United States Environmental Protection Agency Office of Water (WH-556F) EPA 503/9/90-007 August 1991 &EPA Report to Congress On Ocean Dumping 1987 1990 Administration of Title I Of The Marine Protection, Research, And Sanctuaries Act of 1972, As Amended (P.L. 92-532) For Years 1987- 1990 ------- Table of Contents Table off Contents Executive Summary f About This Report 1 Highlights of Progress 1 Ocean Dumping Ban Act 2 Dredged Material Disposal 2 Incineration-at-Sea 3 Enforcement 3 For the Future 3 Chapter 1. Introduction .....................5 About This Report 5 Regulatory Background 7 Permits 7 General Permits 8 Special Permits 8 Emergency Permits 8 Interim Permits 8 Research Permits 8 Site Designation 8 Surveillance 8 Other Provisions 8 Chapter 2. London Dumping Convention [[[9 Background 9 Consultative Meetings 10 LDC 11 11 LDC 12 12 Chapter 3. Ocean Disposal of Dredged Material 13 Management of Dredged Materials: The Process 13 New Regulations 13 Guidance Documents 13 Site Designation Criteria 15 Designation Process 15 Site Lists 16 ------- Table of Contents Site Monitoring 16 Enforcement 16 Chapter 4. Ocean Disposal of Municipal Sewage Sludge.... 30 Overview of Sludge Disposal Activities 30 Dedesignation of Ocean Dumping Sites 30 Resolution of NY/NJ Dumping Case 31 EPA Technical Transfer Efforts 31 Reports to Congress 35 Site Monitoring and Management 35 Ocean Dumping Workshop 35 EPA, NOAA, and USCG Joint Strategy 35 Discharge Hates 36 Surveillance and Enforcement Activities 38 Permit Terms 38 ODSS 38 SMTS Program 38 Enforcement Actions 38 Chapter 5. Ocean Disposal of Industrial Wastes and Other Materials 40 Industrial Wastes 40 Burning of Wood and Dumping of Construction Debris 41 Incineration-at-Sea 41 Site Designation 41 Law Suits 42 Fish Wastes 42 Chapter 6. Monitoring Activities Conducted Aboard The OSV PETER IV. ANDERSON 43 About the OSV PETER W. ANDERSON 43 Specifications and Equipment 43 Mission Highlights 44 Management Decisions 48 Public Education Activities 49 Chapter 7. EPA's Marine Protection Programs and Policy .50 EPA's National Coastal and Marine Policy 50 The National Estuary Program 51 Marine Debris Activities 51 Near Coastal Waters Program 51 Gulf of Mexico Program 52 Mid-Atlantic Bight Initiative 52 New York Bight Restoration Plan 53 Radiation Programs 53 Appendix A: Sites Dedesignated During the Years 1987 - FY 1990 54 Appendix B: References 55 Dedication: Thaddeus Allen Wastler, 1928 1990 58 ------- Executive Summary Executive Summary About This Report This Report to Congress, covering Calendar Year 1987 through Fiscal Year 1990, summarizes the Environ- mental Protection Agency's (EPA) activities in carrying out its responsibilities under Title I of the Marine Protec- tion, Research, and Sanctuar- ies Act (MPRSA) and its 1988 amendment, the Ocean Dumping Ban Act (ODBA). ODBA makes the ocean dumping of industrial waste and municipal sewage sludge unlawful after December 31,1991. EPA's Office of Water (OW) in conjunction with EPA Regional Offices have responsibilities under MPRSA to regulate and monitor ocean disposal of municipal sewage sludge, industrial waste, and dredged materials as well as incineration-at-sea, In addition to administering MPRSA and ODBA, OW: Continued its participa- tion in the work of the London Dumping Convention (LDC), the international agreement that addresses the dumping of wastes into the marine environ- ment; Continued monitoring and public education activities aboard the Ocean Survey Vessel PETER W. ANDER- SON; and Collaborated in pro- grams with other organizations involved in marine protection. Highlights of Progress Significant activities during this reporting period include the following: ODBA. Congress passed the Ocean Dumping Ban Act and the President signed it into law in November 1988. During this reporting period, EPA has made major progress in administering ODBA. Dredged Material Disposal Sites. EPA has successfully delegated responsibility for the designation of disposal ------- Executive Summary sites to its Regional Offices. In concert with the Corps of Engineers (COE), EPA is also developing revised regula- tions and national guidance for use by EPA's Regional Offices and the COE's District Offices. Incineration-At-Sea Program. EPA has suspended the incineration-at-sea of indus- trial wastes. More specifically, the following progress was made during this reporting period: Ocean Dumping Ban Act In September 1988, dumping of industrial wastes into the ocean was stopped. EPA and the States of New York and New Jersey successfully negotiated enforcement agreements with the nine sewerage authorities in those two states to end ocean dumping of sewage sludge in August 1989. EPA, at the same time, issued permits to control dumping activities during the phase-out period. As required by ODBA, the enforcement agreements include schedules for implementing interim and final land-based alternatives to ocean dumping, reporting requirements for monitoring implementation progress, and provisions for payment of ocean dumping fees and penalties. EPA continued to provide technical assistance to the sewerage authorities im- pacted by ODBA. EPA organized a roundtable discussion in November 1989 that brought together municipal sewerage officials to discuss implementation of land-based sludge manage- ment alternatives. A second meeting pursuing beneficial uses of sewage sludge was conducted in September 1990. Another is being considered for Fiscal Year 1992. EPA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Adminis- tration (NOAA), and the United States Coast Guard (USCG) held a workshop in March 1989 in Ocean City, New Jersey, to discuss updating the existing monitoring plan for the 106- Mile Sewage Sludge Site and to develop a strategy for future research, monitoring, and surveillance. In addition to government officials, scientists, fishermen, policy experts, and representatives of environmental interest groups were in attendance. Their findings and recom- mendations were published in the Proceedings of the Ocean Dumping Workshop 106-Mile Site (EPA, 1989h). EPA, NOAA, and the USCG developed a joint strategy for research, monitoring, and surveillance of the remaining dumping activities under ODBA and, to define the role each will play in this effort, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in April 1990. Research, moni- toring, and surveillance activities have been imple- mented at the 106-mile site under this MOU and a joint research, monitoring and surveillance plan was published in December 1990 (EPA 1990d). USCG installed an Ocean Dumping Surveillance System (ODSS), known as "the black box," aboard all sludge barges as a deterrent to illegal dumping. In response to ODBA's requirements, EPA submit- ted the following Reports to Congress in 1989 and 1990: Progress in Stopping Ocean Dumping Report to Congress (EPA, 1989d) Surveillance and Enforce- ment of Sewage-Sludge Dumping Report to Congress (EPA, 1989g) Ocean Disposal Monitor- ing Programs in Response to the Ocean Dumping Ban Act Report to Congress (EPA, 1990a) Sludge Recycling Alterna- tives Report to Congress (EPA, 1990c) Dredged Material Disposal In December 1986, EPA delegated responsibility for designating disposal sites for dredged material, fish wastes, and woodbuming to its Regional offices to enhance local coordination and accelerate decision- making. During the period ------- Executive Summary covered by this report, 34 dredged material sites received final designation and 10 were dedesignated. EPA is currently developing regulations and national guidance for use by EPA Regional offices and COE District offices. These offices are currently developing MOUs to cover dredged material disposal activities in their areas. Specifically, the following regulations and guidance are being devel- oped: Regulations. Because scientific advances have increased understanding of the marine environment, EPA is cur- rently revising the ocean dumping regulations. The revisions governing ocean dumping of dredged mate- rial will incorporate program and technical experience and improve clarity and organi- zation. The Testing Manual. A revised draft of the document entitled "Evaluation of Dredged Material Proposed for Ocean Disposal - Testing Manual" (formerly entitled "Ecological Evaluation of Proposed Discharge of Dredged Material Into Ocean Waters") was released for public comment in April 1990. The criteria for ocean disposal of dredged material are established in the ocean dumping regulations, which, among other things, utilize bioassay and bioaccumulation testing in determining the acceptability of material for ocean dis- posal. The testing manual provides technical guidance on the testing procedures to be utilized and how to interpret the results of the tests conducted. Other Guidance. EPA and COE are developing three other documents to provide state-of-the-art guidance on technical issues for managing ocean disposal sites for dredged materials. These other documents include: A comprehensive, national management strategy for all dredged material disposal that comes under the authorities of MPRSA and the Clean Water Act; A document which describes the regulatory requirements and technical rationale for site designation, monitoring, and man- agement; and A third document which describes permit- ting regulations and procedures. Incineration-at-Sea EPA suspended the incinera- tion-at-sea program in February 1988. The last incineration site was dedesignated on February 19, 1991. No other sites are designated for incineration- at-sea. Enforcement In July 1988, EPA issued administrative complaints against all nine municipal sewage sludge dumpers for violating sludge disposal conditions. Various other administrative complaints were also lodged in 1989 and 1990 against individual sewage sludge dumpers for matters involving sludge spills and permit violations. In addition to its sewage sludge enforcement activi- ties, EPA issued an adminis- trative complaint in 1988 against a port authority and its dredging contractor for improper disposal of dredged material. For the Future In the future, EPA's ocean dumping program will focus on three primary areas: Sewage Sludge Dis- posal, Site Monitoring, and Phase-Out Activi- ties; Dredged Material Disposal, Site Designa- tion and Monitoring; and Enforcement of MPRSA and ODBA Laws and Regulations. Sewage Sludge Disposal, Site Monitoring, and Phase-Out Activities. EPA will continue close oversight of the sewage sludge dumpers to ensure that they meet conditions of their permits, enforcement ------- Executive Summary agreements, and phase-out schedules. Technical assis- tance will be a key element in efforts to help them imple- ment alternative disposal options. Monitoring surveys at the 106-Mile Site will be conducted to determine potential nearfield and farfield effects of sewage sludge to see if modifications to the specified dumping rates or other permit condi- tions are needed. Dredged Material Disposal, Site Designation and Monitoring. In response to increasing public concern about the potential health and ecological risks posed by contaminated sediments, EPA will increase oversight of dredged mate- rial disposal operations. EPA intends to propose revised ocean dumping regulations for dredged material in 1991 and will begin implementing the revised testing manual. The revision will contain state-of-the-practice testing procedures and technical guidance for determining the acceptability of dredged material for ocean disposal and is likely to be more stringent than earlier proce- dures. Enforcement ofMPRSA. EPA is acting to improve its MPRSA enforcement capa- bilities by developing a comprehensive enforcement strategy and action plan for the MPRSA. This strategy and action plan will be aimed at improving the enforce- ment program by: Improving the enforce- ability of permit terms and conditions; Enhancing interagency enforcement coopera- tion; developing public education tools to enhance compliance; Implementing an enforcement training program for EPA Regions and other interested agencies; and Improving detection and identification of violations. Another area that EPA will address is development of long-term management strategies (LTMS) for entire estuarine and coastal sys- tems. EPA and the Corps of Engineers held a major conference on LTMS in late January 1991. ------- Chapter 1. Introduction Chapter 1. Introduction About This Report This report summarizes the U.S. Environmental Protec- tion Agency's (EPA) progress from 1987 to 1990 in meeting the requirements of Title I, Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act (MPRSA), commonly known as the Ocean Dumping Act, and its amendment, the Ocean Dumping Ban Act (ODBA). (See Exhibits 1 and 2.) Data on the status of site designations, volumes of municipal sewage sludge dumped, and numbers of surveys conducted are also provided. The report is organized as follows: Chapter 1 - Introduction Overview of MPRSA's requirements and EPA's and other Federal agencies' responsibilities under MPRSA. Clwpter 2 - London Dumping Convention The purpose of the London Dumping Convention and its relationship to MPRSA; summary of the results of Consultative Meetings. Chapter 3 - Ocean Disposal of Dredged Material EPA's managing and monitoring activities for ocean disposal of dredged material; the status of dredged material site designations for each EPA coastal region. Chapter 4 - Ocean Disposal of Municipal Sewage Sludge Current status of sewage sludge disposal activities, focusing on EPA's responsi- bilities for implementing the Ocean Dumping Ban Act. Chapter 5 - Ocean Disposal of Industrial Wastes and Other Materials Current status of ocean disposal of industrial wastes and materials such as wood and fish waste; a summary of EPA's incineration-at-sea program. Chapter 6 - Monitoring Activities Conducted Aboard ------- Chapter 1. Introduction Exhibit 1 Major Legislative Provisions Under MPRSA Statute Sect/on Section 101 Section 102 Section 103 Section 104 Section 107 Purpose Prohibits, unless authorized by permit, (1) the transportation of material from the U.S. for the purpose of ocean dumping, (2) the transportation of material from any location for the purpose of ocean dumping by U.S. flagged or registered vessels, and (3) the dumping of material from a location outside the U.S. into the U.S. Territorial Seas or into the Contiguous Zone if such dumping would affect the territorial sea. Authorizes EPA to designate sites for disposal of material, and to issue permits for dumping of nondredged materials into ocean waters if the materials will not "unreasonably degrade or endanger" public health or the marine environment. Directs EPA to establish criteria to assure that marine waters are protected and to allow for the review of permit applications. Authorizes Corps of Engineers to issue permits, subject to EPA review, for dumping dredged materials into ocean waters, applying EPA's environmental criteria to ensure action will not unreasonably degrade or endanger human health or the marine environment. EPA has final authority to determine whether a permit is in compliance with its Section 102 criteria. Directs COE to utilize EPA designated sites, to the extent possible, in selecting dumping locations. Specifies conditions to be included in permits issued under the Act. Authorizes EPA and Corps of Engineers to obtain the assistance of other agencies, and instructs the Coast Guard to conduct surveillance to prevent unlawful dumping. Exhibit 2 MPRSA Changes Pursuant to ODBA The Ocean Dumping Ban Act (ODBA) of 1988 added new requirements to the Marine Protection Research, and Sanctuaries Act (MPRSA) as follows: Section 104B (a)(1)(i) (a)(1)(ii) (a)(2) (b)(1) (d)(1) Requirement No person shall dump into ocean waters, or transport for the purpose of dumping into ocean waters, sewage sludge or industrial waste unless such person enters into a compliance or enforcement agreement and has obtained a permit under Section 102 which authorizes such transportation and dumping. After 12/31/91, it shall be unlawful for any person to dump into ocean waters, or to transport for the purposes of dumping into ocean waters, sewage sludge or industrial waste. No permits shall be issued which authorize a person to dump into ocean waters, or to transport for the purposes of dumping into ocean waters, sewage sludge or industrial waste, unless that person was authorized by a permit issued under Section 102 or by a court order to dump sewage sludge or industrial waste on 9/1/88. Any person who dumps into ocean waters, or transports for the purpose of dumping into ocean waters, sewage sludge or industrial waste, shall be liable for a fee equal to $100/dry ton from the date of enactment and before 1/1/90: $150/dry ton on or after 1/1/90 and before 1/1/91; $200/dry ton on or after 1/1/91 and before 1/1/92. Establishes civil penalties for missing the 12/31/91 dumping termination dates; penalties shall be $600/dry ton in 1992; penalties paid after 1992 escalate yearly and are calculated as the sum of the penalty/dry ton from the preceding year, plus ten percent of such amount, plus an additional one percent of such amount for each year beyond 12/31/91. Other ODBA Requirements include environmental monitoring in the vicinity of the 106-Mile Site and preparation of Reports to Congress on monitoring and progress being made in stopping ocean dumping. ------- Chapter 1. Introduction The OSV PETER W. ANDER- SON Recent monitoring activities conducted aboard EPA's ocean survey vessel, the OSV PETER W. ANDERSON. Chapter 7 - EPA's Marine Protection Programs and Policy EPA's progress in imple- menting its marine protec- tion programs. Regulatory Background Between 1972 to 1988, MPRSA regulated the transportation to and dumping of materials into the ocean. However, in November 1988, Congress amended MPRSA by passing the Ocean Dumping Ban Act (ODBA) that phases out the dumping of municipal sewage sludge and industrial waste. (See Exhibits 1 and 2.) Under ODBA, transporting for the purpose of dumping municipal sewage sludge or industrial wastes into the ocean became illegal as of August 14,1989, unless the dumper held an EPA permit. In addition, ODBA required the dumpers to enter into a compliance or enforcement agreement that includes schedules to phase out their dumping activities by December 31,1991. After that date, ocean dumping will be unlawful. Any dumping that occurs after 1991 will result in financial penalties which increase over time. Because sewage sludge dumpers are located in EPA's Region II, the development of permit terms and schedules for dumping phase-out have primarily been the responsi- bility of the Region with Headquarters assistance and support. When MPRSA was passed in 1972, it was the first law to regulate dumping into the ocean of materials that could adversely affect human health, the marine environ- ment, or the economic potential of the ocean. Its authority covers the Territo- rial Sea, which extends from mean low water on the shore out to 3 nautical miles (nmi), the Contiguous Zone (3 to 12 nmi), and the open ocean (beyond 12 nmi), and regulates dumping of all types of material, including dredged materials, sewage sludge, industrial wastes, solid wastes, incinerator residues, and low-level radioactive wastes. MPRSA further prohibits dumping of high-level radioactive wastes; biological, chemical, or radiological warfare materi- als. In November 1988, the MPRSA was amended to add medical wastes to the list of prohibited materials. EPA's Office of Marine and Estuarine Protection (OMEP) within the Office of Water implements MPRSA by carrying out permitting and site designation activities: Permits Dumping at designated sites requires a permit, and EPA and COE share the permit- ring authority. The COE is responsible, subject to EPA review, for permitting disposal of dredged material. EPA is responsible for permitting dumping of all other types of materials. MPRSA prohibits EPA from issuing permits for the dumping of low-level radioactive waste, unless authorized by a joint resolu- tion of Congress. High level radioactive waste disposal is absolutely prohibited. MPRSA specifies that permits may be issued upon a determination that"... dumping will not unreason- ably degrade or endanger human health, welfare, or amenities, or the marine environment, ecological systems, or economic potentialities." [Sections 102(a)andl03(a)]. EPA and COE evaluate requests for permits to determine compliance with the Ocean Dumping Regula- tions (40 CFR Parts 220-229). In addition, MPRSA requires public notice and an oppor- tunity for a public hearing prior to issuing a permit. EPA does not issue permits for ocean disposal of wastes if a technically feasible disposal alternative with less overall environmental impact is available. EPA and the ------- Chapter 1. Introduction COE periodically review the permits they have issued and revoke, suspend, or modify them as necessary. EPA issues five types of permits: General, Special, Emergency, Interim, and Research. General Permits General permits issued by EPA cover burial at sea, transportation and sinking of target vessels by the United States Navy, and transporta- tion and disposal of scrap vessels under certain speci- fied conditions. Special Permits Special permits are issued to dump materials that satisfy the criteria stated in the Ocean Dumping Regulations (40 CFR Part 227). These criteria require consideration of the environmental effect of the dumping operation; the need for ocean dumping; alternatives to ocean dump- ing; and the effect of the dumping on esthetic, recre- ational, and economic uses of the ocean. Special permits are effective for a maximum of three years. Emergency Permits Emergency permits are issued to dump materials that pose an imminent risk to human health and for which there is no other feasible alternative. The last emer- gency permit was issued in 1984. Interim Permits Interim permits are issued for dumping of materials when all the requirements for a special permit are not met, or for which only an interim ocean disposal site has been designated. Ocean Champing Regulations (40 CFR Part 220) list specific require- ments. Interim permits expire after a maximum of one year. The only current use of interim permits is to control burning at the Woodburning Site of wood debris collected from the New York Harbor area. EPA continues to evaluate this activity. Woodburning activities are described further in Chapter 5, Ocean Disposal of Industrial Wastes and Other Materials. Research Permits Research permits have been issued in the past for dump- ing industrial waste into the ocean as part of a research project; however, Section 1003 of the ODBA repeals the MPRSA provision governing these permits. Site Designation MPRSA authorizes the EPA to recommend sites where ocean dumping may be permitted and, when neces- sary to protect critical areas, to designate sites where certain materials may not be dumped. This authority includes designation of sites for all types of materials. In issuing permits for dredged material disposal, the MPRSA directs the United States Army Corps of Engineers (COE) to use the EPA-designated sites to the extent feasible. Surveillance The United States Coast Guard (USCG) has responsi- bility for surveillance to prevent unlawful ocean dumping, and EPA has responsibility for assessing penalties for violations. The 1988 amendments to amended Section 105(a) of MPRSA increased the maximum allowable penalty to $125,000 for violations of the prohibition against dumping of medical waste. Other Provisions Title II of MPRSA requires that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Adminis- tration (NOAA) and EPA conduct a comprehensive and continuing program of research and monitoring to determine the effects of the dumping of materials into ocean waters. Title III gives NOAA the authority to establish marine sanctuaries. ------- Chapter 2. London Dumping Convention Chapter 2. London Dumping Convention Background MPRSA is the domestic legislation for implementing the provisions of the Con- vention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dump- ing of Wastes and Other Matter, generally known as the London Dumping Convention (LDC). LDC is the only global agreement concerned solely with the dumping of wastes into the marine environment. It requires its member nations, known as the Contracting Parties, to establish national systems to control the dumping at sea of wastes and other matter. The Convention was negotiated in London in November 1972, and came into force on August 30,1975, following the required 15 ratifications or accessions. Exhibit 3 lists the LDC's 64 Contracting Parties. The United States is repre- sented at the LDC by a delegation appointed by the Department of State, consist- ing of a delegation head and advisors on particular topics. U.S. policy positions are developed by an interagency working group under Department of State leader- ship. MPRSA was amended in 1974 and 1980 to imple- ment the requirements of the LDC. Three annexes describe the technical factors to be considered when the Con- tracting Parties make deci- sions about permits. The "Black List". Annex I establishes a "black list" of substances whose dumping is prohibited unless they are present only as trace contami- nants or would be rapidly rendered harmless in the marine environment. These substances are mercury, cadmium, and their compounds; organohalogen com- pounds such as DDT and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB); persistent plastics; and crude oil and petroleum byproducts. Dumping of high-level radioactive wastes and chemical and biological warfare agents is prohibited. The "Grey List". Annex II contains a category of substances known as the "grey list," which ------- Chapter 2. London Dumping Convention Exhibit 3 Contracting Parties to the London Dumping Convetion Afghanistan Argentina Australia Belgium Brazil Byelorussia SSR Canada Cape Verde Chile China Costa Rica Cuba Denmark Dominican Republic Federal Republic of Germany Finland France Gabon German Democratic Republic Greece Guatemala Haiti Honduras Hungary Iceland Ireland Italy Ivory Coast Japan Jordan Kenya Kiribati Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Malta Mexico Monaco Morocco Nauru The Netherlands New Zealand Nigeria Norway Oman Panama Papua New Guinea Philippines Poland Portugal Seychelles Solomon Islands South Africa Spain St. Lucia Surinam Sweden Switzerland Tunisia Ukrainian SSR United Arab Emirates USSR United Kingdom United States of America Yugoslavia Zaire require special permits to regulate their dump- ing. They include arsenic, lead, copper, zinc, and their com- pounds; cyanides; fluorides; organosilicon compounds; pesticides not covered in Annex I; low-level radioactive wastes; and containers and other bulky wastes that could present serious obstacles to fishing or navigation. Other Substances. The dumping of substances not listed in Annexes I and II requires a general permit. Annex III sets forth factors to consider regarding material characteristics and composition, method of disposal, and dumping site characteristics before a permit may be issued. The LDC requires that each Contracting Party take appropriate steps to ensure that the measures required to implement the Convention apply to any ships and aircraft flying its flag and to any vessels or aircraft loading materials in its territory for dumping in the ocean. Periodic meetings and participation by appropriate international technical bodies are designed to keep the LDC up-to-date and realistic in meeting the needs for controlling ocean pollution resulting from dumping. Consultative Meetings Consultative Meetings, generally held at yearly intervals, perform the work of the Convention. Past activities include the devel- opment of procedures for settling disputes; regulations, and recommended technical guidelines for control of incineration-at-sea; the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) definition of high-level radioactive waste prohibited from sea disposal and recommendations for disposal of other radioactive wastes at sea; and interim guidelines for implementing Paragraphs 8 and 9 of Annex I. These paragraphs refer to the "rapidly rendered harmless" and "trace con- taminants" provisions. When necessary, the Con- vention establishes ad hoc advisory groups to work on specific subjects. These include the Working Group on Incineration-at-sea, the Group of Legal Experts, the Working Group on the Annexes to the Convention, and the Intergovernmental Panel of Experts on Radioac- tive Waste Disposal at Sea 10 ------- Chapter 2. London Dumping Convention (IGPRAD). The Scientific Group on Dumping (SGD), a permanent subsidiary body, provides expert evaluation of technical and scientific issues. The SGD typically meets six months before LDC Consul- tative Meetings. Two Consultative Meetings were held during this reporting period: the Elev- enth (LDC 11) and the Twelfth (LDC 12). LDC 11 LDC 11 was held October 3- 7,1988. The major subjects discussed were (1) the progress of the IGPRAD, (2) the future status of incinera- tion-at-sea of noxious liquid wastes, (3) the progress in reviewing the structure of the Annexes to the Convention, and (4) guidelines for the removal and disposal of offshore platforms and structures. IGPRAD, which was estab- lished at LDC 10, met twice before LDC 11. It evaluated the results of a questionnaire circulated to all Contracting Parties and established two working groups to consider legal, political, social, eco- nomic, technical, and scien- tific issues related to low- level radioactive waste disposal at sea. Reports on these issues were reviewed at the second panel meeting, and a timetable for resolving the scientific and technical issues was established. The IAEA was asked to examine the parallels between the regulatory approaches and environmen- tal assessments for the dumping at sea of both radioactive and nonradioac- tive wastes. The Agency submitted a work plan for this study to the Group of Experts on the Scientific Aspects of Marine Pollution (GESAMP) to be completed by 1993. In addition, LDC 11 ad- dressed the question of whether incineration-at-sea of liquid noxious wastes should be banned globally. The countries of the Oslo Convention (which include the nations of Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, the Federal Republic of Germany, Iceland, Ireland, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland) plan to prohibit incineration- at-sea of noxious liquid wastes in the Northeastern Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, by the end of 1994, and some Contracting Parties feel that this prohibi- tion should be global. The parties agreed that the Secretariat should conduct a study on the availability of safer, more environmentally acceptable land-based alternatives and, based on the study's findings, would reconsider the plan at the 1992 Consultative Meeting. The ad hoc group examining alternative structures for the Annexes reported to LDC 11 on the provisions presently being considered. They include overall approaches to waste management and hazard assessment. The group will consider addi- tional alternatives before it presents a final recommenda- tion to a future Consultative Meeting. The Maritime Safety Com- mittee (MSC) of the Interna- tional Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) developed guidelines in April 1988 to remove offshore platforms and structures from the seas. These had been forwarded to the Secretariat so that Contracting Parties could ensure consistency with LDC purposes. At LDC 11, the Contracting Parties agreed that the MSC guidelines were acceptable as far as matters of platform removal from an existing location were concerned. However, if there is the possibility of ocean disposal of a platform after its physical removal, both legal and technical issues need to be addressed under the LDC. The SGD was asked to evaluate the technical guidelines for ocean disposal of platforms and structures, and the Group of Legal Experts was asked to con- sider the legal questions and report back at LDC 12. 11 ------- Chapter 2. London Dumping Convention LDC 12 LDC 12 was held October 31 - November 3,1989. As requested at LDC 11, the guidelines for disposing of offshore platforms and facilities were evaluated by the SGD. The meeting accepted the work group's conclusion that existing Annex III guidelines are sufficient to address the environmental aspects of disposal of platforms and structures; however, they did not resolve the question of whether abandonment of platforms, onsite toppling of platforms, or placement of platforms as artificial reefs should be considered as dumping. The attendees decided to obtain further information from the Con- tracting Parties and have the results referred to the ad hoc Group of Legal Experts for continued evaluation. Of the proposed two amend- ments to the Annexes, one passed and one was de- feated. The passed amend- ment to Annex III called for Contracting Parries, when issuing permits, to consider whether adequate scientific information is available to assess impacts to human health and marine life. The amendment to delete organosilicon compounds from the list of substances in Annex II (the "grey list") failed, despite conclusions from a scientific work group on the annexes that the compounds will have no adverse effects on the marine environment. The meeting discussed the transport of hazardous wastes across national boundaries in light of results from the Basel Convention (officially known as the Conference of Plenipotentia- ries on the Global Conven- tion of the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes, held March 20-22,1989, in Basel, Switzerland). Members were asked to submit comments on documents about the issue to the ad hoc Group of Legal Experts at LDC 13. Finally, the Contracting Parties established a strategic planning work group to guide future LDC activity. Some of the major issues include considering the expansion of the LDC to address land-based sources of marine pollution, defining the LDC's role in overall waste management, and identifying cooperative enforcement mechanisms. A preliminary report will be submitted at LDC 13, and a revised report and recom- mendations will be presented at LDC 14. 12 ------- Chapter 3. Ocean Disposal of Dredged Material Chapter 3. Ocean Disposal of Dredged Material Management off Dredged Materials: The Process Over 90 percent of the total volume of material the U.S. dumps in the ocean consists of sediment dredged from harbors and channels (EPA, 1989a). Permits for ocean disposal of dredged material are issued by the Corps of Engineers (COE) after an EPA review for compliance with the ocean dumping regulations. Dredged material is dumped at sites designated by EPA. EPA and the COE share responsibility for monitoring to ensure that permit conditions are met and that the marine environ- ment is protected. New Regulations Because scientific advances have increased understand- ing of the marine environ- ment, EPA is currently revising the ocean dumping regulations. The revisions governing ocean dumping of dredged material will reflect the verdict in NWF v. Costle, 629F.2d"ll8(D.C.Cir.,1980)/ incorporate program and technical experience, and improve clarity and organi- zation. EPA anticipates proposing the revised regulations in late 1991. EPA will also reorganize and correct technical and typo- graphical errors in the list of ocean dumping sites printed in the ocean dumping regulations. This improve- ment would facilitate easy identification of designated sites and eliminate those sites that are expired or unneeded. EPA anticipates publishing this proposal in the Fall of 1991. Guidance Documents EPA and COE are develop- ing four documents jointly to provide state-of-the-art guidance on technical issues for managing ocean disposal of dredged materials. Their descriptions follow: (1) Evaluation of Dredged Material Proposed for Ocean Disposal Testing Manual. A revised draft of the dredged material testing manual was released for public comment in April 1990 (EPA/COE 13 ------- Chapter 3. Ocean Disposal of Dredged Material 14 1990). The criteria for deter- mining the acceptability of material for ocean disposal of dredged material are estab- lished in the ocean dumping regulations, which, among other things, require bioassay and bioaccumulation testing. The regulations include the use of: Water quality criteria; Results of acute bioas- say tests; and Bioaccumulation testing. The testing manual provides technical guidance on the testing procedures to be utilized and how to interpret the results of the tests. EPA and the COE intend to publish the final draft document as an interim manual in 1991. It will undergo further review and revision at the time the ocean dumping regulations are revised. The revised testing manual will utilize a tiered testing approach which is comprised of four levels of increasing investigative intensity. This will generate the technical information necessary to evaluate compliance with the ocean dumping criteria. The four tiers used in the manual are as follows: Tier 1. Use of Existing Informa- tion. Review existing sources of information to (1) identify contaminants of concern, (2) determine if the available data show that the regulatory testing criteria are met (i.e., water quality criteria, acute toxicity, bioaccumulation), and (3) determine if addi- tional testing in higher tiers is needed. Tier 2. Use of Chemistry Data. Evaluate chemistry data to determine potential for water column and deposited sediment impacts; determine the need for additional water column testing by applying a mathematical dispersion model; and calculate the maximum potential bioaccumulation of organic contaminants in marine organisms. Tier 3. Use of Acute Toxicity and Bioaccumulation Tests. Conduct acute toxicity tests to determine the toxicity of the dissolved and suspended contaminants to organisms in the water column (after initial mixing); and conduct bioassays to determine toxicity and bioaccumulation potential of the dredged material to benthic marine organisms. Tier 4. Use of Long-Term Toxicity and Bioaccumulation Tests. Conduct case-specific water column and benthic tests to determine long-term effects on marine organism survival and reproduction or bioaccumulation. The objective of the tiered approach is to eliminate unnecessary testing and thereby make cost-effective decisions. For example, if a dredged material has an obvious detrimental environ- mental impact, information collected in Tiers 1 and 2 may be sufficient to determine that dredged materials are not acceptable for ocean disposal. If there is inad- equate information about a dredged material and its potential for impact is not clear, then more extensive testing should be conducted under Tier 3. Not all dredged materials may need to be evaluated through all four tiers. It is necessary only to proceed through the tiers until enough information is collected to determine whether disposal of the material will comply with the ocean dumping regulations. The revised manual presents improvements in chemical methods and refined labora- tory procedures for water column and sediment toxicity tests, including the use of more sensitive marine organisms for testing. EPA and the COE believe it will be more effective in assessing the potential impacts of ocean disposal of dredged material than the first manual issued in 1977. The Agency is also in the process of developing additional technical procedures which may be used to evaluate proposed ocean disposal of dredged material. At present, only acute toxicity tests are available for use, and the Agency is in the process of developing chronic toxicity tests to better evaluate the potential for sub-lethal ------- Chapter 3. Ocean Disposal of Dredged Material effects. In addition, the Agency is developing pollutant-specific sediment quality criteria which may prove to be useful in evaluat- ing dredged material. Once these new procedures are sufficiently developed to be available for use in a regula- tory program, the Agency wiU update and revise the dredged material testing manual to appropriately utilize the chronic toxicity tests and the sediment quality criteria. (2) Dredged Material Disposal: National Management Strategy Document. This document, currently in preparation, will present a comprehensive, national management strategy for all dredged material disposal that comes under the authorities of MPRSA and the Clean Water Act. Its objective is to allow decisions about disposal of a dredged material to be made so that one environment (e.g., an estuary) is not adversely affected for the sake of protecting another (e.g., the ocean). (3) Site Designation, Monitor- ing, and Management Docu- ment for Ocean Disposal of Dredged Material. This document, currently in preparation and expected to be completed in 1991, will describe the regulatory requirements and technical rationale for site designation, monitoring, and manage- ment. EPA is adopting a tiered approach for all monitoring plans for ocean dumping at designated sites. The document is intended for use by personnel at EPA Regional offices and COE District offices. It contains technical guidance about: How to evaluate the need for site designa- tion; How to select sites; How to develop plans for sampling and analysis; How to monitor a site; and How to use monitoring results to evaluate and decide site management options. (4) Dredged Material Ocean Dumping Permit/Project Review Manual. This docu- ment, currently being prepared by EPA and the COE, describes permitting regulations and procedures. It is intended for EPA Regional and COE District staff and permit applicants. Site Designation Criteria The goal in designating sites and issuing permits is to match the type of material dumped with the appropri- ate site, to minimize adverse environmental impacts, and ensure that disposing the material does not interfere with other uses of the marine environment. The choice of sites for ocean disposal is based on criteria listed in the ocean dumping regulations. These include criteria for locating areas to reduce the potential for effects of disposal on marine resources, commercial or recreational navigation, and the environ- ment. Specific criteria to be applied to a designation include, but are not limited to, identifying where the site is located, the feasibility of monitoring or surveillance, possibility of interference with legitimate uses of the ocean, and the effects of current and previous dump- ing, including cumulative effects. Designation Process The following is a brief overview of the site designa- tion process for dredged material: The COE requests a site designation from EPA; EPA conducts a thor- ough environmental review, then prepares a draft environmental impact statement (EIS); EPA issues the draft EIS for review by the public and appropriate local, state, and Federal agencies; EPA publishes in the Federal Register its proposed regulation to establish an ocean disposal site; and After incorporating all applicable comments 15 ------- Chapter 3. Ocean Disposal of Dredged Material into a final EIS, EPA publishes a final regulation in the Federal Register to designate the site. Performing scientific analy- ses and environmental assessments necessary to designate a site can take several years. If sites are not available for disposal of dredged materials, widening, deepening, and maintenance dredging projects can be delayed. EPA and the COE, therefore, set priorities, deciding which sites should be designated before others, in an attempt to minimize adverse impacts on local economies. Site Lists In the regulations for ocean dumping, sites are separated into two categories: interim and approved. The interim category, containing those identified as historically-used sites, may be used pending completion of baseline or trend assessment surveys and designation. The ap- proved category are sites approved for use based on the results of environmental review. Where necessary, the site designation can limit use to material from one project or permit, restrict particle size, or set specific time limits. Site Designation Status Currently 110 dredged material disposal sites are 16 designated under MPRSA. As of December 31,1990,52 sites are designated as final sites, 18 are proposed for final designation, and 40 still have interim site status. Exhibit 4 shows the status of all sites for ocean dumping of dredged material. During 1987-1990,34 dredged material sites received final designation and 10 were dedesignated. Exhibits 5A and B through 11A and B show the dredged material disposal sites under the authority of EPA Regions I, II, III, IV, VI, IX, and X. Each exhibit contains a table, indicating the site name and its current designation and status, and a map, showing the location of each site. Site designation and status are listed as interim, final, or currently subject to proposed final rule-making to desig- nate or dedesignate the site. EPA and Corps of Engineers MOUs On December 23,1986, EPA Headquarters delegated responsibility to its Regional offices for the designation of ocean dumping sites for dredged material, for fish waste requiring a permit, and for woodburning hi Region II. As a result, site designa- tion has been accelerated, and local coordination has been enhanced. To identify tasks within the process and thereby avoid duplication of effort, EPA and COE signed a National Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in July 1987. EPA Regional offices and local COE District offices are currently develop- ing individual MOUs. The local MOUs provide a mechanism to complete the designations for the remain- ing interim sites and to establish regional site management and monitoring plans. At the end of this reporting period, five of the seven EPA coastal Regional offices and their counterpart COE District offices have signed MOUs. Site Monitoring During this reporting period, EPA conducted surveys at 27 of the 110 dump sites. Monitoring information is used to verify that permit conditions are met and to determine if the conditions set by the permit are suffi- cient to prevent adverse impacts. For specific regional dredged material disposal sites, see Exhibits 5A and B through 11A and B. Monitor- ing dumpsites used by multiple permittees is especially important in determining whether the cumulative impacts are acceptable. (See Exhibit 12). Enforcement During this initial dredging under Phase 1 of the Oakland project, EPA and the Corps of Engineers investigated allegations that the dredger was excavating sediment outside the Federal Channel in an area that was not ------- Chapter 3. Ocean Disposal of Dredged Material authorized for dredging. On June 1,1988, EPA Region IX issued administrative penalty complaints for violation of the MPRSA Section 103 permit against the Port of Oakland and Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Company for the amounts of $272,000 and $215,000, respectively. A hearing before an Adminis- trative Law Judge was held during March and April of 1989; the post-trial brief was submitted in September 1989; and the rebuttal brief was submitted in December 1989. The administrative Law Judge has not yet issued his ruling in the case. Exhibit 4 Summary of U.S. Dredged Material Sites as of September 30,1990 Number of Sites Region I II III IV VI IX X TOTAL SITES Final Designation Completed 1 14 1 14 19 6 12 67 Final Designation Proposed 0 0 0 3* 0 3" 1 7 Remaining Interim Designation 4 0 0 11 8 5 7 35 Dedesignated 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 TOTAL 5 14 1 28 27 14 21 110 During the 1987-FY1990 reporting period, Region IV dedesignated 10 sites, all located off the coast of Florida: two sites at Cedar Keys; one site each in St. Lucie Inlet, Largo Sound, Anclote, Pithlachascotee, Withlacoochee, and Horseshoe Cove, St. Augustine, and Ponce de Leon Inlet. * One site proposed for dedesignation (Key West), Two sites proposed for designation (Canaveral and Pascagoula) " One site proposed for designation (LA4 Point Loma), Two sites proposed for dedesignation (LA2 Long Beach and LAS San Diego (100 fathom)) 17 ------- Chapter 3. Ocean Disposal of Dredged Material Exhibit SA Region I Dredged Material Disposal Sites as of September 30,1990 Site Designation and Status Portland, ME Cape Arundel, ME Massachusetts Bay, MA Newburyport MA Boston, MA Designated on a final basis Interim site Interim site [Formerly the Marblehead Site] Interim site Interim site Exhibit SB Location of Region I Dredged Material Disposal Sites 18 Portland * Cape Arundel r& Newburyport ------- Chapter 3. Ocean Disposal of Dredged Material Exhibit 6B Location of Region II Dredged Material Disposal Sites Exhibit 64 Region II Dredged Material Disposal Sites as of September 30,1990 Site Designation and Status Fire Island Inlet, NY Jones Island Inlet, NY East Rockaway Inlet, NY Rockaway Inlet, NY Shark River Inlet, NY Manasquan Inlet, NY Absecon Inlet, NJ Cold Spring Inlet, NJ Mud Dump Site, NY Yabucoa Harbor, PR Ponce Harbor, PR Mayaguez Harbor, PR Arecibo, PR San Juan, PR Designated on a final basis Designated on a final basis Designated on a final basis Designated on a final basis Designated on a final basis Designated on a final basis Designated on a final basis Designated on a final basis Designated on a final basis Designated on a final basis Designated on a final basis Designated on a final basis Designated on a final basis Designated on a final basis East Rockaway Inlet Jones Island Inlet Fire Island Inlet Mud Dump Site t Manasquan Inlet Absecon Inlet Cold Spring Inlet Aredbo. San Juan Mayaguez &<;. PR' Ponce Yabucoa 19 ------- Chapter 3. Ocean Disposal of Dredged Material Exhibit 7A Region III Dredged Material Disposal Sites as of September 30,1990 Site Designation and Status Dam Neck, VA Designated on a final basis Exhibit 7B Location of Regon III Dredged Material Disposal Sites Washington, D.C.';'; Oam Neck 20 ------- Chapter 3. Ocean Disposal of Dredged Material Exhibit 8A Region IV Dredged Material Disposal Sites as of September 30,1990 Site Designation and Status Morehead City, NC Wilmington, NC Georgetown, SC Charleston, SC Charleston Harbor Deepening Project, SC Port Royal (North), SC Port Royal (South), SC Savannah, GA Brunswick, GA Fernandina Beach, FL Jacksonville, FL Canaveral Harbor, FL Fort Pierce Harbor, FL Palm Beach Harbor (East), FL Palm Beach Harbor (West), FL Port Everglades, FL Miami Beach, FL Key West, FL Charlotte Harbor, FL Tampa Site 4, FL Port St. Joe (North), FL Port St. Joe (South), FL Panama City, FL Pensacola, FL (Offshore Site) Pensacola, FL (Nearshore Site) Mobile, AL Pascagoula, MS Gulfport, MS (East) Gulfport, MS (West) Designated on a final basis Designated on a final basis Designated on a final basis Designated on a final basis Designated on a final basis Interim site Interim site Designated on a final basis Designated on a final basis Designated on a final basis Designated on a final basis Subject to proposed rulemaking to designate on a final basis Interim site Interim site Interim site Interim site Interim sites Subject to proposed rulemaking to dedesignate Interim site Final designation expired; considered for redesignation in a pending EIS Interim site Interim site Interim site Designated on a final basis Designated on a final basis Designated on a final basis Subject to proposed rulemaking to designate on a final basis Designated on a final basis Designated on a final basis ------- Chapter 3. Ocean Disposal of Dredged Material Exhibit 8B Location of Region IV Dredged Material Disposal Sites Wilmington Port Royal Savannah Brunswick Fernandina Beech Jacksonville Morehead City Charleston Charleston Harbor Deepening Project Gulfport, East Gulfport, West Pascagoula Mobile Pensacola Pensacola! Offshore Panama City Port St. Joe North Port St. Joe South 'J« Canaveral Harbor Fort Pierce Harbor Palm Beach Harbor Port Everglades Miami Beach Key West 22 ------- Chapter 3. Ocean Disposal of Dredged Material Exhibit 9A Region VI Dredged Material Disposal Sites as of September 30,1990 Site Designation and Status Mississippi River (Gulf Outlet, LA) Mississippi River (South Pass, LA) Mississippi River (Southwest Pass, LA) Empire, LA Tiger Pass, LA (Venice) Barataria Bay, LA Bayou Lafourche, LA Houma Navigation Canal, LA Atchafalaya, LA Freshwater Bayou, LA Mermentau River Area A, LA Mermentau River Area B, LA Calcasieu River and Pass, Area 1 , LA Calcasieu River and Pass, Area 2, LA Calcasieu River and Pass, Area 3, LA Sabine-Neches Site 1 , TX Sabine-Neches Site 2, TX Sabine-Neches Site 3, TX Sabine-Neches Site 4, TX Galveston, TX Freeport Harbor, TX (45-ft Project New Work) Freeport Harbor, TX (45-ft Project Maintenance) Corpus Christ! Ship Channel, TX Port Aransas, TX (Homeport) Matagorda Ship Channel, TX Port Mansfield Channel, TX Brazos Island Harbor, TX Designated on a final basis Interim site Designated on a final basis Interim site Interim site Designated on a final basis Interim site Designated on a final basis Interim site Interim site Interim site Interim site Designated on a final basis Designated on a final basis Designated on a final basis Designated on a final basis Designated on a final basis Designated on a final basis Designated on a final basis Designated on a final basis Designated on a final basis Designated on a final basis Designated on a final basis Designated on a final basis Designated on a final basis Designated on a final basis Designated on a final basis 23 ------- Chapter 3. Ocean Disposal of Dredged Material Exhibit 9B Location of Region VI Dredged Material Disposal Sites % Freeport Harbor T 45-ft. Project Freeport Harbor Matagorda A Ship Channel \ Homeport Project Corpus Christ! Port Mansfield Mississippi River Gulf Outlet Brazos Island Harbor Empire Mississippi River South Pass * Mississippi River Southwest Pass Tiger Pass Barataria Bay Bayou Lafourche Houma Atchafalaya Freshwater Bayou Mermentau River Calcasieu River Sabine-Neches 24 ------- Chapter 3. Ocean Disposal of Dredged Material Exhibit 1OA Region IX Dredged Material Disposal Sites as of September 30,1990 Site Designation and Status Crescent City, CA Humboldt Entrance Channel (SF-3), CA Noyo River, CA San Francisco Channel Bar, CA Port Hueneme, CA LA 2, CA (Long Beach) Newport Beach, CA LA 4, CA (Point Loma) LA 5, CA (San Diego 100-Fathom Site) Nawiliwili, HI Port Allen, HI South Oahu, HI Kahului, HI Hilo, HI Guam-Apra Harbor Interim site Interim designation expired [EPA anticipates future rulemaking to designate a replacement site.] Interim site Designated on a final basis Interim site Interim designation expired; subject to proposed rulemaking to designate on a final basis Interim site Interim designation expired; subject to proposed rulemaking to dedesignate Interim designation expired; subject to proposed rulemaking to designate on a final basis Designated on a final basis Designated on a final basis Designated on a final basis Designated on a final basis Designated on a final basis Interim site 25 ------- Chapter 3. Ocean Disposal of Dredged Material Exhibit 10B Location of Region IX Dredged Material Disposal Sites Crescent City , Humboldt Entrance Channel / Nawiliwili 1 Port Allen South Oahu HI Noyo River $£.;; San FranciscoiW:. Channel Bar &L'.'' if.' San Francisco Port Hueneme* Long Beach Newport Beach , Kahului San Diego Point Loma San Diego' 100-Fathom Quam-Apra Harbor 26 ------- Chapter 3. Ocean Disposal of Dredged Material Exhibit 11A Region X Dredged Material Dispoal Sites as of September 30,1990 Site Designation and Status Nome, AK (East Site) Nome, AK (West Site) Grays Harbor, WA (Southwest Navigation Site) Grays Harbor, WA (Eight Mile Site) Willapa Bay, WA Mouth of the Columbia River (Site A) Mouth of the Columbia River (Site B) Mouth of the Columbia River (Site E) Mouth of the Columbia River (Site F) Tillamook Bay, OR Yaquina Bay, OR Siuslaw River Entrance, OR Umpqua River Entrance, OR Coos Bay (Site E), OR Coos Bay (Site F), OR Coos Bay (Site H), OR Coquille River Entrance, OR Port Orford, OR Rogue River Entrance, OR Chetco River Entrance, OR Designated on a final basis Designated on a final basis Designated on a final basis Designated on a final basis Interim site Designated on a final basis Designated on a final basis Designated on a final basis Designated on a final basis Interim site Interim site Interim site Interim site Designated on a final basis Designated on a final basis Designated on a final basis Designated on a final basis Interim site Interim site Subject to proposed rulemaking to designate on a final basis 27 ------- Chapter 3. Ocean Disposal of Dredged Material Nome Exhibit 11B Location of Region X Dredged Material Disposal Sites Grays Harbor (Southwest) ^ Grays Harbor (8-Mile Site) c *"" Willapa Bay Mouth of Columbia River Tiliamook Bay :,*. , Yaquina Bay J'.N. '. Siuslaw River Umpqua River ~'-'-' Coos Bay, Coquille River Port Orford Rogue River Chetco River ------- Chapters. Ocean Disposal of Dredged Material Exhibit 12 Summary of EPA's Monitoring Activities at Dredged Material Disposal Sites Number of Surveys Region I II III IV VI IX X Number ot Sites 3 14 1 29 28 15 20 Number of Sites Visited3 1 Ib 2C 14 1 1 7 7987 0 0 3 16 0 0 0 1988 0 0 4 14 1 0 3 1989 1 1 4 6 0 1 4d 7990 3 0 0 5 0 3 4 a Number of sites in Region visited between 1987-FY1990. b Single Region II site listed was a survey to the candidate sites for the alternate Mud Dump. c Second Region III site listed was a survey to a candidate site off Norfolk, VA. " Two sites not included in this tally were interim sites in December 1989 (see Exhibit 4, p. 17). These sites now have Section 404 status, and thus are no longer regulated under MPRSA. They are not shown on Exhibit 10B, p.26. 29 ------- Chapter 4. Ocean Disposal of Municipal Sewage Sludge Chapter 4. Ocean Disposal of Municipal Sewage Sludge 30 Overview of Sludge Disposal Activities In 1987, over 8.4 million wet tons of sludge were dumped in the ocean: 47 percent at the former 12-Mile Sewage Sludge Dump Site (12-Mile Site) and 53 percent at the 106-Mile Deepwater Munici- pal Sludge Dump Site (DMSDS or 106-Mile Site). The former 12-Mile Site, located in the New York Bight Apex, 12 nautical miles from Sandy Hook, New Jersey, was used for disposal of municipal sewage sludge from 1924-1987. Exhibit 13 shows the location of the 12- Mile Site and the 106-Mile Deepwater Municipal Sludge Dump Site. Exhibit 14 lists the nine sewerage authorities ocean dumping sewage sludge and the quantities each dumped from 1987 through 1990. Exhibit 15 shows the volumes of sewage sludge and other wastes dumped in U.S. waters from 1973 to 1989. The 106-Mile Site, located approximately 120 nautical miles southeast of Ambrose Light, New York, and 115 nautical miles from Atlantic City, New Jersey, was designated in 1984 (see Exhibit 13). Subsequently, in April 1985, EPA denied requests from the dumpers, for re-designation of the 12- mile site. Thereafter, the Agency and the sludge dumpers negotiated a phase- out of dumping at the 12- Mile Site. Sewage sludge dumping began at the 106- Mile Site in March 1986 and use of the 12-Mile Site was phased out in December 1987. Although the number of municipal sewage sludge dumpers has decreased since the passage of MPRSA, the volume of sludge dumped increased annually from 1973 to 1988, primarily due to the upgrading of wastewater treatment plants and an increase in service area population (see Exhibit 14). Dedesignation of Ocean Dumping Sites During the reporting period 1987 through 1990, EPA has taken action to dedesignate ------- Chapter 4. Ocean Disposal of Municipal Sewage Sludge or remove expired, un- needed, or terminated sites. This dedesignation activity, as specified in the Federal Register 55 FR 3688, resulted in three former sewage sludge sites being removed from the list. Two of the sewage sludge sites were in the New York Bight and one was off the coast of Delaware and Maryland. Appendix A lists the sites dedesignated during this reporting period. Resolution of NY/NJ Dumping Case In August 1989, EPA success- fully completed negotiations for judicial consent decrees and enforcement agreements with nine New York and New Jersey municipal sewerage authorities as required by ODBA. The municipal authorities have developed schedules for phasing out their ocean dumping, which EPA and the two states have accepted. This concluded nine years of ocean dumping by these communities under a court order, without EPA permits. The history of the New York/New Jersey communi- ties' ocean dumping predates EPA's existence by almost 50 years. Highlights are as follows: In 1924, New York City began dumping its municipal sewage sludge 12 ntni outside New York Harbor, now known as the 12-Mile Site. During the next five decades, numerous communities in the New York/New Jersey area dumped their sewage sludge at this site until, at one point, 200 communities were using the site. From 1973 until 1981, EPA issued MPRSA permits for dumping at the 12-Mile Site, first under an interim, then a final site designation. The permits expired in December 1981. At that time, only nine municipal sewerage authori- ties held permits which EPA declined to renew. The dumpers sued EPA over its refusal to renew the permits and won court orders to continue dumping. As a result, from December 31, 1981, through August 14, 1989, the nine NY/NJ communities continued to dump their sewage sludge at the 12-Mile Site and, after 1987, at the 106-Mile Site, under court orders. EPA was negotiating new permits with the nine municipal sewerage authorities under MPRSA, including assess- ment of land-based sludge management alternatives, when ODBA became law, and negotiations shifted to meet its requirements. These were satisfactorily completed August 14,1989. According to their enforce- ment agreements, the New York/New Jersey sewerage authorities will adhere to the following schedules: The six New Jersey authorities stopped ocean disposal by March 17,1991, in accordance with state law. The Nassau County Department of Public Works and the Westchester County Department of Environ- mental Facilities plan to stop ocean disposal by December 31,1991. The New York City Department of Environ- mental Protection plans to phase-out ocean disposal by June 30, 1992, with initial phase- out of 20 percent by December 31,1991. The phase-out date for New York City reflects the amount of construction needed for dewatering facilities. As required by ODBA, the schedules contain key milestone dates for imple- menting alternatives to ocean dumping. These include interim disposal measures as necessary, reporting require- ments for monitoring implementation progress, and provisions for payment of ocean dumping fees and penalties. In addition, the sewerage authorities agreed to pay stipulated penalties for violations of their agree- ments. EPA Technical Transfer Efforts EPA is providing technical transfer opportunities to assist the New York and 31 ------- Chapter 4. Ocean Disposal of Municipal Sewage Sludge Exhibit 13 Locations of the 12-Mile Site and the 106-Mile Deepwater Municipal Sludge Dump Site 106-Mile Deepwater * Municipal Sludge Dump Site ATLANTIC OCEAN 32 ------- Chapter 4. Ocean Disposal of Municipal Sewage Sludge Exhibit 14 Sewage Sludge Dumped 1987 - FY 1990 Quantities in Thousand Wet Tons Sewerage Authorities Bergen County Utilities Authority, NJ Joint Meeting of Essex and Union Counties, NJ Linden Roselle Sewerage Authority, NJ Middlesex County Utilities Authority, NJ Nassau County Department of Public Works, NY New York City Department of Environmental Protection, NY Passaic Valley Sewerage Commissioners, NJ Rahway Valley Sewerage Authority, NJ Westchester County Department of Environmental Facilities, NY 1987a 12-Mile Site 424 190 70 809 0 1913 503 69 0 1987a 106-Mile Site 183 76 24 174 811 1947 709 29 494 1988 106-Mile Site 423 308 74 997 873 4041 1355 129 544 1989 106-Mile Site 299 226 48 1005 897 3952 1622 130 490 FY1990 106-Mile Site 294 248 90 1300 917 4600 1840 139 480 TOTALS 3978 4447 8744 8669 9908 a Sludge disposal at the 1 2-Mile Site ended on December 31 , 1 987. 33 ------- Chapter 4. Ocean Disposal of Municipal Sewage Sludge Exhibit 15 Volumes of Sewage Sludge and Other Wastes Dumped in U.S. Waters 1973 -1989 f| Sewage Sludge Other Wastes 9 - 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982- 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 Year For the purpose of this graphic, "Other Wastes" refers to industrial waste, fish waste, construction debris, and wood. Dumping of industrial ivaste ceased in 1988. 34 ------- Chapter 4. Ocean Disposal of Municipal Sewage Sludge New Jersey sewerage authorities affected by ODBA. In November 1989, EPA hosted a two-day roundtable meeting on implementing land-based alternatives. Officials from sewerage authorities that had already made the transition from ocean to land disposal shared their experiences with those from New York and New Jersey. The proceedings of this meeting are included in the EPA Sludge Recycling Alternatives Report to Congress (EPA, 1989d). In September 1990, EPA hosted a second meeting to assist the New York and New Jersey sewage authori- ties. The two major themes for the meeting were remov- ing barriers to beneficial use projects (e.g., understanding perceived risks, and improv- ing communication with the public) and implementing beneficial use projects (e.g., selecting a beneficial use technology, and developing markets for sludge products). The conference was designed to provide information for sewerage authorities, environmental groups, financial institutions, consult- ing engineers, and other interested parties. At the conclusion of the meeting, considerable interest was shown in holding a third meeting in late 1991 to provide a status report on the land-based sludge manage- ment plans. The meeting, "Pursuing Beneficial Users of Sludge", was designed to promote the beneficial use of municipal sewage sludge. Reports to Congress EPA released its first annual report, Progress in Stopping Ocean Dumping (EPA, 1989e), in December 1989. It describes the progress the sewerage authorities have made in selecting interim and long-term land-based sludge-management alterna- tives. In 1990, EPA also published the following Reports to Congress, as required by ODBA: Surveillance and Enforcement of Sewage Sludge Dumping (EPA, 19890; Ocean Disposal Moni- toring Programs in Response to the Ocean Dumping Ban Act (EPA, 1990a-c); and Sludge Recycling Alternatives (EPA, 1989d). Site Monitoring and Management Since dumping began at the 106-Mile Site, EPA has implemented a monitoring plan (EPA, 1988g). The plan addressed compliance with disposal requirements and the fate and effects of sludge dumped at the 106-Mile Site. EPA's monitoring plan considers the characteristics of both the dump site and the sludge to predict possible impacts of the sludge. Ocean Dumping Workshop In March 1989, EPA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) held a workshop to address public concerns about dumping sewage sludge at the 106- Mile Site. In addition to government officials, scien- tists, fishermen, policy experts, representatives of the sludge dumpers, and representatives of environ- mental interest groups discussed changes needed to the existing monitoring plans and the development of a strategy for future research, monitoring, and surveillance. EPA published the results of that workshop in Proceed- ings of the Ocean Dumping Workshop, 106-Mile Site (EPA, 1989c). EPA, NOAA, and USCG Joint Strategy Using the workshop's results, EPA, NOAA, and the USCG are currently imple- menting a joint strategy for monitoring effects of munici- pal sludge disposal at the 106-Mile Site. The three agencies signed a Memoran- dum of Understanding (MOU) in April 1990 defin- ing the roles of each and completed a joint revised monitoring, research, and surveillance plan in Decem- ber 1990 (EPA 1990b) that supersedes all previous plans. The new plan uses the same set of baseline data 35 ------- Chapter 4. Ocean Disposal of Municipal Sewage Sludge developed by EPA's existing plan and builds upon monitoring data already collected. The areas of potential impacts were based upon the following considerations from the ocean dumping regulations: Impingement of sludge onto shorelines; Movement of sludge into marine sanctuaries, shellfishery, or fishery areas; Effects of sludge on commercial fisheries; Accumulation of sludge constituents in biota; Progressive changes in water quality because of sludge; Progressive changes in sediment composition because of sludge; Impacts on endangered species as a result of the sludge; and Progressive changes in pelagic, demersal, or benthic biological communities as a result of the sludge. The plan contains a four- tiered strategy to monitor sludge disposal at the 106- Mile Site. Information on the potential impacts in the site and in the vicinity of the site was collected as follows: Tier 1. Sludge characteristics and disposal operations Tier 2. Nearfield fate and short-term effects TiCT-3.Farfieldfate Tier 4. Long-term effects Monitoring activities have centered on Tiers 1,2, and 3. Studies of long-term effects (Tier 4) have only recently been conducted, and rely upon evaluations of the results from the other tiers to combine sludge fate data with effects studies. Under Tier 1 activities, EPA studied sludge characteristics from each of the dumpers to determine chemical composi- tion and toxicity. This information, combined with Tier 2 data, was used to determine acceptable dumping rates. In Tier 2, EPA studied the short-term behavior of the sludge plumes, nearfield transport, and short-term effects of the sludge in the site and its immediate vicinity. This information was used to determine how sludge plumes dispersed and moved through the waters of and near the site. These data were combined with Tier 1 data to set appropriate limits on dumping rates to meet ocean dumping criteria. Tier 3 includes studying the direction and rate of trans- port of sludge dumped at the site, the areal extent of sludge concentrations outside the site, and the physical and chemical fate of the sludge. This information was and is being used to develop additional Tier 3 and Tier 4 studies. Tier 3 activities include water sampling, the use of current meters, satellite-tracked drifters, and satellite imagery. The satellite-tracked drifters deployed at the site have all shown trajectories that do not move onto the Continental Shelf, but eventually enter the Gulf Stream and move toward the Northeast. (See Exhibit 16.) A stationary current meter and meteorological station buoy, which transmit real- time current and meteoro- logical data by satellite to EPA, have been placed near the site. This information is used to monitor currents, sea states, and weather condi- tions. In 1990, based on Tier 3 data, sediment traps were de- ployed near the site to collect particles falling to the sea floor. This data will provide evidence of the potential for sludge to reach the sea floor in various locations around the site. Discharge Rates When EPA moved sludge disposal operations from the 12-Mile Site to the 106-Mile Site, the discharge rates of 15,500 gallons per minute (gpm) established for the 12- Mile Site remained in effect until the scientific basis for ------- Chapter 4. Ocean Disposal of Municipal Sewage Sludge Exhibit 16 Buoy Trajectories of 29 Satellite-Tracked Buoys Released in the 106-Mile Site (October 1989 to August 1990) Continental Snalf Brtak (200-m isobath) 74 72 70 68 66 64 62 60 58 Degrees West Longitude 56 37 ------- Chapter 4. Ocean Disposal of Municipal Sewage Sludge 38 new ones could be estab- lished. Since 1986, when sewerage authorities first began using the DMSDS, EPA has conducted semi- annual surveys at the site to determine the fate and effect of the sludge being dumped. In addition to field observa- tions of sludge plume behavior, analyses of the waste have been performed on sludge samples collected both at the site and at the individual treatment plants. EPA has used this data to reduce discharge rates to meet the requirements of the ocean dumping regulations. As a result, discharge rates were reduced from 15,500 gpm to rates ranging from 145 gpm to 8,719 gpm, depending upon particular characteristics of the sludge being dumped. In addition, as a condition of the permits, the permittees are required to submit sludge characteriza- tion data monthly, quarterly, and semi-annually. Based on EPA's evaluation of this data, EPA then may revise the discharge rates on a quarterly basis. Surveillance and Enforcement Activities Under MPRSA, enforcement of permit conditions is a joint responsibility of EPA and the Coast Guard, with the Coast Guard responsible for surveillance. Permit Terms To ensure that authorized ocean dumping of sewage sludge is performed prop- erly, the new special ocean dumping permits require that each vessel (1) be accompanied by an EPA- approved, independent ship rider; (2) be equipped with an Ocean Dumping Surveil- lance System (ODSS) unit; and (3) comply with the conditions of EPA's Sludge Manifest and Tracking System program. ODSS The ODSS is an electronic surveillance system that has been developed, installed, and operated by the U.S. Coast Guard. It is designed to identify the location of each of the 13 EPA-autho- rized ocean dumping vessels. ODSS also relays information about when and where the barges are dumping the sludge to assure that dump- ing occurs in the designated 106-Mile Site. ODSS com- prises three main compo- nents: (1) the electronics package ("black box") that is installed on all 13 vessels; (2) the transducers or pressure sensors that measure changes in vessel draft; and (3) the base station located at Governors Island, New York, and the relay station located at Sandy Hook, New Jersey. The ODSS can provide real- time (near-instantaneous) coverage up to 20 nmi from the base station and 60 nmi from the relay station. When the vessels are outside communications range, the black box stores data on the vessel's location and dump status. SMTS Program To further enhance tracking and monitoring of sewage sludge, EPA developed and implemented the Sludge Manifest and Tracking System (SMTS) program. Its purpose is to prevent illegal dumping of sewage sludge in the harbor, rivers, and estuarine areas of New York and New Jersey. The SMTS program also protects against the surreptitious loading of toxic or banned substances along with the sewage sludge, and is designed to prevent or mitigate acciden- tal sludge spills. The SMTS program is described in detail in the EPA Surveillance and Enforcement of Sewage Sludge Dumping Report to Congress (EPA, 1989f). Enforcement Actions EPA inspectors and shipriders are required to notify the agency and/or the Coast Guard of permit violations so that EPA can initiate enforcement activities under MPRSA regulations. In July 1988, EPA issued administrative complaints against all nine ocean dumping sewerage authori- ties and their waste trans- porters for violating sludge disposal conditions from January to April 1988. Violations included discharg- ing sludge too quickly, ------- Chapter 4. Ocean Disposal of Municipal Sewage Sludge failing to comply with approved vessel tracking procedures during discharge, and filing incomplete reports. New York City Department of Environmental Protection (NYCDEP), Nassau County Department of Public Works (NCDPW), National Sea- trade, Inc., and the A&S Transportation Company have settled with EPA for a combined total of $107,000. The other authorities and waste transporters have agreed to settle, but these actions have yet to be completed. Based upon reports from EPA-approved inspectors, other administrative com- plaints have been issued for. sludge spills and other permit violations. A com- plaint against NYCDEP was issued in September 1989 and another against Westchester County Department of Environmental Facilities (WCDEF) in January 1990. Both authorities have responded to the complaints, but final settlements have yet to be reached. Following the last complaint against NYCDEP, the sewerage authority installed a videocamera system at its Wards Island dock to improve monitoring of vessels transferring sewage sludge. NYCDEP has also improved the efficiency of the high-level alarm sensors on its sludge barges. During monitoring activities at the 106-Mile Site, members of the scientific party aboard EPA's ocean survey vessel, the OSV PETER W. ANDER- SON, twice observed floatables in the sludge plume behind the barge Seatrader I, once during September 1988 and again in October 1989. During the first sighting, the barge was transporting sewage sludge from the Long Beach Waste- water Treatment Plant and NCDPW. Based upon this sighting and plant inspec- tions, EPA issued an admin- istrative complaint in December 1988. The City of Long Beach stopped ocean disposal of sewage sludge in 1989. During the second floatables sighting, the Seatrader I was transporting sewage sludge from Joint Meeting of Essex and Union Counties (JMEUC), Middlesex County Utilities Authority (MCUA), and NCDPW. Based on this sighting, EPA issued an administrative complaint in November 1989. EPA also issued an enforcement letter in November 1989 requiring the three authorities to establish a means for screen- ing each bargeload (prior to loading) of sewage sludge for floatables. The waste trans- porter and the authorities have responded to the complaint, but final settle- ments have yet to be reached. 39 ------- Chapter 5. Ocean Disposal of Industrial Wastes and Other Materials Chapter 5. Ocean Disposal of Industrial Wastes and Other Materials Industrial Wastes As a result of the passage of ODBA, dumping of indus- trial wastes into the ocean has stopped. In September 1988, the last dumper ceased activities. In February 1990, EPA eliminated 21 expired or unneeded ocean dumping sites. These sites had origi- nally been designated for industrial waste, sewage sludge, or similar types of material. Also in February 1990, EPA proposed to dedesignate the Gulf of Mexico Ocean Incineration Site and the Region II Acid Waste Site. A final rule should be in place in 1991. As shown in Exhibit 15, under MPRSA, between 1973 and 1986, the amount of industrial waste dumped into the ocean decreased steadily. In 1987-1988,82,000 wet tons of acid waste were dumped at the Acid Waste Site. In 1987,28,000 wet tons were dumped at the Deep- water Industrial Waste Site. The last dumper of industrial waste ceased disposal operations in September 1988. Since ODBA prohibits new dumpers from com- mencing disposal of indus- trial waste, the ocean dump- ing of industrial waste has effectively ended. During the period covered by this report, EPA has taken action to eliminate expired or unneeded ocean dumping sites. This action has in- cluded removing 15 sites originally designated for industrial wastes and similar types of material, as well as the proposed dedesignation of a site previously used for acid waste disposal. Final action on that proposed dedesignation took place in February 1991. The dedesig- nation of these sites is consistent with the dumping prohibitions established by ODBA. Appendix A lists the location of these sites. Since ODBA prohibits issuing new permits and no permits now exist, EPA has effectively ended ocean disposal of industrial waste. 40 ------- Chapter 5. Ocean Disposal of Industrial Wastes and Other Materials Burning of Wood and Dumping off Construction Debris EPA plans to phase out the Woodburning Site in the New York Bight by Decem- ber 31,1991, because of the availability of land-based alternatives. To date, EPA has issued permits for the burning of driftwood, wood pilings, and other wood debris removed from New York Harbor at this site. Quantities burned annually during this report- ing period were 1987,35,000 tons; 1988,32,000 tons; 1989, 25,000 tons; and 1990,12,000. EPA is currently considering the future status of the Cellar Dirt Site, also in the New York Bight, where construc- tion debris has been dumped. The last permit to use this site expired in November 1989. Incineration-at-Sea During the first part of this reporting period, EPA worked on research and operating programs needed to support development of the new regulations for ocean incineration that were proposed in 1985 [50 FR 8222 (Feb. 28,1985)]. However, in February 1988, EPA sus- pended work on the pro- gram for incineration-at-sea of liquid hazardous waste. By banning ocean dumping of industrial waste, ODBA effectively eliminated incineration-at-sea as well. Many of the methodologies and processes developed for the operational and research programs were never used during at-sea burns because of the program suspension. However, benefits were derived from the efforts. Research contributed to the development of over 50 state- of-the-art methods for ocean sampling and chemical analyses that can be applied to other marine and estuarine investigations, such as detecting oil or chemical spills and siting of sewage treatment plant outfalls. Research conducted under the incineration-at-sea program was based on a strategy that focused on the development of an updated environmental risk assess- ment of ocean incineration of liquid organohalogen wastes. The three major study areas and reports that EPA pre- pared for each are as follows: Development of meth- ods for sampling, analyzing, and deter- mining toxicity in marine organisms from incinerator emissions (EPA, 1985b; EPA, 1989a); Development of meth- ods for monitoring ocean incineration operations (EPA, 1987d- g); and Determination of potential impacts of ocean incineration activities (EPA, 1985b; EPA, 1989a). Additional work included development of a compre- hensive operating program (EPA, 1987a) that addressed the site-designation process (EPA, 1987b), permits for ocean incineration (EPA, 1987c;EPA,1988a),and management of specified areas or sites where incinera- tion could take place without endangering human health or the environment (EPA, 1986). The report, Ocean Incinera- tion Research Program: Background and Status (EPA, 1989h), gives the status of the work performed. It summarizes the develop- ment of the operating program and the progress made in EPA's research strategy. Site Designation EPA conducted several baseline and site designation surveys at potential and existing incineration sites (EPA, 1987h,i; EPA, 1988b-f) in this reporting period. In February 1990, the Agency proposed to dedesignate the Gulf Incineration Site in the Gulf of Mexico. This site, which is south of Galveston, Texas, was last used in 1982. This action was completed in 41 ------- Chapter 5. Ocean Disposal of Industrial Wastes and Other Materials February 1991. This site was designated in 1976, redesignated in 1982, and last used in 1982. No other sites are designated for incinera- tion-at-sea. Law Suits EPA won verdicts in two law suits during this reporting period involving applicants for permits for incineration- at-sea. The first, filed by Waste Management International (WMI) in 1986, challenged EPA's denial of a research permit to incinerate hazard- ous waste at sea to Chemical Waste Management (CWM), a WMI subsidiary. EPA argued that regulations governing ocean incineration should be in place before permits were issued, a position the court upheld (669F.Supp.536). The second, filed by Seaburn, Inc., followed EPA's 1988 suspension of work on the incineration-at-sea program. As a consequence of the suspension, the incineration- at-sea regulations were not completed, nor were permit applications reviewed. The company challenged such an indefinite suspension. EPA argued that ODBA, which became law during this suit, prohibited issuing new permits for the incineration of industrial waste at sea. Seaburn argued that ODBA covered only direct dumping of industrial wastes, not residues from incineration; the court, in April 1989, upheld EPA's interpretation (712 F. Supp. 218). Fish Wastes MPRSA does not require a permit for dumping unadul- terated fish wastes unless it occurs in harbors, other protected or enclosed coastal waters, or any location where the Administrator finds that the dumping could endanger human health, the environ- ment, or ecological systems. Region I permits offshore disposal of seafood wastes at four sites in Cape Cod Bay. Region II is also investigating possible designation of a site for fish wastes near Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. Offshore disposal of fish wastes also occurs in Regions III and IV. Region IV has asked fish waste dumpers in the Region to perform environmental monitoring of their waste sites, and some baseline work has been performed at sites at Cape Canaveral and St. Augustine, Florida. Between 1987 and 1990, Region IX issued permits under Section 102 of MPRSA to Star-Kist Samoa, Inc., and Samoa Packing Company, Inc., for the disposal of fish cannery wastes. The volumes disposed at this site during this reporting period were as follows: 26 million gallons in 1987; 10 million gallons in 1988; 11 million gallons in 1989; and 13 million gallons between January 1,1990, and September 30,1990. EPA designated the American Samoa Fish Cannery Waste Site in February 1990. The permits and site designation went into effect for three years on July 31,1990. 42 ------- Chapters. Monitoring Activities Conducted Aboard The CSV PETER W. ANDERSON Chapter 6. Monitoring Activities Conducted Aboard The OSV PETER W. ANDERSON About the OSV PETER W. ANDERSON The Ocean Survey Vessel (OSV) PETER W. ANDER- SON is EPA's primary survey vessel for ocean monitoring and site designa- tion field studies. Surveys aboard the ANDERSON are performed as part of EPA's overall strategy to determine appropriate locations for disposal of ocean-dumped materials and to monitor those materials once dis- posed into the ocean environ- ment. Information collected on surveys is used in Envi- ronmental Impact Statements (EIS), to modify permit conditions, or to support decisions to designate or expand designated disposal locations, such as determin- ing the location of a second disposal site for dredged sediments from Galveston Harbor, Texas. Specifications and Equipment The ANDERSON is equipped with three fully operational laboratories: a wet laboratory for biological sample processing, a chemis- try laboratory, and a microbi- ology laboratory. The ship also has a computer survey center where data manage- ment and survey overview operations are conducted. The ANDERSON is staffed by an operating crew of 15 and a scientific crew of up to 15. The operating crew (Captain, mates, engineers, and deck personnel) is supplied by MAR, Inc., of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, under contract to the Oceans and Coastal Protection Division of the Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds. The ANDERSON'S scientific crew is comprised of a Chief Scientist, who is responsible for the mission, and scientific staff made up of personnel from EPA Headquarters or Regional offices, personnel from other Federal agencies, EPA contractors, or univer- sity personnel. On-board survey equipment includes over-the-side sampling gear with shallow- and deep-water sampling capabilities, laboratory analytical equipment, an underwater videocamera system with taping capabili- ties, and a side-scan sonar system. The ANDERSON has on-board equipment to obtain samples from the water column; air-sea 43 ------- Chapters. Monitoring Activities Conducted Aboard The OSV PETER W. ANDERSON 44 interface; seafloor sediments; or surface, midwater, or bottom-dwelling organisms. Samples of dredged material, sewage sludge, or air can be collected aboard the ANDERSON. Since January 1987, signifi- cant new equipment has been added to the ANDER- SON. Included are a naviga- tion radar and plotter system; a data recorder and chart digitizer; a new salinometer for the chemistry laboratory; a new, automatic conductiv- ity-temperatu re-depth- dissolved oxygen (CTD/ DO) system, which electroni- cally obtains conductivity, temperature, depth, and dissolved oxygen readouts and transmits the data to the ship's computers; 1000 ft of side-scan sonar cable; a winch for the underwater videocamera system; a reverse osmosis desalinator; two personal computers for the computer survey center; International Marine Satellite (INMARSAT) capability to substantially improve ship- to-shore communications; and a Rigid Inflatable Boat to assist in diver operations and sample collections. Mission Highlights The ANDERSON is fully utilized, maintaining a full schedule throughout the year. In addition to those scientific surveys which collect data, other surveys are geared toward public outreach, marine environ- mental education, equipment demonstrations, and contract missions with the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard. Destina- tions for scientific surveys have included dredged material disposal sites, the 106-Mile Site, potential sites for incineration-at-sea, estuaries and other marine environments studied under EPA's Near Coastal Waters Program and National Estuary Program, and various United States harbors to investigate marine debris. After each trip, the mission Chief Scientist prepares and submits a report to the appropriate offices within EPA. Exhibit 17 shows the loca- tions of the scientific surveys and the EPA Regional offices responsible for them. The baseline surveys included studies for new dredged material disposal sites (DMDS) at Wilmington, North Carolina, and Charles- ton, South Carolina. These surveys involved collection of bottom sediments to accurately describe the character of the seafloor. Monitoring data collection surveys included missions to an existing DMDS near Norfolk/Dam Neck, Vir- ginia, to assess the quality of sediments removed from the approaches to Chesapeake Bay and deposited at the site. In addition, diver-serviced sediment traps were em- ployed at the Norfolk/Dam Neck DMDS to determine the character and volume of the sediments that may have been resuspended at the site by underwater currents and wave action. In 1987, the ANDERSON conducted 41 missions during 221 sea days. Of these, 33 missions were scientific surveys, such as baseline and monitoring data collection surveys, and surveys for equipment deployment, testing, calibra- tion, and recovery. The remaining eight missions were activities such as demonstration cruises for student groups, and two contract missions for the Navy. In 1988,42 missions were conducted during 231 sea days. Of these, 31 missions were scientific surveys (see Exhibit 17) and the remain- ing 11 missions were other activities. Highlights of the year included surveys to the 106-Mile Site to deploy and recover deepwater current meter arrays, and efforts to track the plume of the sludge as it left the disposal barge; detailed videocamera mapping of potential dredged material disposal sites at Charlotte Harbor/ Fort Myers, Florida; and studies in New York and Boston Harbors of floatable materials, such as plastic trash and medical wastes that often wash ashore on beaches, causing visual, esthetic, and public health concerns. One particularly interesting development during 1988 ------- Chapter 6. Monitoring Activities Conducted Aboard The OSV PETER W. ANDERSON was the testing and use of a sediment perturbation device developed with the Univer- sity of Georgia. This instru- mentation, which perturbates the sediment and provides real-time analysis of fine sediments for trace metals, was used to map sediment composition at dredged material disposal sites in Fort Myers/Charlotte Harbor, Tampa, Pensacola, and Cape Canaveral, Florida; Mobile, Alabama; and Charleston, South Carolina. Another accomplishment during 1988 was the final monitoring survey at the Tampa Harbor, Florida, Dredged Material Disposal Site. Disposal of dredged material from this project to widen and deepen the existing shipping channel to accommodate deeper draft phosphate ore freighters took place from May 1984 through October 1985, when the project was completed. Approximately 4 million cubic yards of material were deposited at the site, creating a substantial flat-topped mound. After disposal operations were finished, monitoring surveys showed heavy colonization of the mound by red and brown algae, sponges, tunicates, sea urchins, and arrow crabs. In addition, a diverse assembly of fish, including angelfish, grouper, jacks, snapper, and wrasses, was found in the habitat provided by the boulders of dredged material on the mound. The dredged material provided ample surfaces for colonization by numerous sessile organisms, as well as considerable habitat and protective cover for teleosts (bony fishes) and motile invertebrates. In 1989,40 missions were conducted during 197 sea days. Of these, 29 were scientific surveys (see Exhibit 17) and 11 were other activities that included an educational survey for students of the University of Rhode Island, a demonstra- tion survey in support of the National Estuary Program, and one contract mission for the Navy. The scientific surveys conducted during 1989 included two trips to the 106- Mile Site to monitor ocean dumping of sewage sludge. With the aid of the ANDER- SON, new data about the prevalence of floatable marine debris were collected during EPA's Harbor Studies Program. Harbor study surveys were conducted with the ANDERSON in New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Norfolk, and Miami. Additional studies were conducted in Houston, Seattle, Tacoma, San Fran- cisco, and Oakland using contract vessels, The data are being used to characterize and determine the sources of floatable debris in the U.S. This data was used in the development of a Report to Congress (EPA, 1990d) and is further described in EPA, 1990e. Other highlights of 1989 included side scan sonar surveys of dredged material disposal sites in Regions I, H, El, and IV, and support of the Coast Guard's cleanup operations after an oil spill in the Delaware River in June 1989. In 1990,37 missions were conducted during 203 sea days. Of these, 24 missions were scientific surveys (see Exhibit 17) and the remain- ing 13 missions involved other activities. These activities included public outreach programs in Washington, DC, Annapolis, Maryland, Boston, Massa- chusetts, as well as the Earth Day celebrations cited below. In addition, the ANDERSON participated in demonstra- tion surveys for three school and university groups during 1990. Highlights for the year for scientific surveys in- cluded dredged material disposal site investigations at Cape Arundel and Casco Bay, Maine, Pensacola and Ft. Pierce, Florida, and Charleston, South Carolina. The major highlight for the year were the ANDERSON'S activities in support of Earth Day 1990. The ship partici- pated in public open houses in Norfolk, Virginia, Jackson- ville, Florida, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Annapo- lis, Maryland. Over 4000 45 ------- Chapter 6. Monitoring Activities Conducted Aboard The OSV PETER W. ANDERSON Exhibit 17 Surveys Conducted by the OSV PETER W. ANDERSON, 1987 - FY 1990 Site Number of Surveys 1987 1988 1989 FY1990 Region 1 Cape Arundel Disposal Site, ME Massachusetts Bay Disposal Site, MA Narragansett Bay, Rl Rhode Island Sound, Rl Providence River, Rl Boston Harbor, MA Massachusetts Bay, MA Buzzards Bay, MA Georges Bank Casco Bay, ME 1 1 2 1 1 2 1 1 1a 1 1 1 1 4 1 la 1 2 1 Region II 106-Mile Site Mud Dump/Alternate Mud Dump Site, NY Bight 106-Mile Deepwater Industrial Waste Disposal Site Long Island Sound, NY New York Harbor, NY Continental Shelf Edge Cape May, NJ 1 2 1 1 1 1 3 1 2 1 1a 4 2 1 1 2a 4 Region III Dam Neck Ocean Disposal Site, VA Ocean City, MD Bethany Beach, DE Delaware Inlet, DE Philadelphia, PA Baltimore, MD Norfolk, VA Chesapeake Bay, MD NJ/DE/MD/VA Near Coastal Waters Delaware Bay, DE 1 1 1 1 1 1a 2a 1 1a 1a 1a 4 1 46 ------- Chapter 6. Monitoring Activities Conducted Aboard The OSV PETER W. ANDERSON Exhibit 17 continued Surveys Conducted by the OSV PETER W. ANDERSON, 1987 - FY 1990 Site Number of Surveys 1987 1988 1989 FY 1990 Region IV Fort Pierce, FL Wilmington, NC Charleston, SC Fernandina Beach, FL Canaveral, FL Charlotte Harbor, FL Tampa, FL Pensacola, FL Mobile, AL Pascagoula, MS Fort Meyers, FL Boca Raton. FL Miami, FL Straights of Florida Southeast Atlantic Coast Savannah, GA 1 1 1 1 4 2 2 1 1a 1a 1 2 2 3 2 1 1 1 Region VI Galveston, TX Gulf Incineration Site Coastal Louisiana TOTAL SURVEYS Other Activities TOTAL MISSIONS 1a 33 8 41 1 31 11 42 2 2 2 1a 29 11 40 1 3 1 1 1a 1a 1 24 13 37 a These surveys were conducted by EPA Headquarters 47 ------- Chapter 6. Monitoring Activities Conducted Aboard The OSV PETER W. ANDERSON persons toured the vessel during those four port calls, and considerable interest was expressed by the visitors on how they could assist in environmental protection efforts. In addition, the Office of Water produced a com- memorative poster for Earth Day that was given to all visitors to the ANDERSON. Management Decisions EPA uses data and informa- tion collected during OSV ANDERSON surveys as a basis for making environ- mental management deci- sions. The following are examples of decisions made during this reporting period, and the role the ANDERSON played in making them. EPA studies aboard the ANDERSON led directly to the designa- tion of the Tampa, Florida, dredged material disposal site. In addition, data collected on the ANDERSON after the dumping operations showed conclusively that the dredged material was contained within the designated site. Surveys using the ANDERSON gathered direct evidence of the need for a second dredged material disposal site offshore of Norfolk, Virginia. Videocamera data gathered on the ANDERSON identified an appropriate location for the Boca Raton, Florida, dredged material disposal site. This site was chosen to avoid impacting two inshore coral reefs. Data collected aboard the ANDERSON in 1988 were used to select a second site for dis- posal of dredged sediments from Galveston Harbor, Texas. Data collected during ANDERSON surveys to the 106-Mile Site have provided considerable insight into dispersal patterns of dumped sludge. This informa- tion was used to determine appropriate disposal rates for the sewage sludge and to establish permit condi- tions for the sewerage authorities. Observa- tions made during these surveys resulted in enforcement actions against dumpers for permit violations. Information gathered using the ANDERSON near sewage effluents in Massachusetts Bay demonstrated where outfall contaminants accumulated, how the Bay currents directed the effluent depositions, and an appropriate location to place a new sewage outfall pipe. Data on the prevalence of marine debris, collected with the aid of the ANDERSON as part of EPA's Harbor Studies Program, led EPA to focus on the release of plastic pellets into the marine environment, and to further investi- gate combined sewer overflows (CSO) and sewers as sources of marine debris; in addition, substantial insight into the origin of much of the marine debris, medical waste, and floatables found in estuarine, coastal, and offshore waters has been gathered with the use of the ANDERSON. Winter flounder collec- tion studies conducted by the ANDERSON at Georges Bank have provided a baseline of data on uncontaminated fish tissues for comparison with tissues of flounder caught in inshore areas. These studies provide significant information about safe levels for consumption of winter flounder. Data collected using the ANDERSON, during Near Coastal Waters 48 ------- Chapter 6. Monitoring Activities Conducted Aboard The OSV PETER W. ANDERSON surveys in the Mid- Atlantic Bight, have been used to establish NPDES permit limita- tions for nutrients and bacterial loadings for Ocean City, Maryland, and Bethany Beach, Delaware. During the June 1989 oil spill in the Delaware Bay, the ANDERSON responded quickly to the Coast Guard's request for assistance and was used to deter- mine the extent and location of the spilled oil. The location of a dredged material dumpsite in Charleston, SC, was changed to protect newly-found live-bottom communi- ties. Public Education Activities Each year, the ANDERSON holds a number of public open houses. During this reporting period, environ- mental education events were held in Boston, Massa- chusetts, for Region I; New York City for Region II; in Annapolis, Maryland, for Region III; and in Washing- ton, DC, for Headquarters operations. The open houses are popular with both the ANDERSON'S crew and the public because they give the crew a chance to explain the ship's mission. They also provide visitors with a rare view of the complex and involved equipment and operations of the vessel. The ANDERSON partici- pated in the initiation of a public-private liaison with WJLA, Channel 7, in Wash- ington, DC, to develop the first of two proposed video- tapes on the theme of pollution prevention, and how the public can assist in that effort. The first video- tape, approximately 8 minutes in length, is ad- dressed to school children from 9 to 17 years of age, and has been completed. As was mentioned earlier, the ANDERSON also participated in several major events during the Earth Day 1990 celebrations. During public open houses for outreach events in Norfolk, Virginia, Jacksonville, Florida, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Annapo- lis, Maryland, many visitors toured the ship, including the Mayors of Norfolk and Jacksonville, and the Gover- nor of the State of Florida. 49 ------- Chapter 7. EPA's Marine Protection Programs and Policy Chapter 7. EPA's Marine Protection Programs and Policy In conjunction with activities under MPRSA, EPA's activities include implemen- tation of a number of pro- grams and policies that focus on protection of the nation's estuaries, coastal waters, and oceans. The following are some of the activities that relate to MPRSA: EPA's National Coastal and Marine Policy EPA's National Coastal and Marine Policy (NCMP), which EPA developed and published in 1989, states that EPA, with the help of other Federal agencies, the States, localities and the general public, will protect, restore, and maintain the nation's coastal and marine waters to protect human health and sustain living resources. EPA's NCMP specifies five goals: Goal 1: Recover full recre- ational use of shores, beaches, and water by reducing sources of bacterial and other contamination, plastics, floatables, and debris; Goal 2: Restore the Nation's shellfisheries and saltwater fisheries and protect marine mammals and living re- sources by controlling pollution and causes of habitat degradation and loss; Goal 3: Minimize use of coastal and marine waters for waste disposal by strictly limiting ocean dumping, tightening controls on land- based sources, and establish- ing aggressive programs to reduce the amount of waste generated by our society; Goal 4: Increase understand- ing of the effects of pollution on complex coastal and marine ecosystems by expanding scientific research and monitoring programs and developing new technol- ogy; Goal 5: Provide leadership by the United States to protect the world's oceans by aggressively promoting international efforts to stop pollution and protect critical marine habitats and living resources. 50 ------- Chapter 7. EPA's Marine Protection Programs and Policy The National Estuary Program Congress established the National Estuary Program (NEP) precisely to address the goals of the NCMP. Under the Clean Water Act, the program shows how estuaries (and other ecosys- tems) can be protected and their living resources en- hanced through comprehen- sive, action-oriented manage- ment that: Identifies the probable causes of major envi- ronmental problems in estuaries of national significance; Promotes and sustains long-term state and local commitment to solving problems; Generates meaningful public involvement and participation; Focuses existing regula- tory, institutional, and financial resources to act on identified prob- lems; and Encourages innovative management ap- proaches. Seventeen estuaries are participating in the National Estuary Program. Marino Debris Activitios The presence in the marine environment of floating debris from anthropogenic sources has resulted in considerable public attention and concern. Marine debris is harmful to fish and wildlife through ingestion and entanglement, poses a risk to human health, and is eco- nomically and aesthetically damaging to beach commu- nities. Sources contributing to this problem can include land-based facilities for handling solid waste; beach use; Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs); domestic and industrial wastewater and stormwater systems; urban runoff; and commer- cial, recreational, and military vessels. In response to domestic and international concerns about floatable debris, EPA con- ducted a series of studies in eleven major coastal cities to characterize this debris and its sources. EPA is develop- ing a national marine debris program strategy which will focus on source identification and control, public education and pollution prevention. EPA has collected and quantified debris exiting several CSO's and storm sewers, and is working with the plastics industry and the public to control the release of debris to the waters of the U.S. This national strategy should be available in late 1991 for public review. Noar Coastal Wators Program In 1986, at the request of the EPA Administrator, the Office of Water began a long- range Strategic Planning Initiative to address the problems of increasing degradation of the nation's near coastal waters (NCWs). The pressures exerted on the nearshore waters from growing populations, nonpoint source runoff, industrial and municipal discharges, and assorted waste disposal activities are increasing and must be evaluated and addressed. The Near Coastal Waters Program is part of a long- range initiative by the Agency to restore and protect the water quality and natural resources of the nation's coastal areas. The Office of Water is working with other Federal agencies, coastal states, and EPA Regional personnel to design and implement a wide range of activities to achieve this goal. The NCW Program was initiated as part of EPA's first strategic planning process in 1986 with the intention of improving the Agency's management of near coastal water environmental quality and identifying ways to improve coordination with other federal, state, and local offices with responsibilities for coastal programs. The major activities at present are the Pilot Project Program, the Near Coastal Waters Assessment, Technol- ogy Transfer activities, and Coordination Strategies. (1) Pilot Project Program. NCW pilot projects are joint EPA-State efforts that 51 ------- Chapter 7. EPA's Marine Protection Programs and Policy address environmental problems in selected near coastal waters. Their purpose is to demonstrate innovative management actions that can be applied in other areas of the country. Some pilot projects include a Decision Making Information System for Delaware's Inland Bays, Oregon Coastal Resource Action Plan, and Perdido Bay Cooperative Management Project. (2) Near Coastal Waters Assessment. The goal of the Near Coastal Waters Assess- ment Project is to identify near coastal waters needing management attention. To do this, EPA is working with other Federal and state agencies. Current activities include Federal-State infor- mation exchanges, Regional Near Coastal Assessment Reports, Classifications of estuaries accordingly to their relative susceptibility to nutrient and toxic pollutants, and a Federal Data Base Inventory. (3) Technology Transfer Activities. Together with other programs in the Office of Water, the NCW Program has established a network of Federal, regional, and state water quality experts, scientists, public interest representatives, and industry representatives to provide a forum for information exchange. Some of the products that have resulted from these activities are "The National Estuary Program 52 Primer", "Saving Bays and Estuaries: A Handbook of Tactics", and "Financing Marine and Estuarine Programs: A Guide to Resources". (4) Coordination Strategies. The authority to control pollut- ants and conduct research in near coastal waters may be located within several different Headquarters and Regional program offices. In order to coordinate Agency activities and to assure consideration of the special needs of sensitive near coastal waters, the NCW Program is working with those offices to incorporate more protective actions in the Agency's guidance and policy documents. Gulf of Mexico Program In 1988, EPA Regions IV and VI initiated the Gulf of Mexico Program. Its major purpose is to develop a comprehensive strategy to protect and enhance the environmental quality of the Gulf of Mexico. It was created as an intergovernmental response to signs of increasing envi- ronmental degradation that are becoming pervasive throughout the Gulf system. Over 16 Federal and 19 State agencies are currently working together on the program. During its first year, the Gulf of Mexico Program was able to identify key issues and begin building consensus on the issues that need to be addressed to protect the Gulf's long-term health and productivity. Nine issue- specific subcommittees have been created to address these problems. They include (1) habitat degradation, (2) toxic substances and pesticides, (3) nutrient enrichment, (4) marine debris, (5) freshwater inflow, (6) public health, (7) coastal and shoreline erosion, (8) information and data transfer, and (9) public education and outreach. Mid-Atlantic Bight Initiative The Mid-Atlantic Bight Initiative is a joint program of EPA Regions I, II, III, and IV to address coastal water pollution problems in the Mid-Atlantic Bight. Two goals of the initiative are to better define coastal prob- lems and to reorient existing EPA and State programs to more effectively address common problems. A step in this process was the Mid- Atlantic Bight Ocean and Near Coastal Waters Moni- toring Workshop. It was held in October 1988 to (1) open communication among the agencies involved in monitoring; (2) provide a forum to discuss toxics, public health, and eutrophi- cation monitoring; and (3) promote a systems approach to monitoring the Bight. EPA Region III also is conducting regional workshops in each State in the region. The first workshop was held in ------- Chapter 7. EPA's Marine Protection Programs and Policy January 1990 in Ocean City, Maryland, and the second workshop in April 1990 in Dover, Delaware. The workshop participants, who represented State, Federal, and local environmental agencies and groups, showed great interest in developing cooperative plans to address common coastal problems. New York Bight Restoration Plan The United States-Japan Fishery Agreement Approval Act of 1987 directs EPA, in consultation with NOAA and other Federal, State, and interstate agencies, to prepare a New York Bight Restoration Plan (NYBRP). In a related effort, EPA desig- nated the New York-New Jersey Harbor as an estuary of national concern, and convened a management conference to prepare a Comprehensive Conserva- tion and Management Plan (under Section 320 of the Water Quality Act) for the Harbor. The NYBRP is being prepared by a work group established as part of the management conference. The first phase of this planning effort should be completed and submitted to Congress in 1991. It includes the follow- ing: A review of the current state of knowledge concerning use impair- ments and adverse ecosystem impacts, including floatables, toxics, pathogens, nutrients, and habitat loss in the New York Bight; An in-depth look at one adverse impact, the prevalence of shell disease in crustaceans of the New York Bight; An assessment of the input and fate of pollutants in the Bight; and An extensive public outreach effort to determine the public's view on pollution inputs and fates. The next phase of the NYBRP should be completed in mid- 1992. Radiation Programs Under the MPRSA, the ocean dumping of high level radioactive waste is prohib- ited, and the dumping of low-level radioactive waste (LLRW) requires a joint resolution of Congress before a permit can be used. The U.S. is not currently dispos- ing radioactive wastes in the ocean. EPA's Office of Radiation Programs (ORP) carried out the following activities during this report- ing period: ORP established and man- aged an interagency technical subcommittee to review criteria and technical support documents for use in poten- tial regulations to address any ocean disposal of LLRW. ORP participated in a U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) high-resolution bathymetric mapping survey off the Atlantic Coast in the Exclu- sive Economic Zone. The Geological, Long-Ranged Inclined Asdic (GLORIA) side scan sonar system successfully obtained baseline data applicable to evaluating ocean sites for any future disposal of LLRW. The USGS published the GLORIA data in atlas format in 1989. ORP also continued its participation in NOAA's National Status and Trends monitoring program. NOAA provided ORP with samples of sediment, benthic fish, and bivalves for radionudide analysis. ORPs Eastern Environmental Radiation Facility analyzed samples collected in 1987. ORP obtained radioanalytical support from the Depart- ment of Energy for analysis of samples collected in 1988 and prepared a report of the radioanalytical data in 1989. ORP initiated a bilateral United States/Soviet project to measure concentrations of radionuclides transported to the Black Sea from the Dnieper River as a result of the Chernobyl reactor explosion. This data will assist in assessing generic impacts caused by any ocean disposal of LLRW. 53 ------- Appendix A. Sites Dedesignated During the Year 1987 - FY 1990 Appendix A: Sites Dedesignated During the Years 1987-FY 1990 Appendix A Sites Dedesignated During the Years 1987 - FY 1990 54 Site Reg/on Proposed for DmfMfgrafton Acid Wastes Sites in the New York Bight Gulf of Mexico Ocean Incineration Site Key West Dredged Material Dumpsite (FL) LA4 Dredged Material Dumpsite (San Diego/Point Loma) n VI IV IX Detf«*fgnatod and/or ftomovad From Lifting Dredged Material Sites St. Augustine (FL) St. Lucie Inlet (FL) Ponce de Leon Inlet (FL) Largo Sound (FL) Anclote (FL) Pithlachascotee (FL) Withlacoochee (FL) Cedar Key Site 1 (FL) Cedar Key Site 2 (FL) Horseshoe Cove (FL) IV IV IV IV IV IV IV IV IV IV Industrial Waste Sites Industrial Wastes (2 sites) Wrecks Acid Wastes Industrial Wastes Site Industrial Wastes Site (2 sites) Industrial Wastes Site (PR) Sewage Sludge Site (12 Mile) Alternate Sewage Sludge Site Sewage Sludge Site Herbicide Orange Incineration Site (Johnston Island) Kwajalein Island San Nicholas Basin Gulf of Mexico Platform Jacket Site THUMS, Drilling Muds and Cuttings 106 Mile Industrial Wastes Site Fish Cannery Wastes Site (American Samoa) I II III IV VI II II II III HQ IX IX VI IX II IX ------- Appendix B. References Appendix B: References U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 1985a. Incineration-at-Sea Research Strategy. Report submitted by Battelle Memorial Institute to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Marine and Estuarine Protection, Washington, DC. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 1985b. Toxicological and Emissions Sampling Methodology Development Related to Ocean Incineration of Hazardous Waste: Study Area 1, Level 1 Studies. Report submitted by Battelle Memorial Institute to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Marine and Estuarine Protection, Washington, DC. U.S. Congress, Office of Technology Assessment. 1986. Ocean Incineration: Its Role in Managing Hazardous Waste. OTA-O-313. U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC. August 1986. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 1986. Monitoring Plan for the Incineration-at-Sea Sites. Draft report submitted by Battelle Memorial Institute to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Marine and Estuarine Protection, Washington, DC. U.S. Congress, Office of Technology Assessment. 1987. Wastes in Marine Environments, OTA-O- 334. U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC. April 1987. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 1987a. Ocean Incineration: Background and Status. EPA 556/1-87/006. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 1987b. Guidance Document for Ocean Incineration Site Designation. Draft report submitted by Battelle Memorial Institute to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Marine and Estuarine Protection, Washington, DC. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 1987c. Guidance Document for the Preparation of a Contingency Plan for Ocean Incineration. Draft report submitted by Battelle Memorial Institute to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Marine and Estuarine Protection, Washing- ton, DC. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 1987d. Proceedings of the Workshop on the Sea-Surface Microlayer in Relation to Ocean Disposal. EPA 560/1-87/005. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 1987e. Sampling and Analytical Procedures for the Ocean Incineration Research Burn Program (RSBA Plan). Draft report submitted by Battelle Memorial Institute to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Marine and Estuarine Protection, Washington, DC. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 1987f. Technical Guidance Document for Conducting Ocean Incineration Trial Bums. Draft report submitted by Battelle Memorial Institute to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Marine and Estuarine Protection, Washington, DC. 55 ------- Appendix B. References U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 1987g. User's Manual for Incineration-at-Sea (INSEA) Model. EPA 556/1-87/001. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 1987h. Analytical Results of Samples Collected During the 1985 Southeast Coast Area Survey. Report submitted by Battelle Memorial Institute to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Marine and Estuarine Protection, Washington, DC. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 1987i. Analytical Results of Samples Collected During the North Atlantic Incineration Site Survey. Report submitted by Battelle Memorial Institute to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Marine and Estuarine Protection, Washington, DC. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 1988a. Guidance Document for Ocean Incineration Permitting. Draft report submitted by Battelle Memorial Institute to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Marine and Estuarine Protection, Washington, DC. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 1988b. Analytical Results of Samples and Data Collected During the 1987 Baseline Survey to the Existing and Alternative Gulf of Mexico Incineration Sites. Draft report submitted by Battelle Memorial Institute to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Marine and Estuarine Protection, Washington, DC. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 1988c. Analytical Results for Samples and Data Collected During the 1987 Baseline Survey to the Potential Incineration Sites Along the Southeast Coast of the United States. Draft report submitted by Battelle Memorial Institute to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Marine and Estuarine Protection, Washington, DC. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 1988d. Environmental Progress and Challenges: EPA's Update. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Policy, Planning, and Evaluation, Washington, DC. EPA-230-07-88-033. August 1988. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 1988e. Site Designation Study for Gulf of Mexico Ocean Incineration Site Designation. Draft report submitted by Battelle Memorial Institute to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Marine and Estuarine Protection, Washington, DC. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 1988f. Site Designation Study for North Atlantic Ocean Incineration Site Designation. Draft report submitted by Battelle Memorial Institute to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Marine and Estuarine Protection, Washington, DC. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 1988g. Monitoring Plan for the 106-Mile Deepwater Municipal Sludge Site. Draft report submitted by Battelle Memorial Institute to U.S. Environ- mental Protection Agency, Office of Marine and Estuarine Protection, Washington, DC. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 1989a. Development, Testing, and Validation of the Marine Incineration Biological Assessment Sampler (MIBAS). Report submitted by Battelle Memorial Institute to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Marine and Estuarine Protection, Washington, DC. 56 ------- Appendix B. References U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 1989b. Problems in Managing Disposal of Material Dredged from San Francisco Bay. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/General Accounting Office, Washington, DC. GAO/RCED-90-18. November 1989. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 1989c. Proceedings of the Ocean Dumping Workshop for the 106-Mile Site. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Marine and Estuarine Protection, Washington, DC. EPA-503/9-89/009. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 1989d. Sludge Recycling Alternatives Report to Congress. US. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Water, Washington, DC. EPA-503/9-90/006. April 1990. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 1989e. Progress in Stopping Ocean Dumping; Report to Congress. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Water, Washington, DC. EPA 503/ 9-90-003, December 1989. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 1989f. Surveillance And Enforcement of Sewage-Sludge; Dumping Report to Congress. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Water, Washing- ton, DC. EPA-503/9-90/002. December 1989. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 1989g. Marine and Estuarine Protection Programs and Activities. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Marine and Estuarine Protection, Washington, DC. EPA-503/9-89-002. February 1989. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 1989h. Ocean Incineration Research Program: Background and Status. Report submitted by BattelJe Memorial Institute to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Marine and Estuarine Protection, Washington, DC. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 1990a. Ocean Disposal Monitoring Programs in Response to the Ocean Dumping Ban Act; Report to Congress. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Water, Washington, DC. EPA-503/4-90/001. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 1990b. 106-Mile Deepwater Municipal Sludge Site Monitoring, Research, and Surveillance Plan. Draft. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 1990c. Sludge Recycling Alternatives; Report to Congress. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Water, Washington, DC. EPA-503/9-90/006. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 1990 d. Methods to Manage and Control Plastic Wastes. EPA/530-SW-89-051. U S Environmental Protection Agency. 1990e. Harbor Studies Program. November 1988 - February 1989. EPA/503/4-90-Q03. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/US. Army. COE1990. Draft Ecological Evaluation of Proposed Dredged Material into Ocean Waters. EPA-503-8-90/002. 57 ------- Dedication This issue of EPA's Ocean Dumping Report to Congress is dedicated to the memory of Thaddeus Allen Wastler 19281990 Al Wastler joined the Envi- ronmental Protection Agency in 1970, when it was created. He helped set the Agency's course by drafting the first regulations and criteria for MPRSA upon an effects- based approach. He was the guiding force behind the 1976 Easton, Maryland, Workshop that established environmental thresholds by which to estimate dumping's impact on the marine environment. The current regulations and criteria, which he also drafted, are based on the findings of that Workshop. He was the Agency's lead technical liaison with the London Dumping Conven- tion from the time that the United States became a party to it and played an active role in its work. He was Chair- man of the Scientific Group on Dumping for four terms, the maximum allowed. Al Wastler was born in Pensacola, Florida, earned a BS in Chemistry at Duke University and an MS in Chemical Engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technol- ogy. He also did advanced work in Physical Oceanogra- phy at The Johns Hopkins University. When Al moved to Washington in 1967, he was an officer in the Public Health Service. An authority on tidal influences and the carbon cycle as contributors to eutrophication, Al main- tained a consistent interest in cyclical phenomena in ocean and estuarine processes. Among his publications is the book, "Spectral Analysis- Application in Water Pollu- tion Control." Al Wastler was a gentleman and scholar, and will be sadly missed by the people who work on ocean and coastal zone issues. 58 ------- |