Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
their technology, and the water quality in most areas of the
country improved considerably. Nonpoint sources (e.g., run-
off) are not regulated to the extent that point sources are, and
remain a major continuing source of impairment of water
bodies even though the CWA nonpoint source program pro-
vides grants for demonstration projects, technology transfer,
education, training, assistance, and related activities to reduce
nonpoint source pollution. It would appear that this voluntary
approach is not as effective as regulations that can be enforced.
The Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act
(MPRSA) or Ocean Dumping Act was passed by Congress
in 1972. The MPRSA regulates the transportation of waste
for ocean dumping beyond the territorial limit (three miles
from shore) and prevents or strictly limits dumping mate-
rial that “would adversely affect human health, welfare, or
amenities, or the marine environment, ecological systems, or
economic potentialities.” A government report indicated that
in 1968, 38 million tons of dredged material (which was 34%
polluted), 4.5 million tons of industrial wastes, 4.5 million
tons of sewage sludge (which was significantly contaminated
with metals), and 0.5 million tons of construction and demoli-
tion debris were dumped in US waters. The MPRSA autho-
rized EPA to regulate ocean dumping of materials including
industrial waste, sewage sludge, biological agents, radioactive
agents, garbage, chemicals, and other wastes, into the territo-
rial waters of the United States through a permit program. The
EPA can issue permits for dumping of materials other than
dredge spoils if the agency determines, after a full public
process, that the discharge will not unreasonably degrade or
endanger human health or welfare or the marine environment.
Although ocean dumping was rare, it was a major controversy
in the New York/New Jersey area for many years. The 12 Mile
Dump Site, 12 miles off the coast of New Jersey, was where all
of New York City's sewage sludge as well as sludge from some
New Jersey communities was dumped—over six million tons
annually. The area became contaminated with high levels of
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