are simultaneous  disposal operations.   The  frequency of
existing  barging  is only two  to  three times per week.  Increased frequency of
use would not  significantly increase navigational difficulties.

SOUTHERN  AREA

   The Southern Area lies outside  traffic  lanes for  New York Harbor, thus its
use would  cause   few  navigational  hazards.   Barges  could use  the  Ambrose-
Barnegat  Traffic  Lane  for most  of the trip.   However,  increased ship  traffic
resulting  from offshore oil  and  gas  resource development would  slightly
                                     -4-7

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increase the  hazard.   The degree  and  extent  of such hazards  would  depend on
the speed and magnitude of oil and gas development in the area.  Any accidents
would likely occur in the heavily fished coastal waters off New Jersey.

NORTHERN AREA

   The Northern Area lies outside  traffic  lanes for New York  Harbor thus its
use  would  cause  few  navigational  hazards.   Barges  could  use  the Ambrose-
Nantucket  Traffic  Lane  for  most  of  the  trip.   Mineral  resources  are not
located  in the  area,  so there  is no  possibility  of increased  hazards  from
future resource development.   Any accidents would be  near  coastal waters off
Long Island.

                       EFFECTS ON THE ECOSYSTEM

   The  adverse effects  of  ocean disposal  on  the ecosystem  (the interacting
living  and  non-living  components of  the  environment)  can be  subtle,  and may
not  exhibit  obvious direct effects  on the quality  of  the human  environment.
However, subtle adverse  impacts can accumulate and combine, to cause long-term
consequences  which  are as serious  as any readily observed direct  impacts.  For
example,  an  organism  may  accumulate waste  constituents  in  its  tissues at
concentrations  that do not cause  its  death  immediately,  but  instead act  at a
sublethal  or  chronic level.  Sublethal effects may reduce reproduction,  reduce
health  of eggs  and larvae,  slow development  of  juveniles,   or  affect  otner
facets  of  the life  cycles  of  individual organisms followed by adverse  changes
in the  entire population of this  organism.   The population may  eventually be
eliminated  from an  area,  not  because it  was  immediately killed  by a  single
waste  discharge but because of  long  accumulations  of  sublethal  effects.  If
that  population  were  a  major  human  food  source   or  a  food  source  for an
organism that was commercially exploited, man  could lose the resource.   This
scenario is  vastly  simplified  and is not  a  projection of what   is currently
resulting  from acid waste disposal  in the ocean;  however, it does  illustrate
that man,  as  an  integral part  of a complex ecosystem, may ultimately  feel the
results  of adverse  impacts on  other  parts  of the  ecosystem.
                                     4-8

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   The magnitude  of  the effects  of waste  disposal on  the marine  ecosystem
depends upon  several  factors:   (1)  the types of waste  constituents,  (2;  the
concentrations of toxic  waste  materials in  the  water  and  sediments,  (J)  the
length of  time  that  high  concentrations are maintained  in the water  or  the
sediments,  and  (4)  the  length  of  time that marine  organisms  are exposed  to
high  concentrations  of  these  materials.    Current disposal  techniques  for
aqueous chemical  wastes  maximize  the  dilution  and  dispersion of  the  wastes,
and minimize chances  for wastes to  remain  in the water column  or to  reach  the
bottom in high concentrations.
BIOTA
PLANKTON

   Plankton consists of plants (phytoplankton) and animals (zooplankton,)  whicn
spend  all  or  part of  their  lives floating or  weakly swimming in  the  water.
Since aqueous wastes primarily affect the water column, plankton represent the
first  level  of  the  ecosystem where  the  effects of  waste  disposal could  be
observed.    Accordingly, numerous  studies  of the  effects  of  wastes  on
planktonic organisms have been conducted.

Acid Waste

   Tne  effects  of  waste disposal  on  plankton  at  the  Acid  Site  have  been
extensively  studied,  field  studies  during waste  discharges have  shown  that
acid-iron  waste  does not  harm zooplankton populations  (Wiebe et  al.,  1973;
Redfield and Walford, 1951).   Evidence  of chromosomal damage in mackerel eggs
collected  in the vicinity of  the  site has been reported  (.Longwell,  ly?6>, but
the  cause  of  the damage  cannot  be definitely linked  to  the disposal  of acid
wastes.  Interpretation  of field  results  from this site  is difficult;  changes
in plankton  populations  resulting from acid  waste disposal  at  the Acid Site
cannot be  reliably  distinguished  from changes caused by  pollutants  from other
sources introduced  into  the New York  Bight.

   Laboratory studies  show  that acid wastes  released at this  site can cause
chronic  effects  in zooplankton  after   prolonged exposure  to waste  concen-
                                     4-9

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trations which are much greater than those  encountered  under  field conditions
(Grice  et  al.,  1973).   Sublethal  effects   (e.g.,  failure  to  reproduce  and
extended developmental times)  have  been demonstrated in  the  laboratory after
21 days  of  exposure to waste  concentrations which  persist  for  only minutes
after actual discharge of  wastes at  the site (Vaccaro et al.,  1972).

   Additional release of  acid wastes at the  Acid Site would not be expected to
cause effects different from  those  presently seen there.   However,  releasing
wastes  with  characteristics different  from wastes  previously  dispersed  may
have unpredictable effects.

106-Mile Site

   Numerous  field  and  laboratory studies on  the 106-Mile  Site  have investi-
gated the effects of dumped wastes  on  the plankton.   Some of  these wastes are
aqueous by-product  acids, similiar  to  those  at  the Acid  Site.   Field studies
of  populations  have  shown  great   numerical  variations,  mainly  due to  the
presence of  several  water  masses,  each with different  species (Austin,  1975;
Sherman et al., 1977; Hulburt  and Jones, 1977).   NOAA (1977)  recognized these
factors at the 106-Mile Site:

         Plankton undergo large natural variations with changing water
         type and  for  this  reason,  assessment of  the plankton of the
         region was  difficult.  Coastal waters are  characterized by
         high  nutrient  concentrations and populations  with  wide
         seasonal  variations  in  abundance  and  diversity.    Oceanic
         waters have reduced nutrient levels and population densities,
         but photosynthetic  processes  extend to much greater depths.
         Mixing  water types  will  produce  a complex  combination of
         these conditions.

   Since plankton data demonstrate  high  natural  variabilities in  populations,
changes in species  composition, abundance,  and  distribution data due to waste
disposal may never  be demonstrated.  Variations  induced by waste disposal are
obscured by variability created by natural  events.

   The  adverse effects of acid waste disposal at this site  should  be  localized
and short term.
                                     4-10

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Southern and Northern Areas

   Use of  either  the Southern  or  Northern Areas  for  chemical  waste disposal
would  not  be  expected  to have  significant  long-terra  effects  on  plankton.
Tnese areas  are  outside the highly  stressed  New York Bight  Apex,  thus their
biota  are   unlikely  to have  had  the opportunity  to  adapt  to  man-induced
environmental  stresses.   However,  specific  effects  would  depend  upon  the
nature and volume of  wastes  and frequencies of disposal.  Based upon existing
wastes  and  volumes,  any  effects  would   be  difficult  to demonstrate  since
plankton populations  are so variable.
NEKTON
   The  nekton  include animals,  such  as fish  and  mammals, capable  of strong
swimming and migrating considerable distances.

   None  of  the numerous  studies on nekton at  the  New York  Bight  Acid Waste
Disposal  Site  have   detected  long-term  effects attributable  to  acid waste
disposal.  Many contaminant  inputs  to  the  Bight Apex,  other than those at the
Acid  Site,  make  it  unlikely  that  any   deterioration   of  fish  health  or
populations could ever be proven as caused  by acid waste disposal.  Therefore,
any effects on  fish populations  by  additional acid waste disposal at this site
are difficult  to predict,  based on information obtained  as  a  result of the
present  disposal  operations.     However,   considering  (1)  the  dilution  and
dispersions of wastes  presently  released,  (2)  the  absence of deaa fish in tne
wake  of disposal  barges,  and  (3)  the  ability of  fish  to move  away  from
temporarily stressed  areas,  it is unlikely  that  disposal of acid  wastes at the
Acid Site would have  any demonstrably  adverse consequences.

   One  possible effect  under  investigation  is a  relationship  between  acid
waste  disposal  and  mutagenesis  in fish  eggs  (.Longwell,  1976).   Kinne and
Rosenthal (1967) suggested  the possibility, while investigating  the effects of
sulfuric acid  wastes  on  the larvae  of the Atlantic herring (Clupea harengusj;
however, even  this  effect would  be  insignificant.   No species  spawn only in
the vicinity of  the  site  or only in the Bight  Apex.  Fish eggs  and  larvae are
                                     4-11

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spread over  the entire  New York  Bight.    Concentrations of  acid  waste are
rapidly diluted  to  nontoxic levels  and would  not  affect more  than  a  small
number of eggs or larvae.

106-Mile  Site

   The results of field  investigations  of effects of  chemical  waste disposal
on fish at  the  lUb-Mile  Site have been inconclusive.   Field  work has usually
occurred   during  the  infrequent  presence  of  Gulf   Stream eddies,  therefore
non-eddy conditions  nave not been studied.  NOAA (.1977) reported:

         Total fish catches  within  and  without the  dumpsite  were not
         significantly different,  although  midwater  fish were most
         abundant outside the dumpsite.  The  highest rate of  fishless
         tows occurred the  night after a  dump, but whether  the tows
         were still in  water affected  by  the dumped  material  is not
         known.

   The nistopathology  of fish  collected   from  the   disposal  site  area  (NOAA
Pathobiology Division, 1978) has been inconclusive.   Lesions  were observed in
some  fish,  but  the  sample size was  small.   High cadmium  levels  were found in
the livers of three swordfish from the site area,  and high mercury levels were
observed  in muscles of  almost  all  fish analyzed  (Greig  and  Wenzloff, 1977).
However,  the  elevated  concentrations   were  not  attributed  to disposal
operations  at  the  106-Mile  Site  because  of  the  low amounts  of these metals
added  to  the area by disposal and the migratory nature of  the large  swordfisli.

   Disposal  of  acid wastes at this site should not significantly  affect nekton
other  than  possibly causing  them to avoid  the affected area temporarily.

Alternative  Sites

   Conditions at the Northern and Southern areas are similar to  the  Acid  Site,
and the same  lack of effects would probably occur.   Even  if fish  did avoid the
waste  plume after  disposal, this would only  happen  for an hour or so,  until
the waste constituents are diluted to ambient levels.
                                     4-12

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BENTHOS
   Benthos  consists  of  animals  living  on  (epifauna)  and  in  (infauna)  the
sediments.  Epifauna are dominated by larger echinoderms and crustaceans while
tne  infauna primarily  include  small,  segmented  worms ( po lychaetes)  and
mollusks.   Benthic  organisms  are  important  as  indicators of  waste-related
impacts  because  many   are  seaentary  and  incapable  of   leaving  a  stressed
environment.  They  are  also important because many  are commercially valuable
(e.g., shellfish), or  are  food sources,  such  as  worms,  for valuable species
(demersal fish) .

Acid Site

   The New York Bight benthos shows a natural temporal and spatial variability
substantially greater  than any  changes  resulting  from the disposal of  acid
wastes (Pearce  et al.,  1976).    Any  effects  from  acid waste  disposal  would
probably  be oversnadowed  by  effects  from the  numerous other  contaminants
introduced to the New  York Bight, particularly the  Sewage Sludge  and Dredged
Material  Sites.   This  complex  interplay  between  natural  variability  and
contaminants  introduced by  other  sources  makes  it  extremely  difficult  to
isolate  and  quantify effects at  the  site solely  due to  the disposal of  acid
waste.   All  on-site  investigations  of the effects of waste disposal  have led
to similar conclusions.
   The  first  comprehensive study of  the  site  by Reafield  and  WaLtoru (.
 reported  that,  "biological  observations  have  failed  to  produce  any direct
 evidence  that  the  populations of  fish  or of bottom- living  animals  are being
 damaged or  excluded  from the area by  the disposal  of waste."  Vaccaro et al.
 (1972)  stated that "Our  synoptic sampling was planned to detect alterations in
 the  biota of  the  acid  grounds  which could be  attributable to  discharge of
 approximately 50 million tons of  acid  waste over  a  period of 22  years.   We
 have  been unable  to detect  major  effects of acid-iron  waste on  the  sediment
 and  biotas  ( phytoplankton,  zooplankton,  and benthos)  of  the region,  although
 we  have  indications  in our  observations of possible minor effects  of this
 waste."   More recently,  Swanson  (1977)  concluded that although "observational
 evidence  of  the impact  of  dumping on the  biota at  the  [sitej  is  limited...
                                     4-13

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past  studies  indicate no  reduction of primary  productivity or  phytoplankton
mortality...surveys of  benthic  populations  in  the immediate  vicinity of  the
Apex Acid Waste  Dumpsite have not  demonstrated  an observable  impact  of  waste
acid....existing scientific  evidence  indicates so  far  that ocean dumping  lof
waste at the Acid Site] has had minor adverse impacts on  the ecology."

106-Mile Site

   No effects of chemical  waste  disposal  have been observed  in  the  oenthos  at
the  106-Mile  Site.   The  species  composition and  diversity  at  the  site  are .
similar  to  those observed in nearby  Continental Slope  areas (Pearce  et  ai.,
1975;  Rowe  et  al.,   1977).    Analyses  of  trace metal   content  in  benthic
invertebrates  have shown  values  well within  the  range  of  background  values
(Pearce  et  al.,  1975).   These results are not surprising  since it  is  unlikely
that  the low-density  liquid  waste could  reach  bottom  in  measurable  concen-
trations.  There is tremendous dilution due  to the  depth  and movement  of water
at  the  site.   Tnerefore, readily-dispersed, low-density aqueous  wastes  should
not  affect benthic organisms  at or  near the  site.

Southern Area

    The  Southern Area  benthos  resembles  that of  the Delaware bay Acid  Waste
Site  (Figure  2-2,  #9).   Preliminary  work  indicated  that  disposal  of  acid
wastes   at  the  Delaware  Bay Acid  Site  caused  measurable  accumulation  of
vanadium in the  tissues  of sea scallops  (Pesch et al.,  1977).  Vanadium is not
known to be toxic to  humans  and probably does not nave an  effect  on the sea
scallops,  yet  this   does  show  the  possibility  of  accumulating other,  more
toxic  waste constituents.  This  would be  an adverse long-term impact from acid
waste disposal.   These effects  are  observable  because  of:  (1)  the  relative
shallowness of  the  site  (45  m),  permitting some  solid waste fractions to reach
bottom,  (2) the  lack of  other  contaminant inputs  to  obscure  the  effects of
waste disposal,  (3)  the  presence of  the shellfish, and  (4) the ability of the
scallops to concentrate some metals  in   their  tissues at  levels  much higher
than the levels  in  the surrounding  water or sediment.   Since  the  sites are
similar,  especially   the  shallow-water   depth   factor,   similar effects  are
anticipated  at   the   Southern  Area  if   acid  waste  disposal   is  initiated.
                                      4-14

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Accordingly, use of the  Southern  Area  for  disposal  of acid wastes carries the
risk  of contaminating  commercially  valuable  shellfish populations,  or
otherwise changing the benthic community structure.

Northern Area

   Acid  waste  disposal  at  this  site  may  have  the  same  effects  as  at  the
Delaware  Bay  or  Southern  Area  Sites.    Commercially exploitable  snellfisn
resources, however, are  not  present  at  or  near the site,  thus  the  effects on
humans would be neglible.  This site could be used for disposal if the benthos
is monitored carefully for changes related to the wastes.

WATER AND SEDIMENT QUALITY

ACID SITE

   Investigations  of  the  effects of  waste disposal  at   the  Acid  Site  have
continued  for  more than 30 years,  but  no changes  in the water or  sediment
chemistry have been  positively linked to  acid waste  disposal.   Tne  New  York
Bight  Apex  is  a difficult  region in which  to  assess impacts  because of the
variety  of contaminant sources and the existing nigh levels of most  parameters
resulting from the populations and heavy industrialization of the region.

   Most  seawater measurements  at  the Acid  Site  are  well  within the  background
values  of  the  Bight  Apex.   Vaccaro et al.  (1972) reported  reduced  surface
salinity at  the site when  compared with  a  control  area.   Turbidity  is usually
greater  at  the site,  caused  by the iron-floe which forms wnen acid-iron waste
reacts with  seawater (NOAA-MESA,  1975).

   Trace metal (e.g., mercury, copper, lead, cadmium,  and  zinc) concentrations
in sedimenta have  been  reported.   High metal concentrations in the  Bight  Apex
occur  in the area of the nearby  Dredged  Material  and  Sewage Sludge  Sites  (Ali
et al.,  1975).  Values  at the Acid Site are much lower than at other disposal
sites.   Some workers  have  reported  higher concentrations of  trace  metals in
Acid  Site  sediments  than in  sediments  from  supposedly  uncontaminated   areas
                                     4-15

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(Vaccaro et al.,  1972;  EG&G,  1978c);  however,  these values have generally been
within  the  range of values  from other  locations  in  the  Bight  (SHL,  1972),
described below (Appendix B).

   Ttie  potential addition  of  disposal-related  metals, on  the  "background"
levels  at  the Acid  Site  have been  estimated  (Table  4-2).   Only  zinc  (U.04
tonnes/day) represents  a significant  input;  but considering the total input of
zinc  to the  Apex  (33  tonnes/day),  any  effects  from the  acid waste  metal
content would not be measurable.  The 14-day residence for water,  used  in the
calculations,  is  for the entire  Apex.   Water  into which waste  was released
moves  from  the   site  before  the next  disposal   operation;  therefore,  the
calculations are extremely conservative.

   Wastes  presently permitted  at  the  site  satisfy  criteria   for  evaluating
environmental  impact  (ERGO,  1978a,b),   thus  no  significant  changes  in  the
site's  water  quality are anticipated.   Ambient  concentrations of  the  waste
constituents  are not  exceeded beyond  site boundaries.   The  concentrations
return  to  ambient  levels  within the  period  allowed   for  initial   mixing  (4
hours).   In  fact,  except  for  the most  abundant  constituents  (fluorides  and
iron),  concentrations  usually  return  to ambient  conditions  within 1  hour.
There  is one noticeable harmless change  in the water quality at the site.  The
ferric  hydroxide floe  which  forms when  acid-iron waste  is  released persists
for  at least twelve hours (Charnell et  al.,  1974; ERGO, 1978c)  and has been
reported to persist  for several days  (Vaccaro et al., 1972).

   Continued  use of the  site for acid  waste  disposal will  probably  produce
similar  results   for measurements of  the  water  and  sediments.   Background
values  at  the  site of  trace metals are  in the  milligrams-per-liter  range.
Sample  collection,  storage,  treatment,   and  analytical  procedures  can
accidentally  introduce contamination,  which affects analytical results,
Therefore, values  slightly  above background levels,  resulting  from disposal,
may  be  masked  by  the  contamination  introduced   from sample   handling.
Consequently,  projections of  disposal effects  on  the water and sediments must
be  based  on  the  present  knowledge,  allowing for  the  inherent weaknesses.
(This  also applies  to  trace metal chemistry work at the other disposal sites).
                                     4-16

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      TABLE 4-2.  WORST-CASE  CONTRIBUTION  OF  WASTE  METAL INPUT TO THE
     TOTAL METAL LOADING AT THE  NEW YORK BIGHT ACID WASTE DISPOSAL SITE
Background
Concentration
ug/ox
Total amount, (g)
in 7.7 x 10
liters
Estimated Input
(g) from 197b
Waste Volumes
and Mean
Concentrations
Estimated Input
in 7 Days
Percent of
Loading due
to Waste in
1 day
Cadmium
3.1
2.4 x 106
1.47 x 103
4.02 x 102
0.1
Copper
6.0
6.2 x 107
3.03 x 106
8.44 x 103
0.1
Lead
140
1.1 x 10*
1.25 x 106
3.42 x 103
0.1
Mercury
0.04
3.1 x 104
4.J x 10
1.18 x 102
0.1
Zinc
11.0
8.5 x 10b
1.52 x 107
4. It) x 104
0.5
Source:
*  From Klein et al.,  1974
t  The total volume of the Site to 10-m depth
** The estimated flushing time for the Site (Redfield ana Walford, 1951)-
106-MILE SITE

   A similar lack of effects is anticipated  for  the  106-Mile  Site.   Table 4-3
shows  maximal  metals   additions  due  to  acid  waste,   and   the  amounts  are
insignificant (  2/4  in  all  cases).   Investigations  of  dissolved  oxygen,  pH,
organic carbon,  and trace  metals  after waste  disposal at the  106-Mile Site
have shown  that  within four hours  after disposal the  values are  within the
normal   range of  values reported  from this  site and similar oceanic regions
(Hydroscience,  1977).
                                     4-17

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               TABLE 4-3.  ESTIMATED WASTE METAL INPUT TO THE
                   TOTAL METAL LOADING AT THE 106-MILE SITE
Background
Concentration
Total Amount (g)
in 3.1 x 108
liters
Estimated Input
(g) from 197d
Waste Volumes
and i4ean
Concentrations
Estimated Input
**
in 14 Days ( g)
Percent of
Loading due to
Waste in 14 Days
Cadmium
J, 37
2.6 x 106
1.47 x 1U3
5.64 x 10J
O.U2
Copper
u.y
6.9 x 1U6
3.Ud x 1U°
1.18 x 1U3
1.7
Lead
2.9
2.2 x 1U7
1.25 x iUb
4.79 x 1U4
U.2
Mercury
J.72
5.5 x 10°
4.3 x 1U"3
1.65 x 1U2
U.I
Zinc
d.U
6.2 x 10
1 .:>2 x lu'
5.b3 x 1U5
u.y
Sources:

*  From Hausknecht (1977)
t  Tne volume of a quadrant of the site  to 15-m depth
** The maximum  length  of  time for residence of any water parcel  in  the
   assuming a 10-cm/sec current  and  a 32  nmi  (diagonal)  distance across  the
   quadrant.

   NOAA (1977) summarized  the results of 1974 and  1976 investigations on trace

metals at the 106-Mile Site and at similiar nondisposal areas:
         Results of the May 1974 cruise indicate that some metals were
         significantly elevated compared  to  normal  ambient concentra-
         tions (Brezenski, 1975].  However,  normal  concentrations are
         only  a  very few  parts  per billion,  and  great care  must be
         taken to avoid errors in measured values.   A variety of fac-
         tors  can  lead  to misleading results,  among  them  sample con-
         tamination  during collection,  storage,  or  analysis.   More
         recent observations  support  the conclusion  that  heavy metal
         concentrations in the...[site]...water column are typical of
         shelf-slope  regions  [Kester  et  al., 1977;  Hausknecht  and
         Kester, 1976ab].  Moreover, calculations show that the total
         amount  of  metals  added  in dumping contributes  less  than 1
         percent to the total normal amount  of metals in the water at
                                     4-18

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         the dumpsite  region  [Hausknecht,  1977],    None  of the
         observations  occurred near  the  time of or  in the  immediate
         vicinity  of dumping, so that ambient concentrations would  be
         expected  to be  typical  of  the  background  for the  region.
   Therefore,  investigations  by  NOAA and  Hydroscience  of effects from  waste
disposal  on the water chemistry  of  the  site have not detected  concentrations
elevated  above  ambient  conditions after  the initial mixing period.

   Metal  concentrations  in  sediments of  the  106-Mile  Site  were measured  in
1974 by Pearce et  al.  (1973).  and in 1975 by Greig and Wenzloff  U977J.   The
metal concentrations reported  tor 1976  are consistent with  those for  1974.
Sediment  metal  concentrations varied  little  in  samples  from depths  greater
than 180  m.  Although  the heavy metal content  of sediments  taken beyond  the
Continental  Shelf  appears   to   be   elevated  relative  to  sediments   on  the
Snelf/Slope break, the  elevated  metal  concentrations  cannot  be  attributed  to
present disposal practices at the 106-Mile  Site,  since  they  are  not unique  to
the site  vicinity.  Therefore, there is  no evidence  that  the wastes  released
at the site have affected the sediments  (Pearce  et al.,  1973).

NORTHERN  AMD SOUTHERN AREAS

   The Northern  and Southern  Areas, which  have never  been used  for  waste
disposal, share a number of  environmental features in  common  with the  New York
Bight Acid Waste Disposal Site,  except that they are  deeper.   Disposal of acid
wastes at these sites will probably have little  effect on  water  chemistry,  but
effects on  the  benthos (similar  to  those observed at  the Delaware  Bay  Acid
Site) may  occur.    Such effects  in  the  Southern Area would  adversely  affect
humans since exploitable  shellfish  exist near  the site.   It  a new site  were
established for  acid  waste disposal,  the  environmental consequences  of
disposing the wastes would be much less  in the Northern Area.

   As with  the Acid  Site,   the  potential  effects  of disposal-related  metal
input on  the  concentrations at  these  sites nave been  estimated  (Tables  4-4
and 4-5).   Since  the  near-surface  currents  in these areas are  quite  strong
(16-20 cm/sec), and the residence time is short, acid waste constituents would
not measurably raise the ambient  concentrations.
                                     4-19

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        TABLE 4-4.  ESTIMATED WASTE METAL INPUT TO TOTAL METAL LOADING
                             AT THE SOUTHERN AREA
Metal Concentration
Background
Concentration
tug/ 1)
Total amount
(g) in
2.1 x 1012
liters
Estimated Input
(g) from Waste
Volumes and Mean

Concentrations
Estimated Input
in 2 Days (g)Tt
Percent of Loading
due to Waste in
2 days
Cadmium


1.6



3.4 x 106



s
1.47 x 10J

8.05 x 102


0.02
Copper


7.0



3.7 x 106



g
j.oa x 10

1.69 x 104


0.1
Lead


2.7T



1.7 x 105



f)
1.25 x 10°

6.85 x 10J5


0.1
Mercury


O.OdT



3.8 x 105



\
4,3 x 10

2.36 x 10


0.01
Zinc


18. J



3.8 x 10'




1.32 x lu

8.33 x iO^1


0.2
Sources:
*  From NOAA,
t  From EPA, 1976
** The volume of the site to 10 m depth
TT Based on the lowest observed current velocity at the site
EMERGENCY DUMPING

   Ocean  disposal  regulations  specify  that,   in  emergency  situations,  tne
master of a  transport vessel may  discharge  the  waste load at any location and
in any manner to safeguard life at sea.   Such  emergency situations may result
from: (1) severe weather conditions  that  are typical in the North Atlantic in
late  fail,  winter,  and  early  spring,  and (2)  vessel  breakdowns,  equipment
failure, or collisions with other vessels or stationary objects.
                                     4-20

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       TABLE 4-5.  ESTIMATED WASTE METAL  INPUT TO TOTAL METAL LOADING
                            AT  THE NORTHERN AREA
Background
Concentration
Ug/ 1)
Total amount
(g) in
2.1 x 10i2
liters
Estimated Input
(g) from 1976
Wastes Volumes
and Me an
Concentrations
Estimated Input
in 2 Days ( g)
Percent of Loading
due to Waste in
2 Days
Cadmium
3.3
6.9 X 106
1.47 x 105
8.05 x 102
O.Ul
Copper
4.4
9.2 x 106
3.03 x 10b
1.69 x 104
0.2
Lead
2.7*
5.7 x 106
1.25 x 1U6
6.85 x 103
0.1
Mercury
o.Od
1.7 x iU5
4.3 x 103
6.85 x 10
0.01
Zinc
33. J
7.0 x 107
1.52 x 107
rf.33 x 104
0.1
Sources:
*  From NOAA-MESA 1976
t  From EPA,  1976
** Tne volume of the site to 10-m depth
tt based on the lowest observed current velocity at  the  site
   The potential  for  illegal  short dumping exists.   The USCG ocean  disposal
surveillance program  discourages  such  illegal  activities through a system of
shipriders, patrol vessels, aircraft overflights,  and checking of vessel  logs.
The procedures  for  administering  ocean dumping permits  also  discourage  these
activities by  requiring  notification of departures  and commencement of
disposal,  providing overlays of the barge's track,  and  examining snips'  logs.
If violations do  occur  the permit  provides  for  civil  and  criminal  penalties
ranging from revocation of the permit  to a $50,000 fine.

   Twenty-four possible violations  of  permit  regulations sufficient  to  cause
follow-up actions were reported to EPA-Region II  between 1973 ana 1977.   Three
were for  the Acid Site  and seven  were for the 106-Mile Site.   Of the  three
                                     4-21

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violations at the Acid Site, one was  upheld  and  a civil penalty assessed;
had the charges withdrawn, and one  is  pending  (.EPA,  197daj .  At  the lOO-toi
Site,  four  citations  were  upheld  and  civil   penalties  assessed,  one  was
dismissed, and  two  had  the  charges  withdrawn.    Ho  enforcement  actions  were.
initiated against permittees  at either site in  1^73  (.EPA,
   Tne  probability of  an  emergency rises  as  the  round^trip  transit  time
 increases.   (See  Table  4-1 tor  estimated  transit times.*.   The decision  to
 locate a site far from shore carries with it the increased risk of emergencies
 resulting  in short  dumping.    The  effects  of a  short dump  of toxic  waste
 materials would  depend  on  the  Location  of  the dump.   Since acid  wastes  are
 liquid  and  rapidly diluted upon  discharge,  a single  load  of  waste  in  a  new
 area  might  cause  local  immediate  acute  effects,  but  should  not  cause  any
 long-term  adverse effects.   Effects  of emergency  dumping during  inclement
 weather would be mitigated by the rapid dilution caused by storm activity.

   Use of  any of  the  alternative  sites  involves the possibility of  legal  or
 illegal short dumping.  Based on distance of a site from port,  the probability
 of a  short dump  is highest  for the 106-Mile  Site and  lowest for the  Acid Site.
 Except  for  the  Acid  Site,  however,  tne effects  of  a snort  dump  would  be
 short-term and the ecosystem would rapidly recover,  Short dumping at the Acid
 Site  causes  more  concern  because of  close  proximity  to  shore  and  the
 possibility  of   waste  constituents  reaching  the  New  Jersey  or Long  IslancJ
 shorelines .

              UNAVOIDABLE ADVERSE ENVIRONMENTAL
                 EFFECTS AND MITIGATING  MEASURES

   Some  unavoidable  adverse environmental  effects of disposal  of  liquid acid
 wastes will occur  in  all  sites  designated.   Field  and  laboratory observations
 show  the most important short-term  adverse impacts to be:

      •    Acute  mortality  in plankton
      •    Rise in waste constituent concentrations in the water
      •    Lowering of pH
      •    Possible avoidance of the area by fish
                                     4-22

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   These effects  occur immediately  upon  release  of  the wastes,  but  do not
persist beyond the period  allowed for initial  mixing.

   The most important potential long-term  adverse impacts  are:

     •    Possible  accumulation  of  waste  constituents  by  the  benthos  in
          shallow waters

     •    Sublethal effects on zooplankton and fish.   These  have  been ooserved
          only in the  laboratory at higher waste concentrations  than occur at
          the site.

   The  volumes  and rates  of  waste discharges  specified  in disposal  permits
have  been  established  to reduce  possibility of  short-term effects  persisting.
The continuous monitoring  program,  by  permittees and  the Federal  government,
was established to determine if short-term or  long-term  effects are  occurring.

   None of the effects  described  in this  section apparently persist for more
than  a few hours after the  waste  is discharged; consequently,   none of  these
impacts are irreversible and additional mitigating  measures  are not  required.

                RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SHORT-TERM USE
               OF THE SITE AND LONG-TERM PRODUCTIVITY
   For  some of the alternative sites, there appears to be  conflict  between the
short  term use of  the area as a waste disposal  site  and  the area's  long term
productivity  as  part  of   the  mid-Atlantic  bight  ecosystem.     Exploitable
shellfish  and possible mineral resources in the Southern Area  bite  would  cause
conflict.  Adverse effects are  probably  reversible,  but it  is  not  certain.
Neither the 106-Mile Site nor the Northern Area Site  appear  to offer conflicts
between short-term use  and  long-term productivity.  The Northern Area  Site  is
more  likely  to show  any  adverse  effects  than  the 106-Mile Site since  it  is
closer  to  shore and shallow.

   The  Apex  of  the  New York Bight is  affected,  by  many  waste inputs, and
additional released wastes would not be readily detected.   For  the long-term,
these  wastes  could exceed  the total  assimilative  capacity of  the New York
                                     4-23

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big lit Apex.   However, continual monitoring should detect  any changes,  and
the permitting  authority  for  the site,  can halt or modify  disposal  practices
at the site.   The magnitude of the contaminant  inputs  from acid  waste must  be
kept  in  perspective;  ttiey are  generally  less  than  the  inputs  from  tne
atmosphere.   Acid  waste  disposal activities at  this  site  over  the  past;  3D
years have not  interfered  with shipping,  fishing,  recreational activities,  or
the development of other  resources.   There is  no  evidence  that  the  long-terip
productivity  of the  area has been adversely affected  by the wastes.

                  IRREVERSIBLE OR IRRETRIEVABLE
                    COMMITMENTS OF RESOURCES
   Several resources will  be  irreversibly or  irretrievably committed by the
proposed  action:

     •    Loss  of energy  (i.e.,  fuel  for transporting  barges to and  from the
          site).   Transport to distant sites  requires more  fuel,

     •    Loss of  constituents in  the waste,  (e.g.,   acids  or  metals).
          Present-day  technology  or markets   are  not adequate  to permit
          economical  recovery.

     •    Loss  of  economic  resource due  to  costs  associated  witn ocean
          disposal.   Ocean disposal  costs,  however,  are  almost always lower
          than  the  costs of land-based disposal  methods.
                                    4-24

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                               Chapter 5
                        LIST OF PREPARERS
   Preparation  ot  this  EIS was a joint  effort  employing  many  members  of the
Interstate  Electronics  Corporation  scientific  and  technical  staff.    This
chapter  summarizes  the background and qualifications of  the  primary workers on
the document  (Table 5-1).

   The principal  author  wishes  to  thank  those  people  who  assembled background
information,  wrote  or commented upon  short  sections, and performed  the data
analysis  for   the  EIS.    The  document  has  benefited  greatly  from  their
assistance.

                        TABLE 5-1.  LIST OF PREPARERS
Responsible
Person
M. Hoi strom*
R. Lewis
B. Knudtson
K. King
Summary
A



Chapter
1



A
2
A



3
A



4
A



5
A



Appendix
A
A

A

B
A

A

C

A


D

A


E
A



*EIS Coordinator  and  principal author
A=Author
MARSHALL  HOLSTROM
   Mr.  Holstrom  is  the  principal author of the EIS.  He  is a marine biologist
and  staff  EIS  coordinator  within  the  Biological  Sciences  Branch  of  the
                                    5-1

-------
contractor's Oceanic Engineering  Division.   He holds B.A. and  M.A.  degrees in
Biological  Sciences  from  Stanford  University  and  has  completed  additional
graduate work in marine biology at the University of  Southern California.

   Mr. Hoistrom prepared the Summary;  Chapters 2,  3, 4, and  5;  and  Appendices
A, B, and E.  As the coordinator  for this EIS, he directed  the  writing eff9rts
on other  sections, edited  the entire  document, and  maintained  liaison with
EPA Headquarters and EPA-Region II.

ROBIN LEWIS

   Mr.  Lewis,   a  biological  oceanographer   at  Interstate  received  his  B.S.
degree  in Marine Biology  from  California State University, Long Beach,  and is
presently a candidate  the M.S. degree.

   Mr.  Lewis  prepared Appendixes  C  and  D  of  this  EIS  and  performed  the
analyses of the waste  loading data.
BRUCE KNUDTSON

   Dr.  Knudtson obtained  his  B.A.  from  the University  of California,  Santa
Barbara,  and  his M.S.  and  Ph.D.   from  the  University of  Southern  California.

   Dr. Knudtson  assisted  in writing Appendixes A  and  B and performed  some  pf
the analyses used to evaluate alternative disposal  sites.
KATHLEEN M. KING

   Ms. King is a marine biologist holding the B.S.  in  Biological  Scienc.es from
the University of  California and an M.A.  in Biology (with emphasis  on marine
biology) from California State University, Long Beaqh.

   Ms. King prepared Chapter 1 of this EIS.
                                     5-2

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                          Chapter 6
             GLOSSARY AND REFERENCES

                            GLOSSARY
Abundance
Abyssal
Acute effect
Adsorb
Aesthetics
Alkalinity
Ambient
Amphipods
Anaerobic digestion
Anthropogenic
Anticyclonic
Anticyclonic  eddies
The number of  individuals of a  species
or taxon inhabiting a given area.

Pertaining  to  the  great  depths  of tne
ocean   beyond  the   limits  of   the
continental   slope,  from   2,000  to
5,000  m.

The  death  or  incapacitat ion  of  an
organism caused by  a  substance within a
short  time  (normally 96 hours).

To adhere in an extremely  thin layer of
molecules  to  the  surfaces  of  solid
bodies.

Pertaining  to  the  natural  beauty  or
attractiveness  of an object or location.
                                    in
of  anions  of  weak  acids _
  plus  hydroxide ions  (OH  ),
  hydrogen ion  (H  )  concen-
    Alkalinity  is  usually
The  sum
seawater,
minus  the
trations.
calculated  by  the empirical  equation
meq/kg = 0.061 x salinity (g/kg).

Pertaining   to   the  undisturbed   or
unaffected conditions of  the  surrounding
environment.

A  large  order  of  predominantly marine
crustaceans,  ranging from  free-living,
planktonic  forms  to  benthic,  tube-
dwelling  forms,  which  usually  have
laterally compressed bodies (sand  fleas,
etc.).

Digestion   of   organic   matter   by
bacterial  action  in the absence  of
oxygen.

Relating to  the  effects  or  impacts  of
man on the ecosystem.

A rotation about the local vertical that
is clockwise in the Northern  Hemisphere.

Mesoscale (50 to  100 km)  features  of
oceanic circulation in which  water flows
in a circular (clockwise) pattern  around
warm core waters.

-------
Apex
See New York Bight Apex.
Appropriate sensitive
 benthic marine
 organisms
Appropriate sensitive
 marine organisms
Aqueous


Assemblage


Background level



Baseline data



Baseline surveys
Benthos



Bight


Bioaccumulate
Species  representing  different  feeding
types  ( filter-feed ing,  deposit-feed ing,
and  burrowing) ,  chosen  from  the most
sensitive  species  accepted  by  EPA  as
being   reliable   test  organisms   to
determine the anticipated impact  on  the
site.

At  least  one  species  each,  represen-
tative of  phytoplankton  or  zooplankton,
crustacean or mollusk, and  fish  species
chosen  from  tne  most sensitive  species
documented in the scientific literature,
or  accepted  by  EPA   as  being reliable
test   organisms   to   determine   the
anticipated impact of the wastes  on  the
ecosystem at  the  disposal site.

Similar to, containing,  or  dissolved  in
water.

A recurring group of organisms having  a
common habitat.

The  naturally occurring (or ambient)
level   of   a   substance   within   an
environment.

Data  collected prior  to the  initiatipn
of  actions which  have the  potential  of
altering an existing  environment.

Surveys conducted to  collect information
prior to the  initiation of actions which
have  the  potential  of  altering   an
existing environment.

All  marine organisms  (plant  or  animal)
living  on  or in  the  bottom; also,  the
floor of the  ocean.

A  slight  indentation  or bend  in  shore-
line, river,  open coast, or  bay.

The    intake  and   assimilation   of
materials, e.g.,  heavy  metals,  leading
to  an  elevated  concentration  of  the
substance  within  an  organism's  tissue,
blood, or body fluid.
                                 6-2

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Bioassay
Biochemical Oxygen
 Demand (BOD)
Biomass


Biota


Biotic groups


BLM

Bloom



Boreal


°C

C/N

Carcinogen

CE

Cephalopoda


CFR

Chaetognaths
Chlorophyll
Determination of  the  strength  (potency)
of a substance by its effect (on  growth
or survival) upon an  organism—plant or
animal.

The  amount  of  oxygen   consumed  by
microorganisms  while   assimilating   and
oxidizing organic (and some nitrogenous)
materials  in  water  or wastewater under
specified  environmental  conditions   and
time periods.

The amount  (weight) of  living  organisms
inhibiting a given area or volume.

Collectively,  plants  and  animals  of  a
reg ion.

Organisms  which  are   ecologically.
structurally, or taxonomically  grouped.

Bureau of Land Management.

Relatively  high  concentrations   of
plankton  in water resulting from their
rapid growth and reproduction.

Pertaining  to   the  higher  northern
latitudes, as opposed  to tropical.

Degrees Celsius, formerly centigrade.

Carbon/nitrogen ratio.

A substance or agent producing  cancer.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Squid, octopus,  or  cuttlefish.   Members
of the phylum Mollusca.

Code of Federal Regulations.

A  phylum  of  small,  elongate,  free-
swimming     transparent,     woruilike
invertebrates,  also  known as  arrow-
worms, which are  important carnivores in
the  zooplankton  community,  with  chaetae
(bristles)  curved on  each side  of  the
mouth.

A  group   of  green plant  pigments  which
function  as photoreceptors  of light
energy for  photosynthesis.
                                 6-3

-------
Chlorophyll £
Chronic effect
cm

cm/ sec

Coccolithophorid
Coelenterate


Compensation depth



Continental margin




Continental Rise
Continental Shelf
Continental Slope
Contour line
Copepod
A  specific  green plant pigment  used  in
photosynthesis, and used as a measure of
phytoplankton biomass.

A  sublethal effect of  a substance  on an
organism which  reduces the survivorship
of that organism after a  long  period  of
exposure to  low  concentrations  of  the
substance.

Centimeter(s).

Centimeters per second.

Ultra-microscopic planktonic  algae,  the
cells  of  which are  surrounded  by  an
envelope of small calcareous discs.

A animal phylum which includes hydroids,
sea anemones,  jellyfish,  and corals.

The depth at which photosynthetic oxygen
production equals  oxygen  consumed  by
plant respiration.

The  zone between the  shoreline  and  the
deep ocean floor; generally consists  of
the  Continental  Shelf,  Continental
Slope, and  the Continental Rise.

A  transitional  portion  between  the
Continental Slope  and  the ocean  floor
which  is  less  steeply sloped than  the
Continental Slope,

The continental margin extending seawar4
from  the  coast to  a  variable  depth,
generally 200 m.

The  steeply   descending  slope  lying
between  the  Continental  Shelf  and  the
Continental Rise.

A  chart  line  connecting  points of equal
depth  above or  below  a reference plane,
generally sea level.

A  large   subclass  of   usually  small
crustaceans; they are  an  important link
in the oceanic  food chain.
                                 6-4

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Coriolis effect
An  apparent  force  acting  on  moving
particles  resulting  from the  earth's
rotation.   In  the  northern  hemisphere
moving  particles  are  deflected  to  the
right, and  in the  southern hemisphere to
the left.
Crustaceans
Ctenophores
Cuesta
Current meter
Current shear
Animals with  jointed appendages  and  a
segmented  external skeleton composed of
a  hard  shell  (chitin).    The  group
includes barnacles, crabs,  shrimps, and
lobsters,  co v-. pods, and  amphipods.

An    animal    phylum   superficially
resembling jellyfish, ranging from less
than 2 cm to about 1  m in length.  These
planktonic  organisms   are   commonly
referred   to  as  comb  jellies  or  sea
walnuts.

An  asymmetrical  ridge  with  one  slope
gentle and the other  steep.

Any device  for  measuring and  indicating
flow rate, velocity,  or  direction  (often
all three) of flowing water.

The  measure  of  the spatial rate  of
change of current velocity  with units of
cm-sec/sec/m .
Decapod
Demersal


Density

Diatom
The  largest  order of  crustaceans  in
which  the animals  have  five  pairs  of
locomotory appendages, each joined to a
segment of the  thorax.   Includes  crabs,
lobsters, and shrimp.

Living at or near the  bottom of  the sea.
Applies mainly to fish.

The mass  per unit volume of a  substance.

Single cell, usualy  planktonic  plant
with  a cell  wall  of  silica.    Abundant
world wide.
Diffusion
The  process  whereby  particles  in a
liquid  intermingle  spontaneously;   net
motion  is  from  an  area  of  higher
concentration  to  an  area  of  lower
concentration.
                                 6-5

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Dinoflagellate
Discharge plume
Dispersion



Dissolved oxygen



Dissolved solids


Diversity




Dominance
 Dry weight
 EC
   50
 Echinoderms
 Economic  resource
  zone
Single-celled, planktonic organisms  with
flagella, which are an important part ot
marine food chain.

The  region of  seawater  affected  by  a
discharge  of   waste   which  can   be
distinguished   from   the  surrounding
water.

The movement of discharged material  over
large areas by  the  natural processes of
mixing (turbulence and currents.).

The  quantity  of  oxygen  dissolved  in  a
unit  volume of  water;  usually expressed
in mg/liter.

Solid matter  in solution, such as  salt
dissolved  in water.

A  measure that  usually  takes   into
account  the  number of  species and  the
relative  abundance  of  individuals  in an
area.

A  species  or  group  of  species  which
strongly  affect a  community  because of
their abundance,  size,   or  control  of
energy flow.

The   weight  of  a  sample  of  materials
and/or  organisms  after   all  water  has
been  removed; a measure of biomass.

In  bioassay  studies,  the concentration
of a  substance  which causes a 50 percent
reduction in  the growth rate of the test
organisms (usually  phytoplankton) during
a unit time (usually 96 hours).

A  phylum of benthic  marine  animals
having  calcareous  plates  and  spines
 forming  a rigid articulated skeleton or
plates with spines  embedded in  the skin.
This  group  includes  starfish,   sea
urchins,  sea  lilies and  sea-cucumbers.

The   oceanic  area  within  200  nmi   from
 shore in which the  adjacent  coastal
 state possesses exclusive rights to  the
 living and non-living marine  resources.
                                 6-6

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Ecosystem
Eddy



EIS

Endemic


Entrain


EPA

EPA Region II


Epifauna


Epipelagic


Estuary




Euphausiids
 °F

 Fades



 Fauna


 FDA

 Flagellum (pi. -a)
A  functional  system  which includes the
organisms of  a natural  community or
assemblage together with  their physical
environment.

A  generally   circular  water  current
moving contrary to the direction of the
main current.

Environmental  impact  statement.

Restricted or  peculiar to a  locality or
region.

To  carry along   with  (e.g.,  eddies
entrain other waters).

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

U.S.  Environmental  Protection  Agency,
Region II, New York,  N.Y.

Animals which live on the  surface of the
sea bottom.

Ocean zone extending  from the surface to
200 meters in depth.

A  semienclosed coastal  body of water,
which  has  a  free  connection to the sea
and  within   which  the   sea water  is
measurably diluted with fresh water.

Shrimp-like,  planktonic  crustaceans
which  are widely  distributed  in oceanic
waters.   These organisms, also known as
krill, may grow to 8  cm  in  length and
are  an  important  link  in   the oceanic
food chain.

Degrees Fahrenheit.

Any    observable    attribute   of    a
stratigraphic  unit,  such   as  overall
appearence or  composition.

The   animal   life  of   a   particular
location,  region,  or period.

Food and  Drug Administration.

Whip-like   appendage(s)   used   for
swimming.
                                 6-7

-------
Flocculate



Flora


FWPCA
    3
g/cm

Gangue

Gastropods




Geostrophic current


Gulf Stream
Heavy metals or
 elements

High-level radioactive
 waste
 Histopathology
 H1values
The  process  of aggregating  a  number of
small,  suspended  particles  into  small
masses.

The  plant life of a particular location,
region, or period.

Federal Water Pollution Control Act.

Grams per cubic centimeter.

Mineral matrix, useless rocks.

Mollusks  that possess  a  distinct  head
(generally with  eyes  and tentacles)  and
a  broad,  flat  foot,  and  which  usually
have a spiral shell (snails, etc.).

A  stable  current  due  to  gravitational
forces and the Coriolis force.

A  warm,  swift, northward  flowing ocean
current  flowing  through  the Caribbean,
Gulf of Mexico and up the  North American
East Coast.

Elements with specific  gravities of 5P0
or greater.

The  aqueous  or solid wastes from repro-
cessing irradiated fuel of nuclear power
reactors.

The  study of  tissue  changes associated
with disease.

Shannon-Wiener species  diversity  index.
 Hydrography


 Ichthyoplankton

 IEC

 Indigenous



 Infauna


 In situ
 The  measurement and  description  of  the
 physical  features of  bodies of  water.

 Fish eggs  and weakly  motile fish  larvae.

 Interstate Electronics  Corporation.

 Having  originated in  and  being  produced,
 grown,  or  naturally  occurring  in  a
 particular region or  environment.

 Animals which  live or  burrow  below  the
 sea  bottom.

 (Latin)  in  the original  or  natural
 setting.
                                 6-8

-------
Insolation


Invertebrates

ISC

Isobath


kg

kg/day-

ton

kn
LC5Q (Lethal
 concentration 50)
Limiting permissible
concentration (LPC)
Lor an- C

m

m3

m/sec
Macrozooplankton
Marine
Solar radiation received  at  the earth's
surface.

Animals without backbones.

Interstate Sanitation Commission.

A line  on  a  marine  chart  joining points
of equal depth below sea level.

KilogramC s).

Kilograms per day.

KilometerC s).

Knot(s), nautical miles per hour.

In bioassay  studies,  the  lethal concen-
tration (LC)  of a substance which causes
50 percent mortality in  the  population
of  the  test  organisms during  a  given
time (usually 96 hours).

A  concentration  of  a  waste  substance
which  after   initial mixing,  does  not
exceed marine  water quality  criteria or
cause acute or chronic toxicity.

Long Range Aid to Navigation (Type C) .

Meter(s).

Cubic meters.

Meters per second.

Micron(s), 10   m.

Micrograms  per  kilogram, or  millionth
gram per kilogram.

Micrograms per  liter,  or  millionth gram
per  liter.

Micron,  micrometer,   millionth  of  a
meter.

Planktonic animals  which  can be seen by
the  unaided  eye.

Pertaining to  the sea.
                                 6-9

-------
Massif



Mesopelagic


mg

MGD


mg/1

mi

Micron

Microorganisms


Mid-Atlantic Bight


Mixed layer


ml

ml/m2/hr

puro

Monitoring




mph

MPRSA


Mutagen


Myctophids
A mountainous mass or group of  connected
heights, more or less clearly marked  off
by valleys (land or submarine).

Relating  to  depths  of  200  to 1,000  m
below the ocean surface.

Milligram(s), or thousandthCs)  gram.

Million gallons  per  day  (3,785 million
liters per day).

Milligrams per liter.

Mile(s) , 5,280 ft.

Millionth(s)  of a meter.

Microscopic     organisms    including
bacteria, protozoans, and some  algae.

The  Continental  bhelf  extending from
Cape Cod, MA. to Cape Hatteras, NC.

The  upper  layer oi  tue  ocean  wuicu  it
well mixed by wind and wave activity,

Killiliter(s) , or tnousandth(s) liter.

Milliliter(s) per square  meter  per hour.

Millimeter(s), or thousanatn(s) meter.

As used herein, to observe environmental
effects  of disposal  operations  through
biological,  chemical,  geological,   and
physical data collection and analyses.

Miles per hour.

Marine   Protection,   Research,   and
Sanctuaries Act.

A  substance  which   increases   the
frequency or extent of mutations.

A group  of small  mesopelagic fish which
possess   light-emitting  organs   and
undergo  large-scale  vertical  (deep  to
near-surface) migrations daily.
                                 6-10

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Nannoplankton
NAS

NASA


Nekton


NEPA


Neritic
Neuston
New York Bight



New York Bight Apex



NJDEP


nmi

NOAA


NOAA-MESA


NOAA-NMFS



NSF
Minute  planktonic  plants and animals
which are 50  microns  or  less  in  size.
Individuals   of  this  size  will   pass
through  most  plankton  nets  and  are.
therefore    usually    collected    by
centrifuging  water  samples.
National Academy of  Science.

National    Aeronautics
Administration.
and    Space
Free   swimming  animals   which
independently of  water currents.
       move
National  Environmental  Policy Act  of
1969.

Pertaining to  the region  of  shallow
water   adjoining   the   seacoast   and
extending  from  low-tide  mark to 2UO  m
depth.

A  community  of planktonic organisms
which  are  associated  with  the  surface
film  of  water;  mainly composed  of
certain copepods and the  eggs and larvae
of fish.

The continental  shelf  which  extends from
Montauk Point, Long Island  to Cape  May,
New Jersey.

A  portion  of  the New  York Bight bounded
at the  south by latitude 40°10'N and at
the east by longitude  73°30'W.

New  Jersey Department of Environmental
Protection.

Nautical mile(s),  6,060  ft or 1.852 km.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Admini-
stration.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Admini-
stration-Marine  EcoSystems Analysis.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Admini-
stration-National  Marine  Fisheries
Service.

National Science Foundation.
                                 6-11

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Nuisance species



Nutrient



OCS

ODSS

Organophosphate
 Pesticides

Ortho-phosphate



Oxygen minimum layer



Parameters
Particulates
Parts per thousand
 (ppt; o/oo)
Pathogen


PCB('s)

Pelagic



Perturbation


PH
Organisms with no commercial  value  which
outcompete, oust,  or harm  commercially
important species.

Any substance  which promotes growth  or
provides   energy   for    biological
processes.

Outer Continental Shelf.

Ocean Dumping  Surveillance  System.

A  phosphorus-containing  organic   pest-
icide, such parathion or  malathion.

One  of  the   possible  salts  of ortho-
phosphoric acid,  an essential  nutrient
for marine plant growth.

The depth  in  the  water column where  the
lowest concentration of dissolved oxygen
naturally occurs.

Any  of  a  measurable set  of physical,
geological,   chemical,  or  biological
properties whose  values  determine  the
characteristics   of the   area  under
certain conditions.
Fine   solid    particles   which
individually  dispersed in water.
                                                            are
A  unit  of  concentration of  a  mixture
indicating  the  number   of  parts  of  a
constituent contained per thousand parts
of the entire mixture.

Producing  or  capable   of  producing
disease.

Polychlorinated biphenol(s).

Pertaining  to water  of  the open  ocean
beyond  the  shore and above  the  abyssal
zone.

Disturbance  of a  natural  or  regular
system.

Numerical range  (0-14)  used to describe
the  hydrogen  ion activity;  0-7 is acid,
7  is neutral,  7-14 is alkaline,
                                 6-12

-------
Photic Zone



Phytoplankton


Plankton


Polychaetes
ppb

ppm

ppt

Precipitate



Predator


Primary Production
 Protozoa


 Qualitative


 Quantitative



 Recruitment



 Redox potential
The layer in the ocean  from the surface
to the depth where  light  is reduced to
1.0% of its  surface  value.

Planktonic  plants; the  base of  most
oceanic food chains.

Passively  floating or  weakly  motile
plants or animals  in a  body of water.

The largest  class  of the phylum Annelida
(segmented   worms)  distinguished  by
paired,   lateral,  fleshy  appendages
provided  with setae  on  most  segments.

Parts per billion.

Parts per million.

Parts per thousand.

A  solid which separates from a solution
or  suspension  by chemical  or physical
means.

A  carnivorous  animal  which  uses  other
animals as a source  of  food.

The amount of organic matter synthesized
by  plants from  inorganic  substances per
unit  time per unit  area or volume.  The
plant's  respiration may (net  produc-
tivity) or  may  not  (gross  productivity)
be subtracted.

Microscopic, single-celled organisms of
extremely diverse characteristics.

Pertaining  to   the  nature,   being,
attribute, trait,  character, or status.

Pertaining  to the numerical measurement
of  a  parameter  (quantity, mass,  extent,
range).

Addition to a population of organisms by
reproduction  or  immigration   of new
individuals.

Measurement of the state of  oxidation of
the system.
                                 6-13

-------
Release zone
Runoff
An area 100 meters  on  either  side of  the
disposal vessel extending  from  the  point
of first waste release to  the end of  the
release.

That  portion  of total  surface precip-
itation on  land that  ultimately reaches
streams or the ocean.
Salinity



Sea state


sec

Shelf water
Shellfish
Shiprider
Short dumping
Significant wave
 height

Slope water
Sludge


Species
The  amount   of  dissolved  salts  in
water  usually  measured  in parts  per
thousand.

The numerical or written description of
ocean roughness.

SecondC s).

Water  which  originates  in  or  can  be
traced  to  the Continental  Shelf.  It has
characteristic  temperature and  slainity
values  which  identify  it.

Any aquatic  invertebrate having a shell
or  exoskeleton,  especially  any edible
mollusk or  crustacean.

An observer aboard  a vessel,  assigned by
the  Coast  Guard to  ensure  that  ocea,n
disposal   operations   are   conducted
according  to  permit specifications.

The premature discharge of waste from a
vessel anywhere  outside   designated
disposal sites.  This may occur legally
under   emergency   circumstances   or
illegally   to   avoid   hauling  to  a
designated  site.

The  average  height of the  one-third
highest waves in a  given wave group.

Water  which  originates  from, occurs at,
or  can be  traced  to  tne   Continental
Slope.      It   has   characteristic;
temperature  and salinity  values  whicki
identify it.

Precipitated  solid matter  from  sewage
and chemical  waste  treatment processes.

A  group of  individuals  which closely
resemble   each  other  structurally and
physiologically  and  interbreed  in
nature, producing fertile offspring.
                                6-14

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Specific gravity



SPM

sq

SS

Standing stock



Stressed



Surfactant



Surveillance
Suspended solids
Synergism
Taxon (pi. taxa)
TCH

Temporal distribution


Teratogen



Terrigenous sediments
The ratio of  the density of a substance
relative to the density  of  pure water at
4°C.

Suspended particulate matter.

Square.

Suspended solids.

The  biomass  or  abundance  of  living
material  per   unit  volume  or  area  of
water.
A  stimulus  or series  of
disrupt     the    normal
functions of an area.
stimuli  which
  ecological
An agent which lowers  surface tension of
a  liquid,  (in water  -  soap,  bile  and
certain detergents).

Systematic  observation  of  an   area  by
visual,  electronic,  photographic,  or
other means for the purpose of  ensuring
compliance   with  applicable   laws,
regulations and permits.

Finely  divided  particles  of   a  solid
temporarily suspended  in a  liquid, e.g.,
soil particles in water.

The  interaction  between  two   or  more
agents  which   produces  a  total effect
greater than  the  sum  of the  independent
effects.

A  group or entity sufficiently  distinct
to  be  distinguished  by name and  to be
ranked  in a  definite  :ategory  (adj.
taxonomic).

Total carbohydrate content.

The  distribution  of  a  parameter  over
time.

A    chemical   agent   which    causes
developmental    malformations    and
monstrosities.

Shallow  marine  sedimentary  deposits
composed  of eroded terrestrial  material.
                                 6-15

-------
Thermocline
TKN

TOO

Trace metal or
 element

Trend assessment
 Surveys


Trophic level
Turbidity



Turnover rate



USCG

Water mass
 Water  type


 Wet  weight


 yd3

 Zooplankton
A  sharp  temperature  gradient  which
separates a  warmer  surface water  }.ayer
from  a  cooler  subsurface  layer,  most
pronounced during  summer months.

Total Kjeldahl nitrogen.

Total organic carbon.

An  element  found  in the  environment  in
extremely small quantities.

Surveys   conducted  over   long  time
periods  to   detect  shifts  in environ-
mental conditions  within a region.

A feeding level in  the  food chain  of  an
ecosystem through which the  passage  of
energy proceeds,

A  reduction  in transparency  which,   in
seawater, may  be   caused  by  suspended
sediments or plankton growth.

The time necessary to replace  the entire
standing  stock    of   a   population;
generation time.

U.S. Coast Guard.

A  body of water  usually  identified  by
its  temperature,  salinity and chemical
content  and  containing a mixture  of
water  types.

Water defined by  a  narrow  range  of
temperature and salinity.

The  weight   of  organisms  before  drying
them  to remove  the  internal water.

Cubic  yard(s)

Usually small, passively floating  or
weakly  swimming   animals   which  are
important in many marine  food chains.
                                 6-16

-------
      UNITS OF MEASURE (ENGLISH EQUIVALENTS OF METRIC UNITS)
Metric

centimeter  (cm)
meter (m)
kilometer  (km)
                     2
square  meter (sq m;  m )
                           o
square  kilometer (sq km;  km )
gram (g)
kilogram (kg)
metric  ton (tonne)

liter (1)
                    o
cubic meter (cu m; m )
English

0.4   inches (in)
1.1   yards (yd)
0.62  statute miles  (mi)
0.54  nautical miles (nvni)
1.2   square yards  (sq  yd; yd  )
0.29  square nautical miles (sq nmi; nmi'*j
0.035 ounces (oz)
2.2   pounds ( Ib)
1.1   short tons;  (short  ton = 2,000 Ib)

0.26  gallons (gal)
                           2
1.3   cubic yards  (cu yd;  yd )
                                      • 2
centimeters/second (cm/sec)
kilometers/hour (km/hr)
0.39  inches/second  (in/sec)
0.54  knots (kt),  nautical miles/hour
celsius (°C)
(9/5 °C + 32)  Fahrenheit (°F)
                                      6-17

-------
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                                      6-21

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     discharging into  the  ocean  a  barge-load of  by-product  hydrochloric
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     1975b.   Evaluation of environmental  impacts  and relative environmental
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     hydrochloric  acid produced at the Elizabeth, New Jersey,  works of the
     Allied  Chemical  Corporation.   Prepared  for   Allied  Chemical Corp.,
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     1977a.   Dispersion in waters of  the  New York Bight  acid dumpgrounds of
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     1977b.   Dispersion in waters of  the  New York Bight  acid dumpgrounds of
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     1977c.  Summer  1977 chemical oceanographic monitoring  cruise,  New  York
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     1977d.    Response  to critique of  hydrogen  ion  concept.   Prepared for
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     Waltham,  Mass.  13 pp.
                                      6-22

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    1977e.  Evaluation of environmental impacts and  relative  environmental
    costs of current practice and  alternatives of disposing  of  by-product
    hydrochloric acid  produced  at  the  Elizabeth,  New Jersey works of the
    Allied  Chemical  Corporation.   [Company proprietary  information
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    EG&G, Environmental Consultants, Waltham,  Mass.   60  pp.,  2 appendices.

    1977f.  Impacts of ocean dumping of by-product  hydrochloric  acid waste
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    1977g.  Physical and  chemical  oceanographic monitoring program at and
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    1978d.  Evaluation of environmental impacts and relative  environmental
    costs  of alternatives  of   disposing  of by-product  hydrochloric  acid
    produced  at  the Elizabeth, New Jersey, works  of the  Allied  Chemical
    Corporation  [Company proprietary information  deleted].   Prepared  for
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Energy  Resources Company,  Inc. (ERGO).   1978a.   Demonstration of compliance
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    1978b.    Demonstration  of  compliance of acid-waste  disposal  with
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    Cambridge, Mass.   45  pp., 7 appendices.
                                     6-23

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     1978c.   Physical and chemical oceanographic monitoring program  at  and
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     March  25,  1975.    Memorandum  from  F.T.  Brezenski,  Chief,  Technical
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     1976.   Quality Criteria  for   Water.   U.S.  Gov.  Print.  Office.
     Washington,  D.C.   256  pp.

     1977a.   Ocean  dumping:   Final revision  of regulations and  criteria.
     Federal  Register, 42(70):2461-2490.

     1977b.   Critique  of hydrogen ion  concept  by office  of research  ana
     development.    Letter  from Andrew J.  McErlean,  Acting  Director,
     Ecological  Effects  Division (.RD-683)  to  Director,  Surveillance  ana
     Analysis Division,  USEPA,  Region  II, New  York, New  York.   10  pp.

     1978a.   Final Environmental  Impact  Statement  on the ocean dumping  of
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     New York, New York.  226  pp.,  11  appendices.

     1978b.   Bioassay  procedures  for  the ocean disposal  permit  program
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     1979a.    Annual  Report to  Congress  Jan.  - Dec.  1978  Office  of  Water
     Programs Washington, D.C.  33 pp.

     1979b.   Draft Environmental Impact Statement for 106-Mile  Ocean Waste
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     EAW.  306 pp.

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Falkowski,  P.G.  and  S.O.  Howe.   1976.   Preliminary  report  to 1DOE on the
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                                      6-25

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     1978.   Foreign  fisheries.   Pages 80-129  in J.L.  McHugh,  and J.J.C.
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     plankton and  zooplankton  collected from the  New York  Bight  and Long
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     1974.   Distribution  of  five metals  in sediments  from the  New York
     Bight.  NOAA Mil ford  Lab.  Informal Rep 36.   Mil ford, Conn.  33 pp.

Greig,  R.A. and D.Wenzloff.  1977-   Final  report on  heavy  metals in small
     pelagic finfish,  euphausiid  crustaceans, and apex predators, including
     sharks,  as  well   as  on  heavy  metals  and  hydrocarbons  (^is + ,)  in
     sediments  collected  at stations  in  and near Deepwater Dumpsite 106.
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     abundance  of heavy  metals  in  finfish,  invertebrates,  and sediments
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     distribution  of   the  epizooplankton   between  New  York and  Bermuda.
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     factor affecting  distribution  and  abundance of  zooplankton in the New
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     copepods.  Estuar. Coast. Mar. Sci. 1:45-50.

Gross,  M.G.    1970.    Analysis   of  dredged  wastes,  fly  ash,   and  waste
     chemicals -  New York Metropolitan Region.  Mar.  Sci. Ctr.,  State Univ.
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     1976.  Waste Disposal.   MESA New York  Bight  Atlas  Monograph 26.  New
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                                      6-26

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     Ed.,  1976c.   Middle Atlantic Continental Shelf and the New York Bight.
     American  Society   of  Limnology  and Oceanography,  Special  Symposia.
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Grosslein, M.D.   1976.   Some results of fish surveys in  the  mid-Atlantic
     important   for  assessing  environmental  impacts.   M.G.  Gross,  ed. ,
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     582 pp.

Haedrich,   R.   1977.   Neuston fish  at  DwD  106.    Pages  481-485  in  NOAA.
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Hansen, D.V.   1977.  Circulation.   MESA New York  Bight  Atlas  Monograph 3.
     New York Sea Grant Institute.  Albany.  N.Y.  23 pp.

Hardy,  C.C., E.R. Baylor and P. Moskowitz.   1976.   Sea surface circulation
     in the  northwest  Apex  of  the New York  Bight — with  appendix:  bottom
     drift  over  the Continental  Shelf.   Vol.  I and Vol.  II  - Part  1:
     Diagrams and data  for interface drift cards, Part 2: Diagrams and data
     for seabed drifters.  NOAA Tech. Mem. ERL MESA-13.  334 pp.

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     1976b.  Sediments  of  the  New York  Bight;  their bulk  organic chemical
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Hausknecht, K.A.  and D.R. Kester.   1976a.   Deepwater Dumpsite 106 chemical
     data report  from  USCGC DALLAS cruise 21 June-1 July. 1976.  University
     of Rhode Island, Kingston, R.I.  10 pp.

Hausknecht, K.A.  and D.R. Kester.   1976b.   Deepwater Dumpsite 106 ctiemical
     data  report  from  R/V  KNORR, August 27-September  7,  1976.   University
     of Rhode Island, Kingston, R.I.  10 pp.
                                      6-27

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Hausknecht,  K.A.   1977.   Results  of studies on  the distribution of  some
     transition and heavy metals at Deepwater Dumpsite 1Gb.   pp.  449-546 in
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     Chemistry of  the Hydrosphere.  Wiley-Interscience, New York.  568 pp.

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                                      6-28

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Hulburt,  E.M.  and  C.M. Jones.   1977.   Phytoplankton in  the vicinity of
     Deepwater  Dumpsite 106.  Pages  219-231  in NOAA.   Baseline Report ot
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     Biological  Characteristics.   NOAA  Dumpsite  Evaluation  Report 77-1.
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     with respect  to salinity between the coast  of  southern  New  England and
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     of copper, cadmium, and lead  at Deepwater Dumpsite 106.  Pages 543-54b
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                                      6-31

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McCarthy,  J.J.  1970.   A urease method for urea in  seawater.   Limnol.  and
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NL Industries, Inc.  1975a.   Engineering  report  outlining the alternatives
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     waste  disposal and  the  summer  distribution  of standing  crops  in the
     New York Bight.   Water Res. 6:231-25fa.

Verber, J.   Data  reports  obtained  during cruises  in  Region  II.   NETSU.
     Davisviile, Rhode Island.  (Unpublished).

Warsh, C.E.   1975.   Physical  oceanography historical  data  for Deepwater
     Dumpsite 106.  Pages 105-187 in NOAA.  May 1974 Baseline  Investigation
     of Deepwater  Dumpsite 106.   NOAA  Dumpsite  Evaluation  Report 75-1.
     Rockville,  MD.

Westernhagen, H. von, H. Rosenthal,  and  K.R.  Sperling.    1974.   Combined
     effects of  cadmium  and salinity on development and survival of herring
     eggs.   Helgolaender, Wiss.  Meeresunters., 26:416.

Westman,  J.R.  1958.   A  study of the newly  created Acid Grounds and certain
     other   fishery  areas of the New York Bight.  (Unpublished manuscript,).
     50 pp.

     1967.    Some  benthic  studies  of  the Acid  Grounds,  July  26,  1967.
     (Unpublished manuscript).   6 pp.

     1969.   Benthic  studies   of  the  Acid  Grounds,  October 9,  1969.
     (Unpublished manuscript).   8 pp.

     1972.    Studies on  acid-fluoride wastes.   Research Report.  Submitted
     to Allied Chemical  Corp.   Morristown, N.J.  on November 24, 1972.  16
     pp.

Westman, J.R.,  J.G. Hoff, and R. Gatty.   lySl.   Fishery conditions in the
     New York Bight during the  summer  of  1961.  (Unpublished  manuscript).
     10 pp.

Wiebe, P.H.,  G.D.  Grice and E.  Hoagland.   1973.    Acid-iron  waste  as   a
     factor  affecting the distribution and abundance of zooplankton in the
     New York Bight.   II. Spatial variations in the  field  and implications
     for monitoring studies.  Estuar.  Coast.  Mar. Sci.  1:51-64.
                                      6-40

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Wigley,  R.L.,  R.B.  Theroux,  and  H.  E. Murray  1975.   Deep  sea  red crabs,
     Geryon guinguedens. survey off Northeastern United States.  Mar. Fisti.
     Rev.  37:1-21.

Wilk, S.J., W.W. Morse, D.E.  Ralph,  and T.R.  Azarovitz.   1977-  Fishes ana
     associated environmental data collected  in New York. Bight, June 1^74 -
     June 1975.  NOAA Tech. Rep. NMFS  SSRF-716.  53 pp.

Williams,  R.G.  and  F.A.  Godshall.   1977.   Summarization ana interpretation
     of historical  physical  oceanographic and  meteorological information
     for the mid-Atlantic Region.  From NOAA, USDC.  295 pp.

Williams, S.C., H.J. Simpson, C.R. Olsen,  and R.F. Bopp.  1978.  Sources of
     heavy  metals  in  sediments  of  the  Hudson River  estuary.   Mar. Chem.
     6:195-213.

Williams,  S.J.   1974.   Geomorphology  and  sediments of  the  New York Bight
     Continental  Shelf.   U.S.A.  Corps of Engineers Teen. Memo 45.   Spring-
     field, Va.   79 pp.

Yentsch,  C.S.   1977.   Plankton  Production.   MESA  New York Bight Atlas
     Monograph  12.  New  York  Sea Grant Institute.  Albany, N.Y.  25  pp.

 Zoller,  W.H.,  G.E. Gordon,  E.S.  Gladney,  and A.G.  Jones.   1973.   The
     sources  and  distribution of vanadium in the atmosphere.  Kothny. ea
     Trace  Elements in  the  Environment.  Adv.  in Chem.  123.
                                  .,
6-41

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     Appendix A
NEW YORK ACID SITE

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                              CONTENTS

                                                                       Page

METEOROLOGY	A-l

PHYSICAL OCEANOGRAPHY .  .  •	A-4
    Water Types	A-5
    Current Regimes  .......  	  	 A-6
    Temperature Distribution ......  	 A-6
    Salinity Distribution  ...  	 A-8
    Waves and Winds	k	A-^

GEOLOGY	A-ll
    Bathymetry	,	A-ll
    Sediment Types	A-13
    Suspended Particulate Matter  	 , 	 A-1J
    Grain Size	A-15
    Transport	A-15

CHEMICAL OCEANOGRAPHY	A-16
    Water Column .....  	 A-l7
    Sediments	A-20
    Biota	A-21

BIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS	,  .  . t	A-22
    Water Column	A-23
    Benthos	A-2y


                            ILLUSTRATIONS
A-l  Frequency of Waves on a Percentage  Basis from Month to Month  .... A-10
A-2  Morphologic Framework of the New York-New Jersey Shelf 	 A-12
A-3  Distribution of Surficial Sediment  Based on Visual
      Sample Examination.  Bathymetry from 1936 Data  	 A-14
A-4  Area Closed to Shell fishing in the  New York Bight	A-30
A-5  Benthic Faunal Types in the Mid-Atlantic Bight 	 A-31
                                     A-i

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                                  TABLES


Table                                                                     Page

A-l  Incidence of Fog in the New York Bight	,	A-*3
A-2  Icing Conditions in the New York Bight	,	  . AH
A-3  Average Precipitation per Month  	 A"4
A-4  Mean Trace Metal Levels in the Unplotted Seawater Samples  ..... A~|9
A-5  Mean Traca lietal Concentrations in the New York Bight  ........ A-19
A-6  Phytoplanktpn Species with Cell Densities Greater than
      Ten Thousand per Liter in the New York Bight  . ,	, A-24
A-7  Seasonal Occurrence of Zooplankton in the New York Bight Apex  ... A-27
A-8  Benthic Species Characteristic of the Sand Fauna in the
      Middle Atlantic Bight 	 A~32
                                    A-ii

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                               Appendix A

                ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTERISTICS
                      OF THE NEW YORK BIGHT

   An understanding of  the  oceanographic  features  of  the  New  York  Bight  is
essential  for  an  evaluation  of  the  effects of  acid waste disposal.   The Bight
is adjacent to the  most heavily  populated,  highly  industrialized  section  of
the  eastern seaboard,  and  is  a  heavily  used  and environmentally  "stressed"
coastal  area.   It  receives wastes from 20 million people and a number of major
industries.    Municipal  and   industrial  wastewater  effluents,  urban  runoffs,
atmospheric  fallout, and materials  dispersed at  different dumpsites add large
quantities  of heavy  metals,  nutrients, organic  matter,  and chlorinated
hydrocarbons to the  Bight waters.  The Bight  supports  important  commercial and
recreational  fisheries and other  activities (MESA,  1977).

   Records are extensive for  the region.  The MESA  New York  Bight Atlas ana
Monograph  series describe the  area  excellently.   Other MESA-sponsored works
exist as data   reports,  technical reports, and technical memos  (MESA,  1978b).
A  detailed technical  summary resulted  from  a  symposium  (Gross,  1976c)
sponsored  by  the  American Society  of  Limnology  and  Oceanography  in November
1975.   Earlier,  workers from  the  Atlantic  Oceanographic  and  Meteorological
Laboratory had  assessed the  nonbiological  aspects  of  the  Bight  (Charnell,
1975).

                               METEOROLOGY
   Seasonal meteorological  events  affect  man's  use of the New York Bight for
waste  disposal,  shipping,   resources,  and  recreation.    Meteorology  is  an
important  influence on physical characteristics of the area, which determine
dispersion of wastes.   Sufficient  knowledge  and  predictability of meteorology
exist to  permit  site  designation  for  waste  disposal,  with minimal danger to
workers on disposal operations.   Excellent sources for the conditions  in the
Bight  are  Williams and  Godshell  (1977), Mohnen  (1977),  and Lettau  et  al.
(1976).
                                    A-l

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WINDS AND STORMS

Winds

   Bryson and Lahey (1958)  defined  the  natural seasons  of  the New York  Bight
as winter  (November  to March)  and  summer  (July to August) .   Wind speeds  are
usually moderate.  During the winter, winds  are offshore breezes with  average
speeds of 9  to  13  kn while summer winds are  onshore  with average speeds of 5
to 9 kn.   Strong winds (between 28  and  40  kn) are more  common in the winter
(10% of  all  observations)  than  in summer (1%  of  all  observations) but strong
winds (greater than 40 kn) have occurred during Qvery month.

   Highest recorded winds for New York  Bight  were  due to tropical storms.  In
1960, wind speeds  recorded  from hurricane Donna were 6J.  kn  (70 mph)  from  the
northeast at La Guardia Airport; wind speeds of 98 kn (113 mph)  from hurricane
Hazel were recorded at The Battery in 1954 (Lettau et al., 1976).
Storms
   Seasonal  storms  are characteristic  of the  New York  Bight area.   Extra-
tropical  (northeasterly)  storms are  common  from November  until  April (Pore,
Richardson,  and  Perroth,  1974) while  tropical  storms  (hurricanes)  usually
occur  in  the late summer or  early autumn (Pore and  Barrientos,  1976).   Pore
and  Barrientos (1976)  reported  that an average  of 6.8 storms  per year  cause
moderate to  severe coastal damage.   The recorded frequency of northeasters  (10
to 14 days)  is greater than hurricanes  (4  to  7  years).   Storms may restrict a
particular  disposal  operation,   but  frequencies  or  severities   are  not
sufficient to restrict all disposal operations.

VISIBILITY

   Visibility in  the New York  Bight  is  influenced  by  fog,  smoke,  and  haze.
Thick  fogs  occur,  but not  frequently enough to restrict  sailing to  ana  from
the  site.
                                     A-2

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F_og
   The  maximal  incidence  of  fog  occurs from May  to July,  when  the  greatest
differences  between  sea  and  air  temperatures  exist.   Fog  is  not generally
frequent  between October  and  March, but  heavy  fogs occasionally  occur.   The
monthly frequency of restricted visibility in the New York Bight is  summarized
in Table  A-l.
              TABLE A-l.  INCIDENCE OF FOG IN THE NEW YORK BIGHT

T i m i t n -F
Visibility
1/4 Mile
1 Mile
Average Days/Month

Jan
1.1
4.2
Peb
0.8
3.6
Mar
3.3
5.6
Apr
0.8
3.0
May
7.4
11.5
Jun
4.0
7.7
Jul
4.6
6.6
Aug
0.3
4.2
Sep
0.6
3.0
Oct
1.9
3.3
Nov
1.8
2.9
Dec
0.5
1.6
  Source:   Modified from Williams and Godshall, 1977.

   When necessary,  disposal  operations  can  be performed  under  conditions of
restricted visibility  and fog,  smoke or haze  (see below),  and  these do not
constitute important factors which restrict use of  sites in New York  Bight.

Smoke and Haze

   Smoke is an anthropogenic product, and its effects decrease offshore,   haze
often  comprises  dust  and  salt  particles,  and  haze  frequencies  are evenly
distributed  over   the  Bight.    Maximal   peaks  of  haze  are   associated   with
southwesterly winds, while minimal values are usually recorded when  there are
northwesterly winds (Lettau  et al.,   1976).   Neither smoke  nor  haze  signifi-
cantly restrict navigation in  the Bight  area.

AIR TEMPERATURE

   Air temperatures in the New York  Bight range from a mean  low of 2°C (36°F)
in February,  to a mean high  of 22°C  (approximately 72°F)  in  August (Lettau et
al.,  1976).  Only  a  slight  icing potential  occurs  between December  and  March
(Table A-2).
                                     A-3

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             TABLE A-2.  ICING CONDITIONS IN THE NEW YORK BIGHT
Icing Potential
Light
Moderate
Percent Per Month
Dec
	
Jan
4.8
0.9
Feb
6.2
0.3
Mar
1.3
        Source:   Modified  from Williams and Godshall, 1977,
PRECIPITATION

   The  winter  months  (November  to  March)  have  the  highest   incidences  of
combined precipitation  (rain  and/or  snow),  which  occur  more  frequently  in
winter, but average  monthly  Bight values indicate only slight seasonal changes
(Table A-3).
                     TABLE A-3.  AVERAGE PRECIPITATION PER MONTH
                                 (Nearest 1.0 inch)
Jen
3
Fcb
3
Mar
4
Apr
4
May
4
Jun
3
Jul
4
Aug
5
Sep
j
Oct.
3
Nov
4
Dec
4
      Source:   Modified  from  Lettau et  al., 1976.

                        PHYSICAL OCEANOGRAPHY

   Physical characteristics  of the  New  York  Bight  are  complex.   Seasonal
temperature,   salinity,  insolation,  and river  runoff are  complicated  by
meteorological phenomena and  intrusions  of slope water (Bowman, 1977).

   New York Bight  hydrography  exhibits  clear  seasonal cycles  in temperature,
salinity,  and  density  parameters.   Two distinct  oceanographic  regimes, witti
short  intervening  transition periods  prevail  annually.   Early  winter storm
                                     A-4

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mixing and  rapid  cooling at  the surface  create a  well-mixed, unstratified
water column.  A moderate stratification develops  in  early  spring due  to  heavy
runoff from  the Hudson,  Raritan, and  other rivers.   With increasing vernal
warming,  stratification changes  rapidly  from a  saline  to  a  thermally
maintained formation.  Transition  is rapid,  usually occurring within one  month
tCharnell  and  Hansen,  1974).    Rapid   formation  of   the  seasonal  thermocline
divides the  water  column into  upper and lower  layers.   Bottom waters retain
specific  characteristics  with little modification until  storms  break up  the
thermocline in the late autumn.

   Familiarity  with  physical   characteristics   of New  York  Bight helps   to
understand waste disposal since  these factors determine immediate dilution  and
dispersion of wastes  and  the  transposition  of contaminants.  Excellent  sources
for  physical  oceanographic  patterns in the  Bight are Hanson (.1977) and  Hardy
et al. (1976).

WATER TYPES

   Three  water  types  have been identified  in the  New York Bight shell waters
by  Hoilman  (1971):    (1) Inlet  Water  (hereafter called  Hudson  River  Plume
Water, after  Bowman  and  Wunderlich, 1977),  (2) Surface  Shelf  Water,  and  (3)
Bottom Shelf Water.

HUDSON RIVER PLUME WATER

   The combined  discharge of  the Hudson  and  Raritan  rivers   flows  from  the
Lower Bay into the northwest corner  of  the  Bight  Apex as  a  low-salinity plume,
less  dense  than the  Shelf  Waters.   Consequently,  Hudson River  Plume  Water
floats over  the  Shelf Waters in  the Bight.   Discharge volumes are maximal  in
April and minimal  in  August.   Approximately half the annual discharge occurs
during March, April,  and  May (Bowman and Wunderlich, 1976).   This river flow
lasts as a plume all year, the extent and depth  being highly dependent  on flow
rates in  the Hudson  and Raritan Rivers  (McLaughlin et ai., 1975).  Generally ;
the plume flows southward between  the New Jersey  coastline  and  the  axis of  the
Hudson Shelf Valley.   During  the winter,  however, the plume may  flow  eastward
                                     A-5

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between  the  southern coast of  Long Island  and  the axis  of the  Hudson Shelf
Valley  or, in some instances,  the  plume  may split and flow both  eastward and
southward.

SURFACE SHELF WATER

   With  the onset  of  heavy river discharge  in  the spring,  surface  salinities
in the  Bight  decrease  and  a moderate saline-maintained stratification occurs,
separating Surface Shelf Water  from Bottom Shelf Water.   Decreasing winds and
increasing  insolation,  however,  cause  a  stronger  thermccline  to  develop
(Charnell  and Hansen,  1974).    This  two-layer  system   reaches  its  maximum
strength by August.  Surface Shelf Water  is  characterized  by moderate salinity
and high temperature.

BOTTOM SHELF WATER

   During  winter,  the  water is essentially  homogeneous  over the  Bight Shelf.
With  the rapid  formation  of  the thermocline and  separation of Surface Shelf
Water  in the spring,  bottom waters  become  isolated  until  the   next  winter.
Bigelow  (1933)  found  that  this "cool pool"  (temperatures typically  less than
4"C)  extended from  south  of Long  Island to  the  opening  of Chesapeake  Bay.
This  cold water persists even after  the surface  layers have  reached  the summer
maximum.   Bigelow  (1933) also  found that   the cool  pool  was  surrounded on all
sides  by wanner  water.   The upper  layer  of the Bottom Shelf Water  is usually
found  between 30  and 100  m  during  the  summer  (Bowman  and  Wunderlich, 1977).
Seaward,  near  the  Shelf   edge,  steep  temperature,   salinity,   and  density
gradients  prevent  large-scale  mixing  from occurring between Shelf  and Slope
Waters.

CURRENT  REGIMES

   Currents  in  the New York Bight  are  characterized  by   large temporal vari-
ability, which makes  it  impossible  to resolve the "average" current patterns.
This  great variability  results  from  several  competing  influences  (namely,
tidal  currents,   estuarine  and  Shelf valley  circulation,  and  local  wind
effects).  The currents may be  so random   that only  their  statistical effects,
not their organized patterns, can be  predicted   (Hansen,  1977).
                                      A-6

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TIDAL CURRENTS

   The flow of  the  tidal current  in  the middle-Shelf region  of  the New  York
Bight is anticyclonic (clockwise).  Velocities decrease offshore  and  the  tidal
ellipse is on a northwest/southeast axis.  Tidal  currents  are  important  in the
initial  distribution  (mixing  and dispersion)   of  dumped  materials  on  the
bottom.   They  may  also resuspend  settled   solids.    Although  bottom  tidal
current velocities are low, about  10 cm/sec, coupled with  wind-driven currents
during storms, they can  resuspend  and  subsequently redistribute sediments.

SURFACE CURRENTS

   The synergistic effects  of temperature,  salinity,  river runoff,  prevailing
winds, and tides  produce complex and  variable circulation patterns within  the
bight  (Hardy  et  al. ,  1976).  Seaward  of the  100-m contour, geostrophic  drift
induces  westerly to  southwesterly currents  having  an  average  speed  of  10
cm/sec.   Within  the  100-m  isobath,  surface  currents  are  hignly  variable  and
strongly  influenced  by  winds and surface runoff.   Currents  within  30 km  of
shore  still   depend   on  winds   for  direction  but  have  consistently   higher
velocities than  the  distant offshore  areas.   The southerly flow  of  the  Hudson
River  plume along  the  coast  forces an  opposing  northward  flow of more  saline
waters to the east.   Consequently, the nearshore water often  contains  a  small
anticyclonic  (clockwise)  gyre (Hardy et  al., 1976).

   In  general,  average  surface  currents inshore of  the  100-m isobath  (.which
includes  the  entire Apex)  flow  alongshore  southward  from  Cape  Cod  to  Cape
Hatteras  at   mean speeds  of  about  5  cm/sec  (Bumpus,  1973),  except   during
periods of strong southerly winds  and  low runoff  (Bumpus,  1969).  Flows  in the
outer  Bight are  characteristically southwest with speeds  of  4 to 5 cm/sec  at
the surface decreasing  to 2 cm/sec, or  less, closer to  the bottom.

BOTTOM CURRENTS

   Near  the   Hudson   estuary,  classical  estuarine   circulation  occurs  with
low-salinity  surface water   flowing  offshore  and more  saline  water  flowing
                                     A-7

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onshore  along  the  bottom.   Hansen  (1977)  reports  that  average   shoreward
current  speeds as  great as 5  cm/sec  have  been  observed  in  the  Hudson  Shelf
Valley over periods  as  long  as a month.   Bumpus (1973), summarizing 10  years
of  sea-bed  drifter returns, has  inferred  that  onshore  Bottom  Shelf  current
speeds average 0.9  to 1.3 cm/sec.

   The axis of the  Hudson  Canyon separates  the  general bottom currents.  East
of the canyon, flow  is  westerly; west of  the canyon,  flow is northerly.  This
cooler,  more   saline  bottom   water,  may  reach  the  Hudson  River  estuary,
dependent upon the  season and  amount of  surface runoff; bottom water may  reach
the surface during periods of  southwesterly winds which cause upwelling  south
of Long Island (Hardy et al.,  1976).

TEMPERATURE DISTRIBUTION

   Water  temperatures  in   the  Bight   follow  well-defined   seasonal   cycles.
Surface waters usually  reach  a minimum (2°C)  in January when strong vertical
mixing and  low river runoff create a vertically homogeneous water  mass.  In
April, the  surface waters  begin to warm  with  a  thermocline developing during
the late  spring  and  early summer.   The  thermocline is  strongest  in the late
summer, with surface temperatures peaking (24°C  to 26°C)  in early August.  The
thermocline begins to  decay  with  normal  cooling  and  by late  October, the
isothermal  layer is  20 m  thick.   By mid-November  further cooling and winter
storms  produce  an  almost homogenous  water  mass  within  the   80-m  contour
(Bowman, 1972  and 1977) .

SALINITY DISTRIBUTION

   The salinity  cycle  is more  complex  than the  temperature  cycle because of
three  factors  which  influence  salinity:  (1) the  influx  of river runoff, (2)
evaporation minus  precipitation,  and  (3)  the  advection and mixing of more
saline  Slope  Water  (Bowman,  1977).  Maximum salinities  (33 to  34 ppt) are
found inshore  during  the winter (February  and  March)  when  subfreezing
conditions  reduce  river runoff.  River runoff during  the spring thaw  reduces
the surface salinity and  strong vertical  gradients may  develop.   In  summer,
surface  salinities are  at  their minimum  (27  to  31 ppt)  and bottom  salinities
                                     A-8

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are 27 to 29  ppt.   In the  late  summer,  when the fresh water input decreases,
salinities  begin  to  increase  towards  their  winter  maximum  ^Bowman  ana
Wunderlich,  1977).

WAVES AND WINDS

SURFACE WAVES AND WINDS

   Waves  are  beneficial  in diluting  and dispersing  the  waste  more rapidly
until they become too high  and restrict disposal operations.  Figure A-l shows
the distribution of the percentage  frequency of  waves greater than or equal to
1.5 m (solid  lines)  and  greater  than or equal to 3.7 m (dashed lines) for the
mid-Atlantic  Bight.    Wave  energies are  greater  in  winter.    The  contours
parallel  the  coast  and  most  of  the  higher   frequencies  seaward.    Wave
directions parallel the wind patterns over the northeast United States.  There
is  a distinct  reversal  in the  prevailing  wind  pattern  between  summer  and
winter.   During the  summer (May through August)  wind and  waves derive most
frequently from  the  southwest.   In the winter (September through April), wind
and waves are most frequently  from  the  northwest.

   Wave  heights  greater than 6.1  m occur about  2% of  the  time in the winter
months of December, January, and February.   The  median  significant wave height
for  this region is  about  1.2 m in  winter  and   about  0.6  m in  summer.   The
Middle Atlantic  Bight  is generally  not  subject  to  unusually high waves (U.S.
Naval Weather Service Command, 1970).

INTERNAL WAVES

   Internal waves on  the Continental  Shelf and in  the Hudson  Shelf Valley have
been  identified  in satellite imagery studies (Apel et al., 1974).  Stratified
water conditions must be present  for the generation  of  internal waves which
can contribute  to  sediment resuspension  and must be considered  in evaluating
bottom sediment  transport.
                                      A-9

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31 2  FT.
       Figure A-l.  Frequency of Waves on a Percentage Basis
             from Month  to Month (Bumpus et al.,  1973)
                                 A-10

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                                   GEOLOGY

   The New York  Bight extends 430  nmi (800 km)  from  Cape  May,  New Jersey to
Montauk Point, Long  Island.   Offshore New  York City,  the  Continental Shelf
extends 100 nmi  (130  km) seaward,  and  a  series of Shelf valley complexes has
formed because of  the postglacial  sea-level  rise (Swift et  al. ,  1976).   The
Bight Apex is  north  of 40°10'N  (Shark  River,  New Jersey) and west of  73°30'W
(Jones Beach,  Long Island).

   The most common sediments  in  the  Bight  are  fine to medium sands.  Isolated
patches of coarse  sand  and  gravel  occur  near  the Long  Island  and New Jersey
shores.   The   Continental  Shelf  contains  numerous  ridges  and  troughs which
resemble remnant  barrier  islands.    The  Hudson  Channel, a  relict submarine
canyon, transverses  the  shelf and  extends  from the  mouth of New  York Harbor
south  to  the  head of  Hudson Canyon.   The  Hudson Canyon runs  in  a southeast
direction, to  the  edge  of  the Shelf  (Williams,  1974).   Stubblefield  et  al,
(1977-) reported that  the sediments  in  the Bight  are in textural equilibrium in
the  existing  hydraulic  climate.    Silts  and muds may  accumulate  only below
depths,of 24 m.

BATHYMETRY

   Ttie well-defined Shelf valley complexes,  which are narrow or broad  shallow
depressions,   are  scoured  by  currents  and  often   terminate   in delta-like
terraces.   Sand  transported  by  littoral  drift  from  nearby coasts frequently
forms  sills  across  valley  heads.    More  extensive  sand banks  (called   sand
massifs)  form  on  seaward  shoals  near   estuary mouths  (Figure A~2).  The
morphology of  the Delaware,  Great Egg, Hudson, and Block Shelf Valleys in the
Bight  follows  this pattern (Swift et  al., 1976).

   Plateau-like expanses (stretching between  Shelf  valleys)  vary   from nearly
flat plains to patterns  of undulating  sand  ridges reaching  10 m high and  2 to
4 km apart.  The ridges  appear highest on the  northeastern sides  of the shoal
massifs.   This  sand  ridge   and  swale topography is  characteristic  of  the
mid-Atlantic Bight.
                                     A-ll

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>
 I
     76° W
74°W
                ••• SURFACE CHANNEL


                • ••• SUBSURFACE CHANNEL

                    , SCARP


                     SHOAL RETREAT MASSIFS
                       200m-



CUESTAS


SHELF EDGE, MID-SHELF DELTAS



SAND RIDGES  x
                           Figure A—2.  Morphologic Framework of the New  York—New Jersey Shelf

                                            {Modified from Swift et al., 1972}

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SEDIMENT TYPES

   Clean  sand  facies  occur  in  the  Inner  and  Middle  Snelf,  and  muddy  sand
facies  on  the  Outer  Shelf  (McKinney  and  Friedman,  1970).    Occasionally,
remnants  oi  the  mud  facies  on the  Middle  Shelf are  found  embedded in  shell
fragments buried  in the clean  sand, indicating  that  the muds were  deposited
prior to  the clean  sanu (Biscaye and  Olsen,  1976).

   The  Shelf  off New  York  is  covered by  sand-sized  particles with  isolated
gravel  patches  (.Schlee,  1973, 1975).    Silt  dominates  seaward  of  the  60-m
isobath and  in  the  Hudson  Shelf Valley.   Silt is also present in  lagoons  and
estuaries with only light wave activity.  Small  mud  patches,  often  seasonal in
nature,  occur  in  the  nearshore   areas  of   Long  Island  to  the  west of  Fire
Island.

   Sediment types have  been  mapped in the Apex of the Bight  (Freeland  et  al.,
1976)  (Figure  A-3).    The   topographically  low  Hudson  Shelf  Valley and  the
Christiaensen Basin contain  fine-grained  sediments; the  other areas  contain
variously sized sands and both artifact  and  natural  gravel deposits.   The  most
common  sediments are  silty  fine sand  and  slightly gravelly  fine to  medium  sand
(Harris,  1976).

SUSPENDED PARTICIPATE MATTER
   The sizes of inorganic  particles  in  the  Bight  Apex  are  similar  to  fine  silt
or clay.   Suspended fluvial  sediments  discharged onto the  Shelf  are  composed
of 85% inorganic  and  15%  combustible organic materials (Hathaway,  1971).   The
inorganic  constituents  are  carried  from   the   Hudson  River.    The  organic
combustibles  are   from  anthropogenic  sources  and  are  introduced  via  river
outflow, surface runoff, atmospheric  fallout,  and ocean disposal.   In general,
particulate concentrations decrease with distance  from  the  shore,  especially
in  surface waters.    Vertical  mixing  of   suspended  particles,  however,  is
limited by the seasonal thermocline  (Biscaye and  Olsen, 1976).

   Only about 10% of the riverborne  suspended  solids reach the  coastal waters,
and the solids are carried  in the  less  saline, surface layer plume.   Some SPM
                                     A-13

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       40°30'N|—
       40°20'N
           74°00'W
                  CONTOUR INTERVAL: 5fm
                  = MUD
                    | | SILTY-FINE SANDS
                                         73°50'W
                                                                    73°40'W
|   | FINE-MED. SANDS    IvX SANDY GRAVEL
III! COARSE SANDS     'fgjg ARTIFACT GRAVEL
            Figure A-3.  Distribution  of  Surficial Sediment  Based on
             Visual Sample Examination.   Bathymetry from 1936  Data.
                             (Freeland et al.,  1976)
is carried  back into  the Lower  Bay  by the onshore  bottom flow  (Meade et al.,
1975).   The  resuspension  of fine, inorganic  sediments  near estuary  mouths is
related  to  the  effects of  wave  surge and  wind-drift currents  in these shallow
waters.   Drake (1974)   estimates that  a  single  November  storm  resuspended
10,000 tonnes of fine  sediments  throughout the  water column  in the Bight Apex,
indicating the  great  influence of  storms  in sediment resuspension.
                                       A-14

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GRAIN SIZE

   Medium-coarse  sands predominate  on  the  inner  and  middle  Shelf,  whereas
silts are the major  components of the Outer Shelf.   Inner Shelf  sediments off
Long Island  are  of uniform  size  (.well sorted;,  while Middle and  Outer  Shelf
areas  are  more  poorly sorted.   This  indicates  that  sediments  on  the  Inner
Shelf have undergone more mixing  and  transport  than sediments in  deeper water.
   SCubblefield et  al.  (1977)  identified two sand  provinces  in  the Bight:  the
New Jersey  Platform sand  province  and the  Cholera Bank sand  province,  where
medium-grain  sands  predominate.    Finer  and coarser sands  stretch  out in  a
north- to northwest-trending  band off New Jersey while  the  Cholera Bank sands
are more homogeneous.

   The  topographic  highs  surrounding  Christiaensen  Basin  are  covered  by  a
medium-grain  sand,  while towards New Jersey, sand  ribbon  patterns  with 10- to
200-m spacing  appear.   Stubblefield et al.  (1977)  report that mud facies occur
only  in  the  tributary channel of Christiaensen  Basin and  on the western side.
They  also reported  that  the basin floor deposits become coarser toward shallow
water.

TRANSPORT

   Sediment  transport  is  produced  by  two  basic  phenomena:  tidal  flow  which
stores sand  in estuary mouths, and  storm wave  action which  moves sand between
estuary mouths.   Sand discharges from  surf  zones  off the Long  Island  and  New
Jersey coasts  move  towards the New York harbor  mouth and have built Sandy Hook
and Rockaway  spits  (Swift  et  al.,  1976).

   On the Snelf proper, westward  and  eastward   currents measured  from bottom,
mid-depth,  and surface  locations  showed that  surface flows have  an  offshore
component  in  both  east  and  west  directions   (Lavelle et  al.,  in  press).
However,  with  increasing depth,  the westward  bottom flows  begin  to  parallel
isobaths and  the  eastern  flows  tend to move shoreward.   The result  is  a  net
southwest migration of  sand particles  along  the bottom.
                                     A-15

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   Lavelle  et  al.  (1975)  concluded  that  transport  occurred  during  brief,
intense  transport  events  separated by  vast  periods  of  quiescence.   As  a
function of  excess  velocity, more  efficient transport  occurs  during intense
rather  than  mild  storms.   The  potential  consequences  are  that  if  bottom
currents in any of  the  dump sites  exceed the  threshold  velocity and overcome
the  fractional  components of  the  waste material  (e.g., during  storms),  ttie
dumpsite may be  scoured  clean of waste.   This sequence may  have occurred in
the Sewage Sludge Site,  where only traces of sewage sludge can be  found.

   Harris (1976)  reported that substrate mobility is greatest near Long Island
and northern Christiaensen Basin and varies  seasonally.   Kuc  dominates in Luc
late sprn.t. trie early summer  and may even  cross intuivciung sanci-vrve crests.
Trougii  areas are mud-free  in  early  f^ll until  eerly spring  because  oi bottom
current  scour.   The  mud  facies moved  to within 5.0  km of  Long Island between
winter  and  summer,  but  later  moved back  to 9.3  km  from  Long   Island.   The
distribution of  muds are  very  important in  evaluating  the  effects of waste
disposal since trace metals and other waste constituents are present  in higher
concentrations in muds than in sands.

                          CHEMICAL OCEANOGRAPHY

   The  New  York  Bight  receives  wastes from a  large metropolitan area.   The
sources  of  these   wastes  include   ocean  disposal,   sewage  outfalls,  river
discharge,  groundwater   seepage,  land  runoff,  petrochemical  processes,  and
atmospheric fallout.

   It  is difficult  to   determine  effects   of   any  particular  type   of  waste
disposal  since  contaminant   sources  are  so  varied  and   inputs are  large.
Contaminants may be changed  from one chemical  state  to another by synergistic
interactions with  seawater, biologically  assisted changes,  or  oceanographic
events which affect mixing and sediment turnover (MESA, 1974).

   This  section  covers  the  spatial  and temporal variability  in  the  water
column, sediments, and biota relevant  to the  wastes  presently released at the
Acid Site.   References are made to various  sources for those parameters (e.g.,
                                     A-16

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nutrients) unaffected  by acid waste  disposal.    Sufficient  chemical data  are
available for  site  designation  and future decision-making for wastes  released
at the site.

   Excellent overview  sources for  chemical  features  of  the Bight  are Alexander
and Alexander  (1977) and Segar and Cantillo  (1976; .

WATER COLUMN

DISSOLVED OXYGEN

   Dissolved  oxygen concentrations  in  the  surface waters  of the  Bight  are
greater than or equal  to the saturation  level (Corwin,  1970).  At  a 20-m  depth
(66 ft)  in  the Apex,  the  percentage  of  saturation  in control  areas  located
outside the disposal sites was 55% to  90%.

   In  contrast,  at 20-m depth  near  the  edge  of the Sewage  Sludge Site,  the
oxygen concentration was 1.6 mg/1 (26%  saturation),  and at the center of  the
site  the  saturation was 10% (Pearce,  1969).  It is not  known if this oxygen
depression was due  to  sewage sludge disposal.

   Subsurface  oxygen concentrations may  vary seasonally (Corwin,  1970).   Below
10 m  (33  ft),  concentrations are  lower  in September than in  November, due  to
stratification  of  the   water column  in  the  summer  and  higher biological  and
chemical  oxygen demands.    In  April,  oxygen concentrations   usually  approach
saturation.

   Garside  and  Malone  (1978)   suggest   that  the  near-surface  variation  in
dissolved  oxygen is not  significantly  above  zero.    Oxygen  production  from
photosynthesis  in  the  Apex  is  sufficient to balance  organism respiration  or
the degradation  of organic material  and anthropogenic  sources from naturally
occurring.  With respect to  total  carbon respired in the Apex, 77%  is  derived
from  naturally  occurring  sources,   sewage  sludge  contributes   another  7%,
surface runoff 7%,  and  the Hudson  Estuary about  9%  (Garside  and Malone,  1978).
Since  the  Apex-derived  carbon  supply is about   three  times  greater  than  all
other external  carbon  sources,  normal oxygen  production has  been  adequate  to
                                     A-17

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balance the respiration demands of the system.  Local anoxic conditions,  which
occurred in sorre  deep  Bight areas during  the  summer of 1976,  are only  likely
below  the  thermocline,  when the  surface  (oxygenated)  and  subsurface  (oxygen
depleted) waters do not mix.

PH

   The  pH of  Bight  waters  ranges  from 7.6 to  8.4;  surface  values are  usually
higher than bottom values because of the dynamic relationship with atmospheric
C0?  at  the  surface (which increases  alkalinity)   and  the  decomposition  of
organic material (which increases acidity) in  subsurface waters  (Alexander  and
Alexander, 1977).

   Seawater  is  an  extremely  well-buffered   solution.    Changes  in  pH  are
temporary and usually the  pH  returns  to  normal  ambient  values  almost;
immediately after it is perturbed (Duxbury, 1971) (Appendix B).

TRACE METALS

   The  effects of  trace  metals  in  the  water column  are  determined  by  the
concentrations,  chemical  species,  and availability to  the  biota.    Certain
metals may stimulate or depress biological activity  or may become concentrated
in the  food chain (Alexander et al.,  1974).  Segar (1975) noted  large temporal
and  geographic  variations  of  trace metal  concentrations  in  the Bight,  caused
by  river  discharges,   ocean  waste  disposal,  or  complex  oceanographic  and
meteorological  events.   Normal  levels of  trace  metals  in unpolluted seawater
samples  are listed  in Table A-4.

   Two  conclusions  can  be drawn from these data.  The values for metal  concen-
trations  in  the  Bight  are  higher than  in uncontaminated  sea   water samples,
but,  apart from manganese,  the ocean disposal  sites  do  not raise actual  levels
in the  overlying water.

   These  data  (Table A-4)   can be  compared  to trace metal  levels  in the  Apex
and offshore control sites  (Segar  and  Cantillo, 1976; Table A-5).  The  area of
disposal  influence  indicated  in  Table A-3 refers  to all potential  sources of
contamination  (acid  waste,  dredged material,  sewage  sludge, and  cellar  dirt).
                                     A-18

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       TABLE A-4.   MEAN TRACE METAL LEVELS IN UNPOLLUTED SEAWATER SAMPLES


(1)
(2)
(3)
yg/ liter (ppb)
Cadmium
0.1
—
0.1
Chromium
0.05
—
0.05
Copper
3
3
3
Iron
10
10
6
Mercury
0.03
—
—
Manganese
-
2
2
Nickel
500
--
—
Lead
0.03
—
0.03
Zinc
10
10
lu
Source:   (1) Goldberg, 1963; (2) Riley and Skirnow, 1965;
         (3) Buelow et al., 1968) .
       TABLE A-5.  MEAN TRACE METAL CONCENTRATIONS IN THE NEW YORK BIGHT
                        (Standard Deviation) yg/1 (ppb)
Metal
Surface
Disposal
Sites'
Influence
Control
10 Meters
Disposal
Sites'
Influence
Control
Cadmium

0.6 tO. 42)

0.8 (0.40)

0.6 (0.28)

0.5 (0.19)
Copper

4.3 (1.98)

4.6 (1.62)

4.7 (1.60)

4.0 (2.08)
Iron

15.3 (8.38)

18.6 (16.5)

16.4 (9.88)

17.1 (8.09)
Manganese

5.3 (1.38)

3.7 (1.50)

9.6 (5.19)

4.7 (1.70)
Zinc

32.5 (8.66)

35.0 (12.25)

32.5 (13.23^

30.0 (10.80)
Source:  Modified  from  Segar  and  Cantillo,  1976.    Means are  for  7  months
         between May 1974 and March 1975.
NUTRIENTS
   Acid wastes do not  contain  significant  levels of the elements required for
phytoplankton growth  (Appendix  D,  Table D-2).   Consequently,  the disposal of
acid  waste  does  not  markedly  affect  the distribution  or  concentration of
nutrients in the water  column.   Therefore, seasonal and spatial variabilities
of the  nutrients  are  not  discussed  in  this  EIS.   The interested  reader is
referred  to  Corwin  (1970),  or  Alexander  and  Alexander  (1975  and  1977) for
discussions of nutrients, and to Mueller et  al. (1976)  for discussions of the
sources and mass loads of nutrients from anthropogenic sources into the Bight.
                                     A-19

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ORGANIC COMPOUNDS

   Acid  waste  does  not  contain  significant  amounts  of  organic  compounds.
Disposal operations,  however, may  affect  the phytoplankton  in  the  barge's
wake.  Chlorophyll a concentrations in  seawater  can be used  as  indicators of
phytoplankton  abundance,   thus  changes   in  concentrations  can  be  used  to
interpret  micronutrient  fluctuations.    In  general,   chlorophyll  &  concen-
trations are greater  in  the  upper  water column because of  increased  produc-
tivity  in  the  euphotic  zone and,  particularly in  the Apex, because  of large
nutrient inputs.  An increase in  surface water  concentrations of chlorophyll £
from 0.5 to  8.0 yg/1 in September  1969,  to  greater  than  4.0 to  8.0  yg/1 in
April 1970, was associated with a  spring plankton bloom (Hardy, 1974).

   Corwin  (1970) and McCarthy (1970)  have additional  information about parti-
culate carbon and organic nitrogen in the Bight.

SEDIMENTS

TRACE METALS

   Elevated concentrations of  iron,  manganese,  titanium,  copper,  tin,
chromium,  zinc,  lead,  and  nickel  have been measured  in many areas of the New
York Bight (Biscaye and Olsen, 1976; Pearce et  al., 1977).   Iron and magnesium
are common throughout the Bight;  the other metals are more common in sediments
near  the  Sewage Sludge and  Dredged  Material Disposal  Sites  and  in  areas of
river discharge.

   Grieg et  al. (1974) investigated  trace metal  concentrations  in  the Bight
Apex and  concluded  that  there were  insignificant  seasonal variations  in the
levels of  copper,  chromium,  lead, nickel, and  zinc,  except near  the Dredged
Material Site.   Elevated sediment  concentrations  were not  observed  near the
Acid Site.   Decreases  in trace metal  concentrations  away from  the  center of
disposal sites,  and  areas  of elevated concentrations  to  the northeast of the
sites  and  in  the  Hudson  Shelf  Valley,  imply  dispersal  of wastes  by water
currents (Carmody et al., 1973).
                                     4-20

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ORGANIC CARBON

   Acid waste contains  no  significant amounts of  organic  carbon,  nor does it
affect  the  distribution of  organic  carbon  in the  Apex.    The  total organic
carbon (TOG) content  of sediments  is important since sediments with  different
levels of TOC may support different biotic communities.  Trace metals are more
abundant  in sediments  which  have  a  high TOC  content.    Harris  (1976)  and
Hatcher and Keister (1976) dis'cuss TOC in New York Bight sediments.

CHLORINATED HYDROCARBONS

   Persistence  and  toxicity  of chlorinated hydrocarbons,  e.g., DDT  (dichloro-
diphenyltrichloroethane)  and  PCB  (polychlorinated  bi-phenyl),   cause  great
concern about  their  abundance  and distribution  in marine environments.
However, acid waste does not contain  chlorinated hydrocarbons  (ERGO,  1978a,b).
West  et  al. (1976)  have information  about  the distribution of  PCB1 s and DDT
near  the Dredged Material and  Sewage  Sludge Sites.
 BIOTA
TRACE METALS IN ZOOPLANKTON

   Extensive species  lists and  zooplankton  abundance  measurements, including
studies  by  Grice and  Hart (1962), Jeffries  and Johnson (1973),  Falk  et al.
(1974)  and  Gibson (1973)  exist  for the New  York Bight.   Several  species of
Apex zooplankton were examined for  trace metal contaminants.  Levels of copper
and  lead varied  among   species  examined,  and  zinc varied  according  to the
location of  the  sample.    It  has not  been  possible to  determine the source of
the contaminants  (Greig  et al.,   1977).  At  the Delaware Bay  Acid  Waste  Site
(where the waste characteristics are  similar  to those  at the Apex Acid Site),
Johnson  and Lear (1974)  reported extreme variability in the concentrations of
trace  metals  in the  zooplankton,  probably  due  to  the  complex  nature of
contaminant inputs  and  the dispersal of planktonic  organisms  by water column
movement and mixing.
                                     A-21

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   Contaminants  which  accumulate  in  the  eggs  and in  developing  larvae of
marine  fauna  can cause chromosomal  mutagenesis  at  subtoxic  levels  (Longwell
1976; Westerhagen et al., 1974).   Longwell  (1976)  determined that  there was a
significant  increase  in  the  number  of  chromosomal  aberrations in  eggs and
larvae of  the  Atlantic mackerel,  Scomber scombrus,  near  the Acid Site.  Away
from  the  dumpsite in  the general  area  of  the  apex,  a  lower  percentage of
abnormalities was observed.

TRACE METALS IN BENTHIC BIOTA '

   Levels of trace metals in benthic macrofauna of New York  Bight are reported
in  NMFS  (1972), Pratt   (1973),  and  Pararas-Carayannis  (1973).    Sedentary
benthic organisms are the preferred  indicators of the effects of  environmental
contamination,  because  they are   directly  exposed  to  sediment-bound trace
metals  and unable  to  move  from   stressed  areas (Pararas  Carayannis,  1973).
NMFS  (1972)  reported  that some  specimens contained  levels  of lead,  chromium,
and  mercury  above the  normal  range of values  for  the  animals.   These  animals
were  in the vicinity of the Dredged Material and Sewage Sludge Sites.

   Vaccaro et  al. (1972)  measured  elevated  trace metal concentrations  in  some
benthic  animals  collected  from  New  York   Bight  Acid  Waste Disposal Site.
Elevated  concentrations  of  iron  were detected,  but no  documented lethal or
chronic  effects exist  for  the epifauna and  macroinfauna  at the  Acid Site.
Earlier work by  RedfieH  and Walford  (1951)  and Westman (1958) led  to the  same
conclusion.

   Pearce  et  al. (1976d)  noted that  disposal areas,  characterized  by  large
heavy metal  and/or  organic  concentrations,   showed  a decline in  the number of
benthic  individuals  from  1973  to  1974;  however, the  species composition did
not vary  significantly during the  same period.  They concluded  that  the Bight
biota are  reasonably dynamic  in abundance,  and that correlations of  abundance
to trace metal concentrations must  be made with caution.

                        BIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS

   The biota in  the New York Bight demonstrate complex diurnal,  seasonal, and
longer-term  cycles  of  species  composition  and  abundance.    Several  factors
                                     A-22

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contribute to these  cycles:  the influence of  various  wafer masses, each  with
its characteristic biota,  the  location of ph,e Bight;, between  the  boreal  fauna
(found  to  the north)  and the  temperate to  subtrppical  fauna  (found  to  the
south),  the  effects  of upusual  or a  period^  physical  conditions,  and  the
varying locations and amounts of anthropogenic input,
   The  Bight  is  biologically  heterogeneous ,    T^is  section,  however,  only
discusses  those  environmental  aspect?  p£  the  reg>pn  which  are   directly
relevant to the specific  conditions at the Acid S^te,   The water  is  described
first, then the benthic  biota are  characterised.   Fpr<  the benthos,  organisms
characteristic  of  a sandy  bottom  are treated in  Ifhe  mp?t detail.   Since  the
bottom  type  at  the Acid,  Site is  medium  to  fine  sqnd,  the  biota typical  of
other  sediment types (muds,  canyon slopes,  rOpky  outcrops,  artificial
structures, or  coarse  sa^nd  and gravel)  ^n thfif Bight are not:  pertinent  to  this
EIS.  Appendix  B describes  the environmental characteristics  and  biota of the
site proper.

WATER COLUMN

   The  dynamics of  the   water  and  its  biofa  affect  the  entire  Apex.    The
plankton (microscopic  plants  and animals moving  passively  with the water)  have
patchy distributions in space and  tijne,   Quantities  of individual  species  vary
seasonally; different  species may ^be  abundant  in .successive years, and species
composition  is  not predictable;.    Physical  and  chemical  parameters which
influence  plankton  are  known,  but  because {the seasonal  changes in  species
cannot be  reliably  predicted, it  ^  diffipult  to determine  why  a species  is
present  or absent  in an  area.    (Consequently, individual  species  are  poor
indicators of pollution.    Since  the  plankton mpye  with the   water  throughout
the  Bight,  it  would  be  extremely  difficult,  if not  impossible,  to  relate
long-term changes  in  the  populations  to  any  specific disposal site  or  other
pollutant source.

   The  nekton  contain  several   species   of  CPtnmerqia,lly or  recreationally
important  fish.   As  wil^h  the plankton,  the mobility  of the  fish makes  it
difficult to  demonstrate  that changes  in  the  population dynamics are related
to  a  specific  dump   site  or  pollutant  source.   flpwever,   fish  have  been
                                     A-23

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extensively surveyed and are economically important,  Fish are  the most  direct
link with man, via the food chains to toxic contaminants  in  the  acid  waste.

MICROBIOTA

   The waste released at  the Acid  Site  does not contain  pathogenic organisms,
nor does the disposal of acid-iron waste significantly affect  the distribution
and abundance of the microfauna in the Bight.

PHYTOPLANKTON

   Phytoplankton in  the New York  Bight  have been extensively  investigated  for
the  past 75  years.   Work  has  concentrated on  the  seasonal  changes and  the
major  physical  and  biochemical  factors controlling  primary  production  in  the
Bight.   The  information  in this  section  is  taken  from  monographs  by  Malone
(1977)  and  Yentsch  (1977).  Additional  informatipn,  including  species  lists,
can  be found  in Barber and Krieger  (1970), Esaias (1976),  Falkowski and  Howe
(1976),  Freudenthal  and Lee (1963),  Hulburt  (1963),  Martin  (1928,  1929a,b),
Riley  (1952),  Ryther  (1954),  and Smayda   (1973).   Table A-6  shows   the  more
abundant  species in  the Bight.
             TABLE A-6.  PHYTOPLANKTON  SPECIES WITH  CELL  DENSITIES
           GREATER THAN TEN THOUSAND PER LITER IN THE  NEW YORK BIGHT
Species
Skeletonema costatum
Thalassionema nitzschioides
Rhizosolenia alata
Asterionella japonica
Rhizosolenia delicatula
Rhizosolenia alata
Chaetoceros socialis
Calycomonas gracilis

Month
Dec
Dec
Dec
Feb
Feb
Sept
Mar
Apr
Max itnum
Observed
Density
x 10,000
50 to 60
7
2
10
2
1
10 to 90
9
After Hulburt  1963,  1966,  1970;  Hulburt  and  Rodman,  1963
                                      A-24

-------
   Phytoplankton in the New York  Bight  Apex have strong similarities  to  those
found  in estuarine  and  bay water s^   The ohlorpplyte,  Nannochloris     atomus,
and the  dinoflagellate ,  Ceratium tripos, (Dominate the phytoplankton  assemblage
from the late spring until middle to  late summer^  Diatoms  dominate  during  the
colder  autumn and winter months,  S ke 1 e t pnema Q o s tat urn , Thalassiosira  spp.  and
Leptocylindrus  danicus  ar?  frequently,  although  not   always,  the  dominant
species .

   Although they cannot  be used  as  indicators  of water  quality, some  phyto-
plankton species do reflect man's influence qr> the Bight,   According to Smayda
(1973),    Nannochloris atomus  is an  indicator  pf eutrophication.    Excessive
population growth of  Ceratium or Nannpchlpris has  caused  oxygen depletion  in
bottom  waters,  besides  reducing  the  populations  of  more  desirable  phyto-
plankton food species  fop pys,ters and  elsiqs.   Oxygen depletion  of  the bottom
waters and associated fish kills had  been reported earlier  (.Smayda,  1973),  yet
the most extensive oxygen Depletion and  benthic mortality occurred  in  the late
summer of 1976.   Apparently, unusual  meteorological events,  a  large  population
of  Ceratium  tripos t  and a  lack  Of  her^ivprpus  gopplankton  produced  the
condition (Sharp 1976; S^teimle  1976).  Barged pq«an disposal  of  sewage sludge
and  dreaged  material  may havt;  contributed  to  the  event,  but  Segar  and
Berberian (1976) stated  that  nitrogen input 'fjrow  the  rivers  (.caused  by  waste
wster discharge) is the greatest single  problem,' in the  New  York Bight.

ZOOPLANKTON

   The  distribution  and  abundance of zppplanktpn populations in the  Apex  of
the Bight have been extensively studied for many years ,  The  material  in this
section is primarily  from  the, monographs by flalpne (1977)  and Yentsch  (1977).
Further  information and data are, found in Austin and Dickinson (1973),  Bigelow
and Sears (1939), Deevey  (1956),  Qrice  and  Hart (1962), Herman  et  al.  (1968),
Jeffries and  Johnson (1973),   and  Sandy Hook  Labpratory  (1972).   Table  A- 7
lists  species fpr the major seasons in  the
   Unlike phytoplankton,  the  zooplankton in the Apex have  strong  similarities
to those  found  offshpre  in  the outer  Bight.   Copepods   (Oithona  similis,
Paracalanus parvus, , Pseudocalanus roinutus ,  Temora  longicprnis ,  and Centropages
                                     A-25

-------
typicus)  dominate  the  population throughout  the  year.    Warm water  oceanic-
species are  often  present during  the  summer  and autumn  mouths, but  have  not
been reported in the Hudson estuary.

   Seasonal  peaks  in abundance  are  usually bimodal  with the  highest  numbers
found  in   July  and  November  (after  the   spring  and  autumnal  phytoplankton
blooms).   Cropping  by  herbivorous zooplankton  reduces  the size ol  the summer
phytoplankton population.   Zooplankton densities are lowest  during  the winter
months; the decline  from  the  fall  peak is  accompanied  by  a rise in  the numbers
of carnivorous ctenophores.

   Zooplankton are  important  biological components in assessing the  impact  of
man's  activities  in the  Bight.    They may concentrate  contaminants  from  the
phytoplankton or the water and many  fish feed directly upon  zooplankton.   This
feeding provides a  direct link with  such contaminants to  humans.  Grey et  al.
11977), determined  the  levels of  several  trace metals  in the  zooplankton  in
the Bight, but could not  determine any differences in metal.levels  which  were
related to the geographical locations  of sampling.
NEKTON
   Many  finfish of commercial and  recreational  importance are found in the New
York Bight.  Their diversity and abundance  is due  to  the  geographical  location
of the Bight which is the northern  limit  of temperate and subtropical  migrants
and  the  southern  limit of  boreal  migrants.   Some species are  found  inshore,
others  offshore,  and  some  migrate  from  inshore  to  offshore.    Significant
numbers  of  adults,  planktonic  eggs,  and larvae can  be found over  the  entire
mid-Atlantic Shelf throughout the  year.   Consequently,  waste  disposal  activity
in any  area  of the Shelf carries  a potential risk of  adversely  affecting the
fish (Grosslein, 1976) .

   Numerous surveys of  pelagic  and demersal  fish  have been  made  (Table B-i).
However, because  of  the  large  area these  surveys cover  (usually  Cape  Cod to
Cape Hatteras) , the  number  of  stations  is  limited,  so the  precision  of each
survey is low  and  only major changes  in the fish  populations  are detectable.
                                     A-2 6

-------
TABLE A-7.   SEASONAL OCCURRENCE  OF ZOOPLANKTON IN THE NEW YORK BIGHT APEX
Species
HOLOPLANKTON
Cope.poda
Oithona s,imij.is
Paracalanus parvus
Parac^aianus cirassirostris
Pseudocalanus minutus
Centrppages hamatus
Centrppages typigus
Tetnora longicornis
TortanVis discaudatus
Ac-artia clauei '
Acartia tonga
Labidocera aestiva
Corycaeus
, Calanus f inmarchicus
guryjeinpra '
Canadia
Eucslanus
Metridia
Rhincalanus
Clytemn,estra
Cladoce'ra
Podory
Evadne
Penilia
Siphonophpra
Ctenophpra
Mysidaeea
Am phi pods
Gamsriaae
Hyperidae
Tynicata
Thfllacgn
Oi,kop,|euira
Polychaet^a
Tomapteridae
N^tnatoda
Ectoprocta
Chartoyn^tha
MgRGPLANKTON
Polycfiaeta
Gastropoaa
Bivalve
Barnaqle
Decapoda
Pnoroniqa
Echinodermet^
Fisn larvap
Fish eggs
Season
Winter


A
A
A
A
A
A
A
B
B
B
B
B
B
'B
-
-
-
-
B

.-
A
-
,B
-
B

-r
-

-
B

B
-
B
A

A
A
A
B
B
-
-
-
B
Spring


A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
B
A
B
-
-
B
-
B

-
A
-
A
-
-

-
-

-
B

-
B
A
A

A
A
A
B
B
B
B
B
A
Summer


A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
-
-
A
B
-
-
-
-
B

A
A
A
A

B

B
-

B
B



B
A

A
A
A
B
A
B
B
B
A
Autumn


A
A
A
A
A
A
A
B
A
A
A
A
A
-
-
B
B
B
B

B
A
A
A
B
B

B
B

A
A

-*
B
A
A

A
A
A
B
A
B
A
B
B
      - * No occurrence
      A a Presenf  at 50*. or more of stations sampled
      B = Present  at less than 50% of  stations sampled

      Source:   After Gibson 1973
                                      A-27

-------
In the Bight Apex, the  finfish  are  potentially  affected by the widespread and
varying inputs of  contaminants;  consequently,  relating even major  changes in
the fish populations  to a specific source is very difficult.

   The broad distribution and migration patterns of two important sport fish -
bluefish  and  Atlantic mackerel,  are known.    The  National Marine  Fisheries
Service has three categories  for  the North  Atlantic  Fishery Resources:   based
on the  importance  to man, bluefish  are  in the high  category,  while mackerel
are  in  the  medium   category  (Gusey,   1976).    Whiting,  which  are  fished
commercially near  the site,   are  in  the  low category.  The  first  two species
are occasionally abundant at  the Acid Site.

Bluefish
   The bluefish  (Pomatomus  saltatrix)  is a warm-'water  fish  which winters and
spawns offshore  and moves  inshore during  the.  summer  months,  ((Gusey,  1976),
Wide  fluctuations  in its abundance have been repotted  since  colonial  times.
The bluefish  is  a  voracious predator on other  fish,  and both sea temperature
and  the  availability  of  prey   are  important  determinants  of  bluefish
distribution.   They are  much  sought after  as sport  fish,  gqd  the  value of
bluefish  taken  by  sport  fisherman may be  a  multiple of  the  commercial catch
(Saila and Pratt,  1973).  This makes  landings even mpre difficult to estimate
because  the  recreational fisheries in New York are  largely  unregulated;  the
amount of the catch and the fishing effort is not known (Ginter, 1974),

Atlantic Mackerel
   The Atlantic mackerel  (Scomber scombrus) is  a  wide ranging  fish  with its
distribution  centered  in  the mid-Atlantic  Bight,   Spawning  is  in the spring
and early summer, but the fish do  not  prefer  a particular regipn,  Therefore,
the location  of greatest  egg  production  can vary from year to year, depending
on the local  concentrations of the fish (Bigelow and Schroeder, 1953).

   Mackerel quantities  fluctuate  widely from  year  to year.   The determining
factor  for  this  fluctuation  appears  to be  the  comparative  success  of
reproduction,   but  little  is known   about  the  factors  which  prompte  the
                                     A-28

-------
production and  survival of  larvae (Saila  and  Pratt,  1973).   Young mackerel
have higher survival rates when  there are few adults  and higher mortality  when
the adults are abundant (Gusey,  1976).

   Mackerel are not as important commercially at  this  time  as  they were  in  the
1940's because demand  is  low (McHugh,  1977).   Landings are now 1 to 4 million
kilograms  (2  to 8.9  million  Ibs)  against  the  peak  harvest  of  33.5  million
kilograms  (74  million  Ibs)  in  1944  (Gusey,  1976).    Mackerel  are  still an
important  sport  fish,  but,-as with bluefish,  the recreational value  of  the
catch cannot be estimated.
BENTHOS
   Benthos includes marine  species which  burrow into bottom sediments, species
attached to the  bottom,  and species which  live  and  move about on the bottom.
Due  to  their  ubiquitous  nature,  limited  mobility,  and  comparatively  long
lifespan,  benthic  organisms are  frequently used  as  indicators of  water and
sediment quality.  They are often sources of food  for fish and man.

   Shellfish are  not  treated  here,  since  the  the Acid  Site  environs  do not
have commercially  or  recreationally  important  numbers  of  surf  clams,  ocean
quahogs, or  sqa scallops.  The site is next to the area closed to shellfishing
(Figure  A-4).   Lobsters are taken northeast of the site.  However, as snown in
Appendix B,  acid waste 4°es not measurably affect  the bottom.

   The  Bight Apex benthos is composed of  several different communities.  Pratt
(1973)  recognizes three  level-bottom  faunal  groups  widespread on  the
mid-Atlantic Continental Shelf: sand,  silty sand,  and  silt-clay fauna (Figure
A-5).   Since Bight Apex  sediments  range  from sandy gravel to mud (Freeland et
al.,  1976),  elements of  all  three  biotic communities can  be,  and  are,  within
the Bight.   The following discussion  concentrates  on sand fauna, the dominant
community  in the Bight Apex, which is found at the Acid Site.  Table A~8 lists
the species  and feeding types characteristic of the sand-bottom fauna.
                                     A-29

-------
                                                  LONG ISLAND SOUND ^
                                             LONG ISLAND  ., .,.
      1. DREDGED MATERIAL

      2. CELLAR DIRT

      3. SEWAGE SLUDGE

      4. ACID WASTES

      5. SEWAGE SLUDGE (ALTERNATE)

      6. WRECKS

      7. WOOD INCINERATION
CLOSED TO
SHELLFISHING
                                                  BIGHT LIMIT
       DELAWARE f.
       BAY
                                                    0            50
                                                          NAUTICAL MILES
38° -
         Figure  A-4.   Area  Closed  to Shellfishing  in the  New York Bight
                                       (FDA, 1973)
                                            A-30

-------
                                                 LONG ISLAND SOUND  ^
            1. NEW YORK BIGHT ACID SITE  -/
            2, NORTHERN AREA
            3. SOUTHERN AREA
            4. 106-MILE SITE
LONG ISLAND
            SANQ FAUNA
            SILTY-SANP FAUNA
            SILTY-CLAY FAUNA
       DELAWARE f;
                                                    0           50
                                                         NAUTICAL MILES
38° -
          Figure A-5.   Benthic Faunal Types  in the Mid-Atlantic Bight
                                          A-31

-------
TABLE A-8.  BENTHIC SPECIES CHARACTERISTIC OF
                IN THE MIDDLE ATLANTIC BIGHT
                                                           SAND FAUNA
Species
Polychaetes :
Scoloplos fragilis
Nephtys bucera
Nephtys picta
Nereis arenaceodonta
Stheneiais limicola
Spiophanes bombyx
Prinospio malmgreni
Ophelia
Goniaaella
Clymenella sp.
Aricidea sp
Magelona sp.
Bivalves :
Spisula soiidissima (surf clam)
Astarte castanea
Ensis directus (razor clam)
Tellina agilis
Gastropods:
Polinices duplicatus
Lunatia heros
Amphipods :
Haustorids
Phoxocephalids
Lysianassids
Decapods :
trangon septemspinosus (shrimp)
Cancer irororatus (crab)
Ecninoderm
Echinarachnius parma (sand dollar
Ascidians
Amaroucium (sea pork)
Mogula arenata (sea squirt)

Deposit
Feeders
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
) X
rfiw» "*-7WTinT|WT
Suspension
Feeders
X
X
*
X
X
X
liii|.t)lnnfl."rn"-n, '!! 	 " 1
Pr^d8t;or$
of
Bivalve?
x
X
^cayengers
X
X
X
X
Source:   After Pratt,  1973.
                                     A-32

-------
   Sandy  bottom s€jdim,ents have  low organic carbon content, large grain-size,
and high mobility.   Animals  living on  or in the ' sand  are  adapted  to  move
within  the sediment  and  to recover  from burial;  the communities are usually
dominated  by suspension  feeders,  although species with  other feeding  habits
can be important  (Pratt,  1973).   In  the Bight,  deposit detrital feeders  and
scavengers  are  a^lso  present.    Invertebrate  carnivores  are  rare and  do  not
appear  to have  aji  important role  in  this  community  type.   Demersal fish  are
probably  the  important  carnivores,

   Productivity in this sediment  type  is  usually  low,  although,  if the  surf
clam,  Spisula  solidissima ,  is  present, sandy  bottoms  can be  extremely
                ", '" '"V "' "
productive.   Thomas et al.  (1976)  measured the seabed oxygen  consumption  over
the entire, Apex and found  that the rates were  comparable to other enriched
coastal areas .

   The  inshore  benthic  fauna  are  dominated  by  organisms characteristic of  a
high-energy  coastal  environment;  bivalves  Tel lina  agilis  and  Spisula
soliaissima.  the  sand  dollar   Ecninarachnjus  parma ,  and  polychaetes   (e.g.,
Spiophanes   bomb ax  and  Prinospio malmgreni)  (Pearce,  1972).    Benthic
          "   '"TV" .....         '            "^
populations  in,  the Bight  are not static.   Pearce et al.  (1976a,  1976b)  report
substantial annual  variations  in  the distribution  and  abundance of  benthic
assemblages, in  the  Bight Apex,  when  compared to  earlier  surveys (Pearce  et
al., 197$c).

   Most analytical  studies of the Bight benthos investigated  effects  of use  of
the  Sewage  Sludge  and  Dredged  Material  Sites.    Buelow  et  al.  (1969)
investigated  the distribution  of coliform bacteria  in the  Bight.   As  noted
earlier,  aci«i  waste does  not  contain  bacteria.    The FDA  has  continued  to
monitor  coliform  bacterial   levels   (Verber,  unpublished).     Other  benthos
investigators   are:    Frey (1973,  1974),  {Jew  York  Ocean  Science Laboratory
(1973), Pararas-qarayannis (1971, 1975),  Ropes and Merrill  (1976),  SHL  (1972; ,
and Buzas et  a*,. (197?) .
                                     A-33

-------
   Rowe  (1971),  NMFS  (1972),  Pararas-Carayannis  (1973),   and  Buzas  et  al.
(1972) have evaluated some  of  the  ecological effects  of  the pollution of  the

New York Bight.  O'Connor (1975) summarized those impacts as:


     •    High  prevalence  of  diseases   in   several   species   of   finfish   and
          shellfish.

     •    Alterations  in  the   distribution   and  abundance  of  bottom  living
          organisms.

     •    Widespread  distribution  in  exceptionally high  numbers  of  coliform
          and  fecal  coliform   bacteria  indicate  the  presence of  pathogenic
          bacteria.

     •    Presence  of bacteria  which are resistant  to  a broad  spectra  of heavy
          metals and  antibiotics.

     e    Noxious  concentrations  of suspended  particulate  material,  flotsam,
          and surface slicks.

   These effects are  the result of all  contaminant inputs to the Apex and most

strongly associated with three sources: outflow from New York Harbor  and ocean

disposal at the Dredged  Material and Sewage Sludge Sites (Appendix  C).
                                     A-34

-------
              Appendix B
ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE
   NEW YORK BIGHT ACID WASTE SITE

-------
                                CONTENTS
                                                                         age
METEOROLOGY
PHYSICAL OCEANOGRAPHY
     Water  Masses
     Current  Regimes
GEOLOGICAL  OCEANOGRAPHY  ......................... 5-9
     Sediment  Trace  Metal  Contents   ................... B-10

CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS   ........................ B-12
     Water  Quality   ....'.  ...................... B-12

BIOLOGICAL  CHARACTERISTICS  ....................... B-15
     Water  Column Biota    ........................ B-15
     Benthic Biota   ........................... B-16
Figure B-l   Location  of  New York  Bight Acid Waste Disposal  Site  	 B-2


                                  TABLES

Table

B-l  Historical  Surveys  in the Vicinity of the Acid Site	B-3
B-2  Iron Concentration  in Sediments	B-14
b-3  Fish in the Vicinity of  the  Acid Waste Site	B-l7
B-4  Comparison  of  Species Diversity and Abundance Values  for
      Acid  Waste and  Control  Sites in the New York Bight	B-18
                                     B-i

-------
                               Appendix B
         ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE
        NEW YORK BIGHT ACID DISPOSAL WASTE SITE
   The New  York Bight Acia Waste Disposal  Site was established  in  194d lor the
disposal  of  waste  generated  from  industries  in the  New  Jersey  area.   At
present (1979;, the Acid Site is used  by only  two companies,  NL Industries and
Allied Chemical,  both located in Mew Jersey.   before 1974,  Uu Pont disposed of
caustic wastes from its Grasselli plant,  New  Jersey at the site; now,  these
wastes are  dumped  at  the  106-Mile Chemical  Waste  Site.    The  Acid  Site is
10.6 nmi (.20 km;  southeast of Ambrose  Light,  and  14.5  nmi (27  km; off the Mew
Jersey and  Long  Island  coasts.   Covering  an  area  of  41.2  km  (12 nmi )  and
located on the Continental Shelf, the site is bounded  by latitudes  40°16'i\i to
40°20'N,  and  longitudes 73°36'w  to 73°40'w.   Topographically, the bottom is
almost flat, with an  average depth of  25.6 m  (c54  ft;,  ranging  from 22. o m (.74
ft; to 28.3  m (.93  ft).  The  site  abuts  the  northeastern edge of  the Hudson
Canyon (Figure B-l;.

   Until 1947, industrial acid waste was deposited either at the Sewage Sludge
Site  or  in  Raritan Bay.   In April  194e>,  a separate acid waste site  covering
2  nmi  was   established  at  40°1:>I24"N,  73°4o'42"w.    In  March  1949,  the
dumpgrounds were moved  south  of 40°20'iM, and east of  73°40'w.   In January
1950,  seasonal dumping  locations were  established.  The summer  track was south
of 40°20'N, and  east of 73°40'W.  The winter track was south  of  40"20'N,  and
east  of  73°43'W  (PHSSEC, 1950;.  The present site is over  the summer track.
The Acid Site  is only  2.75  nmi  (5.1  km;  southeast  of  the  Sewage Sludge  Site
and 7.9 nmi (14.6 km) trom the Dredged Material Site (Figure B-l;.

   Table B-l lists  the major studies which have analyzed samples from  the  Acid
Site.    Other  surveys  in  the  Bight  have encompassed  the entire  Apex, or
concentrated  on  the  bewage  Sludge  or  Dredged  Material   Sites.    Agencies
conducting   or  sponsoring  most  of  the  work  in  this   area  include the  NMFS
Laboratory  at Sandy  Hook,  New  Jersey,   and  the  NOAA-MESA  New  York  Bight
                                     B-l

-------
                                                              73*30'
                                                   LONG ISLAND  :.££'•?. :.x-
i  BROOKLYN •,£. ..
     LOWER
     BAY
30'
20'
    NEW JERSEY
10'
40°
        SANDY HOOK - ROCKAWAY POINT TRANSECT
                     DREDGED
                     MATERIAL
                     SITE
                                                 SEWAGE SLUDGE
                1
                                                   ^
                                                  C
                                                      25m-
                                                                     -^
                                           ACID WASTES SITE
                                                 I
                                                7J
                                                 I
                                                 I
                                                 I
                                     -—^BIGHT APEX LIMITS-
                                      \  \
   •WRECK	
                               \
                   WOOD INCINERATION SITE—»
                                 \
                             40'
                                                                            30'
                                                             20'
                                                             10'
                                                             40°
              74°
               50'
40'
                                                               73°30'
      Figure B-l .  Location of New York  Bight Acid Waste  Disposal Site
                                      B-2

-------
        TABLE B-l.  HISTORICAL SURVEYS IN THE VICINITY  OF  THE  ACID  SITE
                (Abbreviations Listed at the end  of  this  table)
Date
sponsor/
Investigator
                                       Purpose
                                                                Citat ion
Sept U-ld,
 1976
Mar 1.3-14,
Nov
 14-lu.
 1977

Aug 1 3 ,
 10,  16,
 1977   '

Aug 1J,
Aug 12,
 1977

Sept
 197o
July-Sept
June
Apr 197o
i)ec
 1975
Sept
 1*75
Allieu Cnemical a NL
InUustries/tRCO
Allied Chemical c* NL
Industries/EGiG

Allied Chemical c* NL
Industries/EG&G
                 Alliea Cnemical  ot  NL
                 Industries/ EG6G
Alliea Chemical/
EG&G

NL Industries/
                 NOAA«/AOML
NOAA/NMFS
NOAA*/AOML
NOAA-/AOML
NOAA*/ AOML
    •-
N'OAA /Raytheon
                                       Cnemical monitoring
                                       cruise

                                       Cnemical monitoring
                                       cruise

                                       Cnemicai monitoring
                                       cruise
                       Cnemical monitoring
                       cruise
Dispersion study of
oyproauct rlCl wastes

Dispersion stuay ot
acid-iron wastes

» a t e r c o 1 urn n
characterization
cruise""""

Investigate
the oxygen
depletion pnenomena

Water column
characterization
cruise""""

Water column
cnaracterization
for water movement
analysis

Water Column
cnaracterization
cruise""""

Baseline survey ot  tne
New YorK bignt
                                                                tRCu,  ly/oc
                                                                 y / 7 c
                                                                  y / 7 b
                                                tlaze Iwortn ,
                                                et  ai. ,  ly77a
                                                                 bteimle ,
                                                                 unpuD 1 .
                                                                 Starr  et  al. ,
                                                                 1^77
                                                                 hazeiwortn ,
                                                                 ec  al.,  i^'/'
                                                                 rColitz  et  ai . ,
                                                                 Kaycneon,
                                       b-J

-------
TABLE B-l.  (continued)
Date
Sept-Oct
1975

May- June
1975

Apr 1975


Mar 1*75

Mar 1975

Feb-Mar
1975

Jan
1975

Oct 1974



Sept-Oct
1974

Aug-Sep
1974

July-Nov
Iy74

June 1974



Sponsor/
Investigator
NOAA-/AOML


NOAA*/AOWL


iNOAA*/AOML


NOAA*/NMFS

NOAA*/NhFS

NOAA*/AOML


NOAA*/AOML


Alliea Chemical/
lnt'1. Hydronics
Corp.

NOAA*/NMFS


NOAA*/NMFS


NOAA*/AOML


EPA



Purpose
Water column
characterization
cruise**
Water column
characterization
cruise**
Water column
characterization
cruise**
Obtain data on demersal
f inf ish
Obtain data on demersal
f inf ish
Water column
characterization
cruise**
Water column
cnaracterization
cruise**
Determination of
immediate effect of
HCl-HF waste disposal
on seawater
Study of demersal
finfish catches by
by species and station
Determine distribution
and abundance of
benthic invertebrates
Water column
cnaracterization
cruise**
Collected salinity,
temperature, dissolved
oxygen and colitorm
data
Citation
Starr et al.,
197ob

Kolitz et al. ,
I97ba

hazelwortn
ana Darnell,
1970
Azaravitz ,
et al. , I97of
U.S. Dept.
Commerce, 19/5
Hazelworth and
Darnell, 19/u

Starr et al. ,
19/oa

International
Hydronic Corp.
Nov 1974

Azardvitz
et al, I970e

Pearce et al. ,
197ba

Hazeiworth
et ai., iy/5b

EPA, 1974a



                                       li-4

-------
TABLE B-l.   (continued)
Date
Mar-May
1974
May 1974
Apr-Jun
1974
Apr-May
1974
Apr-May
1974
Mar 1974
Feb 1975
Mar-May
1974
Jan-Aug
1974
Jan-Feb
1974
Oct-Nov
1974
Sept-Nov
1973
Aug-Nov
1973
Aug 1973
Sponsor/
Investigator
NOAA*/AOML
NOAA*/NMFS
NOAA*/AOML
NOAA/NMFS
NOAA*/NMFS
NOAA*/NMFS
NOAA*/AOML
NOAA*/MSRC
NOAA/NMFS
NOAA*/NMFS
NOAA/MESA
NOAA*/AOML
NOAA*/NMFS
Purpose
Water column
characterization
cruise** with recovery
of bottom pressure
gauges
Fish egg mutagenesis
Water column
characterization
cruise*"
Obtain aata on demersal
f infish
Study of demersal
finfish catches by
species and station
Determine baseline
seabed oxygen
consumpt ion
Water column
characterization
cruise** with deployment
of bottom pressure gauges
To provide aata on sea
surface movements
Collected phytoplankton ,
benthos, heavy metals,
salinity and temperature
data
Study of demersal
finfish catches by
species and station
A study of suspended
particulate matter
Water column
characterization
cruise**
Determine abundance and
distribution of benthic
invertebrates
Citation
Charnell
et al. , 1976
Longwell, 1976
Hazelworth
et al. , 1975a
U.S. Dept. of
Commerce, 1974b
Azardvit z
et al., 1976d
Thomas et ai . ,
1976
Charnell
et al. , 1976
Haruy et al . ,
1976
U. S .Department
of Commerce,
1974a
Azardvit z
et al. , 1976c
Drake ,
1974
Hazelworth ,
1974
Pearce et al . ,
1976b
                                      B-5

-------
TABLE B-l.  (continued)
Date
Sponsor/
Investigator
                                       Purpose
                         Citation
June 1973
i-iay 1973
 -June
Oct-Dec
 1972
Nov 24,
 19/2

Sept
 19/1
June 25-29,
 1970
Oct 9,
  1959

July  2b,
  19b7

Summer
  1961
 Sept  Ib-l9,
 July  24-
  Sept 9,
  1956
 Oct  195b
NOAA*/NMFS
NOAA*/NMFS
NOAA*/NMFS
Allied
Chemical

New York
Ocean Sci.
Lab.
NL Inaustries/WHOI
NL Industries
NL Industries
NL  Industries
WHO I
 NL  Industries
 NL  Industries/WHOI
Determine abundance and
distribution of benthic
invertebrates

Study ot uemersal
fintish catches by
species and station

Study of demersal
fintish catches by
species and station

Studies on acid-
fluoride wastes

Determine baseline data
for physical, chemical
and biological
characteristics ol the
New York bight

Detect relationships
between the chemical
and biological
parameters of the area.

benthic study of the
Acid Dump Ground

benthic study ot the
Acid Dump Ground

Determine the fishery
conditions of the area
Evaluate  the  effects of
acid  waste  on sport
fisheries

Study the  acid  grounds
in  relation to
certain  lisheries  of  the
area

benthic  photo-survey
of  the acid waste  site
                                                                Pearce et al.,
Azardvitz
et al.,
197bb

Azardvitz
et al.,  1 y 7 b a
wes tman,
1972

tiYOSL, 1973
Vaccaro,
et al., 1972
Westman,
I9o9

Westman,
1957

Westman,
et  al. ,
19bl

Ketchum
et  al. ,
                                                Westman ,
                                                I95b
                                                                 Owen,
                                                                 1957
                                       b-o

-------
TABLE B-l.  (continued)
                             MULTIPLE-YEAR PROJECTS
Date
Sponsor/
Investigator
Purpose
                                                                Citation
June 1974-
 June 1975

Aug 197J-
 Sept 1974
Aug I9bd-
 uec 1971
 1965 - 1974
 July 19t>4
  May 1977
 Feb  194c5-
  Jan 195U
 195U
 195U
NOAA/NMFS
NOAA /SHL
NOAA*/NMFS
                  USAGE/ SHL
USPHS/NETSU
NRG + USFw'S/'.viiOI
+ i-l IT
NL  Inaustries/wHOl
 USD1
Determine distrioution
ana densities of fisn

Five cruises to aeter-
mine distribution of
benthic invertebrates

Determine distribution
ana abundance of oenttnc
invertebrates

Gollect data to
determine the erlects
of ocean aisposal on
the environment

Historical data on
bivafve molluscs

Gollect coiiform counts
to determine safe shell-
fish fishing grounds

Assess the hyarograpinc
processes of the area
Study the dispersion
rates of barge dis-
charges

Observe effects of
acid-iron waste on
populations
toilk et al.,
19/7

Pearce, et.
al., 1977
Pearce,  et al.,
1^7t)c StiL,
iy72; vol. I

SUL, 1972
Kopes and
Merrill, 19/o

Verber, unpub,
Ketcnum,
et ai. ,
Ketchum
6 Fo rd ,
Arnold and
Royce,
 Sources:
 *   Cosponsored  with the  Marine EcoSystems Analysis Progran (MESA;
 ** Data  collected consisted of  salinity,  temperature,  dissolved oxygen,
    nutrients, meteorology,  and density.
                                       B-7

-------
TABLE B-l.  (continued)

AOML  = Atlantic Oceanographic  and  Meteorological  Laboratories
EPA   = Environmental  Protection Agency
MSRC  = Marine Science Research Center
NETSU = Nortn East Technical  Support  Unit,  FDA
NMFS  = National Marine Fisheries Service
NOAA  = National Oceanic and  Atmospheric Administration
MC   = National Research Council
SHL   = Sandy Hook Laboratory
USACE = U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
USPHS = U.S. Public Health Service
USFWS = U.S. Fish ana  Wildlife  Service
WHOI  = Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Project.  NOAA's goals were  to  develop  a clearer understanding of  the  nature
of  tne  forces  driving  tnis  complex marine  ecosystem,  and  to  assess man's
impacts  in  the  area.   EPA  has  concentrated on  specific  effects  of ocean

disposal.


                                METEOROLOGY
   Appendix  A  summarizes  the meteorological  conditions  in the  tiignt.

 Conditions  at the site itself are, of course, the same  as  those  prevailing  in
 the Bight.  Meteorological conditions in  the Bight  are  not sufficient  (.eituer

 by  themselves or  in combination witn other  factors.)  to preclude or  restrict

 use of the  site for a significant lengtn of time.


                          PHYSICAL OCEANOGRAPHY


 WATER MASSES


   water mass characteristics at the Acid  Site  and  in  tne  bight  are generally
 the  same,  except that the  site is probably not  often influenced  by  the  low
 salinity outflow from the Hudson estuary.  This water is usually restricted to
 tne  area west of the Hudson Canyon.  Refer  to  Appendix A  for  a  discussion ot
 water mass  characteristics in the Bignt.
                                      B-d

-------
CURRENT REGIMES

   Hardy et  al.   (1976)  conducted  a  seabed  drifter study  to  determine  the
bottom  current  patterns  in  the  New  York  Bight.    Sixty  nine  drifters  were
released at the Acid Site and sixteen (23/») were eventually recovered.  Eleven
drifters landed  on Long Island,  five  landed in New  Jersey;  no drifters  were
recovered at  sea  or from within  the New York Harbor.  It was  concluded  that
the Hudson  Canyon appears to  form a boundary of  divergence  wnere  the bottom
drift  east  of the  Canyon  (where  the  Acid Site  is  located)  is  northwest  to
northeast  towards  Long  Island.    The   fact  that  only 23/«  of  the  drifters
released at  the  site were recovered suggests  tnat many of the remainder  may
have  been  trapped in  the  Hudson Canyon.   The  canyon  is a "trap"  for wastes
released at the Dredged Material  and Sewage Sludge Sites.   Most of the denser
waste  components  disposed at  the  Acid  Site probably end up  in the canyon as
well.

                        GEOLOGICAL OCEANOGRAPHY

   Several  reports have  examined  the sediments  of  tne New  York Bight e.g.,
Stubbiefieid  et   al. ,  1977,  Freeland  and  Merrill,  I97t>.    In  addition,  six
reports, Pearce  et al.  (1977;,  Vaccaro et al. U972),  All et al. (1973), Owen
(1957)-.  and  EG&G  U978a,  I97db),  discuss  sediments  within  the Acid  Site
boundaries.

   The  bottom sediments  are medium  to  tine sand, with patches of siity-iine
sand  intruding from  the  northeast  (Stubbiefieid  et al.,  1977).   Mean grain
size  is 2.dO  +J.32 mm  for  14  samples  taken at two of the MESA  sample  stations
within  the  site  (.Pearce  et  al.,  1977).   Divers  have  reported tne bottom as
fine  sand and  silt,  overlaid  by a flocculent Drown particulate material which
collected in  the  troughs  of  ripple marks  (Vaccaro et ai., 1972).   Owen U957)
reported that the bottom  sediments  were  meaium-grained sand,  with  greenish-
gray  sand  predominating.   A  dark or  greenish ooze  (.not  characterized)  was
reported at  three  sample  stations.

   EG&G  (197da)   reported  that the  surficial  sediments varied  from  gray, to
dark  gray,  to brown,  to dark  brown in color.  Texture was fine-grained sand,
                                       B-9

-------
round to well-rounded  grains, mainly  quartz,  with  a  dark mineral  assemblage
(glauconite  or  quartz  sand)  of  }  to  lU/=.    in  one  case,  the sediment  was
overlaid by  a  "soupy"  black  layer.  EG&G  U^/ob) reported the  bottom surface
sediments as varying in  color from  brown,  to  Drown  with some biaCK.   Texture
was  very  fine-grained  quartz  sand,  well-sorted  and rounded,  with  some  silt
present.   Tne  presence  of a  "pasty,  tar-like"  material  is  reported in  one
sample.    None  of  the  investigators  analyzed  the  characteristics  of  tnese
"oozes," "soups," or "tar-like"  material,  but  speculated tnat  tnese  materials
may  have  been  sewage  sludge, or the  slops  discnarged  from  ship's  bilges  or
fuel tanks.

SEDIMENT TRACE METAL CONTENTS

   It has  not  been  consistently demonstrated  tnat  the  sediments  within  tne
confines of  the  Aciu  Site nave  significantly nigner  levels of urace metals
than  do  sediments   in   surrounding  "control"  areas.    All  et  al.  (.L^]}),
separated  the  sediments  in  the liight  into  four  "clusters",  on the  oasis  ol
tneir trace  metal content and  location.   Tne  one Acid  Site  sample  tell  into
their  cluster   facies  IV,  a  group  containing only  a  tew,  widely  separated
samples, and which  tne  authors were unable  to characterize  adequately.   Iney
suggested  that  cluster   facies  IV  corresponded  to some  relict  sedimentary
feature  of  the area.   Aside  Irom relatively  nigh silver  (.L7  mg/ i)  and  lead
(22U  mg/1)   values,  cluster  tacies  IV  was  not   comparable  to their  cluster
facies  I,  which  corresponded  to sediments  sampled  at  the  Sewage  Sluage  ana
Dredged Material  Sites.

   Vaccaro et  al. (1^72)  reported higher concentrations of iron, zinc, cobalt,
copper,  lead,  chromium,  nickel,  and cadmium  in sediment samples taken from the
Acid Site as compared with  a  control site.   However,  tnere is some doubt as to
wiiether  these  results  (.which  represent  a  single  suupling  time;  reflect
statistically  significant  uifierences  between  Acid   Site   and  control  site
sediments.   Samples  from  the  Hudson  Canyon  contained substantially greater
quantities of  these  metals  than did  the samples  from either  the Acid Waste or
control  sites.   Vaccaro  and  nis  coworkers   U^72)   concluded that  "...the
implication  is that  most of  tne  neavy metal contamination  of the  New York
Bignt,  otner than the iron,  is derived from  sources otner  than the acid-iron
dump."
                                       li-10

-------
   fiG&G  (I973a)   found   that  zinc,  titanium,  ana  copper  concentrations  in
sediments from the  site  were significantly  higher  than the concentrations  at
one reference (control)  station.  However, copper concentrations  from  the  Acia
Site (2 ppm)  and  control site  (.1  ppm)  sediments were  more  than  one order  of
magnitude less  than those  found  in otner sediment  samples  from  the iMew  York
Bight (bd ppm, range:  21 to o20  ppm tor samples taken between 19oc> and 19/2;
NMFS,  1972),  and  from  other nearshore  sites  (4o  ppm; Chester,   I9t>5),   Two
sediment  samples  from the  Aciu  Site  contained  titanium;  one had  a  concen-
tration of  titanium significantly  higher  than tnat of tne reference  sample,
and  one  had  approximately  tne  same concentration  as the  reference  sample.
Titanium  concentrations   in all  samples  ranged  from  71  to  210 ppm.    Wiae
variations in zinc  concentrations occurred between control site  and Acid  Site
sediments.    In  some  instances,  zinc  concentrations   at  the Acid  Site  were
significantly higher  than  those  in the reference  sediments;  at  other  times,
the  reverse  proved true.   However, all zinc  concentrations  Grange:   17.i>  to
105 ppm), were less than  the mean reported for  other samples  from the  New  £ork
liight  (142 ppm, range:   3 to 900 ppm for  samples taken between 19bo  ana 1972;
NMFS, 1972).

   The fact  that  significant  accumulations of metals have riot been  documented
is  not surprising.   As  shown in Appendices  C  ana D, the  relative contribution
of metal contaminants released  at the Acid Site is  extremely  low  wnen  compared
with the total input to  the Apex.   Iron  and  titanium are  significant  inputs  at
the  Acid  Site,  but both of these metals  are nontoxic.   One  toxic  metal,
vanadium,  is present  in high  concentrations  in the  waste.   However,  within
minutes of discharge into seawater,  the  vanaaium  complexes  with otner  material
(e.g.,  other  ions,  suspended   particulates,  organic  ligands)   ana  becomes
biologically  unavailable.  Tne conclusion of  Vaccaro"s group (1972)  is  still
valid:   "...there is no  clear  indication  that enhancea  disposal activity nas
caused a  significant build-up  of iron  witnin tne sediments  immediately  below
the  acid  grounds...   Thus, the  distribution of iron  on the seabottom  still
appears to be regulated  by  natural  phenomena."
                                       B-ll

-------
TRANSPORT

   Sediment transport  away  from the  immediate  area ot  the  Acid Site  can be
derived  from   bottom   topography,  current  patterns  in  ttie Bight,  and  the
distribution of  ferric hydroxide  particles,  whicn  are  excellent  tracers ot
suspended  solids  originating  in  the Acid  Site.   Net  transport  of  coarse
sediment away  from  the Acid  Site is  dominated  by the  "sink" provided  oy tne
proximity  of  tne Hudson  Submarine Canyon.   Movement  towards  the  Canyon is
accelerated by  storm   flow transport,  wnich  is  the most  important  force in
coarse  sediment  movements.    Fine  sediments,  such  as   ferric  hydroxide
particles, may move nortn  towards  shore,  under intluence ot the  surface gyre
(MESA,
   Tne Hudson Canyon is  the  sediment  trap for coarse and  fine  sediments Iran
 the Acid Site.   The Hudson  Canyon  also  serves as a sink for suspended solids,
 sediments  originating  in  other disposal  sites,  and   from  the Hudson  River
 outflow.  It is impossible to determine the relative contribution that each of
 these sites makes to the total contaminant load reacning tne Canyon.

                        CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS

 WATER QUALITY
      iG  (iy78a)  found no  significant differences  in  water  column  ph values
between  tne Acid Site and control samples taken to  the northeast, irrespective
ot  uepth.   In  all  cases,  bottom waters were more acid (p'ti  7.70  to  /.do,) than
were  surface waters  (.pri  8.18 to 8.26).   This  is normal  and  is  caused by the
oxidation  of organic  matter.   Variations of mean pH  values with aepth during
the  summer are partially  due to density  stratification  and the presence of a
strong  thermocline.    Dissolved  oxygen  levels  did  not  vary  significantly
between  the Acid Site and control site.

    We s ten an Uy58)  described  the water color  in  the  Acid  Site  area as  green  and
somewhat  turbid,   in  contrast  with  the blue and  clear appearance of  adjacent
waters.  Towards the  center  of  the  site,  the water  color was  Drown  to brownisti
green.   Water discoloration,  a characteristic of  the site,  is the  basis  for

-------
locating water transport stations during recent monitoring cruises.  Tne green
discoloration  is  caused  by  the  reaction  of  the   ferrous   suitate   in  ML
Industries waste reacting  with seawater.   As  the ferrous iron is oxidized to
ferric  hydroxide  (.rust),  the  color  changes  to a  brown  to  reaaisn  prown
(Red field ana Wai ford,
IRON
   Ferric  hydroxide  (.rust)  particles,   introduced  at  the  Acid  bite  tnrough
regular  disposal  activities,  provide excellent  tracers for  the  movement ol
suspended waste material  away  from the   site, and  indicators  of tne degree of
incorporation  of  waste  components   in  the  seuiment  or  biota  (.pelagic   and
benthic;  biscaye and Olsen, l97t>;.  The  particles  range  in  size  from  colloidal
to  sand  sizes (>62 y)  as orange and red  aggregates  having the appearance of
floccules (.MESA, 1975).   Particle  distribution  varies with deptn in  the water
column.   Those at  the  surface are  carried by  the clockwise  surface gyre.
Those  near  the bottom  are under  the influence ot  the Shelf  valley and  the
saline bottom water flow  towards shore (MESA, 1975;.  EG&G  U97da)  reported no
significant differences in dissolved  iron  concentrations between the  Acid  bite
and the control sites.

Iron in Sediments

   Table  B-2  summarizes  data  on  iron  content (ppm>   of  the  Acid  Site  and
control  site  sediments.    The  iron concentrations in sediment  are  highly
variable,  and no  clear  distinction  can  be made  between  the  Acid  Site  and
control  site  parameters.   Acitl Site  sediments do  not always  contain  more  iron
than do  control site sediments;  on occasion they contain less.   Tne conclusion
from tnese  data is  that acid waste disposal  cannot  be  consistently related to
the  concentration  of  iron  in sediments  since  other  sources  are  equally
important.  Vaccaro et  al.  (1972)  concluded that tnere  was  no indication of an
increase  of  iron  in  the  sediments   of  the Acid  Site   over  a  24-year  period
(1946-1972).
                                       B-1J

-------
                  TABLE B-2.  IRON CONCENTRATION IN SEDIMENTS
Sed itnent
Acid Site






Control Areas





Hudson Canyon
Range ot Values ppm
2,200 - 2,500
2,100 - 2,500
y.OOO - 10,000
j,100 - J.200
3,000 - 12,300
0.16/o ash
0.38/o ash
3,100
. 8,300 - o,800
37.000 - 58,000
8,400 - 15,000
2,200 - 3,300
0.15/i ash
Jl ,300
Reference
ERGO, iy78c
EG-icG, 1978c
EGiG, iy?7b
EG&G, ly77c
Vaccaro et al., iy~/2
Vaccaro et al. , iy72
Corwin and Ketchum iy5b
ERCO, ly/oc
EGi.0, iy78c
EG6G, iy78D
EGo.G, ly?7c
Vaccaro et al., Iy72
Vaccaro et al., iy72
Vaccaro et al. , ly/2
   Vaccaro et al. (15*72,1, Redfiela  and  Waltord  U^ol),  ana Corwin ana Ketcnum
Uy5o>  found that  the  highest  concentration  of  iron  occurs  in   the  soft
sediments  ot the Huason  Canyon.    Vaccaro et  al.  (ly72)  suggested  that tne
distribution ot  iron in  sediments was  regulated by natural phenomena favoring
an accumulation of fine sediments in the Canyon.
Iron in Biota

   Zooplankton - Vaccaro et ai.  Uy72,>  reported  iron concentrations of 120 to
867  ppm  in  dried  samples  of  zooplankton  taken  from  the  Acid Site  and
concentrations of  130  to  380  ppm iron  in  similar samples  taken  at a control
site.   Zooplankton  from  an   oceanic   site  120  km  south  of  tne  Acid  Site
contained 730  ppm  iron.   It was concluded  that  the  iron  precipitated in the
discharge area  does  not appreciably affect  the  zooplankton.   Ketchum et al.
(ly58)  found  that  the intestines of  zooplankton collected  in the  discolored
water  of  the  Acid   Site  were  packed with  precipitated   ferric hydroxide
particles.    Following  a  series   ot   feeding   experiments,   it   was  further
concluded that the particles were passed  through the intestinal  tracts of the
animals with little or no change, and apparently without, harmful  effects.
                                      B-14

-------
   Vaccaro et al. (1^72) reported  iron  concentrations ot  6,dUO  and 22,000 ppm
in two  ashed  samples of benthos from the Acid bite, and 2, yOU ppm  in  a sample
from a  control  site.   A sample  from  the Hudson  Canyon contained 5,60U  ppm
iron.   Tnese  data suggest that iron may be accumulated  by the benthic  biota ot
tne Acid   Site.     However,   it   is  not  possible  to  test  this   conclusion
statistically,  since replicate samples  were not taken at the control site.

   Nekton - Westman  (1956) analyzed  the  stomacn  contents  ot ten cnub  mackerel
(Pneumataphorus colias) , five  taken  in the water  of  the Acid  Site,  and  five
taken  near the  waters of the Dredged Material Site.  He  reported tne following
values:
Stomach Contents
iron content (mg)/ stomacn
Percent iron in total stomach contents
Percent asn
Total contents (mg) /stomacn
Dreager: Material Site
u.J7
u.6t>
4.ua
J/.l
Acid Site
J.i
U.4/
5.UJ
744
   These data do  not  clearly indicate that  iron  was  assimilated  by the lish,
 since differences in  stomach  iron  content could be due entirely  to tne great
 variations in total stomacn contents.

                       BIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS

 WATER COLUMN BIOTA

   Vaccaro  et  al.  (1972)  found  zoopiankton biomass  (.both in  terms  of  dry
 weight and displacement volumes) to be approximately 307, higher in the control
 area than in the area of the Acid Site.  Tnis difference could be due entirely
 to the patchy distribution of zoopiankton in the Bight.

   Wiebe et  ai. (197J)  were  unable  to observe a  trend  in  the  spatial distri-
 bution ot zoopiankton which  would suggest  that  acid  wastes were an important
 factor in forming such  distributions.   Gibson 11973)  concluded that "...under
 present  conditions  the disposal of  acid waste  ...  in the New  York  Bight is
 having no discernible effect on the local zoopiankton population."
                                      B-ii

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   Longwell  (1976)  found  that  developing mackerel  eggs,  collected  from  the
waters  near  the Acid Site,  snowed an  appreciably  Higher  incidence of
chromosome abnormalities  (.60.6%,  compared  to a control  site value of  12.7/0,).
A sample taken southwest  of  the  Acid Site showea  Jd.o/i  abnormalities  while a
sample taken  to  the  south showed 52.1/o  abnormalities.   Longwell  implied  that
these abnormalities  were  clue  to  the mutagenic  properties of  heavy  metals.
Chemical mutagenesis of fish egg  chromosomes  was  tirst suggested  by Kinne  anu
Kosentnal (1%7) in  their studies of sulfuric water  pollutants  anu larvae of
the Atlantic herring, Clupea harengus .  However, danger to  fish eggs was noteu
only  up  to  a dilution of waste  by ocean  water of  1:32,000  UNOAA,  1972).
Minimal dilution of acid waste after  initial mixing is l:o7,UOO (ERGO,  ly?da).
   Westman (1953,  1%7,  and  19o9) reported  that  acid  waste disposal actually
enhances fishing in the Acid Site area.  The "acid grounds" did not exist as a
recognized fishing area  until  acid  waste disposal started.   It was concluded
that  darkening of  the  water  (increased  turbidity)  due  to the  presence  of
suspended  iron  particles  provided  a  sheltering environment  attractive  to
fishes, particularly bluefish.

   Trawl  data (Table  B-J ) obtained  by  Wilk  et  ai.   (19/7)  do  not  clearly
substantiate  Westman1 s belief  tnat  there  is  improved  fishing at  the  "acid
grounds."  These data  are  highly variable and do not indicate whether there is
an impoverishment or enrichment of fish populations at  the Acia bite.

   Swanson (1977)  concluded  that although "... observational  evidence  of the
impact  of dumping  on tne  biota at  the (site,)  is  limited....  past  studies
indicate  no  reduction of  primary productivity  or phytoplankton mortality....
surveys  of  benthic  populations  in  the  immediate vicinity of  the  Apex Acici
Waste  Uumpsite have not demonstrated  an observable impact  of waste acid....
existing  scientific evidence  indicates  so tar  that ocean dumping  i,of waste at
the  acid-waste disposal  site)  has had minor  adverse impacts  on  the ecology."

BENTHIC BIOTA

   Much  quantitative  data  on benthic biota  of  the Acid Site is summarized in
Table B-4.   Tnere  is  no  consistent trend  in  species diversity values  (A'), ana

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            TABLE B-3.   FISH IN THE VICINITY OF THE ACID WASTE SITE
                              (mean + std. dev.)
Area
Acid Site
Near Acid Site
Control site
Number
of samples*
3
6
5
Number
of individuals*
201 +_ 172
114 + 69
511 + 255
Weignt
of catch (kg)*
26.6 + 32. J
47.0 +. 52.8
101.2 +_ 47.6
Number
of species*
11+4
11 +_ 3
13 _+ 4
* +_ One  standard deviation
no clear indication that  the  benthic fauna of  tne  Acid  Site are  particularly
enriched or  reduced,  with  respect  to  surrounding  control areas.   however,
Vaccaro  et  al.  (1972) did  find  significant differences between mean densities
of benthic  animals at tne  Acid  Site and control site.  Kowe U971) noted  that
there was a decrease  in  the species diversity  values  from deep water  towards
the Acid Site,  and that  values  for the  Acid Site were lower than  those  in  the
control   area.   Evaluating  tne  data  from  Pearce et  al.   (.1977.),  showed  that
differences in mean diversity values from  the Acid  waste  Site and  control  site
were  not  statistically   significant.    These  data did  not  demonstrate  any
significant geograpnic trends wnich would  support the  findings of  Rowe  (1971).
Pearce  et  al.   (1976d)  noted that  tnere   is  a  close  correlation  between  the
distribution of benthic  organisms  and  sediment type, yet  no  correlation  was
found between the diversity  value  and  either mean grain-size or percentage of
organic   material  in  61  samples taken  at  MESA sampling   sites  in the  bight.
However, two low-value samples  from within the Acid Site were associated  witn
high values for percentage  of organic  material.  These findings and otners in
Table b-4  support  the   general  conclusion  that tnere   is  a  high  degree  of
spatial   and  temporal  variability  in  the   benthic fauna of the New York  bight
(Pearce  et  al., 1976d) .
                                       b-17

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                TABLE  B-4.   COMPARISON OF SPECIES DIVERSITY AND
                      ABUNDANCE  VALUES FOR ACID WASTE AND
                      CONTROL SITES  IN THE NEW YORK BIGHT
Site
Control
Acid bite
Acid Site



Acid Site



Acid (pre-dump)
Control (pre-dump)
Acid (post-dump)
Control (post-dump)
Control (35 samples)
Acid (14 samples)
Coastal (10 samples)
S
-
6
7
7 .
7
b
b
7
5
y
2
4
4
-
N
2y64/m2
1694 An2
73 +
120 +
72
21
24
J7 +
60 +
104 +
512
Jd
546
17»
-
ri '
2.13
2.06
0.67
0.56
1.15
1.20
i.jy
0.60
l.oa
0.24
i.jy
O.b3
o.y4
0.76
2.06 + O.yi
1.55 +_ U.87
1.65 +_ U.52
Source
Vaccaro et al., ly72
westman, ly6/



Westman, 1 yoy



Arnold and Uoyce, ly5U
Fearce et al. , iy77
H1 = Shannon-Wiener species oiversity index
N  = Total number ot individuals
S  = Total number of species

-------
      Appendix C
 CONTAMINANT INPUTS
TO THE NEW YORK BIGHT

-------
                                CONTENTS
                                                                        Page
SOURCES	
-------
                               Appendix C

      CONTAMINANT INPUTS TO THE NEW YORK BIGHT


   Large  volumes of  waste  discharge  enLer the bight  Apex  by  direct  disposal
operations,   e.g.,  barge  disposal,  coastal   discnarge,  rivers,  or  outtail
effluents.   Indirect  waste  inputs,  e.g.,  atmospheric fallout,  add to the  total
(Figure C-U .   The  largest single source of  discharge  (by volume;  into  tne
Apex region  derives  from  the  New  Yonc  Harbor  across  the  Sandy  Hook-Rockaway
Point Transect (Mueller et  al . , 1^76).

   Acid waste  introduces  a limited variety of  contaminants  to  tne  New  York
bight — several trace metals found  in inorganic acids and compounds, suspended
solids, and  oil  and grease  (Figure  CJ-1 ) .   Consequently,  the  discussion  of
contaminant  inputs to  the  bignt  is restricted  to  these  same  contaminants  and
an analysis of the relative contribution of sources other than tne Acid Site.

   In this  Appendix,  the relative contribution of sources of contaminants  will
be examined  and,  based on the available  data,  the mass Loading  (. amount,)  ot
these  contaninants  will be estimated  for  the  bight  Apex.   Trace  metals  are
important   contaminants.    Some   trace  metals  (e.g.,   lead  and  mercury),  are
extremely   toxic  to  living organisms.   Others,  namely  chromium,  copper,  and
zinc are essential to  Life processes  of living organisms, but  may be  toxic in
nigh concentrations or  in  certain  chemical  forms  (Segar and  Cantillo,  1975J.
Cadmium,  chromium, and mercury are discussed because ot their significance as
toxic  contaminants.    Iron,  the  principal metal  contaminant  introduced  with
acid wastes,  is a fairly nontoxic  metal,  but  its  release  in  large quantities
may  influence  activities  of other more toxic metals.   Suspended  solids  are
discussed  because of their importance  in trace metal  transport to, and removal
from,  waters  of the Apex.   Oil   and  grease,  which  cause  chronic  effects  on
organisms,  are present  in the  waste.
   In iy?b, a panel of marine experts  identified contaminants that are, or are
likely  to  be,  the most  serious  problems  in the  Bight (MESA,  1976) .    In
comparing  contaminants  present  in  acid  waste with  those identified by the
                                      C-l

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o
 I
ho
                             PARAMETER
                             FLOW, MOD
                          SUSPENDED SOLIDS
                            OIL & GREASE
                              CADMIUM
                             CHROMIUM
                              COPPER
                               LEAD
MERCURY
                               ZINC
                         LOAD
                    METRIC TONS/DAYS

                         19,386
                                                      23,580
                                                         783
                                                           2.43
                                                           5.26
                                                          13.20
                                                          12.40
                             0.52
                                                          32.10
PERCENTAGE  CONTRIBUTION
    40               60
                                                                                                                                      80
                                                                                                                                                      100
                                                     TRANSECT ZONE  LONG  ISLAND  (2)  ATMOSPHERE (3)  DREDGE MATERIAL   SEWAGE SLUDGE
                                                                                                                            CELLAR DIRT
                           ].  FOLLOWING THE TRANSECT ZONE, ALL REMAINING CONTAMINANT SOURCES
                              CONTRIBUTE ONLY ABOUT 0,5Z  OF THE TOTAL DAILY VOLUME.
                           2.  LONG ISLAND CONTRIBUTES ONLY CHROMIUM ABOVE THE 0.5* LEVEL.
                           3,  ATMOSPHERIC INPUT HAS EEEII  ESTITATED BY DUCE ET AL.J ]S76, FOR
                              SUSPENDED SOLIDS., CADMIUM.,  LEAD AND ZINC OVER AN AREA 
-------
experts,  only mercury  and  cadmium  are  considered  to  be  "major   perceived
threats."  Arsenic,  chromium,  and  lead  are considered  to  be "substances not
requiring priority attention", thus most of  the contaminants discussed  in this
Appendix are  not  even  considered to  be  potential  problems  and, as documented
in Appendix D, acid  wastes  are insignificant sources of the  five  trace metals
mentioned.

   This Appendix  is  divided into  three  sections.   The  first section  briefly
describes  the sources  of contaminant  inputs  to  the bight,  and the second and
third sections present  the  same data, from  different  viewpoints.   Tne second
section  discusses each  source  and  the  contaminants  it provides,  while the
third discusses the  contaminants  in  terms  of the major  sources.

                                   SOURCES

   Five  sources of contaminants  are considered in  tnis  section -  tne Transect
Zone (representing outflow  from  New  York Harbor,) ,  barged ocean  waste  disposal,
atmospheric  fallout, surface  and effluent  discharges from New Jersey and Long
Island  coastlines (Figure C-2) .   The Transect  Zone contributes  over 9yx» of the
total volume  while barged  wastes and  for  some metals,  atmospheric fallout are
important  sources of contaminants.

   Tne   information  presented   in   this   section   is  based  largely  on  data
presented  in Mueller  et  al.  U97t>);  nowever, reliability  of  these  data has
been  questioned   by  Lee  and Jones  (1977).   According   to Lee  and Jones, the
estimated  quantities of dredged  material  contaminants   reported by Mueller  et
al. (1976)  are of questionable accuracy.   The information  presented by  Mueller
et  al.  (1976)  represents  the best  data  presently available  tor total Apex
contaminant  input estimates,  although contaminant  input estimates for  dredged
material  may  be  inaccurate.    Lee  and  Jones  (1977)   cannot  state  if  tnese
estimates  are high  or  low  for each contaminant.   Furthermore, Lee  and  Jones
(1977)  point out that  contaninants  are not entirely  released  into  receiving
water when dredged materials  are disposed, hence  Mueller's  estimates  represent
the worst-case condition.                                            C\
                                       (J-J

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                    A  DREDGE MATERIAL
                    O  MUNICIPAL SLUDGE
                    D  ACID WASTE
                    •  RUBBLE
NAUTICAL MILES
            Figure C-2.  Geographical  Zones  in the New York Bight
                          (from Mueller  et al., 1976)
TRANSECT ZONE

   The  Transect  Zone of  the  lower New  York Harbor  is delineated  across  the
channel entrance,  from the tip of  Sandy  Hook peninsula to Rockaway Point.   New
York Harbor is fed by numerous rivers of New York  and  New Jersey.  The  Hudson
River and  its  drainage  basin  is  the  largest  source of water to the lower  bay,
                                      2
and it  drains  approximately  34,630 km .  The  Hackensack,  Passaic, and Raritan
                                                  2
Rivers  in  New  Jersey drain approximately 6,790 km  .

   These  rivers  and their  tributaries provide   most  of  the municipal  and
industrial  water requirements of  approximately 15 million people (Mueller et
al.,  1976).   Most  contaminants  in  these  waters  ultimately  reach  New  York
Harbor  and  enter the New York Bight  Apex either by the surface outfljofc  across
the Transect or  by dredging  operations  which  release materials at the  Dredged
Material Site.
                                       G-4

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OCEAN DISPOSAL SITES

   Ocean disposal  of  waste materials within the flew York.  Bight  started  before
1900.   The Acid  Waste  Disposal  Site  was designated  for  use in I94d.   Other
sources of  great  volumes of waste materials are the Dredged  Material  Disposal
Sites;  the  first DMDS was  designated  in 1883.  The Dredged  Material  Disposal
Site  considered  here has  been in use  since 194u  (.Gross,  1976J.   The  Sewage
Sludge  Disposal  Site  was first used in  1924  and  the  Cellar Dirt Disposal Site
was  established   in 1940.   Large  volumes of  trace metals,  suspended  solids,
organic  wastes,   and  nutrients are  introduced  into the marine  environment  at
tnese  sites.

   A  fifth site,  located  over the Hudson Canyon  at  the edge of tne  Apex,  is
used  for disposal of  wrecks.   Only eight ships have been reported sunk at this
site,  and  none   since  1973  (EPA,  1978.).   Since   tne ships  are  stripped  of
potential   contaminants  prior to  disposal,  this  site  does  not  measurably
contribute  to anthropogenic inputs to  the Bight.

   Two disposal  sites are  beyond  the Apex of the  New York Bight.  A sixth site
was  designated  for  toxic  chemical  wastes  in 1965.    however,  tnis site  is
106  nmi southeast of Ambrose  Light  at  the  edge of the Continental  Shelf.  The
106-Mile Chemical Uaste  Site  is,  therefore,  outside the sphere of influence of
 the  inshore  Apex  region.   An  area  south of the  Apex (at approximately 4u"N,
73°40'W)  has  been used  for the incineration  of driftwood, harbor pilings, and
other  wood debris from  harbor  wharf construction.  Possible contaminants from
this  source  can  be  neglected since  the site is  outside  the  Apex and  the
burning does not  affect   the  water column,  with  the  possible exception  of
minute amounts of atmospheric  loading.   The  ash  and  other residue  is returned
 for  land disposal.

ATMOSPHERE

   Contaminant inputs from the atmosphere have only  recently  been evaluated.
Estimates  provided by Duce et al.  (1976) are  basea  on samples  taken frvear the
New  Jersey and Long  Island coasts of  the Bight (Table  C~l)-   Their estimates
                                       C-5

-------
 are  calculated  on  the  assumption  that  no atmospheric contaminant  gradient
 occurs from nearshore  to the outer  Bight, i.e., atmospneric concentrations  of
 contaminants  are  equally  dense  at  100  km offshore  and   at  1  kin offshore.
 Settling velocity  estimates  ol  atmospheric  particles  do  not  conform to  tnis
 assumption.   Duce  et  al.  Uy7t>)  concluded that  their calculations  prooably
 overestimate  metal  inputs  from  atmospneric  fallout.   Direct  measurements  of
 trace  metal  inputs  throughout the  New York  bignt  are  required for  reasonably
 accurate estimates  of  atmospheric  source  loading  by  precipitation  and dry
 fallout.  These measurements snould  include at  least  one seasonal cycle.

    Uuce anu Hoffman (.1^76.)  concluded that  as  much  as I0/o of the total antnro-
 pogenic  vanadium  injected   into  the   atmosphere   in  i'Jorth  America  may  be
 deposited  in  the central  Nortu  Atlantic  by northern   hemisphere  westerlies.
 Three   models,  which may be  accurate only  to within one  oraer  of magnitude,
 were compared in deriving  this  estimate.
              TABLE C-l.   TOTAL MASS LOADING - NEW YORK BIGHT APEX
                                   (Tonnes/Day)
Input
Tranaect
Zone
Ocean ^
Diapoaal
Atnoapheret
Long !• land
Coaatline

Total
Cadmium

0.36

2.04
0.03

<0.01

2.43
1
Contrib.

14.8

83.9
1.2

<0.5


Chroniun

2.2

3.03
ft

0.03

5.26
I
Contrib.

41.8

57.6
—

0.5


Copper

6.2

7.0
tt

0.01

13.2
I
Contrib.

47.0

53.0
—

<0.5


Iron

35.0

180.0
6.1

0.6

221.7
I
Contrib.

16.0

81.0
3.0

<0.5


Mercury

0.26

0.26
tt

<0.01

0.52
%
Contrib.

49.9

49.9
—

^0.05
Lead

5.8

5.4
1.2

cO. 01
i
h
Z
Contrib.

46.8

43.5
9.7

<0.05


. Zinc

17.0

9.1
5.9

0.1

32.1
I
Contrib.

52.9

28.3
18.4

<0.5


Sourcea:
* All eatinatea, except atnoapheric, from Mueller et al., 1976.
t Duce et al., 1976.
** Include! all ocean duping activitiea.
tt Not meaaured.
                                        C-6

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   Atmospheric  input  of  most  metals  is  an  insignificant  contribution  in
comparison to the Transect Zone and ocean dumping (Table C-l).  Tnis source or
input  can  be neglected  when  evaluating  the  effects  of  contaminants  in the
Bight because of tne diffused input from this mode of contaminant entry.

NEW JERSEY

   Contaminant inputs  along  the  coast of New  Jersey were  examined  by Mueller
et  al.  (1976.).    They  listed 5  industrial  wastewater  sources,  50 municipal
wastewater sources,  ana  surface  runoff  water contaminants.   Contaminants  in
groundwater are included in  t"he surface runoff.

   Tne Mew  Jersey coastline  is  an unimportant  source  ot  contaminants (Table
C-2).  Mueller et  al.  (ly76) reported values only from  the  coast soutn ot tne
Shark River (at the  edge of  the Apex).   Contaminants  north of the  Snark  River
are  included  in  the  Transect  Zone  figures.   Surface  currents  usually move
south  along the  New Jersey  shoreline (see Appendix A),  thus contaminants are
transported  out  of   tne  Apex  and  do  not  add  to   its  contaminant   load.
Therefore, New  Jersey coastline  contaminants  are not  included  in  total mass
loading figures in Tables C~l  and  C-4.

LONG ISLAND

   Contaminant  sources  along  the Long  Island  coastline  were  examined  by
Mueller et al. (1976), including  sources between  Pines  brook in western Nassau
County and Montauk  Point.   Six municipal and  20  industrial (duck  farm)  waste
sources were  considered in  waste loading estimates.   Groundwater  produced  a
significant flow, but  contained insignificant  waste loads.

   Approximately d5/» of the  Long  Island coastline is beyond  the borders of the
Apex.   Therefore,  in evaluating  Long Island's  importance  as  a  contaminant
source, a linear  relationship between the total  contaminant  loading from Long
Island coastline and  tnat  portion of  tae  coastline inside the Apex region was
included.    Table  C-j represents  the  estimated  total   average  uaily  input
                                       C-7

-------
         TABLE C-2.  CONTAMINANT  INPUTS  FROM  THE  NEW JERSEY  COASTLINE
                                  (Tonnes/Day^
Input
Volume (MGO)
Suspended Solids
Oil and Grease
Metals
Uadin iurn
Chrocuiuni
Copper
Iron
Mercury
Lead
Zinc
Municipal i*
Industrial
Wastewater
105
55
6.6

0.0036
0.026
0.057
0.22
0.017
0.055
0.067
Surface
Runoff
3,300
79
69.0

0.0034
0.0064
0.0b5
5.2
Nil
O.U12
0.2(3
Total
3,400
134
75. b

0.012
O.OJ2
0.12
5.4
O.U17
O.Uo7
0.33
 Source:   From Mueller  et  al.,  1976
         TABLE C-3.   CONTAMINANT INPUTS FROM THE LONG ISLAND COASTLINE
                                 (Tonnes/Day)
Input
Volume (MGD;
Suspended Solids
Grease & Oil
Metals
Cadmium
Chromium
Copper
Iron
Mercury
Lead
Zinc
Municipal &
Industrial
Wastewater
d8.0
11. J
4.6

0.00091
0.19
0.024
0.096
0.0017
0.014
0.66
Sur lace
Runoff
225.0
5.4
0.55

0.00066
0.0005
0.0036
0.27
Nil
0.0052
0.022
Groundwater
230.0
0.0
0.0

0.00003
0.0
0.0009
0.023
Nil
0.0003
0.0024
Total
59J.O
lo.7
5.4

0.0016
0.19
0.029
0.39
0.0017
0.02
O.bci
Source:   Mueller et al.,  1976.
                                      C-8

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              TABLE  C-4.  TOTAL MASS LOADING - NEW YORK BIGHT APEX
                                  (Tonnes/Day)
Input
Transect Zone
Ocean Disposal
Atmosphere
Long Island Coastline
Total
Volume
CMGD;
19,291
10
NA
35
19,3S6
Percent
Contrib.
99.5
0.5
—
0.5

Suspended
Solids
7,300
15,11)8
1,170
2.4
23,530
Xo
Contrib.
31. 0
64.0
J.U
0.3

Oil t*
Grease
460.0
322.0
0.0
0.7
732.7
/«
Contrib.
59.0
41.0
O.U
0.5

Source:   From Mueller  et  al.,  1976.
contributed  by the entire  Long  Island  coastline.  Tables C~4 and (J-l represent
one-seventh  (15/»J  of the  total  contribution, estimated to be entering the Apex
region  from  the  Long Island coastline.   Although currents  may  oring
contaminants from eastern Long  Island  into  the  Apex,  at other times currents
will flow eastward  and remove  contaminants  from the Apex.    In  eitner event,
Long Island  is an insignificant contaminant  source.
                          MASS LOADS BY SOURCE
TRANSECT ZONE
   Mueller et  al.  (1^76)  estimated the average  volume  of contaminant loaded
water entering the New York Harbor complex from  industrial, municipal, urban,
ana surface runoff  to  be  350 m   per  second.   This  volume  and  the estimated
contaminant mass  loads  are derived via  mean sample values  from various records
(government, industrial and academic)  tor  the  period  l^bO  to iy/4 (.Table C-5).
Surface runoff  contributes  approximately  46£ of  the  average  daily  volume,
industries contribute  14/i  of  the   daily   average,  and urban  discnarge
contributes about  40/£ of the total.
                                      C-9

-------
             TABLE C-5.  CONTAMINANT INPUTS FROM THE TRANSECT ZONE
                                  (Tonnes/Day)
Input
Volume (MOD)
Suspended Solids
Oil and Grease
Metals
Cadmium
Chromium
Copper
Iron
Mercury
Lead
Zinc
Municipal £»
Industrial
Wastewater
2,700
870
193

0.14
0.92
2.73
12.95
0.2U
2.67
3.23
Surface
Runoff
15,430
3,500
64

0.1U
0.51
1.24
9,10
0.04
0.75
6.46
Urban
Runoff
1,160
2,900
202

0.12
0.77
2.23
12.95
0.02
2.3d
7.31
Total
19,^91
7,300
400

0.36
2.2
6.2
35.0
0.26
5. a
17.0
Source:  From Mueller et al., 1976.

   Suspended  solids  constitute the  largest  amount  (by mass)  of contaminant
materials.   The  river-suspended load  is  the single  largest  source, approxi-
mately 3,500  tonnes/day (4d/0),  and  urban  runoff  contributes 40/i of  the  total.
Industrial discharge of suspended solias averages only  12/o of the contribution
(approximately 870  tonnes/day).   Urban runoff (44/O  and municipal/industrial
wastewater (42/O  are the main sources of oil and grease.

   Tne  input  of  cadmium  (.Table C-5)  is  evenly  distributed among  the  three
effluent  categories: municipal  and  industrial  wastewater, surface runoff,  and
urban  runoff.  Inputs  of zinc  are  nearly equal between  surface runoff  (387.)
and urban runoff (43/»).

   Industrial and municipal discharges, combined with urban  runoff,  contribute
about  three quarters of  the  total  input of other metals.   The  former averages
about 42% of  the total input, and urban runoff is about 37/£  of  the  total.
                                      C-10

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   An estimated 35  tonnes of  iron  is discharged  into  the  New  York  Harbor  aaily
(Mueller  et  al.,   iy?6;  Table  C-5).    This  is  the  largest  amount  among  all
metals  studied.    Other metals  with  high  inputs are  zinc  and,  to a  lesser
extent, lead and copper.

   Sediments  of the  harbor  complex  are  not  considered  here  because  tneir
contaminants  are   immobilized,  and  thus do  not  influence  the  Apex  region.
Harbor sediments are  an  important  contaminant  source  wnen dreagea  and  released
at tne Dredged Material  Site.

OCEAM DISPOSAL

   hueller et al.  (1976) examined  the  volume of  material  aropped  at  tne Dredge
Material, Sewage Sludge  and  Cellar Dirt Sites  (Table  C-fc>; .  The  largest volume
of waste  material   is  released  at  the Dredged  Material  Site, wnich  receives
approximately 24,1UO  m /day,  or 64.5/»  of the daily average of material dumped
at  the three  sites.    The  Sewage Sludge  Site   receives  approximately  Jl.d/i
          2
(Il,rf20 m /day;  and  the Cellar Dirt  Site  receives  approximately 3.//<,  U.354
m3/day).

   The greatest volume (d6£) of suspended solids is  introduced  at  the  Dredged
Material  Site (Table  C-t>) .   Mueller's group estimated  tuat tne Cellar  Dirt
Site  contributes about 1,300 tonnes/day, or III of  tne  total suspended  solid
load,  but the  amount  is probably  only  about 3UU tonnes/day,  or  only 2/, of the
total  (Interstate   Electronics  Corp.,   197d).    The  oil  and   grease input  is
primarily  from  dredged  material   disposal, with approximately 300  tonnes/day
entering  tne Apex  (93/i of  the total) .

   For  the  metals, the  Cellar  Dirt Site  is  an  insignificant source  and the
Dredged  Material   Site  contributes  from  50/i  to  96/i of all metals  examined
(Table  C-6).   Except  for  mercury,  the Dredged  Material  Site contributes  an
average of  86%  of  the metals,  and  the Sewage Sludge site the  remaining 14£.
Iron,  copper,  lead,  and zinc are  significant  contaminant inputs  from direct
ocean disposal.
                                       C-ll

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                           TABLE C-6.  CONTAMINANT INPUTS FROM OCEAN DISPOSAL
                                              (Tonnes/Day)
Waste Type
Dredged Material
*
Sewage Sludge
Cellar Dirt
Total
Volume
(m /day)
24,100
11,820
1,364
37,284
Suspended
Solids
13,000
450
1,650
15,100
Oil and
Grease
300
22
—
322
Cadmium
2.0
0.044
—
2.044
Chromium
2.3
0.73
—
3.03
Copper
6.3
0.70
—
7.0
Mercury
0.013
0.013
—
0.026
Lead
4.7
0.72
—
5.42
Zi nc
7.3
1.8
—
9.1
*1973 Data only
Source:  From Mueller et al.  (1976)

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   Approximately  0.026  tonnes/day  of  mercury  is  deposited  at  the  Dredged
Material and  Sewage  Sludge Sites combined  (.Half  ot the  total  at each site;.
However, due  to  the  larger average  daily  volume  of  dredgea  material,  these
values suggest that sewage  sludge is more nighiy contaminated with mercury.

   Mass loading estimates of iron at  these  sites was not  calculated by Mueller
and his  co-workers,  but  an estimate of  loading   from  all  dumping activities
(including  the  Acid Site,  which is  the  most significant  source  of  iron) is
given as IbO tonnes/day.  MESA (1975) estimated that the  Acid Site ana outflow
from  the  Transect Zone  contained about  equal  amounts of  iron.   MiiSA (ly73)
concluded  that  the  three prominent  sources  of most  metals are  tne  Dreaged
Material Site, the Sewage Sludge  Site,  and  the Transect Zone.

ATMOSPHERE

   Tne  potential  atmospheric  transport  of  trace metals into  the water ot tne
New York  Bight  has only  recently  been  examined.   Duce et al. Qy7b) measured
atmospheric metal  concentrations  from samples taken over  a 1U,GUU km  area ot
the bight.   It  was found that atmospheric  concentrations were generally lu to
20>i of  the  mean  concentrations  observed at  several locations in Wew York  City
over a  2-year period.

   Samples  collected  by Duce et  al.  (.1976)  indicated  that  the  quantities of
metals  entering  the  Apex from the atmosphere are  considerably less than those
from  all  otner   sources  (see  Table C-l).   Lead,   for  example,   is 15/» of tne
total  from  the  previous two sources but cadmium is  only  1/i of the total,  ury
fallout values  are  based on  sample  observations.   Wet  fallout  values
(primarily  rain)  are  based on  an  estimate  ot  67X» removal  factor,  thus wet
fallout  is  given  as   double   the  dry  fallout.     Duce   and  his  co-workers
emphasized  that   these  estimates of  atmospheric  transport may  be  high,  by  a
factor  of five or more.   Long term studies are required  to produce reasonably
accurate  values.    However,  since  the  absolute  input  is  low,   these  are
sufficient  data  for  this  EIS.
                                       C-U

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   Mueller et  al.  (.1976)  calculated  input values  for airborne  metals using
measured data collected in a one-year study from  the  Upper Great Lakes (Table
C-7).   They  considered the entire  New  York Bight, approximately J9,UOO km ,
for estimation purposes.   Thus, their  input  estimates consider  an  area four
times  the size  sampled  by  Duce  et  al.   (1976).    Comparison  of  Mueller's
estimates to Duce's  estimates  shows  that Mueller's are  lower by  a  factor  of
about 9 (Table C-7).   This emphasizes the approximate  nature of these values.

   Estimates  reported  by Duce  et  al.   (197b;  are used  in this  report since
these data represent  direct source measurement from the area of interest.  The
primary factor limiting the use of these oata  is  the  tact that they represent
a small sample from a short sampling period and are,  at best, rough estimates.

   The  sources  of  these metals  are  both  natural   and  anthropogenic.
Northeasterly  and  southeasterly winds   blowing across  the mainland accumulate
large quantities of  iron  in soil,  smoke,  and  ash.  Iron  is  the  most abundant
metal  present.   Levels of  zinc may be  the  result of a  similar accumulation
process.

   Atmospheric  lead  is  derived  from   the  combustion of  leaded  gasoline  in
internal  combustion  engines  (Zoller et  al., 197J)   and  would  tnerefore  be
expected  in significant quantities.
            TABLE C-7.  CONTAMINANT INPUTS FROM ATMOSPHERIC FALLOUT
                                  (Tonnes/Day)
Input
Dry Fallout
Wet Fallout
Total (Duce
et al., 1976)
Total (Mueller
et al., 1976)
Cadmium
U.01
0.02
0.03
0.054
Iron
3.40
6.ao
10.20
6.10
Lead
U.55
1.10
1.65
1.20
Zinc
0.74
1.9d
2.72
5.90
                                      C-14

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   Atmospheric  cadmium (for  example,  from  the  wear of  automobile tires>  is
present in minute quantities.   The  source  of contamination is  not  apparent,  it
may be either natural,  anthropogenic,  or a result  of  combined  sources.

NEW JERSEY COASTLINE

   Contaminant  sources from  the  New  Jersey coastline are  restricted  to  two
major categories: municipal  ana industrial wastewater,  and surface runoff.   In
terms of  volumes,  surface runoff  contributes more than  30  times  tne  average
amount of municipal and  industrial  wastewater.   Bui:  municipal and  industrial
waters often contain more concentrated amounts of  specific contaminants (Table
C-2).

   Suspended  solids  are  about  equally  divided   between  the  two sources.
Municipal and  industrial  wastewaters contain approximately 41/« of  the  average
daily  total.    Surface runoff  contains  about  79   tonnes/day.  or  5^  of  the
total.    Oil  and  grease   is  primarily  from the  surface runoff  (.yl/i  of  the
total) .

   In metals derived  from surface  runoff the results  are:  cadmium (70/c of  the
total), copper  (54/O  iron (96  percent),  and  zinc (79/o); but  primarily found  in
municipal and  industrial  wastewater are:   chromium (8LU), mercury (lUU/»>.  and
lead (72/i).

   Iron is  found  almost exclusively in surface runoff.   The amount represents
about 96% of  the average daily total.  This implies that the  sources  of  iron
are  significantly  natural,  and man's activities  contribute   iron  insignifi-
cantly.   Mercury  is found exclusively in  municipal and industrial wastewater.
This  implies  that  the mercury contamination is  entirely from  anthropogenic
sources along the New  Jersey coastline.

   These  mass  load estimates  are  provided  for  comparative  purposes  only.
because  these  data  from   the  New  Jersey  coastal  region  are outside the  Apex
region and  the  contaminants are transported to,  or deposited  in,  other  areas
of the New York Bight.
                                       C-15

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LONG ISLAND COASTLINE

   Contaminants  introduced  into  the  New  York  Bight  from  tne  Long  Island
coastal  area  are mainly  from municipal and  industrial wastewater  discharge
(Table C-3).  Surface runoff  and groundwater  sources  contribute minor  amounts
of most  contaminants.   The total volume of  discharge  averages approximately
2,24ii m   (593  MGD).   Of  this volume,  approximately  15%  is  of municipal  ana
industrial origin.  About 38% is surface runoff,  and  47%  (i,U5p m )  is  ground
water.

   Sixty-eight percent of  suspended  solids are  from municipal and  industrial
wastewater; the remainder is  discharged with  surface runoff.  Groundwater does
not contribute to the suspended solids  load.   tlighty-nine percent of the  oil
and grease is carried by  wastewater  and the remainder  in the  surface  runoff.

   The levels of  metal contaminants  are low;  the majority  of  the metals  are
found in the wastewater discharges.   Surface runoff  contributes an appreciable
amount of cadmium (4i%) iron  (69%)  and lead  (2b%).   Groundwater  discharge to
the Bight  contains low levels of  all metals   and  it contributes only sligntly
to the iron  load  (6% of  tne  total  amount).   Natural  sources of  iron are  the
most important inputs (75% of the  total).

            TOTAL MASS LOADING OF THE NEW YORK BIGHT APEX

   This  section evaluates tne total mass loading  of contaminants  entering  the
Apex of  the New  York Bight.   Virtually all potentially  contaminated material
entering  the  bight  passes  through  the Transect  Zone.   Ocean  disposal
operations are low in volume  (less  than 0.5%  of  the total), but  contribute a
higher   proportionate   contaminant   volume.   Dredged material  disposal
contributes most of the suspended  solids.   The fate  of suspended solids  in  the
Bight  is complex and still not well understood.   They  are  important  because
trace metals  and other contaminants are adsorbed by them;  these "secondary"
contaminants may enter  the  food  chain, either  directly  via  filter  feeding
shellfish, or indirectly  via the plankton.
                                      C-16

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   Monitoring of trace metal contamination is important because of known toxic
effects on  immans  and on  the  normal  biota  of the  area.   Ocean  disposal of
dredged material and  sewage sludge  is,  in general,  tne predominant source of
metals, and the Transect Zone  source is  almost  equal.  Since dredged material
is  contaminated by  tne  settling of  riverborne   particles  carried  into  tne
Harbor, the problem of  reducing the oceanic  loading  cannot  be separated  from
reducing the river load.  The Acid Site  contributes minor anounts of all trace
metals except  iron (see  Appendix  D).  In the same manner most  oil and grease
is released at the Dredged Material  Site or is part of  the outflow through the
Transect Zone.
VOLUME
   The following  estimates  of tne contaminant  volumes  entering the liight are
based primarily  on reports by  Mueller et al.  Uy76j and  Uuce  et a.l.  U976,).
Some sources, such as municipal and  industrial  wastewater, surface runoff, and
ocean  dumping  are  well  documented  by  EPA  and  Army   Corps  of  Engineers
monitoring  programs.   The  least  reliable  estimates are  atmospheric  inputs,
urban runoff, and  groundwater discharge, either  because  of  the difficulty  in
measurement or simply a  lack of sufficient data (.Mueller et al.,  197b>).

   The  Transect  Zone  contributes   almost  all  the  potentially contaminated
water, 99>o  (.Table C-4>-    However,  not  all  the contaminants which  enter the
harbor complex  are eventually  transported  to  the Apex region.  Some of  tuis
material probably  settles  within  the  harbor  where it remains  until disturbed
and  resuspended.   Greig   and  McGrath   (1977)  concluded  that  three  "metal
regimes" existed within  Raritan Bay.  Western Raritan  bay is an area of  nigh
metal concentrations.    Concentrations  diminisn   towards  the  lower  New  York
Harbor area  and reach  their  lowest  values  (near background  levels;  at the
Harbor entrance  (tne  Transect).  However, much of the contamination  from the
riudson River is transported to  the Dredged Material  Site  in tne bight  when tne
harbor and channels are  dredged.
                                      C-17

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   The  Long  Island coastline  contributes tne  second  largest volume of
discharge (Table C-4).   The data collected  by  Mueller et al.  U*7o)  for the
Long  Island  ana  New Jersey  coastlines  include  areas  well beyond  the Apex
region.  Consequently,  a1 large portion  of  the contaminant  inputs from  tnese
sources enters  the  Bight  Outside the Apex.   Data  reported by Mueller's group
have been modified in Tables C-l and C~4 based on the assumption tnat tnere is
a linear relationship between the amount of a given contaminant and the  length
of  tne coastline.   Thus1*  since  approximately one-seventn  of  Long  Island's
coastline lies  within  the "Apex, tne contaminant input  values for Long  island
are divided by seven.  Thfs -'may result  in a  somewuac  low estimate of tne mass
loading occurring in the  Apex  from  the  Long  Island coastline.  Except for the
Shark River (at  the  edge.) ,  the  rest  of  New Jersey's  coastline  is outside the
Apex.   Accordingly, contaminant  inputs from New  Jersey are not  included in
total mass  loading  estimates  of the Apex.   Anotiier  assumption  is tnat water
motion  is  directed  away  from  tne Apex  region along  the  coastlines.   For New
Jersey, this  assumption is  valid; surface waters tend to move soutn along tne
coast.  Long  Island  coastal waters  may  move  westerly into the Apex.  However,
most of the surface  runoff  and  wastewater discharges  are into Great Soutn bay
and thus, most  contaminants settle  to the  bottom  and are not transported into
the Apex.

   Ocean dumping provides the smallest volume of all  sources, although it is a
very  important  contaminant  source,  particularly   for  trace  metals.   Ocean
disposal  ranks  first   or  second  in   percentage   contribution  for  all  the
parameters  examined.

SUSPENDED SOLIDS

   Suspended  solids are  organic  and  inorganic particulate matter  in water
(EPA,  1976),  which  may  contain both biogenic and  non-biogenic debris (biscaye
and Olson,  iy?6).

   Table C-4  and  Figure C-l illustrate  the relative  contrioution  of  suspended
solid  contaminant  sources.   Ocean  disposal  (principally ureciged  material and
cellar  dirt)   is  the largest  source of  suspended  solids,  approximately two

-------
thirds of the daily  average.   This estimate is high  because  the value  used  oy
Mueller's group  in  estimating  cellar dirt  contribution  (Table  C-4J  assumed
that  all material  released  at  the  Cellar  Dirt  Site  was  suspended  solid
material.   In  1974,   approximately  half of  the  cellar dirt  was  material  six
inches or larger;  the  estimate  by  Mueller's group is  at  least 5lU  too  nigh.
Interstate Electronics  Corp.  (197tf) estimated  that  suspended  solids  amounted
to only  about JOG  tonnes/uay  trom 1973 to ly77 at the  Cellar  Dirt  Site.   Even
if  Interstate1 s  estimate  is  more  accurate,  the   total  daily   loading  of
suspended solids  by   ocean  disposal will be reduced  by less  than  lu/i.   This
correction still  leaves ocean disposal  as   the singU  largest contributor  of
suspended solids.

   The Transect  Zone provides the  second  largest  source of  suspended  solids,
or  about a  third  of the daily  average.   Atmospheric  fallout  contributes  the
remaining amount;  the Long  Island coastline  contribution is  insignificant.

DREDGED  MATERIAL AND  THE TRANSECT ZONE

   Gross (1970,  1976.) examined  New York Harbor sediments.   Metals and  other
contaminants are   adsorbed  by particles which,  as  they settle in the harbor
complex, remove  these contaminants  from the water  column (.Biscaye and Olsen,
'I97fa).    Since  material  released  at  the Dreaged   Material Disposal   Site
'originates  in  the New  York  Harbor  complex area,  contaminants  contained  in
dredged material are  originally  introduced  to  the harbor water from the Hudson
'River and other tributary rivers.

   Gross (1972)  reported that approximately 160 km   (4i/»  of  the harbor  area)
"was covered by fine  carbon-rich  deposits, which were  suspended solids  entering
'the harbor from the  Hudson  River, waste  discharges, and surface runoff.

TRANSPORT

   MESA  (1975)  indicates  that  surface  runoff of  the  Hudson River  and  the
denser  saline   bottom  water   eacn   flow in  opposite  directions   across  the
Transect.   In  this   model  suspended  sediments move  out  to  sea  across  the
                                       C-19

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Transect,  then  most  of the  material moves  southward  along the  New Jersey
coastline  of the  Apex,  while  some  moves  eastward  along  tne Long  Island
coastline of  the Apex.   As these  solids  would  settle into subsurface waters,
they  may return with  the  more  saline   flow  into  the  harbor.   Subsurface
currents may also move waste materials deposited in tne Bight into the harbor.
Within  the  Bight,  suspended  solids  stratify during  periods of seasonal  sea
density stratification.   A three-layer system is typically present year-round,
but  is  most  pronounced  in  the  spring and  summer.    It  consists of  a turbid
surface  layer, a relatively clear  mid-depth  layer,  and a turbid bottom layer.
This turbid lower layer  appears  to be a permanent  feature of tne entire bight
                             •
Apex  (MESA,   ly75).   This  "nephloid  layer" is  thought  to De a result  of
agitation and resuspension of bottom sediments caused by bottom  currents.

   biscaye and Olson (.1976) suggest that  strong seasonal thermoclines restrict
the  vertical  movement and  settlement of  suspended solids  in surface waters.
While organic particles (suspended solids) containing detectable quantities of
trace  metals  are   generally   most abundant  in   tne  bight  Apex,  they  are
occasionally  observed in  upper  and intermediate outer  Shelf  Waters.   Biscaye
and  Olson suggest  that the  most  likely sources  for  trace metals  bearing
suspended solids are sewage sludge and dredged material deposited in the Apex.

   Accumulation and resuspension  also  affect  the movement  and   fate  of
suspended  solids in  the  Bight.   MESA  (1975)   reported results  of  sediment
sampling  over the  Apex.   Snelf sediments  are  generally enriched  in organic
matter  and  clay particles, and  the  Apex  region  lias  a  thin  layer  of ferrous
oxide (Fe O.J.  Comparing autumnal suspended-solid concentrations with samples
after a  November storm showed that resuspending bottom sediments resulted in a
suspended-solid concentration equivalent  to  12  days  of sewage sludge dumping.
In  deeper areas (e.g.,  the Hudson Channel),  muds accumulate  due  to reduced
bottom  turbulence.   Tnese  muds  are  invariably  rich  in  organic  matter (MESA,
1975; with measurable amounts of trace metals (Biscaye and Olsen, 1976).
                                      C-2U

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 TRACE  METALS

    Trace  metals  occur naturally  in  the marine  environment;  nowever,  most
 metals exist  only in  minute  quantities  and accumulate  slowly  in  sediments over
 long  periods.   The  population  density and   industrialization  of  the coastal
 areas  of  the New  York Bight  have  caused  accelerated  introduction  of  trace
 metals into  the  Bight.  Tnere are four sources of trace metals  into  tue bight
 Apex:   (i)  New   York Harbor  (the  Transect  ZoneJ,   (2)  ocean dumping,   U>
 atmospheric  fallout,   and  (4)  runoff  from Long Island.  Metal  sources can be
 estimated  from data  by  Mueller et al. Uy7b>  and  Duce  et  al.  Ub»7o;.  Table
 C-l lists  these  sources  and  estimated  average daily  mass  loads.   Figure  C-i
 graphically  shows the relative importance of each  source.

 BACKGROUND  INFORMATION

    Metals  may be  found  in a number of chemical lorms.   i'ae  chemical form of
 hazardous  trace metals  is  important  since tnis  determines tne  metal's
 bioavailability  ana   toxicity.   Metals  can  be  simple  or  complex  inorganic
 species,  metallo-organic  complexes,  inorganic  and  organic colloids  ana
'macro-solid   particles,  whicn  differ  in  chemical  and biological   sorptive
 properties.   Unfortunately,  these  reactions are  poorly understood (Segar  and
 Cantello,  ly?6>.   however,  organic  complexing  reduces  tne   biological
' availability  of many  trace metals (Jenne  and Luoma, 1977>.

    Once metals have been deposited in the sediment,  several  possible  migration
'mechanisms  between  the   sediment-water  interface  may  occur:  bio-oxidation,
 sorption,  dissolution,  precipitation,  coniplexation,   and diffusion.   Iron is
 released under  reducing  conditions, and  cadmium,  copper,  lead and  zinc  are
 precipitated  under reducing  conditions.   in tne  oxidizing  environment of  the
 Bight, the opposite reactions occur.

    Seven metals; cadmium, chromium, copper,   iron, lead, mercury and  zinc,  are
 either highly toxic or highly concentrated in acid  wastes (Appendix D).
                                       C-21

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   Cadmium  has  no  known biological  function,  but  acute  and  cnronic  toxic
effects nave been  demonstrated.   It exists  in solution as a  free  ion and  in
complex form  (Sarsfield and  Marcy,  1977.) .    The redox potential  (En)  of  the
environment  significantly   influences  the  availability  of  the  metal.     In
oxidizing   environments,  cadmium is  generally found as  a  carbonate,  and  its
toxicity to  three  marine decapod crustaceans  ranged  between J20  yg/1  to 42U
yg/1 (EPA,  1976).   Reducing  environments generally  contain  a  low solubility
cadmium sulfate  form ILu and Cnen,  1977).

   Chromium  is  an  essential  trace  element  for many living organisms,  and  is
usually present  in  the reduced  hydroxide   state.    Jenne  and Luoma  (1977)
reported  tnat  certain  organic  chromium  compounds may  increase  the  metal's
bioavailability   by forming  more kinetically active  species  ot   tne  metal.
Toxic susceptibilities of different  animals  are  Highly variable:  extremes ot
1.0 rag/1 (the polychaete Nereis  virens)  to  200  mg/1  (the  mummichog,  Fundulus
heteroclitus) nave  been observed (EPA,  i97t>) .   hexavalent cnromium  is  more
toxic tnan  trivalent  chromium;  EsPA  (1975) recommends  a  maximum concentration
                                              p'
of 0.10 mg/1 in  marine water.

   Copper   is important  biologically because  it  is essential  tor synthesizing
chlorophyll; it  is  required in  animal   metabolism,   and  is  the  respiratory
pigment used for oxygen transport  in some invertebrates.   Organic complexing
and  precipitation  decrease  copper   toxicity   (EPA,  1976).    At high  concen-
trations (50 to  100 ug/1),  photosynthesis is  inhibited and marine animals are
acutely affected.

   Iron is the   fourtn  most  abundant  element  in the  Earth's  crust,  and  is
required by plants and animals in all habitats (EPA,  1976).  In  hemoglobin,  it
is  the  oxygen  transport  pigment in the blood  ot  all  vertebrates  and   some
invertebrates.    In marine   environments,  iron rapidly forms  a floe which may
coat gills  of  fish or  invertebrates,  and bury  or  smother  eggs (EPA,  1976).
Kinniburgh  et  al.   (1977),  and  Krauskopf (1952)  showed  that  iron hydroxide
significantly other metals, e.g.,  copper, zinc,  and   lead.   Zinc  and  cadmium
are adsorbed more strongly  on iron gels as pH  increases.
                                      C-22

-------
   Lead  has  no  known  beneficial  biological  function.   It  is  a  toxic metal
which accumulates  in the tissues  of  organisms  (.EPA,  1976).   The  toxicity of
lead in  an  aqueous environment depends  upon  pH,  organic materials, and otner
metals.   Low  ph   increases  its  solubility,  whereas  organic  or  inorganic
complexing  changes  its  bioavailabilty.    Toxicity in  sea  water  is  not well
known, but  concentrations of 100  to  200 yg/1  caused  severe abnormalities in
the oyster Crassostrea virginica (Pringle et  al.,  196a;.

   Mercury has no  known  biological function,  and  several  forms,  from elemental
to  inorganic  and  organic compounds,   occur  in  nature (EPA, 1976).   The most
toxic  form  is   metnyl  mercury  accumulated  in  animals,  which can  threaten
Uumans.    Jenne  ana  Luoma  (1977)   reported  that   organic   complexing  witl
naturally occurring  materials  in the  marine environment reduces the potential
toxicity of mercury.

   Zinc  is   an   essential element  for  all  living  organisms  (Berry.  1977).
Excessive  levels  cause   either  acute or  chronic toxic  responses  in  marine
organisms.   Acutely toxic  concentrations  in fish may  cause gill  breakdowns,
and chronic concentrations may  inhibit growth ana  maturation in  juvenile fish,
or cause general lethargy and  histological damage to mature individuals (EPA,
Iy7b).  Zinc  toxicity  is  reduced by complexing  with organic materials.

SOURCE INPUTS

   Table C-l  lists trace metals from the  four  primary  sources.   Ocean waste
disposal (excluding  acid  wastes) is the  most  significant  contributor of metals
except lead and  zinc.

   Dredged  material (Table  C-6)  is  the  largest  source of  cadmium,   copper,
chromium, and iron; dredged material and  sewage  sludge  contain approximately
equal quantities of  mercury.

   Sewage sludge is  the  second  largest source of  trace metals (see Table C-6;
and contributes  about  50% of the daily  input of mercury, with ctiromium (24;»; ,
lead (13%) and  zinc  (20%) also  high.
                                       C-23

-------
   Inputs from the Cellar Dirt  Site  have  not been estimated, but  are  probably
insignificant sources of trace metals (Interstate Electronics Corp., 197c>).

   Passing through the Transect  Zone  is  contaminated water and  surface  runoff
from New York. Harbor  and  Raritan bay estuary  (.Table C-l).   Many  contaminants
entering the harbor  settle  in quiet water  areas  and remain trapped in  bottom
sediments.  They may  be introduced  into  the iiight after dredging  and  released
at  the  Dredged  Material  Site.    The  Transect  Zone contributes  the  largest
volume of wastewater, with the largest average daily quantities  of Lead  (4//0;,
zinc  (53/.),  and  the  second  largest  quantities  of cadmium  U5/i) ,   chromium
(4Z/O, copper (47/i) and iron (16/i).

   The Long  Island  coastline  contrioutes only very  small  quantities  of  trace
metals to the Apex.   Of  the  seven metals  examined,  the Long Island coastline
contributes  less than one percent of the daily total in all cases.
IRON
   Redfield and toalford  (1951)  examined  iron accumulation in waste  discharges
at Raritan Bay and the Apex.  The iron concentration at the moutn of  the  Lower
Bay was  four  to  six times  that  of  the offshore water  concentrations.   Tnese
high  concentrations  were associated  with low  salinity  surface outflows  from
the  Lower Bay.    In  1951,  the Raritan  River  contributed  approximately  45
tonnes/day of  iron to the  Apex.   It was estimated  that  an equal quantity  of
iron  (.45  tonnes/day) was disposed at  the  "acid  grounds".

   Segar  and  Cantillo   (.1976)  reported  that  most  iron  is  associated  with
suspended  sediments  in  the lower  New York Bay with  maximal  concentrations
occurring  just after maximum  ebb  tide  (MESA,  1975).    This  implies that  a
significant "pool" of particulate  iron exists within the harbor complex.  The
bulk  of  this  iron is precipitated  or dispersed  within a  snort  period upon
entering  the Bight.   In  addition,  Segar and Cantillo (1976)  reported a widely
distributed nephloid layer  containing a high concentration  of fine  particulate
matter,  including  iron,  at  the  sediment-water  interface  within the  Apex.
                                       C-24

-------
   New  York  Harbor  sediments  show  iron  as  l.d/.  of the  total dry  weight.
Samples  from the Dredged Material and Sewage Sludge Sites averaged about 1.05-i
of the total  dried sediment weight,  which was  not  greatly  different  (Gross,
1970).

   It is not  possible to  estimate  the  iron  concentrations  at  each  disposal
site, since  dredged  material  and  sewage  sludge  are not  analyzed tor  iron
concentrations.  In 1977, ML Industries began reporting iron concentrations in
its waste.   based  on  these  values  and  the volumes  discharged,  Table C-tf shows
the approximate  amounts  of iron released  by  ML Industries  compared  to other
inputs.    Initially,  ML  Industries  contributed  about three  quarters   of  the
total input of  iron.   In more  recent years,  their  contribution  has decreased
to two thirds of tne total (Appendix D).
         TABLE C-8.  AMOUNTS OF IRON RELEASED INTO THE NEW YORK BIGHT
                                  (Tonnes/Day)
NL industries
4
Other Sources
Total
Percent NL
Industries
1973
182.2
51. 0
233.2
16
1974
157.1
51. U
208.1
75
1975
145.6
51. U
1*6.6
74
1*76
111.9
51.0
162.9
b9
19771
62.5
51.0
113.5
55
19782
100.5
51.0
151.5
bb
       Sources:
          1  Calculated only for the montns NL Industries released waste
             at  the Acid Waste Site.
          2  Estimated from eight months of data
          3  Data from EPA Region II files
          4  Data  from  Mueller  et  at.,   197b.   Sources  include  tue
             Transect Zone, atmospheric  fallout,  and  the New Jersey ana
             Long Island coastlines.
                                      C-25

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OTHER TRACE METALS

   Toxic trace metals have been  examined  by numerous researchers.  within  the
narbor waters, MESA (.1975) reported that cadmium, lead, and mercury were below
detection  limits  in waters  of the Transect Zone.   Particulate  and soluble
copper varied  with  the tide  and  sampling  location.   Copper  was primarily in
the  soluble  form.   Alexander  and  Alexander U977)  reported  that particulate
lead and cadmium were always less than 0.5  ug/1 and U.I yg/1, respectively.

   begar and Cantillo (1976)'examined  trace metals in Apex waters.  Copper  and
cadmium were uniformly distributed during spring, except for isolated areas of
increased concentration.

   Discharge  from New  York Harbor contains  low  concentrations  of cadmium  and
copper.  During  summer, copper concentrations remain  uniform,  between 2 ug/1
to  4 yg/1.   Levels north  of the Acid  Site were  usually higher  than other
regions of the Apex.  Cadmium concentrations over the Apex varied slightly  but
estuarine  and near-bottom  samples  contained  higher concentrations  of these
metals.

   Segar  and  Cantillo (1976)  concluded   that  summer  and  mid-winter  metal
concentrations were higher  than  spring and autumnal  concentrations.  During
summer,  the  water column  is  stratified and restricted  circulation  increases
the  water's  residence   time  which  leads to  Higher  equilibrium  constants.   In
winter,  current  and wave  energy  increase  sediment  movements,  thus  releasing
metals  from  resuspended sediments.  Iron appears to be found predominantly in
the  suspended  phase while  copper, cadmium,  and zinc  are found predominantly in
the  dissolved  phase. Therefore,  copper, cadmium, and zinc are present only in
small quantities.

   Gross  (1976)  found  that  high concentrations  of trace metals were  widely
distributed  within  New York Harbor  sediments.   Chromium concentrations  were
approximately  JuO g/tonne  in lower  harbor  sediments.  Copper was estimated at
20U  g/tonne  and  lead was  estimated at 700  g/tonne of sediment.   In  comparison,
sediment  samples  from  the  Dredged  Material   and  Sewage  Sludge  Sites  had
                                       C-2o

-------
concentrations  of  about  150  g/tonne  chromium,  90  g/tonne  copper,  and
150 g/tonne lead.  The dredged material is an important source of contaminants
to the  Apex,  but  the  ultimate  sources of  these metals  are  the contaminated
waters flowing into New York Harbor.

   Segar and Cantillo  (.1976)  state  that much of the  solid  wastes dumped into
the flight  Apex  is rapidly  dispersed  and  transported  so  that  flushing  of the
Apex must  be  an  efficient process.   The  wastes may move seaward or possibly
back towards  shore.    Freeland  et  al., 1976, and  freeland  and Merrill, 1977,
however, concluded  that  most  of the  dredged material released  into  the Apex
remains  in place.   Comparing a 193b  bathymetric  survey with  a 1973 survey,
approximately 87%  of the material  released  at  the Dredged Material  Site was
still  in  the  vicinity  of the  site.   Earlier,  Pararas-Carayannis U97J, 1975;
had reached  similar  conclusions.  Apparently,  those  metals which are loosely
bound  to the sediment  are mobilized and quickly carried out of the Bight.  Tue
remainder  are tightly bound  to tne  sediments  and   hence  have  a   low  bio-
availability,  but  metal  bioconcentration   can still  occur.    Gross  U976)
reported  that  deposits  from  the Hudson  Channel  south of the  disposal sites
contain  metal-rich  sediments  and  that  metal  buila-up in  bottom-dwelling
organisms  may be  occurring.

OIL AND GREASE

   Oil  and grease is  a  general  category  which  includes  thousands  of organic
compounds.    These  contaminants may  have  either  anthropogenic or natural
origins,   and  produce  both  acute  and  chronic  toxic   responses   in  marine
organisms  (EPA,   1976).   Larval and  juvenile   stages  of  marine organism life
cycles may be  especially sensitive to increased levels of these  contaminants.
Oil  and  grease  are  present in  all contaminant sources  except  the atmosphere
and  cellar  dirt.   They  enter  the   Apex   at  a  rate  of  approximately 7tfU
tonnes/day (Table  C-4),  constituting the  second   largest  quantity  of all
contaminants examined  (Mueller  et al.,  1976).
                                       C-27

-------
   Mueller et al. (1^76; estimated that the Transect  Zone  contributed approxi-
mately  460  tonnes/aay  (jJZ,).    Ocean  dumping  contributed  approximately  322
tonnes/day,  of  whic;i 9J/o  (300 tonnes;  is  from dredged material, ana  T/a  (22
tonnes^ trom sewage  sludge::.  Tne  Long Island coastline contributes  only about
0.7 tonnes/day, less tnan 1/i of the daily total.

   Examinations  of   the  sources  of   oil  and grease   indicate  that  tney  are
entirely  of  anthropogenic  origin.   Within the Transect  Zone (Table C-5J  two
primary  sources  of  oil  and  grease  can  be  identified:   (.1)  municipal  and
industrial wastewaters,  and  (.2)  urban discnarge.   Each contributes  about  200
metric  tons/day  to  the  harbor area.   By comparison,  dredged material  (Table
C-b) contributes an  average of 300 tonnes/day,  indicating  that much  of  the  oil
and grease  reaching  the harbor is  trapped  and retained  in harbor  sediments,
and  later removed by dredging  activity.   Coastal  discharges (Tables C~2  and
C-3) are  from municipal and industrial wastes and surface  runoff.  DJew  Jersey,
which  is  highly  industrialized,  discharges  about  75  tonnes/day  along  its
coast.  Presumably,  little of  this  contamination  ever reaches the apex  region
because of prevailing currents moving  southerly along  the  coast.   About  90/o of
the oil  and  grease  from New  Jersey is  from  surface runoff. Tne remaining  10/i
is  from municipal and  industrial  wastewater.   Long Island, which  is  much less
industrialized, discharges only about  5  tonnes  of oil and grease  per day,  and
of  this  only about   15% (0.7 tonnes)  enters  the Apex.  About yO/» of the Long
Island discharge  is  from municipal  and industrial waste water.  Tne  remaining
10/i is  from  surface  runoff.

-------
       Appendix D
   CONTAMINANT INPUTS
TO THE ACID DISPOSAL SITE

-------
                                CONTENTS
PERMITS AND WASTE VOLUMES 	 D-l
     Years 1973 to 1978	  . D-l
     Projected Inputs  	 D-3

WASTE COMPONENTS	D-4
     NL  Industries	D-4
     Allied Chemical Corporation  	 D-12
     Du  Pont-Grasselli	D-16

COMPARISON  OF CONTAMINANT INPUTS  	D-l7
Figure D-l   Reported  Dumping Volumes at New York
             Acid  Dump  Site	D-3
                                  TABLES

D-l  Disposal Quantities  (Tonne/Year) 	 D-2
D-2  Waste Characteristics   	 D-7
D-3  Waste Constituents - Allied Chemical 	 D-14
D-4  Mass Loading -  New York Bight Apex (Tonne/Day)	D-l 7
                                     D-i

-------
                                Appendix D
CONTAMINANT INPUTS TO THE ACID WASTE DISPOSAL SITE
                        PERMITS AND WASTE VOLUMES
 YEARS 1973 TO 1978

    When tne  Acid  Site  ca.ne under EPA  regulation  in  1973,  three  Mew Jersey
 companies  (Du Pont-Grasselli  in Linden,  Allied  Chemical in Eiizabetn, and NL
 Industries in Sayreville) ,  were  using  tne  si|;e for  Disposal  purposes.   In
 1974,  ttu  Pont-Grasselli  moved  its  entire  waste  disposal operation  to  the
 10b-Mile  Chemical  Waste  bite,  as  required  l?y  EPA.    In iy79  only Allied
 Chemical and  NL  Industries are disposing of wastes  at the Acid bite.

    Records of NL  Industries'   waste disposal activities have  been maintained
 since the  late 1950's.   However,  when the EPA began regulating and monitoring
 ocean flisposell activities  in  1973, more detailed analyses were required.   NL
 Industries disposes of waste  on a daily basis, occasionally  barging wastes
 twice a c)ay to the  site.

    NL Industries  is  the largest waste contributor to the Acid  bite  in  terms of
 amount  of waste.    Annual  quantities   (Table  D-l)  fluctuated considerably
 between 1973  and  1978,  although the long-term  average  from  1956  is fairly
 stable (Figure £M).  This recent fluctuation  resulted  from  a plant  shutdown
 in mid~1976 and start-up again  in mid-1977.  For  approximately nine months,
 all plant  production was halted.  The mean annual  quantity of waste  material
 dumped between 1973 to  1978,  has been  1.8  million  tonnes, ranging from 0.605
 thousand  tonnes  in  1977  to   2.3  million  t'onnes  in  1973.    Since  1958, NL
 Industries has contributed over  90%  of the total vplume of  waste  material
 dumped at  the Acid  Site.
                                      D-l

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                 TABLE D-l.  DISPOSAL QUANTITIES (TONNES/YEAR)

NL Industrie
% Contribution
Allied Chptnical
% Cont ri but i on
Du Pont-
Gra^plli
/o Con tr i but i on
101 A LS
1973
2,304,250
92.0
58,967
2.3

142, 42b
5.7
2,505,645
1974
1,986,735
93.5
56,245
2.6

76, Ol» •
3.7
2,120,990
1975
1,841,586
97.5
•' "ib.dbl .
2.5

	
—
1 ,889,667
1976
1,233,722
96.5
47,174
3.6

	

1,280,946
1977
604,733
95.4
29,030
4.0

	
—
633,763
1978
1,233,792
97.9
26,259
2.1

	

1,260, 101
' 'TOTAL
9,204,868

265,806


220,446

9,691,120
   Records of Allied Chemical  waste  disposal activities have  been maintained
since the EPA began regulating and monitoring  waste  disposal at the Acid Site
in  mid-1973.    Since  1973,  Allied  Chemical  has disposed  of  approximately
255,000  tonnes  of waste .material,  averaging  about  50,900  tonnes/year (.ciata
from 1973 to 1978).

   Allied Chemical's waste.s are .less than 5% of all waste material released at
the  Acid Site.    Unlike   NL  Industries,  Allied  Chemical  disposes  of waste
material  intermittently,  only once  or  twice  a  month.  Tne total  volume  of
Allied waste barged to the Acid Site has dropped 55%  since 1973.

   Du Pont-Grasselli discontinued disposal activity at the Acid bite  1974.  At
that  time,  they  shifted   their  entire  disposal  operations  to  the  106-Mile
Chemical Waste Site.  During 1973-74 in which Du Pont dumped at the Acia Site,
they disposed of  approximately 220,000 tonnes of waste  material, or about 5%
of the annual input.
                                      D-2

-------
   4.5-

   4.0-


-------
   Consequently,  the  two  permittees are  authorised tp  release  approximately
1.4 million  tonnes  per  year,  which  is  27/b  less  tnan  the previous  5-year
average.

                            WASTE COMPONENTS

   Each barge sample analysis (for the  Acid Site)  since 1973 has been reviewed
to estimate the total  constituent loading.   Interstate  Electronics Corporation
has developed  an automated  data  handling  and analysis  system;  the  Oceano-
graphic Data Environmental ^valuation Program  (ODEiiP).   OuEEi' was utilized to
evaluate  the wastes dumped  at the Acid bite.  The  results  ot trie analyses ol
iNL  Industries  and   Allied  Chemical's  wastes  are  presented  in  tins  section.
Only  yearly means  and  ranges  are presented.    There  were no  significant
differences  in waste  characteristics  during different  seasons;  consequently,
the  yearly  values  adequately  represent  what  was  aumped  at  the  site.
Approximately !i,t>00  data points were used  tor these  analyses.  tonen evaluating
this loading, two factors are important:

     •    The liquid waste does not appear to affect the bottom,  .

     •    Tne  waste  is  neutralized rapidly (,in minutes;   and  environmental
          effects have been associated  only with unneutralized waste,

   b'ince  waste  constituents  do   not  accumulate   in  the  water   column,  tne
material does  not remain  at  the  site  but  is carried  out ot tne  bignt.   Tne
amounts per  day  of  waste  constituents  are  most relevant since these represent
roughly the  inputs  from a single barge load.

NL INDUSTRIES

   ML  Industries  disposes ot  wastes produced  in  tne  manufacture of titanium
dioxide,  an inert,  nontoxic  white pigment  used,   in  papep,  pej.nt,  plastic,
drugs,  and  ceramics.    Waste material  consists  oi  approximately  10.U/!> (by
weight) ferrous  sulfate  (FeSO^),  8.57o  (.by weight)  sulfuric acid  tH^SU, ) , and
1.5 - 2.0 g/1 titanium.  Other  trace metals, and oil and  grease  are  present in
minute quantities.
                                      D-4

-------
   The waste is released below the surface of the water through 30-cm diameter
pipes in the wake of a barge.  The barge is moving  at  5  to  t>  kn.   Tne maximum
permissible disposal rate is 376,QUO liters UUO,UOO gal; per nmi.   Using this
discharge rate,  an  average  Darge load  of  3.7  million liters of waste  can be
released in approximately 90 minutes,  over a  distance of about 9 nmi.  As the
waste is released into tne  seawater,  tne  acid  is neutralized,  and  the ferrous
sulfate  stains  the  water a  characteristic green color.  Tne  terrous  iron is
rapidly  oxidized to  ferric  hydroxide  (rust;   and  this gives  the  water  a
"muddy," red-brown color.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS

   Specific  gravity  of  ML  Industries  waste  has,  with one  exception,  ranged
between  1.082 and 1.197  (.a  single value of 1.425 was reported in August Iy7o>.
The  average specific  gravity  is  1.132.    These densities  are greater  than
seawater  (1.1)25;  so  the waste  sinks  and  disperses through  the water column
during  periods  of homogeneous water  column density (winter;.   During summer
months, when distinct  thermocline  and  pycnocline stratifications  occur,
sinking  and dispersion  are restricted  to the  upper mixed  layer,  which  is
typically 10 to  13 m  in  depth. :

   The  speed of  the mixing  of  waste  with seawater is a function of prevailing
meteorological  and  oceanographic  conditions.    Following discharge  from tne
barge,  initial  mixing occurs rapidly  (within  tne  first  15  minutes) primarily
as a result of  barge  generated  turbulence.   After  this  period,  wind, waves,
currents,  and   density   stratification  determine  the  rate  and direction  ol
dispersion  and  dilution.   The most recent dispersion  study of NL Industries
waste was performed by EG&G  (1977a)  in August  1*77.   Waste  material sank to  a
depth of 10 m  and rapidly  dispersed  laterally under conditions of nigh winds
and  moderate seas.

   EGiiG  (1977a.)  recorded seawater iron  concentrations  and  ph values to  track
the  waste plume.   They determined that a  concentration of  2  yg/1  (acid-waste;
of seawater was  equivalent  to  the ambient seawater  iron  level and a value of
5  yg/1  indicated  the   presence  of  the  waste  plume.   before  the  disposal
                                       D-5

-------
operation,  iron  concentrations  in  the  upper  roiftgtt   layer   and   below  the
thermocline were  measured  at reference stations 7   The m,§a,n. iron concentration
of  upper  mixed layer  water was 0,05 uj>/ 1  and t;}ie mean  iron concentration  of
subsurface  layer  water was  0.02  US/I-   Immediately  £pllQvi^  s|?rscha.rge,  the
surface  iron  concentration  was   2:3,30,0   rog/ 1 .     This   fspnce^tr^tipn.  dropped
rapidly ana 14  minutes after discharge the  maximum surface iron concentration
was 1.9 rag/ 1 .
   by monitoring  iron concentration ,  the
Forty minutes  after  discharge, the  wast;e wa,s
                            f
hours the minimum wa.ate dilution  w#s 90,000:1, a.
showed a minimal dilution of  lib, 0,0,0. !l.
                                                            can  be determined.
                                                        to 9,,400!i.  After  tour
                                                     a.fctep 1$  hours one  station
   Federal  environmental  standards reqvtfr§  thaf
ambient pH  level  more than 0.2  pH units beyond a
(.EPA,  1976;.  The  £G6 anu 3$
within  the  normal pH  range  foi^  this  are.fl  of
1974).
                                                            do  not  change  tne
                                                           limits of o.i to  rf.3
                                                              wj.th  a pH change
                                                            ambient  value.   In
                                                       reduced U.-O  any  J , 21  ph
                                                         value pt  ,^f2.    iaese
                                                        qiscaargtj anu were  well
                                                    CO ti.2  (hazelworta  et  al.,
CHKH1LAL CHAKACTEKlSi'iCS
   Table D-2  sunnuar^^ep the charapRer istics  of  yar^OMS waste constituent?  and
the  inputs into  the  Bight Apex.   For convenient^,  the  tot;al  input from  ail
sources  of  each  constituent  are  shown  t'oy  comparison,     obviously,   the
contaminants  present  in NL Industries  waste are trivial (^^) sources of  total
contaminant  loading   in  tne bignt,  gowwents at»9Mt:  specific waste  character-
istics  follow.
   The  extremly  low pH of NL  Industries'  w^StJf  is  rapidly neutralizea  by  the
buffering  action of sea water.   The  timq  £o reestablish  jUTibient  pn values  has

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               TABLE  D-2.   WASTE CHARACTERISTICS  -  NL INDUSTRIES
Chemical
Parameters
Soli do (ug/ 1)
Organic*
hydrocarbon1*
Caonii urn
Chromium
Copper
Lean
Ni'rcury
L\ nc
Kange
(ug/1)
2.0 20,50u
1*0 - 50,600
2uO 4b,200
lu 500
2,uou Ib.Wu
12J 140,200
27u bb'O
0.5 B
45U jb.luO
Mean
3,760
5,440
4,b50
200
10,*UU
4.1UO-
I,b70
4.7
20->0
Avoragp "u>arly
Input
( tonnes )
2.S60
6.0
3.7
0.3
14.2
4.S
2. 1
0.005
2b.4
Av.Tiigp La i ly
Input
( tonnes/ day)
12.6
0.02
0.01
0.01
O.U4
o.ul
O.ul
U.01
O.u7
Averagf Lv i Ly
inpu l-othor sources
( t iinnes/ uay )
2j,5bO
7b3
no data
2.43
5.2fa
13.2
12.4
u.52
32.1
Percent
Acid Waste
input
u. u5
O.OU

d.OJ
U . o
O.Ub
u. LtJ
u.Ul
0.2
Physical
Parameters
b[.'i?c i ii c oravi t y

1.0b2- 1.11,7
O.lo l.u*
1. 132

ranged from minutes (.Redfield  ana  Walford, 1^51; to  2.3  hours  (,EGu.G,  i977a;.
Ambient ph levels are never depressed outside the site's boundaries during the
4-hour perioa oi  initial  mixing (ERGO, iy?8aj .   The extremely  low  ph values
which  cause  harmful  effects  to  the plankton  are  present  tor  only  a  oriel
perioa (less than  thirty  seconds;  Realiela i*  kvalforu,  1951),  ana only around
the barge's discharge port.
Suspended Sol ids

   Some  inert  materials,  gangue  and  uncombined titanium  ore,  are present  in
the waste,  ati<3 these  are  suspended solias  reported  in Table  D-2.   The  iron
floe wnicn  forms  after waste release  is  not part of  these  values.   However,
even with  this additional  suspended  material,  there  is  no danger that  waste
constituents could  reach  the snoreline in  measureable amounts.   ERGO  (1^76aJ
calculated  that minimum dilution of the waste,  it it  moved  in  a  straight line
directly  to the beach,  would be  two  million  to  one.   The concentration  of
iron   tne  most abundant waste  component,  would  be  about naif of the  normal,
ambient value.

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Trace Metals

   Four metals (.arsenic, nickel, titanium and  iron),  in  Addition  to  the  six in
Table  D-2,  are measured  in  NL Industries'  waste.    Although tpftic, arseni,c
forms compounds after  release  and  the  organo-metallic complexes do  not  appear
to accumulate  in  the  food chain,  and  are not highly toxic (EPA, 1976),   This
conclusion is  supported by  bioassay results  which have  shown low toxicity in
neutralized acid wastes (see Bioassay  Section).  Nickel,  titanium, and iron in
these amounts are considered to be nontoxic to man (EPA,  1976).

   Titanium  and  iron  are present  in  high  concentrations in NL Industries'
waste;  1.9  g/1  and  27.6 g/1  respectively.   Daily inputs  average  tf.6 and  148
tonnes/day  and  represent  a  major  source of  these metals  at  the Apex.   Field
observations  and  bioassay  results  have   shown  no  adverse   effects on  the
plankton from these metals (Appendix B) .

TOXICITY

   As outlined above,  waste  from NL Industries  is  an insignificant   source  o£
contaminants to the Apex  of  the New York bight.   Iron and  titanium,  which  are
significant  inputs, are nontoxic.   However,  the waste  is released in a  small
area  over  a short time and  localized effects may occur  in  the  site region.
Therefore,  the  EPA  requires  bioassays  and   field   studies   to  evaluate  the
toxicity of the wastes.  This work has demonstrated  that  wastes are  toxic only
for  a  few  minutes  after  discharge;  long-term, chronic  effects  have not  been
observed.

Bioassays

   Bioassays of NL Industries'  wastes  must  include analyses qt the  Affects of
various waste  concentrations upon organisms  indigenous  to the Disposal  site.
Bioassays  are  now conducted  under procedures  required  by Federal   standards
CEPA, 1978b).
                                      D-8

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   Bioassays nave  been  performed upon waste  samples  since the permit  program
started.  Representative  species  in tnese studies include the  phytopiankters,
Skeletonema costatum, and  fish  Menidia menidia.   Artemia  saiina (an estuarine
copepod) was used  extensively in the  past,  out  tae  latest bioassay standards
require the use of more representative marine  organisms.

   Phytoplankton  test  organisms  are   to  be  examined  tor  the  effective
concentration (.EC^) which causes  a  50/o  reduction  in cell  numbers  (^compared  to
a control  group;  after  4b or 96  hours.   Zooplankton  and  nekton are examined
for  the  lethal concentration (LC  J  at  which j>J/o of  the test organisms die
after 46 or y& nours.

   Results of bioassay  tests, conducted  since ly/J,  show  that  the toxicity  to
Artemia  saiina varies  between  LC,-.  values  ot   100,000  mg/1  to  i,i:o mg/ 1.
Variations  are  due  primarily to  changes  in  the  Federal mandates  tor tests
(.before  1977,  unneutralized  wastes were  used;   and  test organisms,  but  not
because of radical changes in the  toxicities  ol  tne material.   lue annual mean
LC.-..  values  for bioassays ranged  trom  92.4  mg/i  to  302  mg/ i  in  non-aerated,
9o-hour  tests.    Simultaneous  bioassays on  _M.   menidia   in  yo-hour,   aerated
tests, had mean LCc  values of  101  mg/1  (.1977) and 2t>2  mg/1 (1176).  iiioassays
on Skeletonema  costatum had  mean 96-hour LCc,) values  of  174  mg/1 Uy/o;, 241
mg/1  (.1977) and 106  mg/1  (I97d,).

   Tests demonstrate that waste materials dispersed  by iSL Industries  will  De
acutely toxic to planktonic organisms  for only a  tew minutes.   Ihe dilution  ot
waste  occurring  immediately  after  discharge  reduces  concentrations  to values
below  the  levels   known  to  be  toxic  to   representative   organisms.   The
concentration  of  iron,   the  most  abundant  waste  contaminant, was  i.y  mg/ 1
fourteen minutes  after  discharge (EGi*G,  1977 a;.   These tests do not, however,
evaluate chronic  effects which may  impair  reproductive or benaviorai  aspects
of species  at the  individual or  population  levels.    Field observations (see
below) confirm  the  low  toxicity of waste in  the  Darge  wake.

Field Studies

   The  first  biological  observations  of effects  due  to  acid  waste disposal
(Redfield and Walfora,  1951), snowed that fish or  benthic  populations were not

-------
being damaged  or  excluded from  the  area.   ftpppla^k^pn  entrained in qpntami,-
nated  wake  water  were  temporarily  immobilized  but  reeo/vered  wnen the
contaminated water was diluted, which occurs rapidly in the, b,a,rpe, wake,

   Ketchum  et  al .  (1958.)  reported  that  plankton  tfpws,  taken  shortly  alter
acid-iron waste disposal, were  clogged  by .fiogculent iron precipitate  ranging
from  5  to  70  microns  in  diameter.   2,ooplan,kto,n  Iwhich  normally  feed  on
phytopiankton  about  this  size)  captured   in  the  wake  did  contain  large
quantities of "brownish material" which was "presumably tfte iron  precipitate."
The  zoopiankton  appeared  nprmal  and  it was,  stated  that  the  "studies have
failed to  demonstrate any deleterious  effect  pf,  this  w,aste disposal  on the
plankton populations of tne area,"
   The most recent comprehensive  study of the ^fleets  of  apid™iron waptes  is
reported by Vaccaro  et  al.  Uy"/2J,  A waste,  concentration four times greater
than values observed in  the  field  produced  no ^gv££S3 effect on phytopi&nKton
growth  or  diversity.   Only  the  zooplankt°P  snowed  chronic effects.   Alter
eighteen  days  of  exposure,   reproduction  an,q   ^rqwfth were   affected  by  a
concentration  of  1:10, OUO  waste,  showing a  "failure of  the  organf^ms
1 zpopianktonj  to reproduce, or a delay in the tiifle required to transtonn eggs
into adults."  These results,  however,  are  not; b,i  t?enlfhps,  and sediments
examined.  Concentrations in the Acid Site area  were,  signilfciftntly  higher  than
in the control area.  However,  samples  from  th$ jtiudSPR Va«yo.h  ^ad  the  highest
assimilations of  lead and chromium  in  bent}1!©.?  f»Wd ^? iTHi-ghes); aiwu,ht;s,  pi  all
eight metals in sediments, suggesting th^t canyRif  sedime(nt^  »Tiay pe  the  area of
greatest heavy metal  enrichment.   The confrql a?ea was  located outside  of  the
Apex, thus  the  results may  only  show that,  in general, mqtal  concentratJ-pns
inside the Apex are higher than those outside.

-------
   Grice  et  al.   (1973)   concluded  that  short-term  effects  of  acid  waste
disposal  are  due  to  short-term acidity  fluctuations  rather  than  toxic
components  of  waste material.   Mortality during short-term  exposure  to high
concentrations  of  the  waste  material  is small; it  is  notable that  adults and
larvae  are  not appreciably  affected  by  heavy concentrations.  It  was  noted
that reproductive  inhibition  of  adults  and  reduced  survival  of young copepods
occurred only after 18 days of exposure.  The  pH was held below 6.5,  but these
levels  occur  for  only minutes  after   actual  discharges.    No mortality  was
observed  when   the  animals  were passed  through  acid  waste  dilutions  at  pH
levels ana  periods  comparable to barge  dumps.  Gibson  (1973)  confirmed earlier
experiments that  the  acididy of the waste  is  the  toxic factor.  Animals heia
in neutralized  ac'.d waste  showed no mortality, whereas  others  kept in sulfuric
acid solutions, simulating acid  waste,  showed  high mortality  at pH levels less
than 5.5.

   Some work on biological assimilation of  trace metals was  performed  at the
former Du Pont-Edgemoor  Industrial  Waste  Site.  Until 1978,   Du Font-Edge Moor
discharged  an  acid-iron  waste at this  site  similar to wastes  released  by NL
Industries.  Pesch  et  al.  (1977) investigated  trace metals in  scallops at two
disposal  sites: the industrial  waste  and municipal  sewage  sludge  sites.  The
input of four metals (iron, manganese,  vanadium, and titanium)  were due  to the
acid wastes, not  the  sewage  sludge.   Consequently, these four metals  can be
used as tracers of  acid  waste accumulations in an area which  is isolated from
other anthropogenic pollutant  sources.   Pesch  et al.  (1977)  found  an area of
high vanadium  concentrations  in scallops south of  the site,  in the direction
of  projected   plume  transport.    Examinations  of  the other three  metals,
however, did not follow the same trends; when  all four metals were considered,
"high" stations existed to the  south  and  north of the  site,   occasionally near
a  "Idw"   station.    The  findings,  although  indicating  possible  effects  of
acid-iron  waste upon  benthic  organisms,  require more confirmatory  evidence.
In the New York Bight such effects would not be observable because of the high
inputs of  contaminants from other sources.
                                      D-ll

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ALLIED CHEMICAL CORPORATION

   Allied  Cnemical Corporation  disposes  of  wastes  resulting  from  the
manufacture  of  refrigerants.   waste materials  consist  of approximately  JiU
(weignt)   hydrochloric  acid,  2 X,  (weignt)  hydrofluoric acid,  and  trace
constituents in aqueous solution.  Trace metals ana oil and grease are present
in minute quantities.

   Wastes  are  released  below the ocean  surface  through  30 cm oiameter  pipes
into  the  wake of  a barge moving  at  5  to b  knots.   The  maximum permissible
uisposal rate  is  45,400  liters  (12,000  gaU  per  nmi.   Therefore  an  average
waste  loaa  of 1.6  million  liters  can be e,mptiea  in  approximately  six hours,
over  a  distance  of about 35 nmi.   Allied  Chemical's  w^ste does  not  discolor
cue receiving water.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS

   Specific  gravity (density.)  of Allied Chemical waste, with  two exemptions,
has  ranged  between  1.116  and 1.200  (.values  of 1,57  ana  1.6U were  reported
March and April 1^76).  Tne mean value is 1.170 wuiQh is greater  tzftan seawate.r
(1.025;;  thus waste  sinks  and  disperses  thrpwgh  f,he water  cpiumn  quring
periods of  homogeneous water  column density.    J.n  sunimer months,  when
thermoeline  and  pycnocline  stratifications occur,  sipking  and dispersipn are
restricted to  tne  upper mixed  layer stratum, usually about 10  tp  13 m deep.
    Dispersion  studies  of  Allied  Chemical   wast$  W^re  cqnducted  Dy
 Environmental  Consultants  (EG&G,  lV77b),   Waste [jiateri^l, sank  rapidly to the
 bottom  of  the  surface mixed layer and remained there,.   After several nours ,  no
 significant  penetration of  the  thermociine  was  observed.    Tne  wastes  were
 tracked by monitoring dye concentration and pH cnanges.

    Waste concentration  diminished uniformly  witn  tfepth during  tne  first few
 Vtours of dispersion.   The  maximum waste concentration was 3faO rag/ 1 one minute
 after discharge,  and  about  36  mg/ 1 45 minutes later.   After  about two nours,
 /ertical waste distribution  began to exhibit patchinesg,  with localized  areas
 of  nigh concentrations  above  tne  thermociine  and near  the  surface.    After
                                      U-12

-------
three hovjrs ,  maximum concentrations  were  found  near the  tnermocline.   Four
hours after discharge, maximal waste  concentration was 18 mg/ 1  at 5 m.

   One minute  after  discharge, the dilution  ratio  was approximately 2,700:1,
increasing  to  15,000:1  in  four  minutes.   Tnree  hours  after  discharge,   the
dilution ratio was 83,000:1, and 143,000:1  after  four hours.

   Current shear was a noticeable  factor  in waste dispersion.   Tne upper 10 m
(mixed  layer)  appeared to  move  eastward  relative  to the  subsurface core at
10 m.  The entire plume moved_with  tidal  currents approximately 2 ntui (J.b  kiiU
west of the original position.

   Marine water  quality criteria  specify triat ph must  be  maintained between
6.5  and 8,5,  and may not be affected by  more than  jHJ.2  ph units.  Ambient ph
values  decreased 0.7  units   immediately after  discharge,  but,   as  natural
neutralizing and dilution continued,  the  ptt within the plume  steadily returned
to  ambient  values.    Four hours  after discharge,  pH values had  returned  to
within 0.2 pH units of normal  ambient levels.

CHaMlCAL CHARACTERISTICS

   Table  D-3  summarizes  characteristics  of  various  waste  constituents   ana
inputs to the Bight  Apex.   Inputs  from all sources are shown tor comparisons.
Obviously,  the  contaminants  present  in  Allied  Cnemical1 s  waste  are trivial
sources (<0,01%) of  total  contaminant loading in  the  Bight.  Comments about
specific waste characteristics follow.
   The extremely  low  ph  of Allied Chemical's waste is neutralized by  seawater
buffering aqtion  well within tne  four-hour  period of initial mixing  mandated
by  the  Ocean Dumping  Regulations.  The  initial  pH vaLue  is  7.5 after waste
release  (EG&G,  1977 b) , which is  0.7  units  less than ambient values and lower
than the normal ph range of  the  site.  Tne pH values  rapidly  return  to ambient
levels.  Minimal  pH's  after  initial mixing were: 8.07 at  1  m;  7.90 at  5 m;  and
8.03 at 10 m.  Normal  ambient pH range  for this area  is 7.9 to 8.2 (.hazelwortn
et al., 1974).

-------
               TABLE D-3.  WASTE CONSTITUENTS  - ALLIED CHEMICAL
Chemical
Parameters
busppnded
Sol ias
u i 1 & Grpfise
Ppt roleum
Hyarocarb )ns
Cadroi urn
Chrom i urn
Copper
Lrad
Hrrcury
ii nc
Range
(ug/1)
JO 246 mg /I
1UO 20,000

100 13,000
2 200
10 3,040
10 2,400
lu 4BO
0.02 170
2 1,200
Mp.an
(ug/1)
25 mg/1
4,450

l,56o
l(f
IV*
124
102
12.5
156
Average Yearly .
Input
( tonne-0
0,7
0,2

0.07
0.01
0.04
0.03
U.U2
0.01
0. OJ
Input per
barge *
( tonnes )
1,1,00
0,02

U.01
g.oi
U.ul
0.01
o.ol
0.01
0,01
I'lrll /,'IU f"Tii 	 1."" 	 TFT? 	 ' "1"' 1> "
iVvfjrage Dqily
Inpptrofnfir sources
( ti^nnep )
2^,560
7W

no qata
2.4
5.3
13.2
iirt
w.5
32.1
Ml'lllll'l.ni),, |l )l !M;;| 	 r-r-
^oifl ffUfif
IPPHf (i.)
O.UJ
0.01


U.Oi
o.ol
0.01
0.01
O.Ol
0.01
Physical
Parameters
Speci fie
Uravi t y
ph
1,116 1.200
0.10 2.20
1. 170









     12 bargrs/year
Suspended Solids

   Allied Ciiemical  waste does  not  contain insplu&le  materials, ana  does  not
react  with   seawater  to  form  precipitates,    1'here  is  nq  danger  ot
constituents  reaching  the  shoreline  in  measurable  amounts.   EKUQ  (
calculated  that  minimum  dilution  of   the  waste,  traveling straigntiy  and
directly  to  the beach,  would be  one  million  to  pne,   The  concentration of
fluoride, the most  abundant waste component,  would be about  2/k  of  the normal
ambient value.
Trace Metals
   Two metals,  arsenic and  nickel  in addition  to the  six  in Ta,t>le  p-^ ,  are
measured  in Allied  Chemical's  waste.    Comments  qppHefl  to Nt,  Industries'
wastes are  equally  applicable to those  from  AH ^e<4 .   ?he n0nERCQ,

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TOXIC IT *

Bioassays

   Alliea  Chemical  aoes  not aispose  ot  waste  daily,  unlike  iNL  Inaustries;
Allied Cnemical  introduces waste in a  pulsate manner.   Wastes may accumulate
for  several  we,eks,  and  are barged  to  the  site  once  or twice  per  month.
Kea tie Id ana toalford  Uypl) concluded  that  total  flushing of  the  entire  Apex
takes  from a  to  14 days.   Therefore,  Allied Cnemical  waste  is  extensively
diluted  and,  in  ail probability,  flushed from the Apex  before  any subsequent
disposal occurs, thus eliminating  the  potential  for  compounds  to  accumulate in
sediments  or biota  of the  Apex.

   Results of  bioassay  tests show annual  mean •Jo  nour LU- . values  in Artemia
                                                          j \j            	
salina (copepou) ranging  from 52,a_ij mg/1 to  97,42^  mg/1.   Similarly, 4cS  hour
LCc,,  yearly  mean values.,for A_.  salina range  from 12J  mg/1 to 2J3 mg/1.   Trie
Differences  in  lethal  concentrations  uo  not  suggest   extreme  toxicological
effects, but are rather due to  differences in test  procedures.

   Skeletpnema cos, t a turn  (phytoplanktonj  nave  mean yb-hour  ECr  values ranging
from  lOb  mg/1  to   J5u  mg/1  with  respective standard  deviations  of ll  and
-i42 mg/ 1.
   Henidia menidia (.nekton) nave  annual  mean TLc-, values  for  yo-aour  aerated
 samples  ranging from  2U13  mg/1  to  27ii  mg/1.    TL^  values from 4d-nour  tests
 have annual mean values  ranging from 2_>J mg/  1  to 260  mg/1.   Non-aerated  tests
 produce approximately  equal  TL-  values for the sane waste samples.

   Acartia  tonsa  Can  estuarine  copepoaj   had  a mean 9b-nour  1^..  value  or
 72 mg/1 in iy?i, and  a mean  yb-nour TL50 value ot  61 ing/1 in  ly/o.

   All  tests  demonstrated  that waste  materials disposed  by Allied  Chemical
 have only  short-term  acute  effects upon marine organisms.   The highest  waste
 concentration  was  3bU yg/1  one minute  after discnarge,   out  only Jo  yg/1  45
minutes  after  discharge.    Waste  dilution  several  minutes after  discharge
 reduces  concentrations  to  values  below the  toxic  levels  of  representative

-------
organisms.  The tests do not, however, confirm chronic effects which may  alter
or impair reproductive and  behavioral  aspects  of species at the  individual  or
population levels.

Field Studies

   Allied Cneraical does not dispose ol acid waste material  a^  irequently  as  WL
Industries,  nor  are  waste volumes  as  great as  jflk  in  single  disposal
operations,  however, Allieu Chemical waste is more acidic,  thus  necessitating
a slower release  into receiving waters in orcier  to minj,mi?e  short-term  impacts
upon biqta.

   Cuemic&l  analyses  have  continued  that  the  cpiiipps.i.ti.pns pi NL  and Allied
wastes  are  similar  t, except  lor  iron  ana  Cit^ViifM1'  CQHteciU,   ancj  uioas,say
stuuies  show  similarities  in  toxicity.   Taereiore, impacts  of the two wastes
are assumed to be similar in the dump area.

DU PONT>GRASSELLI

   Du Pont-Grasselli  produces  production wastes  trpm DMhA IW,U-'dj.mefiftyl
hydroxylamineJ and Anisole.   During 197J  and  1974t  when Pu  Fqpt-rCirasseiii, was
dumping  in the Acid Site,  the  contribution was approximately >/i  pf ^h^ annual
input (Table 1>-1).  Since 1973, however, all 1X1  Popt wastes  ft^ve!  been released
at the 106-i'iiie Chemical Waste Site.

   The  primary  constituent of  l)u  Pont-Qrasseilj,  waste  is  sotjium  sulfate
(Na^SO,^,  with numerous  trace metals,  suspended splids,  and variqus  organic
substances .

   Specific gravity of l)u Pont waste averaged  l.Udbl, slightly  greater than  sea
water, but less than ML Industries  and Allied  Chemical wastes.

   Du Pont-Grasselli  waste was alkaline,  with a pH range  from l^.i to  1J.J,
during two years of waste  disposal at  the  Acid Site.   Mass loadings of  the
inputs are equivalent to  those of Allied Chemical i.e.,  insignificant compared
to the total  inputs.   No adverse effects  from  Du Pont-Grasselli1s wastes were
ever noted at  the  site or  in the Apex.
                                       D-16

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     In the same manner  as  NL  Industries'  and Allied Chemical's wastes,  releases
  would have  been  rapidly diluted, dispersed,  and transported by  currents  to
  other  Bight  regions.   Since  Du  Font's  liquid  waste  was diluted,  and
  transported  out of the Bight,  contaminants  did not accumulate in  the  water;
  thus  Du Pont-Grasselli dumping is important in a Historical sense,  but  is not
  relevant to  current mass  loadings.

                    COMPARISON OF CONTAMINANT INPUTS
     Table  D-4  compares total inputs of selected contaminants into the  iNew York
  Bight Apex with total inputs of the two permittees presently Uy/yj using the
  Acid  Site.    All  acid  waste  contaminants  are  less  than  l/»  oi  the  total
  (column  1).    Tne  materials  now  being  released  at  the  Ac lu  Site  do  not
  represent significant sources  of contaminants  in  the  receiving waters.
                  TABLE D-4.   MASS  LOADING - NEW YORK BIGHT APEX
                                   (Tonnes/Day)
Inputs
Total Inputs
to Apex
Total Inputs
to Acid Site
NL Industries
Allied
Chemical
Total
Percentage of
Apex Total
due to Acid
Wastes
Suspended
Solids
23,580

12.6

0.06
12.7
0.05
Oil and
Grease
783

0.02

0.02
0.04
0.01
Cadmium
2.41

.01

0.005
NM
NM
Chromium
5.3

0.04

0.005
0.04
0.8
Copper
13.2

0.01

0.005
0.01
0.08
Mercury
0.5

0.01

0.005
NM
NM
Lead
12.4

0.01

0.005
NM
NM
Zinc
32.1

0.07

0.00
0.07
0.2
NM   not meaningful
                                        D-17

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 Appendix E
MONITORING

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                               CONTENTS
MONITORING	E-l
     Short-Tenn Monitoring 	 E-2
     Long-Term Monitoring  	 E-5
Figure E-l   Monitoring  Stations at and Adjacent  to the Acid Waste
            Disposal  Site  in New York Bight	E-3


Table E-l Physical  and  Chemical Oceanographic  Monitoring Program at  and
          Adjacent  to the  Acid Waste Site in the New York Bight	E-4
                                     E-i

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                                Appendix E
                              MONITORING


The  Final  EPA  Ocean Dumping  Regulations  and  Criteria  (.4UCFR  220  to
established the following  monitoring requirements (.Part  226.^):


              (a)   The monitoring  program,  if  deemed  necessary by the
                   Regional  Administrator or the District  Engineer,  as
                   appropriate,   may  include   baseline  or  trend
                   assessment  surveys  by  EPA,  NOAA,  other  Federal
                   agencies,  or  contractors,  special  studies   by
                   permittees,  and the  analysis  and  interpretation  of
                   data from  remote  or automatic  sampling and/or
                   sensing  devices.   The  primary  purpose  of  the
                   monitoring  program  is  to  evaluate  the  impact   of
                   disposal  on the marine  environment  by referencing
                   the  monitoring  results   to  a set of  baseline
                   conditions.   When  disposal  sites are being used  on
                   a  continuing basis,  such  programs may consist   of
                   the following components;

                   (1)  Trend  assessment  surveys    conducted    at
                        intervals  frequent  enough to assess  the extent
                        and  trends  of  environmental  impact.   Until
                        survey data or  other information  are  adequate
                        to show  that changes in frequency  or scope are
                        necessary  or desirable,  trend  assessment and
                        baseline  surveys should generally conform  to
                        the  applicable  requirements of  228.13.  These
                        surveys  shall  be   the  responsibility  of  the
                        Federal  government.

                   (2)  Special  studies conducted  by  the  permittee  to
                        identify  immediate  and  short-term  impacts  of
                        disposal operations.

              (b)   These  surveys  may be  supplemented,  where  feasible
                   and  useful,  by  data  collected  from  the  use   of
                   automatic  sampling  buoys,  satellites or in situ
                   platforms,  and  from  experimental programs.
                                     E-l

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              (c)   EPA will  require  the  full  participation of  other
                   Federal  and  State  and  local agencies  in  the
                   development  and   implementation of  disposal  site
                   monitoring programs.   The monitoring  and  research
                   programs presently supported  by permittees may be
                   incorporated  into  the  overall  monitoring  program
                   insofar as feasible.

SHORT-TERM MONITORING

   Short-term monitoring surveys are  the  responsibility of the  permittee  and
are  designed  to assess  the  immediately  observable  effects of  the waste  (a
"special stuay" as  uefined in tne  Ocean  Dumping Regulations; .

   Special  Condition  No. 6  ot  the  ocean disposal permits  issued to  Allied
Chemical Corporation  (Permit  No.  II-NJ-G04,)  and NL  industries,  Inc.  (Permit
No.  II-NJ-014) requires  these companies to "continue to  implement  I theirJ  EPA
approved monitoring  program  as  a  means  ot determining  the  short  term
environmental impacts of ocean dumping of ttheirj  waste(s)."   In  May 1977,  the
companies submitted a site monitoring proposal  prepared by EGc»G,  Environmental
Consultants,  to  fulfill  tne  site monitoring  requirements.    Four monitoring
cruises  have  been  completed  at the  site (EGfcG,  1977,  1976a,  197bb;  ERCU,
1978c;.  The information from these  cruises provides  a  sufficient data base to
detect  longer term changes at the  site resulting from  acid waste disposal.

   Surveys  were  made during  the  summer  (.strong  thermocline)  and  winter  (no
thermocline)  seasons.    Nine  stations were  originally  estabiisned:  two ^now
one)  permanent  reference  stations   northeast  of  the  site,  five  permanent
stations within the  site (a  center  and  tour corner stations.) , and two "waste
transport"  stations which  are  established  in a  waste  plume  on  eacn cruise
(Figure  E-l).  Two  changes  were approved  in  July  1976  (between  the thiru and
fourth  survey). One  reference station was eliminated and vanadium analyses in
tne  water column and  sediments  were  eliminated.   For 1979 and 19tiO,  only the
summer  survey  is  required.   Table E-l  summarizes  the  parameters measured for
the  monitoring plan.
                                     E-2

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NEW
JERSEY
LX
IF SURFACE CURREls
IS TO NORTH
v
\
\
'
\ ACID WASTE D
' DISPOSAL
DISPOSAL SITE STATIONS SITE p
/VASTE TRANSPORT STATIONS ^
X. .,
IEFERENCE (CONTROL) STATIONS
WT-. '~^
I'^^T*
L HEAVY METALS MONITORED / /
(^
* A
r! £/ /
0\^V^./
JT" iWT2 VV>-:'
- ^ / XWT
' v__ / / " 1 _
l— ^ /•-' 2
IWT ;^)-»
i /' WTi
) q
S2 DS D$3
o^
S5 DS4
) n




WATER COLUMN WJ ,-/ /IF SURFACE CURRENT
iAVY METALS MONITORED 2)-y IS TO
/
BENTHIC REGION /
SOUTHWEST


                                                                - 40°20'N
                                                                - 40°16'N
                                                                  40"10'W
          LIMITS OF BIGHT APEX
    NO LONGER REQUIRED
73°40'W
73°36'W
73°30W
          Figure  E-l.  Monitoring Stations at and Adjacent to the
                  Acid Waste Disposal Site in New York Bight
                                      E-3

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                TABLE E-l.  PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL OCEANOGRAPHIC
                   MONITORING PROGRAM AT AND ADJACENT TO THE
                     ACID WASTE SITE IN THE NEW YORK BIGHT
Water column sampling
   • Winter
   • Summer
J depths (suDsurface, mid, bottom;  [no  longer  required]
4 depths I, subsurface, above pycnocline, below
pycnocline, bottom;
Parameter
Temperature
Ssi inity
pH
Dissolved oxygen
Alkalinity
Fluoride
Suspended
Particulate i-iatter
Chlorophyll a
Lron-aissolved
-particulate
Nonierric trace
metals - arsenic,
cadmium, chromium
copper, ieaci, mercury.
n i c ke 1 , t i t am ium ,
zinc
Dissolved
Particulate
Unit of Weasure
°C
o /
/oo
.
ml/ liter
meq/ liter
mg/ liter

ug/ liter
mg/m
ug/ liter
ug/liter






ug/ liter
ug/ liter
Stations
All
All
All
All
All
All

Ail
All
All
All


Center of site
ana reference




i\o. of Samples
Profile
Profile
2
2
2.
2

2
2
2
2






2
2
i>entnic Sampling (Surficial Sediment;
Color
Texture
Trace metals -
 iron, arsenic
 cadmium, chromium
 copper, lead,
 mercury, nickel,
 titanium, zinc
      Qualitative
      Description

      nig/kg dry weight
J-Site
Center,
reference,
waste
transport
/
2
   This  sampling  program is  the  minimal  design sulticient  to detect changes
resulting  from  acid waste disposal.   The effects documented  at  the site  are
transitory  (Appendix  t>)  and  have  not  caused  long-term,  measurable damage  to
populations of  organisms indigenous to the  site or  adjacent areas.  Chemical

changes  in the  water column  caused by  disposal  are  brief,   and  ail  values
return  to  ambient  levels well  within  the 4  hour  mixing period (.LkCO,
                                     ii-4

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          Harmful  effects to the  plankton  have  been shown but only  last  for  a
few minutes.  Effects  on tue bottom nave  not  Deen documented, altnough  waste
contaminants may  reach  tne  sediments during the winter, when  the  water  column
is well mixea.

   Ine physical  anu  cnemical variables  presently  monitored  were  cnosen  based
upon  the  composition  of  the  wastes  and  the  possible  effects   of   waste
discharge.   Itie  water column  sampling is  adequate  to  uetect unusual adverse
effects oi disposal,  while  tne benthic samples can snow it  waste  constituents
are  accumulating  in  the sediments.   Therefore,  uo  cnanges in  tne present
monitoring program are  recommended.

LONG-TERM MONITORING

   Long-term monitoring surveys  are  tne  responsiui1ity  or   tne  Federal
government  and   are  designed  to  assess  progressive  cnanges  caused  by   waste
uispusal which may oe  indicated only by subtle changes in selected  character-
istics over  time.   NOAA-inESA is involved  in developing an overall program  lor
monitoring the conditions in  tne  iiignt Apex.   One goal of tne i>iht>A  Project  is
to  "determine  tne requirements for  an efticient  monitoring  program  tnat will
detect environmental  change (MciSA,  l^/rfbj".   Tne  "ucean  Pulse" program  oeing
developed  by  tne  NnFS-banay  hook  Laboratory  will  also   provioe  valuable
monitoring data.

    Impetus to tnese  formal  monitoring  programs  was given oy  tne  passage  ol  cue
National  Ocean  Pollution Research and Development and  Monitoring  Planning  ^cc
of  197o  (.PL  y5-27j,), wnicn  requires NuAA to develop a 5-year plan  tor  ocean
pollution research and  monitoring.   Long  range  studies  and trend assessment  ol
waste  disposal  in a  complex oceanograpnic area  such as   tne  New  York  bigut,
with  its multiple  contaminant  sources,   is  feasible  only by  tne  comoineci
resources of  several  agencies  under  the  anticipated  NUAA  five-year plan.
GP0 B63 212

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