United States Office of Volume6 Environmental Protection Public Awareness (A-107) Number5 Agency Washington DC 20460 May 1980 The Coastal Dilemma

"yet each man kills the thing he loves . •.."-Oscar Wilde

In our eagerness to enjoy the sea wind's whistle, the surf's endless rhythm and the serenity of land's end, we have so crowded onto some of the loveliest coastal strips, partic­ ularly the barrier islands, that we may be destroying them. The rapture of the lonely shore is increasingly difficult to find in summer as swarms of urban residents battle each other in long weekend skeins of traffic to reach the fresh breezes of the coast . In this issue, EPA Journal examines some of the problems of this increasingly threatened vulnerable part of our environ­ ment. An excerpt from a fine book, The Thin Edge, by Anne Simon helps put the coastal dilemma in perspective. Administrator Douglas M. Costle describes some govern­ ment actions to protect and re· store wetlands and shorelines. Deputy Administrator Barbara Blum outlines the World Conser­ vation Strategy. Two Congressmen, Senator Ernest Hollings and U.S . Rep . Gerry Studds, discuss legislative solutions for coastal ills. Bill Painter, Director of the Coast Alliance, explains plans to cele­ brate the Year of the Coast which his organization is sponsoring. Truman Temple, EPA Journal Associate Editor, describes EPA research activities designed to help preserve Chesapeake Bay . A photo essay shows what a magnet the shore has become the California Coastal Commis­ Program Office, reviews some ports on progress being made to to builders. sion provide reports on actions of the problems and prospects curb pollution in the Mediter­ The National Oceanic and to encourage shoreline protec­ of The Fourth Coast- the Great ranean Sea . A report from the Atmospheric Administration and tion. Lakes. Department of the Interior con­ Madonna F. McGrath, Director A United Nations official re- firms that the barrier islands are of EPA's Great Lakes National a special and delicate ecosystem. United States Office of Volume6 Environmental Protection Public Awareness IA-1071 Number 5 Agency Washington DC 20460 May. 1980 &EPA JOURNAL

Douglas M. Costle, Administrator Joan Martin Nicholson, Director, Office of Public Awareness Charles D. Pierce, Editor Truman Temple, Associate Editor John Heritage, Chris Perham, Assistant Editors

EPA ts Caring for the Choosing a The Fourth Coast protect the Na ion n 11 Shore Course The Director of EPA's Great water · err Ur Administrator Costle describes Congressman Gerry Studds Lakes National Program reviews of national envm u al some government steps to pro­ looks at several major concerns some plans for improving the focu on air nd w tect and restore wetlands and relating to our Nation's shore­ future of America's inland seas. ty, solid wast rr 1en shorelines. line and opportunities for the the ontrol of tox1 ar future. California Coastal pesticide· , noise d r t1or The Thin Edge Management the Agency to for Alliance for the This excerpt from the book of Coast California has one of the Nation's and implem1 r t1on:. wh the same name, by Anne Simon, most comprehensive programs Coast Alliance Director Bill lead to a compatibl · balanc• is becoming a new classic for for shoreline protection. as seen Painter outlines some of the tween human activities people who love the sea . in this round-up of actions by many activities planned to cele­ the State Coastal Commission. ability of natural to brate the Year of the Coast. port and nurtu life Protecting the Fact Sheet Global Commons Managing the A listing of details about the Deputy Administrator Blum Shore coastline. outlines the World Conservation The Federal effort to encourage Strategy for preventing further shoreline protection is described .Rocking the Cradle damage to the ocean. in this piece by Michael Glazer, NOAA Assistant Administrator of Civilization Reordering Coastal for Coastal Zone Management. A look at the impressive pro- Priorities g ress made by UNEP in uniting A Gull's View countries to protect the environ­ Senator Ernest Hollings reviews A pictorial sampler of human ment of the Mediterranean Sea. the legislative history of coastal impact at land's end. zone management and issues A Fragile that need further attention. The Chesapeake: Balance Beautiful and A study by the Department of Vulnerable the Interior confirms that the Truman Temple describes EPA barrier islands hugging our east­ research activities in the Tide­ ern and southern shores are a water region. special and delicate ecosystem. De r tments

Nation Update 4 Almanac News Briefs 3 People 8

C >Ver The 1t r Photo Credits: Bert Miller/Black Bridge Tunnel, Md. Dept of Eco· Design Credits: Robert Flanagan, · , on Jor Star, Ed_Cooper, Steven Foss. U.S. nomic and Community Develop- Donna Kazaniwsky and Ron Farrah. her 01 l lsl11n11 Coast Guard, Dick Rowan•. Georgia ment/OfficeofTourist Dvlpt .• Donald 1 • , illus r tt m Dept. of Industry and Trade (Tourist Emmerich•. Robert Perron, Dick which dam , Div.). Pat Weill/Coast Alliance. Rowan•, Gene Daniels•. PUBLIFOT / ar l a P 4 NOAA/Ted Butts, Md. Fisheries WHO. The Washington Post, The Extension Service, Chesapeake Bay Santa Barbara News Press, John Opposite Wil flcu Vachon•, U.S. Geological Survey. the cliffs along Call o ni Bi •oocumerica Dennis Hart Coast. (See art P 25 ..,,_· ---· ·- ...... •,,tJi- •••

...... ,,,. Environmentally Speaking Q NG

By Douglas M. Castle FO IESHOR EPA Administrator

he Year of the Coast, which we has intensified developmental pressure. center of a great web of marine life. are now celebrating, has been Up until a few years ago, all this seemingly Scientists have found they are among our a-borning for a long time. As in so ignored the value-both b,ologic and most precious natural resources. Wetlands. many other aspects of the environ­ economic-of our coasts. especially the salt marshes and mangrove mentalT movement, we owe a debt to What is the biological merit of this long, swamps and sheltered estuaries, are twice Rachel Carson for raising public aware­ green coastal fringe, this mixture of marsh, as productive biologically as fertile farm­ ness of our coasta I treasures. In 1951 her tideland, swamp, salt meadows, and land. Professor Eugene Odum of the literate and scientific tour of the mariner's estuary? Why would anyone want to save University of Georgia, (EPA Journal, April realm was published as The Sea Around it? When one looks back in history, it 1980) has calculated that they produce Us. She followed it with Under The Sea seems as if the world's marshlands 20 times as much plant material as the Wind and The Edge of the Sea, capturing generally have always gotten a bad press. open sea, 2Y2 times as much as temperate the interest of millions of Americans, and The general reaction has been to eliminate forest, and fully as much as a tropical jun­ bytler perceptive insights pointing out the them wherever they were. The Russians in gle. Indeed, a tidal marsh is one of the most problems. the 19th century dug some 3,000 miles of productive sources of organic food on One major aspect of our coast are the canals trying to drain the Pripet Marshes. Earth. Its grasses average 10 tons of wetlands, and we have made substantial In Italy, it was one of Mussolini's proudest animal food per acre, compared with a progress in legislation at both the State and boasts that he drained the Pontine marshes world average for wheat of 2~ 2 tons national levels to prevent the unchecked south of Rome. And the process was per acre. despoliation of these areas by dredging, repeated elsewhere. As Dr. Kai Curry­ But their value does not stop there. bulldozing, and pollution. Lindahl, a noted conservationist, has put it, Coastal marshes are the foundation of the Today almost all coastal States have Western countries have suffered from an food chain on which most commercially tight restrictions on the use of wetlands. "obsession with drainage" of their important coastal fish and shellfish depend. At the Federa I level, we are beginning to wetlands. Without them, our fishing industry would be implement some realistic solutions to the But these curiously fragile lowlands drastically shrunken. In addition, coastal problem of vanishing wetlands, after a long contribute in immense and subtle ways to wetlands soften the battering of waves and struggle with the Corps of Engineers to our environment. More than half of us serve as a kind of giant sponge to absorb define objectives and purposes. In the live within an hour's drive from a major Nature's incessant storms. Their long course of passing the Federal Water coastline of the United States. In addition grasses also stabilize the shoreline, and act Pollution Control Act of 1972 and the to the millions of people who live in as filters to trap sediments carried in farm­ Clean Water Act Amendments of 1977, coastal counties bordering the oceans, land runoff, thereby clarifying waters. we found that there were reasonable pro­ Great Lakes, and Gulf of Mexico, millions A few years ago Professor Odum and cesses for protecting these coastal assets. more vacation there. Thus the fate of the others made some interesting calculations State and Federal controls on coastal coasta I environment directly affects the about the value of coastal wetlands as fish areas have come none too soon. Nearly majority of U.S. citizens. Indirectly it nurseries, suppliers of food, waste-treat­ half of the original wetlands in the United affects all of us. One third of the air we ment plants, and other contributions to States are estimated to have been lost breathe is recycled for us by phytoplankton, marine ecology. On this basis, they esti­ through human activities. Our voracious creatures that perform in the ocean the mated that the average marshlands along appetite for land has filled the swamps same photosynthetic function that green the South Atlantic and Gulf coasts were with bulldozers and dotted the marshes plants do on land. The world fish catch worth $50,000 an acre, and that the best with high rises so one family could have a supplies at least 10 percent of mankind's were worth $82,000 an acre. So in hard beautiful view of another family's balcony. animal protein. And the 10 percent of the economic terms, there is little reason to We devoured wetlands as we ate potato ocean's area near the shore is critical to dispute that marshlands need to be chips-never stopping at one. maintaining that protein supply. Most protected as life-support systems. Yet our coastline is limited. Its very commercial fish depend on coastal waters I have mentioned that numerous States scarcity and esthetic appeal of water­ for life support at some stage of their have passed legislation to preserve coastal front locations for a variety of purposes lives-for food, for spawning grounds, or wetlands. Already one can see the impact for nurseries for their young. By contrast, of these new laws. Before the Maryland the open ocean far from land is a biological Wetlands Act of 1970, for example, the desert. Chesapeake Bay had been losing 1,000 To anyone but a biologist or bird­ acres of wetlands a year to development. watcher, a salt marsh at low tide-with Contmued to ms1de back cover its mud. mosquitoes, coarse grass, and smells of decomposing plants-might seem an environment we could cheerfully dispense with. Yet such places are the MAY 1980 3 By Anne Simon

he coast. that bright thin edge of the past half century. much in the last decade. continent where you can sit with and by what is tantalizingly beyond our your back to the crowds and gaze present vision. The existing information is Into seemingly infinite space, is now unequivocal; the coast is different from any aT theatre of discovery. On the seashore other place on Earth and has different re­ where terrestrial life began. we have to use quirements. There is no man-made substi­ all the wits man has developed to figure ou tute for its manifold natural functions. We how life can continue. how to design our do not want to get along without a working complex, fast-moving, energy-consuming coast and we now realize that we literally existence without destroying nature's cannot get along without it. system of life support in the process. It is a Around the globe, coast functions falter compelling adventure. Wherever it leads. under the encrustations of twentieth-cen­ neither man nor coast will be the same tury civilization. The east coast of the again. United States is vividly representative of Survival on land and in the sea depends any coast. anywhere, magnifying every on a functioning coast. The coast keeps us coastal dilemma in its 28,000 miles of from drowning, maintaining the present shoreline-coast, offshore islands. sounds. global balance of one-third land, two-thirds bays, rivers and creeks-stretching from water. It nurtures fish and shellfish, birds Maine to Florida, from rigorous to tropical and plant life, as it nurtures the ocean, the climate, the rocky northern shore testifying essential source of a third of the world's to its glacial past. the long stretches of wide oxygen, the largest source of its protein. southern beach, having escaped the glacier. Its multiple processes are arranged in relatively flat. Thirteen States have a slice dozens of natural systems with myriad of this coast under their domain and parts. each neatly slotted into an operation separate laws. It is heavily developed, in­ as sophisticated as the latest computer, as dustrialized, crowded, with hardly distin­ intricate as a vast jigsaw puzzle. Its abilities guishable towns wedged into the mega­ are exquisite in their detail, awesome in lopolis solidifying between Boston and their grand accomplishments. Washington, although there are, almost Universally we yearn for the coast with miraculously, still a few places-Down an inexplicable need for its serene horizons, East Maine. some of Georgia's barrier is­ for the endless, timeless rhythm of waves lands-almost as they were when our an­ on rough rocks or smooth beaches, for the cestors first set eyes on their virgin marvels. amplitude--plenty of sand, water, seagulls, Ever since the last Ice Age gave way to a seaweed, a harvest of sea-worn pebbles and warming sea, the coast had been a mag­ minute sea animals in every wave. Here nificently productive system. Enormous where the sea is shallowest. land is lowest. trees, enormous quantities of fish and rivers slowest, there is dynamic inter­ fertile black soil on the Maine coast amazed change between water and earth, a phenom­ early explorers. The few remnants of the enon often believed to make passions run towering forests are remarkable today higher, emotions keener, the sense of well­ where they have survived. mementoes of a being quickened. We come closer to our time when they covered the shore:" . .. primitive selves on the thin edge, at once goodly ta II Firre. Spruce, Birch, Beech, Oke nurtured and excited by it. very great and good," says James Rosier, Ever-obliging, its generous compliance clerk on Sir George Waymouth's Archangel. has provided poetry, joy, convenience and sailing on a fair June day in 1605 past profit. But now we glimpse its deeper Monhegan Island, "a meane high land," to nature, stern, inflexible. firm in principle George's River "as it runneth up the maine and in its limits. Innocent use has been cut very nigh forty miles toward the great short in the 1970's by what has been dis­ mountains." Upon the hills, Rosier says, covered about the coast, most of it in the "notable high timber trees, masts for ships of 400 tons."

4 EPA JOURNAL The adventurous men in their small ships charred, some halved, testify to the enjoy­ were no less amazed by the waters teeming ment of clambakes and clams on the half with huge fish of all varieties, a sight we shell as ear1y as 4000 B.C. Along with the can on1y imagine. "While we were at shells in the middens, there are bones of shore," Rosier relates, "our men aboard He saw the beaches, dunes, and estuaries otters, sea is, whales, all sorts of fish, sug­ with a few hooks got about thirty great that we struggle to keep fragments of. "The gesting that their fur, fat and meat were Cods and Haddocks, which gave us a taste shoare," he·says, "all covered with small used and valued. Coast dwellers took what of the great p1enty of fish which we found sand, and so ascendath up for the space of they found when they wanted to, there afterward wheresoever we went upon the 15 foote, rising in form of little hills ... being no apparent reason not to. coast." The Archangel found "Whales, small rivers and armes of the sea washing The coast's abundance welcomed colo­ Scales, Cod very great, Haddocke great, the shoare on both sides as the coast lyeth." nists with the necessities-the fertile soil, Plaise, Thombacke, Rockefish, Lobster It was a land "as pleasant and delectable wild game and fish, great timbers-that grea"'t, Crabs, Muscles great with pearls in as is possible to imagine." And on it, made settlement of the new world possible. them, Tortoises, Oisters"-the list is long. Verrazzano reported to his French sponsors, The number of settlers was small, their Haddock and lobsters were so thick in the a delectable population, "people of color requirements modest; the shore provided waters that some fishermen scooped them russet [who] go altogether naked except food and shelter and the water their only out with a bucket, salting them down in the that they cover their privie parts with cer­ means of transportation. It was not until hold for the long voyage home. tain skins of beastes ... which they fasten 1722 that for the first time a team of horses Even the much-traveled Captain John onto a narrow girdle made of grasse very was driven from Connecticut to Rhode Smith was impressed. "Besides the great­ artificially wrought. hanged about with Island on a dirt path, winding through ness of the timber ... the greatness of the tayls of divers other beastes." dense woods from one coastal clearing to fish and the moderate temper of the air," In the millennia that man has inhabited the next. The coast, apparently constant he writes, "who can but approve this a most the ancient edge of th is continent, he has and indestructible, continued to perform its excel lent place for health and fertility?" taken the short-term view of gratifying his functions. We can still see something of this excel­ desire for pleasure and security, shooting a It continued, in fact, through centuries of lent Maine coast. So too on a few remaining few birds in the marsh for dinner, trapping settlement and development, continued wilderness islands to the south, lush and furred anima1s, going fishing. Great piles of valiantly through industrialization. It con­ semitropical, there are still wide sand shells unearthed by archeologists, some tinued, if somewhat less efficiently, as the beaches which sweep into a protecting line east coast population zoomed from 29 .8 of dunes, while, behind them, gargantuan million people living within fifty miles of live oaks, pines, and palms combine in a this narrow strip in 1940, to 48 million primeval forest, an enchanting world apart. people in 1970, almost a quarter of a II When Giovanni da Verrazzano, still search­ Americans, and the proportion increases ing for the way to Cathay, explored this three times as fast as the nationa I average. coast in 1524, wilderness was everywhere. All U.S. coasts together (including the Great Lakes) contain the Nation's seven largest cities. account for 53 percent of its

MAY 1980 5 population and 90 percent of its population tracts of its Outer Continental Shelf have sand barriers that resist storms and pound­ growth, and it is anticipated that, by the been leased to oil companies, now prepar­ ing surf, as in the surprisingly sturdy bar­ year 2000, two hundred millions will ing to start full-scale oil fields in the Balti­ rier beaches that guard much of the east squeeze themselves into smaller and more Canyon depths and in Georges Bank coast. In this era when the sea level is rising smaller segments of the thin edge. off Massachusetts, relatively shallow water throughout the world, water encroaches on Unprecedented numbers of people warmed by the Gulf Stream and long a the shore and the coastline retreats. These swarming onto the coast make unprece­ fabled fishing ground. barrier beaches reveal the remarkable abil­ dented use of it in this technological age. In the last ten years the coast's magnetic ity to move inland a long with the shore, The ravenous growth society devours many pull has become stronger than ever-more rolling over on themselves to migrate with parts of the continent for its expansion industry, more oil, more people, hotels, their entire ecosystem-beach, dune, requirements, but the thin edge, with its mote1s, boatels, more sewage, more waste marsh-intact. A North Carolina island has special attributes, is most delectable of all. ... and more pressing evidence that the just performed such a giant somersault in It is a magnet for growth. coast has limits, an idea hardly known and less than a century. Pace is the key: the Jt is a magnet for people. On every coast little considered until now. Sometimes shore must move at its own speed, when the people business burgeons, lining the quietly. sometimes violently, the coast is and where it will. Interfere with its pace and shore with stacked condominiums inter­ informing us that there is a saturation point it will neither guard nor turn somersaults. spersed with mobile-home parks, marinas, beyond which its natural functions no Before this life-saving information was dis­ dense second-home developments. A roar­ longer tlourish, often diminish, or simply covered. much of the shore had been ing tourist industry ricochets off coastal cease. covered with mammoth concrete develop­ highways with its accompanying eateries, The fastest-growing area in the United ment, preventing free movement of sand motels, neon-lighted putting greens. Coast States is said to be the Florida Keys, a and water, a matter of considerable con­ recreation-surfing, swimming, snorkeling, sixty-mile strip of islands and reefs some cern. It will be of more concern if the hurri­ sport fishing-escalating to an average ten ten miles wide. At the present rate, the two cane cycle, which has been in an unusual days per year per American, is a profitable millions who now crowd this reef will and seductive lull during the 1970's, years business. increase to ten millions before the century of the most concentrated seaside building, The great bays of the east coast-Chesa­ ends. Under the jammed Keys, reef-build­ returns as expected, roaring along the con­ peake, Delaware-and other estuaries are ing corals, the only such colony in U.S. cretized and thus dangerously vulnerable a magnet for heavy industry, refineries, continental waters, are dead, their massive Atlantic coast. "The cost in dollars and power plants using water for cooling proc­ branches skeletons, covered with white lives of the next Camille-size hurricane will esses. Forty percent of the Nation's indus­ spots where the organisms once grew. If be staggering," a scientist predicts. tria I complexes edge its estuaries, 50 per­ you go snorkeling there, gliding past the Behind the barriers where rivers empty cent of its manufacturing facilities, and the dead coral mass, any fish you see, a dwin­ into protected bays, the coast manufactures east coast has more than its share. On the dling population, are likely to be diseased food for marine life by a mix of fresh and Delaware River, for example, utility com­ and deformed. Biologists say coral requires salt water. wetland g~asses, sun and tide, panies plan 42 new power plants by 1986; warm, well-oxygenated water, that too delivers it to coastal species. for many of one of these alone will evaporate 54 cubic much sewage and too much silt from dredg­ which these sheltered spaces are a neces­ feet of water per second, a loss equal to that ing and filling for new buildings have suf­ sary habitat during part or all of their lives. of a small city. These activities of all these focated the coral that built the Keys that It has recently been found that, acre for people and industries bring waste in un­ are attracting humans faster than any other acre. wetlands are the most productive land precedented quantity to the shore, dumping place in the country. on Earth. Without protective barriers they it into the water. A coral reef, suffocated by the human life will drown. Already, thousands of such Offshore waters are a magnet for the oi I it supports, is a signal, quiet enough to go acres along the eastern seaboard have been business. The colonists' lifeline becomes unremarked in the rush to cover the remain­ irretrievably lost; they were filled in, con­ the tankers' trek as they ply and break up ing inches of the Keys with concrete. Al­ verted to high land. dredged or otherwise alongshore. Superships, with moorings though such action can't further harm the stressed. before their value became known. approved for the Gulf coast in 1977, will coral, already smothered, it has other and even after. soon rock in east coast offshore swells, and effects. noticeable wherever man trans­ The man-coast love-hate relation forms the soft sand shore into an inflexible changes with each discovery of a new facet wall. of coastal character. We begin to see limits The coast protects higher land by using wave and wind energy and gravity to build

6 EPA JOURNAL beyond which the coast cannot function, bottom of the offshore sea to Georges Bank, where its nurturing nature turns hos ti le, enjoying the winter in the nonfreezing tem­ antagonistic to life, suffocating, drowning, peratures there, walked back again in spring poisoning. The signals are ever stronger, to coastal waters to copulate under shelter­ ever deadlier. .:iuantify the results of a change, that we ing rocks where, in a miracle of precise The G Iorio us Fourth weekend of the must always play Russian roulette with our timing, the females shed their hard shells Nation's Bicentennial. when New York was coasta I intrusions. Consider the mid­ to make it possible for the waiting males to momentarily a festiva I city, applauding the seventies decision to explore for oil in enter their bodies and deposit sperm. muster of the tall ships in its rivers and Georges Bank. The results circle out like Something new has happened in the harbors, the skipper of the Faye Joan, the ripples from a pebble thrown into a underwater world of Georges Bank, a trawling for whiting off New Jersey, quiet pond, with no end in sight. One such change so fascinating to lobsters that they winGhed in his net, spilled a thousand ripple catches up coastal flora and fauna in hang around like hooked junkies, Culliney pounds of fish on the deck. "The contents an interconnection never imagined. says, the vernal journey back to shore and stank," David Bulloch, an observer, says. Marine biologists, of late particularly its primal purpose forgotten. There is oil in "The fish were dead, a few dying, most interested in the common seaweed kelp these waters now, oil from exploratory digs, decaying. The crew worked, barely breath­ because it can be cleanly, cheaply con­ oil from tanker spills, more oil than ever ing, to shovel the fish over the side. The verted to fuel, are surprised to find bald before, and the lobsters, it has just been urge to vomit was overpowering." Diving to areas in underwater kelp forests off the found out, are mightily attracted to it, will investigate, Bulloch and others found northeast coast. More than eight times the attack and eat kerosene-soaked paper in unusual dark brown water and below it, on expected number of sea urchins in great laboratory tanks, seek it out in their winter­ the cold bottom, piles of dead fish, crabs, herds are grazing the kelp down to bed ing grounds. If Georges Bank oil wells start lobsters, mussels, "a foot-thick black mass rock, John Culliney says in The Forests of in earnest, propagation in the wild of the of decay swaying with the surge of the the Sea. Some suspected increased sewage migratory branch of Homerus americanus sea." By August the killing sea extended in the waters. enjoyed by the prickly ha If­ may be over forever. for three thousand square miles. "Every­ sphere animals, might be responsible; As a single change of balance it could be thing was dead," a microbiologist on the others believed that over-harvesting of lob­ inconsequentia I; sea urchins are unlikely to scene reports. "Nobody can remember any­ sters, the urchins' most avid predators, take over the world, lobsters can, perhaps, thing like this." The level of dissolved could account for the multiplying urchin be successfully cultivated. But as represen­ oxygen in the water, required to sustain armies and the vanishing kelp. tative of countless changes, revealed or still marine I ife, fell to zero, overpowered by the There are fewer lobsters to eat urchins unknown, the kelp-urchin-oil-lobster cycle torrents from the celebrating city's sewers. and to be eaten by man for a reason that is grave and deeply troubling. A different coast from the natural shore these strange succulent creatures have long The change is an archetype coast mod­ explorers found, different from the settled kept hidden. Only in 1970 was it discov­ ule, the module that appears in hundreds of coast of the start of this century, different, ered that some lobsters, primitive, awkward fragments and forms, in unexpected places even, from what it was just a decade or two and slow-moving as they may seem, have with sometimes inconvenient, sometimes ago when we apparently passed many of its each fall for thousands of years walked punishing, sometimes murderous effect. limits without even knowing itl Each day 150 to 200 mites across the rock and sand The more such a module is pieced together, we venture further into the unknown char­ the clearer it becomes, suggesting as it acter of a world without a working coast, to does that the essential coast character is date the only generation to experience such its intricate, indisputable interconnection. terror. But each day we are better equipped Discovery of the coast's amazing systems to stake out the limits for man on the coast. advances our knowledge of this interlock­ We begin to decode the signals that issue ing nature of the thin edge where we stand, from the thin edge. precariously, listening to its silent Each change of one part of the coast scream. D system affects other parts. Some connec­ tions have been discovered, such as the Copyright© 1978 by Anne W. Simon linkage of barriers and wetlands; some are Ta ken from the book The Thin Edge. still unknown. It may be that the shore is so Reprinted by permission of Harper & Row, complex that we will never completely Publishers, Inc. The Thin Edge is also available in paper­ back from Avon Books.

MAY 1980 7 he World Conservation Strategy, which I recently helped announce in Protecting Washington, is a courageous and Tthoughtful initiative to help all na­ the Global tions become conserving societies. This strategy, prepared by the Interna­ Commons tional Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, provides both an intel­ By Barbara Blum lectual framework and practical guidance EPA Deputy Administrator for conservation. The aim of the strategy is to achieve three main objectives: 1. To maintain essential ecological proc­ esses and life-support systems such as soil regeneration and protection, the recycling of nutrients, and the cleansing of waters. 2. To preserve diversity in the range of genetic material found in the world's organisms.

8 EPA JOURNAL 3. To ensure the sustaining utilization of ocean space now makes such action neces­ In addition. because the Arctic environ­ species and ecosystems-oceans, forests. sary if we are to conserve this natural ment takes so long to recover from damage, grazing lands. and wildlife that support resource. the World Conservation Strategy recom­ millions of rural communities as well as Ocean disposal of wastes is regulated by mends that the Arctic be considered a prior­ major industries. the Convention on the Prevention of Marine ity sea. It encourages nations to systemati­ These goals are urgent. Our planet's Pollution by Dumping of Wastes and Other cally map critical land and sea ecological capacity to support life is being irre­ Matter, and also by regional agreements. areas within their Arctic territories, to draw versibly reduced by enormous losses of Those countries that are not party to the up guidelines for their long-term manage­ soil, which is washed away annually as a convention are urged to do so under the ment, and to establish a network of protect­ resu It of deforestation and poor land man­ World Conservation Strategy. ed areas to safeguard these ecosystems. agement practices. The runoff from eroding It also is important to control the effects Antarctica and the Southern Ocean are lands results in floods that destroy homes of deep sea mining, including oil explora­ defined as all land and sea south of the and crops. Silt fills in water supply reser­ tion. Before this can be achieved we must Antarctic Convergence, where the cold voirs and limits the capacity of hydro­ learn what is required to protect the ocean surface waters of the Southern Ocean sink electric generators. Vast quantities of from irreversible damage. Accordingly, the beneath the warmer waters of the Atlantic, prime farm land also are lost each year Strategy calls on all nations pursuing activ­ Indian, and Pacific Oceans. Currently the through road-building and industrial and ities with unpredictable effects on ocean potential of krill, a tiny shrimp-like creature housing development. ecosystems to: found in huge quantities in the Southern Deforestation is a pressing problem. •Commission in advance a comprehensive Ocean, is attracting a great deal of interest. In tropical areas forests are shrinking so ecological survey to determine their impact. It is said that the catch should rise from about 50,000 tons in 1977-78to rapidly that unlogged productive forests • Designate areas of the deep sea to be may be reduced by half by the end of the 60,000,000 tons, thereby doubling the kept free of mining or other significant dis­ world's annual fish catch. However, krill century. Wood for cooking and heating is turbances, assuring that the size and shape scarce in many developing countries. Thus are the major food of five species of great of each area is adequate to maintain whales, including the endangered blue animal wastes and crop residues that other­ stability. wise could be used to regenerate poor soils whale and humpback whale, and are also and improve crop yields instead must be •Establish guidelines for scientific re­ important for three species of seals, many bu med to warm and feed families. search to assure minimum disruption of the seabird species, and some fish. Unless krill The coastal support systems that form natural state of these areas and to provide harvesting is very carefully regulated. the the resource base of many fisheries are for full exchange of information on the effects on other Southern Ocean species results of research. being destroyed or polluted. Some estimate could be devastating. that in this country alone. the losses to this International seas are another area that The World Conservation Strategy sup­ industry may total $86 million each year. the World Conservation Strategy ad­ ports a convention to regulate the harvest of The Environmental Protection Agency's dresses. Most large maritime nations and living resources. This convention is being major laws. which address air and water several smaller ones have declared exclu­ negotiated and is expected to be followed quality, solid waste management, the con­ sive economic zones for 200 nautical miles by plans for mining and oil exploitation. trol of toxic substances, pesticides, radia­ from their shores. Others are likely to do so. The Antarctic treaty powers and nations tion and ocean dumping, recognize that The establishment of the zones gives fishing in the Southern Ocean are encour­ land, air, and water provide the fundamen­ coastal states more incentive to protect the aged to restrain catch levels until under­ ta I support for a 11 life and must be pre­ habitats critical for fish, since they now standing of this uniquely productive eco­ served and protected. control the fisheries-at least of the non­ system improves. EPA was created in recognition that en­ migratory species that the habitats support. A decade ago, the idea that a group of vironmental problems could not be con­ By protecting them and making sure the nations-with clear differences of interest fined by local and State boundaries. Much fisheries are exploited only on a sustainable and ideology-could unite to protect the the same can be said of national env-iron­ basis, coastal states subscribing to the environment would have seemed doubtful mental dilemmas. They also extend beyond strategy may assure a regular supply of at best. Indeed, many would have said it borders into the global commons, those high quality protein and often a substan­ was impossible. parts of the Earth's surface and atmosphere tial source of income. Today as we reflect upon the existence of that we all share, including the open ocean Many marine species, however. move the United Nations Environment Program and the resources found there. While we at between zones and out into the ocean be­ and the new environmental consciousness EPA work to protect all of the environment. yond national jurisdiction. In addition, as demonstrated by other international organ­ the current celebration of the Year of the oil spills regularly demonstrate, cur- izations, we at EPA know that agencies Coast presents a special opportunity to rents carry pollutants from one zone to such as ours must develop plans and pro­ consider what effects a World Conserva­ another. The World Conservation Strategy grams that link with international environ­ tion Strategy could have on the oceans. therefore, calls for new or improved bi­ mental initiatives such as the World Con­ At the present time, most of the open lateral and multilateral agreements to con­ servation Strategy and support them. ocean remains a frontier, vulnerable trol marine pollution and maintain the As Deputy Administrator of EPA, I know to the exploitation of living resources. reasonable harvest of marine resources. all too well how, as a Nation, we have been While it is not as biologically rich as the More specifically the strategy supports consuming our natural endowment. I also continental shelf areas, the open ocean regional plans assuring proper use of fish­ recognize the internationa I implications of does possess unique ecosystems. There is, eries and other living resources; the protec­ such consumption. however, no protection of the habitats of tion and maintenance of the support sys­ EPA is working in several international open ocean species. The advent of deep sea tems of critical habitats and of genetically forums to support globa I environment mining and an increase in the general use of rich areas such as coral reefs. It also en­ goals. The World Conservation Strategy courages measures to control pollution. can serve as a unifying framework for those and the prevention of oil spills as well as initiatives. D provision for a rapid and effective response to such accidents.

MAY 1980 9 his is an appropriate year to reflect on hence, the development of the coastal zone progress made in managing our management legislation. The Stratton Com­ coastal lands and waters. The late mission Report concluded: "The coast 1960's, as you will reca II, was a time of the United States is, in many respects, Tof reflection on matters of national interest the Nation's most valuable geographic fea­ in environmental resource management. ture. It is at the juncture of the land and sea This virtual "wave" of concern gave rise to that the greater part of this Nation's trade a number of Federal programs designed to and industry takes place. The waters off our address the newly articulated shore are among the most biologically By I or Ernest F Hollin environmental policies. productive regions of the Nation." The (D, S ) Although the majority of the new Federa I finding was also made that " effective programs concentrated on issues such as management to date has been thwarted by air and water pollution, one focus emerged a variety of governmental jurisdictions in­ in a geographic-specific fashion-coastal volved." The second report, The Na- Reordering zone management. Congress and others tional Estuary Study, focused on one of concerned with resource management saw the key natural resources of coastal areas the need for comprehensive. multi-level, and concluded, "Estuaries are in jeopardy. long-range planning to avoid improper allo­ They are being damaged, destroyed, and Coastal cation of what was judged to be a resource reduced in size at an accelerating rate by of unique and infinite value. physical alteration and by pollution." Two major studies were completed in From these reports and other trends and Priorities 1969-70, which were catalysts in the de­ evidence that were presented, the Con­ velopment of Congressional thinking, and gress determined that without a compre­ hensive management program, the conse­ quence would be further depletion of irreparable natural resources and missed opportunities for encouraging environmen­ tally sound, coastal-dependent economic· growth. The total weight of economic activity closely related to coastal resources and shoreline locations is most impressive.

or destroyed over 40 percent of our wet­ lands, and continue to do so at a rate of 300,000 acres per year. We are only now beginning to recognize the consequences of our actions, and what we are learning is not pleasant. It has only been in the last ten years, for example, that we have come to understand the extraordi­ nary importance of wetlands in the chain of life. We now know, for instance, that most of the top value fish in the Atlantic and he population growth in the coastal Gulf waters are directly dependent in some regions of this country over the past stage of their lives upon these areas. It is few decades has been staggering. particularly sobering to recognize that Choosing As we enter the 1980's, nearly four people are part of that same chain. Tout of every five Americans live within 100 I do not mean to suggest that we have a miles of the oceans or the Great Lakes. lost forever the battle to develop the coast11I By the end of this decade, nearly 75 per­ regions of our country in a careful and cent of the American people will reside deliberate manner. i am suggesting, how­ within 50 miles of the sea. ever, that we are well on the way toward Course Residents of Southeastern Massachu­ such a defeat. It is imperative that we begin setts-one of the fastest growing areas on today to carefully evaluate our actions over By R ~ I I I the East Coast-do not need to be told of the past few decades and to decide the tu id ( C \J1 the great pressures this unprecedented wisest course for the future. growth has placed on our coastal environ­ This year will present us with a unique ment. The tremendous economic incentive opportunity to begin this effort. 1980 has to develop our region and similar regions been proclaimed "The Year of the Coast" of the country has in many instances led us by a number of major environmental groups to build unwisely in areas far too fragile to and by the President of the United States. accept such construction; to virtually elimi­ This designation will be the theme for a nate public access to thousands of beautiful great many activities-both in Washington beaches; and to ra ndomly construct mas­ and around the country-designed to in­ sive energy facilities in the coastal zone. crease public awareness of the value of our In our haste, we as a Nation have damaged

10 EPA JOURNAL Commercial fisheries, in addition to supply­ sures, placed on a limited resource, pro­ coastal issues. My own State of South ing food for our country and the world, rep­ vided the stimulus for creation of the Carolina was among the first, through an resent a $7 billion industry with nearly coastal ione management legislation. executive order, which recognized and 500,000 man-years of employment. The The kinds of concerns which these endorsed the significance of this action. maintenance of a healthy, productive estu­ reports identified remain with us today, and A citizen's committee has been appointed arine environment is essential for maintain­ have been intensified. But we have made consisting of all levels and interests which ing a commercially harvestable stock of progress on a number of points. Programs have a stake in the future of our coast. important marine species. Recreation and administered by many different agencies, This is an important year for coastal zone tourism in coastal areas stimulates $12 including the Environmental Protection management. Authorization for implemen­ billion in economic activity and is the dom­ Agency, have made improvements in slow­ tation funding expires this year and the inant industry in several coastal areas. in­ ing the rate of wetlands destruction, in Congress must consider extension of the cluding parts of my own State of South improving the quality of our coastal waters, program, as well as Administration­ Carolina. Manufacturing that requires in protecting fisheries habitat, and finally, proposed amendments. It is a year when access to water transportation and port through coastal zone management, in the objectives of the Year of the Coast facilities and a reliable source of water is coordinating the efforts of all levels of movement can impact positively on our drawn to coastal locations. Nearly 50 per­ government. deliberations. cent of our manufacturing facilities are Nineteen State programs have been I believe that without a mechanism that located in coastal areas. Such industries approved by the Federal Office of Coastal brings together all the varied interests in are vital to the Nation's economic security Zone Management, and several more are the coast to work toward a commonly as well as providing employment in coastal currently pending. Considering only those understood set of objectives, we would States. One of the more water-dependent States which have approved programs, have only a series of single-purpose, often industries, of course, includes segments of roughly 70 percent of the Nation's coast­ conflicting programs to rely on which our energy industry which are important line is directly dealt with by Coastal Zone "manage" by incremental losses and gains. not only to the coastal States in which they Management. Government, citizens, and This approach has too often thwarted occur, but to the entire Nation as well. the private sector are beginning to work efforts both to protect the coastal environ­ And then we have people. Of the eleven together as these programs move into the ment and to provide opportunities for counties with the highest growth rate dur­ implementation phase. economic use of coastal resources. This is ing the 1960's, nine were coastal. The The fact that 1980 has been declared by one of the major reasons why coastal zone Natian's eight largest cities are on the coast a variety of groups as "Year of the Coast" management was passed by the Congress, and nearly 70 percent of our population and that at least ten States have officially and I continue to believe that the program lives in the coastal counties and in the designated it as such speaks of the level of Continued to page 32 metropolitan areas. These kinds of pres- awareness and concern that exists today on

coastal resources and the great threat they coastal resources-should not be forced to program. To a large extent we will use the face today. comply with specific Federal guidelines on information we have gathered in our na­ As chairman of the Subcommittee on development. tional hearings as the basis for these Oceanography, I intend to be in the very Eight years later it is clear that the pro­ changes. forefront of this effort. Legislatively, we gram is not fully working the way the Con­ This legislation will be crucial to the will focus on four primary areas: The Coas­ gress inteni;ied. Regional hearings we have success or failure of the Year of the Coast tal Zone Management program; the protec­ held recently in Washington and in Detroit, because the Coastal Zone Management tion of undeveloped barrier islands; the Seattle, San Francisco, and New Orleans program encompasses so many different development of ocean thermal energy; and have shown us that the results achieved and types of safeguards for our coasts, includ­ the protection of fisheries habitats. the protections provided have varied great­ ing flood protection in hazardous areas, the ly from State to State. In general, however, Coasta I Energy Impact Program, and pro­ Coastal Zone Management these protections have not relieved the tre­ tections from perhaps the most controver­ Any comprehensive review of the state of mendous pressures which unchecked de­ sial of all coastal issues-offshore oil our coastlines must begin with a careful velopment and growth have placed upon drilling. review of the Coastal Zone Management our coastal areas. The Act, for example, gives the Governor Act, which still stands today-eight years In this Year of the Coast, we will have a of a State the responsibility to review an oil after its enactment-as the only compre­ special chance to broaden and strengthen company's drilling plans prior to any off­ hensive tool which the Federal Government this act so that it does provide more uni­ shore drilling operations. If a Governor has to manage our coastal resources. form protections for our shorelines. We determines that these plans are not con­ In passing the Coastal Zone Management must guarantee through the Coastal Zone sistent with the policies of his State's pro­ Act in 1972, the Congress recognized that Management program that no matter where gram, then he has the authority to prevent it was in the national interest to protect and they are located, our wetlands, beaches, any drilling activities whatsoever. Provi­ preserve our coasts. It recognized as well dunes, and barrier islands will not be de­ sions of the Coastal Zone Management Act that individual States had neither the fund­ stroyed or irreparably harmed. We need to like this are crucial to the survival of our ing nor the expertise to develop and imple­ restore some measure of predictability and coasts. We must make sure that the Act is working-and working well-if we are to ment wise management policies for these direction to the program so that those in­ areas. Consequently, it approved a program volved in planning coastal development will have any chance of managing our coastal which offered both. It was thought at the restrict development in our most fragile resources in an effective manner. time-an era when conservation issues areas and permit it only in those areas were preeminent-that States would rec­ where it is appropriate and where it poses Barrier Islands ognize it was in their own best interest to the least threat to our environment. Later We are only now beginning to understand participate. As a result, participation was this year we expect to introduce legislation the importance to our environment of bar- made strictly voluntary, and it was decided revamping the Coastal Zone Management Continued to page 32 that individual States-with their unique

MAY 1980 1 1 By Bill Painter

n New Year's Day, 1980, when most Americans were soundly sleeping off the effects of the O night before, thousands of citi­ zens were walking on the shores of the country's coast. At more than 35 locations on the Atlantic, Gulf, Pacific, and Great Lakes coasts, people concerned about the Nation's most precious resource symboli­ cally launched the "Year of the Coast." In Massachusetts, beachwalkers "toasted the coast" and took a boat trip to Plum Island near Boston. Near San Pedro in southern California, hearty coastwatchers started off their year with a polar bear swim -braving the Pacific on a fine winter's day. by 10 fold. This level of production is a " Coast Crisis Center"--a clearinghouse Events such as these will be occurring natural process, continuing without use of for coastal information; and a campaign around the country-including many on a fertilizers or pesticides or artificial im­ aimed at substantially increasing the much larger scale, like Boston's Operation provement of genetic stocks. amount of coastal area under long-term Sail '80 on Memorial Day-to heighten People are only now coming to under­ private or public protection. Ideas for public awareness and educate the Nation stand the unique character of the coast. activities range from workshops, tours of about the threats to and the invaluable Within the coastal zone, the ecological sys­ coastal areas, rallies, petition drives, and nature of our country's coast. tems that have evolved are among the most legislative initiatives to sail-ins, waterfront America's coastline represents a price­ intricate on the planet. Terrestrial and festivals, TV specials, poster contests, and less resource of great diversity, which is marine life processes overlap constantly in beach walks. threatened by the competing, conflicting fascinating displays of mutual interdepend­ Dozens of activities are already being demands our society places upon it. ence and fecundity. planned by local, State, and regional Overall, coastal resources continue to However, human abuses of both land and groups. A group dealing with the Lake deteriorate. A new coalition of environmen­ water merge and become magnified in the Michigan region is planning a series of talists, sportsmen, urban groups, and other thin coastal edge. At an alarming rate, workshops and information activities. Ex­ interests-the Coast Alliance--has recent­ coastal biological systems are being re­ hibits, slide shows, and other special activi­ ly been formed to focus national attention peatedly disrupted by development in the ties are being planned for the Brooklyn, on the value of the coast and the need for coastal area . It is common along our coast N.Y., Public library System. wiser use of this fragile resource. to see oil-stained tidal pools, lowered shore­ An Oregon wilderness group plans to The coast, like our farmlands and for­ bird populations, shellfish beds in quaran­ develop and promote a State legislative ests, is a natural resource of immense tine, closed beaches, and urban waterfronts package focusing on the natural, historical, esthetic and economic importance. Millions in decay. Despite their high ecological and and educational aspects of seashores. A of people visit the coast for recreation and economic value, wetlands are still being museum curator in Daytona Beach, Fla. is sport, and its rich and varied scenery con­ lost at a rate of 300,000 acres per year developing exhibits, to be supplemented tinues to refresh and inspire the human nationwide. with a lecture series on coastal processes spirit. The Coast Alliance was formed early in and problems. Interest in participation in Boating, fishing, hunting, swimming, 1979 by a group of concerned individuals Year of the Coast is even being expressed bird watching, sun bathing, and other activi­ who feel that a major national initiative is in other countries I ties contribute to a multi-billion dollar coas­ needed to halt the deterioration of our vital On another front, the Alliance, along tal tourism industry. coastal resources. With the support of vir- with a number of associated organizations, tually every national environmental is seeking an overall policy review of the _,. ,., organization, the Alliance is administration of programs such as the "'"' J • working toward a number Coastal Zone Management Act, Outer Con­ .r' of goals that include tinental Shelf Oil Leasing, and National increasing pub­ Flood Insurance Program, with a goal of lic awareness coordinating these programs more effec­ of the tively to provide greater protection and wiser management of coastal resources. A major victory in this campaign was won last August, when President Carter, in his second environmental message to Congress, called for a review of all Federal programs affecting the coast, to determine if they are consistent with stated Federal policies for wise use of coastal resources. immense value of The Alliance and associated groups is Expenditures the coast and the threats sponsoring a legislative package covering a by sa It water thereto; encouraging groups variety of techniques for protecting, en­ fishermen alone equaled and individuals across the hancing, and wisely utilizing the coast; new $3.4 billion in 1975.) country to work for the protec­ approaches to protection of coastal areas; Two-thirds of tion of coastal resources and to assistance to waterfront revitalization; he commercial fish caught promote beneficial uses of the coast; dis­ measures to cut Federal subsidization of y Atlantic and Gulf Coast fisher couraging private development and public unwise coastal development, and other men are dependent on coastal investment in coastal flood and erosion risk proposals. aters for some part of their life cycle, areas; and improving public access to Realizing that It has set out a large ccording to Our Nation's Wet/and's, a coastal areas. agenda, the Coast Alliance is asking those report issued by the President's Council The Alliance has created a four-part pro­ who would like to organize Year of the on Environmental Quality. The Nation's gram to be implemented during 1979-1980: Coast activities In their communities or be fishery supports 260,000 commercial fisher­ ( 1) a massive education/mobilization cam­ involved in the administrative review or men who caught 6 billion pounds of fish paign, "Year of the Coast: 1980"; (2) a legislative campaign to write to COAST, in 1978. review of the administration of Federal Box 2708, Washington, D.C. 20013. O Coastal waters are among the most pro­ coast-related programs; (3) selected litiga­ ductive ecosystems on Earth, with some tion; and (4) comprehensive proposals for Bill Painter is the Executive Director of the like the salt marshes of our southeast coast national coast protection legislation. Coast Alliance. surpassing the productivity of a wheat field A number of national organizations are working in conjunction with the Alliance on projects for the Year of the Coast that in­ clude a series of regional conferences, a

MAY 1980 13 he decade of the 1970's saw a dra­ with fully half of the country's citizens liv­ matic change in public attitude about ing within 50 miles of the coast and nine of the environment in general and the our ten largest cities located on the Atlan­ Nation's coasts in particular. In addi­ tic, Pacific, Gulf, or Great Lakes coasts. tionT to legislation aimed at improving the The Coastal Zone Management Act, quality of the air we breathe and the water administered by the National Oceanic and By Michael Glazer we drink, the Congress in 1972 passed the Atmospheric Administration's Office of Coastal Zone Management Act. Coastal Zone Management, began making The philosophical impetus for the law grants to the States in 1974. Those Federal was straightforward and direct: the coastal dollars were available to States initially to areas of the United States simply would not prepare plans to resolve conflicts over coas­ take care of themselves. Although such a tal land uses. The program is voluntary and notion had in fact been widely held through­ is flexible enough to allow each State's out the 1950's and '60's, it became increas­ program to reflect its own needs and issues. ingly clear in the 1970's that the country's Each State that chooses to take part must coastal areas held valuable but finite re­ define its coastal boundaries, determine sources. And these resources were coming what land and water uses it will permit, and up against increasing and frequently con­ set priorities for those uses. And of course tradictory pressures-growing recrea­ each State must create a management tional, residential, and commercial uses structure to carry out and enforce its were confronting pressures to preserve our program. rapidly diminishing wilderness areas and To the surprise of even those who were our valuable fish and wildlife habitats. sanguine about the program in its early Adding to the problem was the almost days, all 35 eligible States and territories exponential rise in the coastal population, have received planning grants from the Federal coastal management office. In addi-

14 EPA JOURNAL fish and wildlife habitats, and beaches and The marine sanctuaries program allows sand dunes. Others have used their coastal areas anywhere within the country's coastal programs to do a better job of enforcing waters out to 200 miles to be set aside for existing programs dealing with these protection and study. The aim of designat­ resources. ing such areas is to achieve compatibility o Since entering the Federal program, between society's needs for food, energy, South Carolina, Louisiana, the Virgin Is­ navigation, and the continued surviva I of lands, and Texas all have enacted for the our rich marine resources. first time laws to regulate wetland develop­ To date only two marine sanctuaries ment. have been designated: the Monitor Marine • Seven States are providing new protec­ Sanctuary, which protects the wreck of the tion for animal habitats. famous Civil War ironclad off Cape Hat­ • Four States have mandated setback teras, N.C., and the Key Largo Marine Sanc­ lines for construction near beaches and tuary, which protects some 100 square sand dunes to protect these resources from miles of fragile coral reef off Florida's new development. southeast coast. We anticipate that others In addition to protecting coastal re­ will soon be designated, including areas off sources themselves, a rewardingly large the coasts of California, Louisiana, Texas, number of States are coming to grips with and Hawaii. the problem of protecting citizens from Unlike marine sanctuaries, which are natural coastal hazards. The coasts have " owned" by the Federal Government, al­ always been prone to such dangers as though they may be managed jointly with hurricanes, floods, erosion, and land sub­ the adjacent State, estuarine sanctuaries sidence. Careless development in threat­ are owned and managed by the individua I ened areas can result in needless and States. The program was established to extensive loss of lives and property. help States buy and permanently protect Among the States that are trying to pre­ estuarine land, through 50/50 matching vent thoughtless development in hazardous grants from the Office of Coastal Zone Man­ areas are: agement, that can be set aside as a living • North Carolina, whose 300 miles of laboratory, allowing scientists the rare shoreline, much of it barrier islands, is opportunity to study natural and human among the most strictly controlled in the processes within areas that are among the country. most productive in the coastal zone. • Rhode Island, whose coastal manage­ There are now seven individual sanctu­ ment program prohibits development on aries in Oregon, Georgia, Hawaii, Ohio, any of the State's 18 undeveloped barrier California, and Florida. The estuaries are islands. to be kept as undisturbed as possible so • Texas, which has set up a hurricane that scientists can study the naturally func­ awareness program to educate its citizens tioning system and can use the areas as about the dangers of bui Iding in hurricane­ controls against which to measure ecologi­ prone areas and about the safest actions to cal changes in other unprotected estuaries. take in the event of a tropical storm. In addition, the sanctuaries provide stu­ Bulldozers are used to maintain the beach Other States are trying to find out what dents and the general public with a place in Ocean City, Md. kind of development they should allow on where they can learn about the ecology and the coast and where that development the environment in a natural setting. And tion. by the end of the first quarter of this should take place. For example, Maryland they afford protection for vital habitats of year, 19 coastal States and territories, rep­ has come up with a program for power plant estuarine-dependent animals and plants, resenting more than two-thirds of the siting that we think is exemplary. And in including endangered species. Nation's coastline, were operating under California, the State's coastal commission Ironically, one aspect of coastal zone some form of Federally-approved coastal has identified locations that it considers management-a critically important one­ management program. In human terms that inappropriate for power plants as well as won't show up in any review of the program means that some 45 million coastal resi­ sites that are appropriate for liquefied or in any statistical table on the number of dents, fully half the population that lives in natural gas facilities. States participating. That is the creation of coasta I counties, a re assured that such In addition to State coastal programs, a coastal awareness at the grass roots level. diverse elements as energy, recreation, port which form the core of the Federal pro­ a kind of a coastal ethic, if you will. The development, and residential housing are gram's business, the Office of Coastal Zone fact that 1980 has been designated the being approached rationally and Management has established two related Year of the Coast heightens the hope that intelligently. coastal programs that could have far-reach­ such an ethic will become ingrained into What have the States accomplished? ing consequences for the protection of our our government, our business, and our Although some States are still in the plan­ valuable coastal resources: the marine private lives. D ning stage of their coastal programs and sanctuary program and the estuarine only two of the 19 States with approved sanctuary program. Michael Glazer is Assistant Administrator programs have been operating for more Both these programs were established for Coastal Zone Management in the than two years, results are already appar­ after the 1972 passage of the Coastal Zone National Oceanic and Atmospheric . ent, especially in the area of protecting Management Act and both are aimed at Administration. natural resources. providing environmental protection that the A number of States have used their Fed­ individual States could not, by themselves, eral dollars to establish brand new pro­ carry out. grams to protect wetlands, barrier islands,

MAY l980 15 These are examples of the im­ pact of civilization on some of the fragile beach areas on our coasts. Two of these photos show development on the barrier island at Ocean City, Md. Sec­ retary of the Interior Cecil D. Andrus has said that "strong environmental safeguards, based on an understanding recognition A of the natural forces of the'~ea, must be foremost in any program for protecting barrier islands from unwise development and use." All beach areas are also in­ creasingly threatened by oil spills and intensive construction.

Photo A-High-rise condomin­ iums tower above the surf at Ocean City, Md., in the fore­ ground while in the background are the vacation homes which have been built on reclaimed marshland. Alf are located on what the Geological Survey describes as an "eroding bar­ rier island which is retreating landward."

Photo 8-A private home has been built across the beach and close enough to be splashed by the ocean at Ocean City, Md.

Photo C- Visitors arrive in beach buggies at a resort area near San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Photo D-Crab smeared by oil spill on the coast of Santa Barbara, Calif.

16

Beautiful and Vulnerable

y um n

t may come as a surprise to some resi­ It will coordinate and help to evaluate work assessments, and a general knowledge of dents of the tidewater region to learn that that is going on and fill in gaps in current land-use activities, that the Bay receives anything so large as the Chesapeake, with information. In short, it is trying to pull many industrial and agricultural chemi­ all its majesty and splendor, can also be together a great deal of disparate informa­ cals. The toxic chemicals are a major vulnerable. After all, this is the bay that tion so that Federal, State and local gov­ concern, especially those that may accumu­ Baltimore's H. L. Mencken once called "a ernments can use it more efficiently to late in the food chain. Treated municipal great big outdoor protein factory." The size protect the estuary. sewage enters the Bay and its tributaries at and fertility of its waters, the strength of its an estimated rate of 400 million gallons cleansing tides, and the sweep of its broad How Big and How Productive 7 per day, or put another way, treated sewage mouth into the open Atlantic all seem The Bay and its tributaries form one of the constitutes an estimated 2.7 percent of the reassuring proof that nothing can harm this largest and most complex of the 850 tota I freshwater flow to the Bay. The corre­ mighty estuary. estuaries located around the coastline of sponding percentage in the Potomac. which To many, in fact, "bigness" confers the United States. The mainstem of the Bay has well known problems resulting from upon the Bay a kind of immunity to the im­ is about 195 miles long, and including the over-enrichment, is estimated at 4.8 per­ pacts of industrialized society. Yet area numerous tributaries, such as the James, cent. Environmental pressures from ship­ citizens and managers are coming to realize Potomac, York. Rappahannock, Patuxent, ping and various land-use activities are that while we are putting heavy demands Chester and Choptank, to name a few of the suspected to contribute to the present on the Chesapeake's ecosystem, we have longest, the Bay system has a shoreline of stress on the Bay. And the list undoubtedly only a limited understanding of its capacity about 8,000 miles. Its drainage basin is could be broadened. to assimilate the waste materials of mil­ approximately 65,000 square miles, With the population expected to double lions of people. And it is the balance be­ encompassing parts of six States. by the year 2020, these pressures on the tween this assimilative capacity and the The Chesapeake is considered the most Bay will increase. Bay's bountiful gifts-its superb fishing productive estuary in North America. It is and sailing, its usefulness as a transporta­ big enough to support a recreation industry Changes In Abundance tion corridor and an environmental sink for valued at $200 million a year. These rich of Living Resources waste materials-that they want to protect. waters produce a seafood harvest worth There are numerous statistics that reflect about $175 million during a good year. the downw~rd trend in the recent harvest of The Chesapeake Bay Program There are approximately 80,000 licensed blue crabs, oysters, striped bass, and shad. At the urging of Maryland's Senator Charles hunters and fishermen in the Bay area and It is difficult to pinpoint the causes since the McC. Mathias, Jr .. Congress in 1975 di­ upwards of 200,000 registered pleasure critical studies have not until now been rected that the U.S. Environmental Protec­ boats. performed. In some cases, the seafood in tion Agency begin an in-depth study of the The Bay provides America's dinner question does not lend itself readily to Bay. The purpose was to sort out the prob­ tables with more blue crabs in a year than experiments. For example, some species lems and possible solutions to correct a all other areas combined. Likewise for the are difficult to raise in a laboratory. Also, problem highlighted by him later at the soft-shelled clam; the estuary accounts for there has been a marked decline in the sub­ Bi-State Conference on the Chesapeake Bay more than half the annual catch in America merged aquatic vegetation, which plays a in April, 1977, when he declared: of these clams. vital role in the food chain and as a critical "It is obvious to me that the single great The Bay also is a major stop on the habitat for numerous Bay organisms. flaw in our array of programs, laws, re­ Atlantic Flyway for migratory birds and The coincidence that severa I marine search projects, citizens' lobbies, and even waterfowl, providing food in its waters and species are showing a decrease of abun­ Space Age technology such as Landsat submerged aquatic vegetation and shelter dance in the Bay has deeply concerned area that come to bear on the Bay is that Federal, in its marshes, coves, and fields. More than citizens. It also is not fully understood why State, local and private agencies still have 500,000 Canadian geese and 40,000 whis­ several other species, such as the osprey, no workable way to coordinate their tling swans winter there. It is a nesting croaker, and sea trout, have shown an in­ stewardships of the Bay," area for the endangered bald eagle and the crease in recent years. These opposing For this reason, the Chesapeake Bay threatened osprey. In fact, the Bay area con­ trends show how difficult it is to separate Program is intended to sort out the arrays tains the largest osprey population in the natural fluctuations from those caused by of laws, research projects, policies, and U.S. human activities on and around the Bay. citizens' efforts to get a comprehensive Most of the environmental stresses on picture. It is assessing the principal factors the Bay are common-that is, they gen­ that have an adverse Impact on the Bay. erally are not unique to the Chesapeake. We know, based on National Pollutant Dis­ charge Elimination System permits, field

18 EPA JOURNAL tributaries which impedes the cleansing tides, and by pleasure boating, which also erodes shorelines and stirs up sediments. Until now the resiliency and produc­ tivity of the Bay have helped prevent seri­ ous environmental damage. But with the increased shipping, recreation, and antici­ pated land use activities in the uplands forecast for the next few decades. the ability of the Chesapeake to absorb future environmental punishment remains a question mark.

Current Research Areas The Chesapeake Bay Program. a joint effort between EPA Region 3 and the Office of Research and Development, operates with about a dozen full-time scientists on its own staff located in Annapolis, Md. and relies on some 40 grants and contracts with more than 30 scientific and educational institu­ tions to carry out much of the investigation. They range from the Hampton Institute to the U.S. Naval Academy, from Johns Hop­ kins University to the Environmental Law Institute. Dr. Tudor Davies, Director of EPA's Environmental Research Laboratory in Narragansett, R.I., also serves as Direc­ tor of the Chesapeake Bay Program. A number of EPA's laboratories also are supporting the Program. These include the Industrial Environmental Research and the Health Effects Research laboratories at Research Triangle Park, N.C.: the Environ­ mental Research Laboratories at Athens, Ga . and Gulf Breeze, Fla .; the Environmen­ tal Monitoring and Support Laboratory at Las Vegas, Nov., and the Annapolis Field Office of Region 3. In the fall of 1977, the Program staff, representatives of the States of Maryland and Virginia, and the citizens in a workshop identified ten major problem areas to be addressed by the Program. These were: • Decline of submerged aquatic vegetation • Eutrophication (nutrient enrichment) •Toxic substances • Dredging and dredged material disposal • Fisheries modification (biological resources) • Shellfish bed closures • Hydro logic modification More Traffic Ahead •Wetlands alteration Both commercial shipping and recrea­ •Shoreline erosion tional activities on the Bay are expected to increase significantly in the future. It's Nearly every form of human activity has •Water quality effects of boating and estimated that the volume of cargo handled an impact on the Bay's water quality. Water shipping in Baltimore Harbor and Hampton Roads, pollution comes from the discharge of Since a comprehensive evaluation of all for example, will double in the next 40 industries' waste, heated water from power ten areas was likely to be beyond the years. Recreationa I boating demand wifl plants, municipal sewage discharges, oil resources of the Program, and in rise from 11 million "activity days" in spills, farm runoff, shoreline erosion and order to make maximum use of available 1980 {one person's activity tor one day on sedimentation, and shoreline development funds, three critical areas have received the water equals one activity day) to more which increases the sedimentation and intensive, high-priority research attention: than 36 million four decades from now. runoff from paved surfaces. Other water the decline of submerged aquatic vegeta­ Rising fuel prices. of course, could cut the quality problems are created by dredging tion, eutrophication (nutrient enrichment), growth rate sharply. and disposal of silt, by modification of and toxic substances.

MAY 1980 19 In each ot these areas, a uniform re­ bass and shad make use of the vegetation data to identify trends in the Bay's water search approach is being pursued. Sources for their habitat, but also the famed blue quality and how the problem relates to an of causes of these problems are being in­ crab needs the shelter when it is molting estuarine system. They also are gathering vestigated to see how pollutants interact and vulnerable to predators. Beds of sub­ data to provide a clear picture of current with the Bay's ecosystem. Systems are merged grasses are a significant source of eutrophic conditions there. From this body being set up for collecting, measuring, and food for waterfowl, shrimp, and fish, and of information and from projections of managing various types of environmental also play an important role in reducing population growth and urban, rural, and and other related data. Finally, control wave action and the speed of currents, industrial development, researchers expect methods and alternatives for correcting the allowing sediments to settle out of the to correlate nutrient loads with water qual­ problems are being investigated. water. ity conditions. If so many acres of land are Providing the framework for the optimum The Chesapeake Bay Program has a num­ to be developed in a given area. for exam­ use of research results is the Environmental ber of institutions under contract to look at ple, what changes can be expected? What Quality Management Study. For each of the different aspects of the aquatic plant prob­ will this do to the Chesapeake 7 three technical problem areas, it is describ­ lem. The Virginia Institute of Marine The answers wil I be the tools that the ing the management network currently in Science and the American University, for public and government officials will need to place on the Bay. That is, the roles and example. are gathering information for an make informed decisions affecting the responsibilities of government agencies in inventory of the vegetation throughout the future of the Bay-not only in its water the management of submerged aquatic Bay. quality but in the economic and social vegetation, nutrients, and toxics are being Johns Hopkins University is charting the future of the region. Among those institu­ defined. Later the Bay management agen­ life cycles of vegetation over the past few tions under contract to examine the eutro­ cies will be reviewed and catalogued, and centuries, using core samples from the Bay phication problem are the Chesapeake Re­ the effectiveness of existing Bay manage­ bottom. The purpose is to find any changes search Consortium, looking into historical ment mechanisms will be analyzed. The in the cycles that may be linked to human data and defining needs for future research activities. on the Bay; the Maryland Department of The Virginia Institute of Marine Science Natural Resources, evaluating available is also under contract to look at the role of tools for predicting eutrophication and eelgrass, an important factor in the ecology comparing costs and accuracy of various of bluefish, sea trout, weakfish, and the models; the Virginia State Water Control species they prey upon. In another project, Board, engaged in similar work in its area; it is examining some aspects that deal with and the Hampton Institute, evaluating water the planting of new eelgrass beds. quality by means of a helicopter-borne Are toxic herbicides contributing to the sampling system and correlating measure­ problem of disappearing underwater aquat­ ments with observations made by ic vegetation? The Center for Environmen­ Landsat satellite. ta I and Estuarine Studies of the Un1versity of Maryland is trying to find the answer Toxic Chemicals under another EPA contract. Part of the Some substances such as trace metals study is to learn about the pathways and occur normally in nature, but the vast mechanisms by which herbicides and sedi­ majority of toxic substances are by-prod­ ments travel through the Bay. Finally, the ucts of industrialized society. Many pesti­ Migratory Bird and Habitat Research Lab­ cides, herbicides, chemicals in industrial effort is to assure that all the related com­ oratory of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Serv­ waste streams, organic chemicals, and pe­ ponents of the Bay Program work together ice has the task of pu lllng together the data troleum-based products are all potentially smoothly and efficiently to achieve the from these and other studies to find the toxic. objective of a better Bay. The management relationship of the underwater plants to These toxic chemicals enter the Bay the program includes tasks to support and migratory water fowl, and to present a same way nutrients do. from either point refine the existing management strategies broad picture of the vegetation, trends in sources such as industrial discharges, and to analyze alternative scenarios for Bay its distribution, and causes for its decline. spills from vessels and shoreline storage management. facilities, or from non-point sources such Another aspect deals with public par­ Excessive Nutrient Enrichment as farmland and paved area runoff or ticipation. The Program has several organ­ The process of nutrient enrichment, frequent­ atmospheric fallout. izations under contract to raise the level of ly called eutrophication, is a natural process Research is focused on obtaining infor­ public awareness about the Bay, to increase by which nutrients are supplied to bodies mation about the sources, pathways, and public understanding. and to involve the of water. However, excessive quantities of fin a I destination of toxic substances in the public in the Program. plant-nutrient minerals, especially phos­ estuary. From such studies, strategies can The EPA has awarded grants to Mary­ phorus and nitrogen, have been entering be designed to reduce the environmental land, Virginia, and Pennsylvania for pro­ the Bay from a variety of sources. Enriched hazards and protect the hea Ith of the Bay. gram coordination and management. The by these minerals, algae thrive in a number Among the approaches to the problem, States participate in the Program's deci­ of areas, but when they die, they rob the scientists will use an inventory of industrial sion-making and provide staff support on water of dissolved oxygen necessary for sources of toxicants to identify compounds working groups that develop technical the survival of other marine life. Green and test their potential for being absorbed work plans. scum floating on the surface of the water is by Bay organisms. The Virginia Institute of one symptom, and massive fish kills can Marine Science under one contract will Vanishing Underwater Plants also result. Low levels of dissolved oxygen identify toxics in sediments and oysters at The decline of submerged aquatic vegeta­ have been observed in certain parts of the various sites. (Where oysters aren't found. tion is a principal area of concern because Bay and its tributaries, notably the Potomac they'll substitute the brackish water clam.) so many species depend on these plants for River. food and shelter. Not only do young striped Scientists are now studying historical

20 EPA JOURNAL Other researchers wil I be studying the Annapolis Facility time, according to Villa. The facility pathways of toxic chemicals entering the serves a five-State region comprising water, the movements of sediments asso­ Expands Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia. ciated with toxics and their occurrence in West Virginia, Delaware, and the bottom mud. District of Columbia. The Johns Hopkins University's Chesa­ EPA's Central Regional Laboratory in " Dump sites are currently our big­ peake Bay Institute, for example, is looking Annapolis is moving into brand new gest problem," Villa explains. "Re­ into the role of suspended sediment as an quarters that will not only provide gion 3 has more than 600 of them and agent for transporting toxic substances in nearly five times as much working we do a lot of screening to determine the water. The Maryland Geological Survey space but will include highly sophis­ which are the potentially hazardous is investigating the chemistry of "interstitial ticated equipment for measuring sites. We're developing protocols for water", which is a layer of water from the pollutants. site examination-we're primarily Bay's bottom to about one yard below the The new facility, located only concerned with what's leaching into sediment surface. Since this water and about a mile from the rented, underground aquifers and nearby sediment form a thick soup acting as a cramped quarters where its scientists streams, what's getting off the site mixing zone where pollutants move be­ have worked for many years, is a and posing a health hazard to the tween the sediment and the water, re­ 34,294-square-foot brick and glass public." searchers are seeking to understand more building designed for 45 staff mem­ One of the most sophisticated about the chemical reactions going on in bers including chemists, engineers, pieces of equipment being added to this zone. The University of Maryland under biologists, technicians and other the Laboratory is called an Inductively another contract is doing a geochemical support personnel. The laboratory. Coupled Argon Plasma spectrometer. survey of bottom sediments to determine which serves EPA Region 3, is large The device is able to analyze 16 dif­ the types and amounts of trace metals enough to permit expansion in its staff ferent metals in a sample at one time. there. to permit estimates of the rates that in future years. where earlier equipment was able to metals are settling into the sediments. Orterio Villa, director since 1973, analyze only one at a time. Heavy Eventually scientists expect to have a said one major new area of testing metals are a major concern for much clearer picture of the movements of and research by the Laboratory will be environmental scientists because toxic substances in the Bay, their chemical in control ling hazardous wastes, since they can pose health hazards if they transformation, sometimes into even more the Agency has placed this high on find their way into the food chain. toxic compounds, their effects on sedi­ its priority list. The EPA Fiscal 1981 The laboratory also is able to ments and marine life, and the implications budget, reflecting mounting concern detect organic compounds in soil and of their accumulation in the food chain. over the problem, has proposed sub­ water using a high performance The ultimate goal is to gain enough knowl­ stantial increases in the hazardous liquid chromatograph and an auto­ edge to predict and prevent problems waste program. mated gas chromatograph. associated with these substances. The laboratory also will maintain "We will be looking for com­ its fleet of three power boats for sam­ pounds that can't be detected now Products of the Program pling waters, sludge, fish. and shell­ with present equipment," says Villa. There will be numerous scientific papers fish of the Chesapeake Bay and " For the last three years we've been that are important in their own right. There tributaries. investing to upgrade our ana lytical also wi 11 be for the first time a large data During the summer sampling sea­ equipment. We're not quite there base on factors relevant to water quality son the staff devotes a considerable but we're getting close now." that will be coordinated and comprehen­ part of its time to work on Region 3 Total cost of the new facility sive. This will permit all the pieces of rivers, such as the Potomac and Dela­ including equipment will be approxi­ information to fit together into an organized ware, as well as its continuing work­ mately $3.5 million, according to pattern to help in future management load including hazardous waste sites, the director. As an indication of how decisions about the Bay. municipal and industrial plant inves­ dangerous some chemicals can be in EPA's Office of Research and Develop­ tigations, and public water supplies. dumps these days, Villa noted that ment. headed by Stephen J. Gage, sum­ In other seasons ambient monitoring the Laboratory has ordered special marized the studies of the Chesapeake in plays a minor role while Enforcement protective clothing resembling space its Research Highlights 1979 publication and Resource Conservation and Re­ suits for its inspection teams and this way: covery Act programs are emphasized. also is acquiring devices to detect "The program's goal is to provide the "Crisis management," the term for harmful gases on-site, since a number people with straightforward facts, alterna­ handling sudden, unexpected inci­ of chemicals finding their way to tives, and realistic costs, in order that well­ dents of hazardous pollution. takes up dumps these days are highly volatile informed decisions about the Bay area's a large portion of the Laboratory's and give off hazardous fumes. environmental future can be made. If people in the area, for example, opt for maintaining the status quo, the results of the study will tell them this is what main­ taining the status quo means environmen­ tally and these will be the costs sustained. If, on the other hand. the choice is to improve environmental qua I ity, then this is what it will cost and these are the benefits that can be expected." 0

Truman Temple is Associate Editor of EPA Journal.

MAY 1980 2 1 By Madonna F. McGrath, Director, Great Lakes National Program Office

Madonna McGrath has been named Director of the Great Lakes National Program Office in EPA's Chicago region. As acting Director during the last five months she has prepared the strategy that realigns the Lakes Pro­ gram work with the Agency's overall Great Lakes pollution-control efforts. Mt:Grath joined EPA in February, 1978, as Chief of the Environmental Planning Staff at the Great Lakes Na­ tional Program Office. Before coming to the Agency she was an Environ­ mental Programs Coordinator with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. McGrath entered government service in 1971 as Confidential Assistant to the Secretary of the Interior. She was named Region 5 Field Representative for the Department of Interior in 1973. She earned a bachelor's degree from Webster College in St. Louis in 1968 and a master's in public admin­ istration from Roosevelt University, Chicago, in 1979.

22 EPA JOURNAL -he Great Lakes are considered the fourth coast of the United States. Like the country's three marine Tcoasts, the Great Lakes' shores play a variety of roles. They are recreation areas. Increasing numbers of boat launches, private develop­ ments, and parks attest to a growing popularity, and protected areas along the Lakes are being vigorously defended from encroachment. The Lakes also are used in generating electricity. Sixty-four of the Nation's generating facilities are located in shore counties. In addition, the Great Lakes shores are historic. Indian mounds and well-traveled routes dating to French explorers remind the visitor that these mighty, intercon­ nected lakes opened up the center of the country. Commercia I fishing has a long his­ tory on the Lakes. So does shipping, which increasingly moves the area's raw mate­ of 1972. Following the 1978 revision of 3. Increased State involvement in Great rials, from steel to grain to coal, and its that agreement and an intensive Agency Lakes decisionmaking through the finished goods to the Nation and the world. evaluation, the Great Lakes National Office State/ EPA Agreement process. An estimated one-fourth of U.S. industry and other EPA Regional programs signifi­ is located along these inland shores. cantly changed the ways in which they To understand why the Great Lakes Other aspects of the Great Lakes make respond to Great Lakes needs. office is focusing on these areas, one must restoring and maintaining water quality a For the first time, EPA has a definitive review the problems that currently plague matter of extreme importance-and make strategy for working on Great Lakes the Nation's fourth coast. this an altogether different, even unique pollution problems. More important, the The most serious threat is the existence coastline. These Lakes are an intercon­ months of discussion and debate have of persistent toxic chemicals in Great nected system; their very long retention resulted in a strong affirmation of the Lakes water, fish, wildlife, and sediments. times and slow flushing rates make them Agency's commitment to effective Great These substances affect all portions of literally sinks for pollution. Further, the Lakes program management that is based the Great Lakes in varying degrees. Many Great Lakes contain not salt but fresh on the full force of State and Federal have the capacity to bioaccumulate; they water-six quadrillion gallons of it, to be authorities and international objectives. have been found in the Lakes' fish and wild­ precise. That is 20 percent of the world's No longer are Great Lakes water quality life in alarming concentrations. Fish from fresh surface water, and 95 percent of improvement activities isolated from the Lake Ontario are heavily contaminated the United States' supply. More than 40 mainstream of the Agency's environmental by Mirex. lake Michigan fish cannot be million people-nearly 20 percent of programs. Rather, there is a conscious sold commercially because of high levels U.S. population and 50 percent of effort by all parties to collectively protect of PCB's . Fish from Lake St. Clair had high Canada's, live in the Great Lakes Basin, this precious resource. levels of mercury that restricted their use the area that drains into the Lakes. The Great Lakes National Program for several years. More than 23.5 million people depend Office emerged in a pivotal role to guide These substances reach the aquatic on the Great Lakes for their drinking water. this integration process. Its goal, with the environment through direct discharges It is this use of these glacial bodies of strong support of Region 5 Administrator from industries, in runoff from agricultural water, as well as recreation and fishing and John McGuire (who is the Great Lakes and urban activities, and from the atmos­ commerce, that is of urgent concern to National Program manager}, is to help phere after evaporation or insufficient many government entities. Within the identify and recommend solutions to incineration. While the effect of toxic U.S., the majority of Great Lakes pollution­ lakewide or transboundary pollution prob­ substances on aquatic organisms is not control responsibilities fall in the manage­ lems that cut across traditional lines of well understood, severe adverse health ment sphere of EPA's Region 5, which authority. Further the Great Lakes National effects on mammals and birds are well serves six of the eight States that border Office is to serve as a U.S. ombudsman for documented. the lakes. the Lakes. Present remedial programs include a ban on DDT and similar pesticides, a ban Because of the economic, environ­ To accomplish these assignments, the on PC B's except by special EPA permit, mental, and social value thatthe complex Great lakes office is concentrating most of and individual actions against point Great lakes ecosystem represents to both its scientific and technical resources on the United States and Canada, EPA in late three key areas: sources of other compounds. 1977 created the Great Lakes National An example of one severely toxic­ affected area is Waukegan Harbor, just Program Office, headquartered in Chicago. 1. The revision and implementation of a north of Chicago. Studies done in Originally this office concentrated on Great lakes monitoring program, with 1975 coordinating the various Great Lakes-re­ particular emphasis on toxic chemicals and 1976 established that the Johnson lated activities already underway within and nutrients; Motors Division of Outboard Marine Corporation was discharging PC B's and the Region, in response to the U .S.-Cana­ 2. Special investigations of serious "hot was the source of severe PCB contamina­ dian Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement spot" problem areas, with emphasis on tion in sediments of the North Ditch and developing control measures for the full range of pollutant sources, i.e., land, water, and c.>ir;

MAY 1980 23 Waukegan Harbor, both tributaries of The most prominent example of how mated at 30 to 40 percent of the two lakes' Lake Michigan. In February, 1976, EPA nutrients reach the Lakes is the City of total load. PC B's have been found in iso­ issued an administrative order requiring Detroit's municipal sewage treatment plant. lated lakes of Isle Roya le in Lake Superior; Outboard Marine to cease its discharge of Detroit has missed a Federal Court-ordered the atmosphere is the only conceivable PCB's; the Illinois EPA issued a notice of deadline for secondary treatment by more avenue. Studies of Lake Michigan indicate violation in the matter. The company sub­ than a year. A total of $350 million has atmospheric inputs of similar magnitude. sequently took certain steps to reduce its already been spent during the past 10 years Scientists estimated that 5 percent of the PCB discharge. to upgrade the plant, one.of the Nation's total nitrogen and phosphorus loads to In March, 1978, the U.S. Government largest. which processes 700 million gal­ Lakes Erie and Ontario come from the filed with the Northern District of Illinois lons of sewage daily from Detroit and more atmosphere and will represent higher per­ against Outboard Marine, asking that it be than 75 suburban communities in three centages as other sources are controlled. required to dredge and dispose of sedi­ counties. EPA and the U.S.-Canadian Inter­ But what of the future? What are the ments from the ditch and harbor in a safe national Joint Commission have called the challenges ahead? While much of the manner. plant the worst polluter of Lake Erie. As visible pollution of the Great Lakes has As part of its lengthy efforts to solve this recently as 1978 this one plant a lone dis­ abated, it is what we do not see, taste, or problem, EPA has conducted investigations charged 45 percent of the total municipal smell that may cause more severe problems of the PCB problem in Waukegan and its phosphorus load to the lake. Fortunately, in the years ahead. potential solution. These investigations are phosphorus treatment at the facility has If pollution contaminates more ground­ continuing as part of the Agency's prepara­ been improving in recent years. water sources, even more millions of peo­ tion for its trial presentation to the Federal In March, 1979, a U.S. Federal judge ple will look to the Great Lakes as a source Court, which should occur in the near appointed the mayor of Detroit special of drinking water. The energy situation may future. Clearly, the road to control of such administrator of the troubled sewage treat­ require that we use the Great Lakes even pollutants is long and steep. ment plant. The Court, city, State, and EPA more intensively for navigation, power pro­ There are other toxic chemica I hot spots are working vigorously to resolve the duction, and possibly natural gas, for which in the Great lakes that EPA is checking. plant's problems and meet the 1982 phos­ Canada already drills in the western end One. way EPA finds these areas is through phorus-control deadline, to which a II of Lake Erie. Recreation close to home will an extensive fish tissue analysis program, parties have agreed. continue; popular resort areas such as Door which concentrates on fish found both in Milwaukee, like Detroit, is spending a County, Wis., already face the possibility the open waters and in the nearshore tribu­ good bit of time in court. The city was sued of overbuilding and the resulting strains on tary streams. Scientists combine findings by and settled with the State of Wisconsin water treatment systems. Other emerging from these surveys with results of intensive under the Clean Water Act. The State of problems, such as increased levels of so­ sediment studies to identify toxic chemical Illinois sued Milwaukee on the basis of dium and chlorides, also may affect the hot spots in selected harbors and tributary nuisance law and pollution of lake Michi­ ecological balance within the Lakes and basins. Regulatory assessments to identify gan and won a judgment that required even their interconnected systems. specific sources and remedial measures are stricter cleanup. A study by the State and Finding solutions to these problems re­ under way or planned in the following the Great Lakes Office will further evaluate quires both an interstate and international areas: the Ashtabula River in Ohio, Buffalo problems in the Milwaukee Harbor and partnership and heightened public aware­ River in New York, Raisin River in Michi­ estuary and recommend specific corrective ness. The States are identifying their prior­ gan, Indiana Harbor Canal, the vicinity of actions. ity pollution areas and focusing more atten­ Gary, Ind .. and Milwaukee, Wis. We con­ But toxic chemical pollution and nutrient tion on the Great Lakes air. water. land tinue to evaluate other areas for future enrichment of the Great Lakes may not be interface. We are making resource commit­ intensive investigation. completely controlled solely by more strin­ ments, and State-EPA Agreements in the While toxic chemical pollution is receiv­ gent requirements on direct discharges to 1980's will reflect specific Great Lakes ing a great deal of attention, there still the Lakes. Pollution from rural land runoff. efforts. remains the problem of accelerated eutro­ combined sewer overflows, and urban Internationally, the U.S.-Canadian Great phication, or aging, of the Great Lakes by drainage also affects the water quality of Lakes Water Quality Board is moving to­ nutrient enrichment. If not controlled, this the Great Lakes ecosystem. The Great ward a strong ecosystem approach, rec­ enrichment and the resulting loss of oxygen lakes Office administers a special demon­ ognizing that artificial lines on a map can no can lead to greatly increased costs for stration grant program that is testing new longer be a barrier to coordinated, joint treating drinking water and elimination of methods and techniques to control diffuse pollution contr.ol. high-quality fish species. An aging lake can pollutant sources. Projects developed with And the public, which ultimately uses lose recreational activities through fouling State and local governments are underway and benefits from the Great Lakes' bounty, of beaches, elimination of sport fisheries, in Saginaw, Mich.; Cleveland, Ohio; Roch­ must continue to flag issues and prod and increased algal growths on the hulls of ester, N.Y.; and Allen County, Ind. We have policymakers if the future of the Lakes is to boats and ships that sail the Lakes. encouraged "Best Management Practices" be as great as their past. D All the Great Lakes are affected to vary­ on agricultural lands and combined sewer ing degrees, but Lake Erie and sheltered overflow controls, and there is substantial Correction: areas such as Green Bay and Saginaw Bay evidence that water quality has improved are the most severely affected; they have in many areas. A statement in an article on the Great Lakes suffered major deterioration in the quality The atmospheric deposit of nutrients and in the January issue of EPA Journal, based of their fish stocks. Dissolved oxygen de­ toxic substances to the surface waters of on information provided by Region 5, that pletion in the bottom water of the centra I the Lakes is yet another major environmen­ Bay Beach, a park and beach near the mouth basin of Lake Erie has a severe impact on tal problem. Atmospheric inputs of phos­ of the Fox River and the city of Green Bay, fish reproduction because of fish respiratory phorus to Lakes Superior and Huron are had been reopened was in error. The park problems and changes in chemical qual­ estimated at 15 and 11 percent, respec­ is open but the beach is not. A statement ity. The impact on lakes Superior and tively, of the total phosphorus loads to in the same article that "most beaches" Huron has been minor, but Lakes Michigan these lakes; inputs of total metals are esti- on Lake Michigan and Lake Erie were and Ontario as well as Erie have been closed because of pollution should have significantly affected. read "many beaches."

24 EPA JOURNAL he decade of the 1980'S''Wi 11 be "visual" access or viewshed protection, crucial for California's coast. As Colifornia coastal housing opportunities for all seg­ policy makers, resource planners, and ments of society, and getting people to the the public look ahead, it is important vicinity of the beach through mass transit, to evaluate the lessons learned in the Coastal bikeways, and parking facilities. 1960's and 70's. Most often coastal man­ The Coastal Commission has increased agement has succeeded when certain Management public access through various per"mit con­ things don't happen; a wetland isn't filled; ditions needed to bring projects into public access to a beach is not closed off; conformity with Coastal Act requirements. and a coastal bluff is not carved up. The For example: continued existence of unobstructed sea­ • The Santa Monica Redevelopment side views, acres of productive coast farm­ Agency proposed construction of 637 resi­ land, and rugged remote oceanside areas dential units on a 20-acre site along the are indicators that the coast is being Santa Monica waterfront. The Commission protected. approved a 397-unlt project that included a Effective coastal management in Cali­ six-acre park. The approved project, which fornia began in 1965 with legislation creat­ is under construction. requires 250 units to ing the San Francisco Bay Conservation be constructed or rehabilitated for low and and Development Commission. The Bay moderate income residents in the Ocean Commission's success in preventing con­ Park neighborhood. tinued destruction of the bay and in pro­ viding bayfront access spurred statewide • An 18-story convention hotel was and national efforts for broader coastal proposed for an oceanfront parcel in down­ protection. town Long Beach. Because the adjacent In 1972 Congress approved the Federal beach area and shoreline would have been Coastal Zone Management Act and, follow­ reserved for hotel guests and would have ing two years of extensive citizen and provided few public amenities. the Com­ legislative efforts, California voters over­ mission required an expanded boardwalk whelmingly approved Proposition 20. the Under the Federal coastal act, California area and public plaza, a bicycle path, and initiative to protect the coast. Federal law has received about $12.3 million to develop 36-acre public park with fishing area, and provides strong national policy supporting and implement its coastal program. Califor­ a recreational vehicle campground. coastal management along with funding to nia is also entitled to grants and loans • A free public boat launch ramp has encourage voluntary State participation. through the Coastal Energy impact Pro­ been installed near Cannery Row as part of Proposition 20 created a State Coastal gram, a part of the Federal Coastal Act. Monterey's harbor facility. The Commis­ Commission and six regional commissions A third inducement for California's partici­ sion strongly supports and encourages this to plan and regulate coastal development. pation in the Federal program is the author­ type of facility, since it provides for public From 1973 to 1975 the newly created ity it grants to States to review Federal recreation and encourages dry boat storage. Commission prepared the Coastal Plan, a activities and activities that require a • The City of San Diego Port District blueprint for permanent coastal protection. Federal permit for consistency with the cooperated with the Commission when Although the legislature did not adopt the approved State program. designing Marina Park. The park includes plan, it did adopt the Coastal Act of 1976, The Commission has been given a key 40 acres along two miles of shorefront with which embodied key recommendations role in coastal energy and port development walkways, a bike route, picnic tables, and from the plan. The Act established a per­ decisions through its permits, planning recreational boating piers. manent Coastal Commission, again with consistency, and grant allocating respon­ • In the rural La Selva Beach area of permit and planning authority, and six sibilities. Most energy projects proposed Santa Cruz County, the Commission denied temporary regional commissions. This for the coasta I zone need a permit from the a proposed 260 unit condominium develop­ time, however, the mandate called for Commission. Through its activities the ment in 1973. Concerned about Jack of return of regulatory controls to local gov­ Commission is providing energy companies public access and impacts of a high density ernments by mid-1981 through Commis­ with clear guidelines on where and how project on agricultural lands. the Commis­ sion-approved local coastal programs, at nationally needed energy facilities can be sion worked with the developer to find an which time the regional commissions will sited on offshore California's coast. agreeable plan and approved a permit for be phased out. This year, Congress must reauthorize 97 condominium units. ha ff available to At the same time it approved the Coastal the Federal Coastal Zone Management Act. the pub I ic for vacation renta r. In addition. Act. the Legislature established the State The Commission has urged that the Act be a 28-acre park will be dedicated to Manresa Coastal Conservancy, which may buy and reauthorized to provide a firm foundation State Park along with funds to manage it. sell coastal property, make grants for for coasts I protection in the 1980's. coasta I resource protection and restoration, One of the Coastal Act's highest priori­ • The Departments of Parks and Recrea­ and otherwise carry out Coastal Act ties is assuring coastal access for the tion and Transportation are constructing a policies through non-regulatory means. general public. This is a complex and bicycle trail along portions of the Santa Together, the Coastal Act, Conservancy controversial issue, involving strong con­ Barbara County coast. The South Central Act, McAteer-Petris Act (which established flicting public and private interests. Yet. Regional Commission has aided their the San Francisco Bay Commission), and the California Constitution guarantees efforts by requiring appropriate easements a 1976 Park Bond Act comprise Califor­ access to the navigable waters of this State, to ensure completion. nia's Coastal Management Program, which and this right is the basis for the strong • The Coasta I Conservancy funded 13 was approved in 1977 by the Department public access policies in the Coastal Act. grants in 1979 consisting of !and acquisi­ of Commerce under Federal Coastal Zone Access includes public pathways and tion and development improvements such Management Aci.standards. trails to and along the beach, recreational and visitor facilities. parks acquisitions,

MAY 1980 25 as staircases, a ramp for the handicapped, Coastal Act access policies include pro­ •Approximately 60 acres of marsh parking spaces, a bike trail, pathways, and tecting and, where feasible, providing created in conjunction with a marina in toilet facilities. housing opportunities for low and moderate South San Diego Bay have been designated In several instances, the Commission income persons. Without these provisions, as a wildlife area . required the incorporation of public path­ persons of moderate means would be en­ •Based on the Commission's nomina­ ways and trails in new development tirely displaced from the coastal zone. tion, Elkhorn Slough in Monterey County proposals: Many such projects have been approved has become a Federal estuarine sanctuary. • The Hotel del Coronado in San Diego under the Act. Federal and State funds have been appro­ has a public walkway through hotel prop­ Nearshore coastal habitats, especially priated for land purchase to preserve this erty and along the beach frontage, as estuaries and wetlands, encompass some of valuable natural area. required in a permit condition. The dedi­ the world's most productive livlng systems. Debate surrounding the Commission's cated public easement has been recorded, Yet, about three quarters of California's regulatory activities continues, yet the improved, and is posted with an "Open to coastal wetlands have been destroyed by process of resolving conflicts in permits the Public" sign. No public access had diking, dredging, and filling, or by the and planning has led to changed attitudes. previously been available there. processes of erosion and sedimentation Property owners, government agencies, greatly accelerated by watershed develop­ • The Marina City Club in Marina del Rey and the public are more aware now of the ment. The Coastal Act prohibits further finite and fragile nature of coast resources has a marked, open public accessway along degradation and loss of these valuable the bulkhead, obtained when the Club and have a better understanding of how to areas. The Commission is cooperating with preserve them. received its permit for private recreationa I loca I government through the loca I coasta I facilities. In coming years local governments will programs to map remaining wetlands, iden­ assume the regulatory responsibilities set • A homeowner in Bolinas is providing tify their resource values, determine ways out by the Coastal Act. The Commission stairs and a 10-foot walkway across a bulk­ to plan for their protection, and where and staff w ill refocus their activities from head after he sought permission to recon­ feasible, accomplish restoration. To meet regulation to management and monitoring. struct a seawa II in a way that blocked the these ends, the commissions have con­ Federal rules that allow California to have shoreline. sistently denied permits for developments a say in outer continental shelf oil and gas • A stairway to a blufftop public park in which would alter or destroy wetlands. development will continue to be applied. Santa Barbara was installed. The park • The Noyo River, Big River, Elk Creek, Through these actions the people of Ca li­ would otherwise have been isolated from and Sitka Spruce Grove were designated as fornia will continue their efforts to protect the public by surrounding development. Special Treatment Areas for timber harvest­ the State's coast resources for this and These represent only a handful of the ing in order to protect estuaries and future generations. O tota I number of offers to dedicate access as wetlands. required in many permit approvals. How­ • The Coastal Conservancy funded a Excerpted from the January/February, ever, the Coastal Act provides that dedi­ marsh restoration project in Arcata. The 1980 issue of Coastal News, the newsletter cated public accessways cannot be opened ground-breaking began in September, of the California Coastal Commission. to public use until a public agency or private 197'3, to re-establish the marsh, create a Copies of this and other issues are available association has agreed to accept liability recreational lake, aquaculture ponds, and upon request from the State Coastal Com­ and maintenance responsibilities. picnic,birdwatching,and nature study areas. mission Office, 631 Howard St., San Francisco, Calif. 94105 Coastline and Oceans

The United States, bounded by The Great Lakes comprise In the U.S. in 1970, marine Two marine sanctuaries have three oceans and the Gulf of almost 20 percent of the world's sport fishing took an estimated been created in the U.S. The Mexico, has a general coastline surface supply of fresh water. 1.5 billion pounds of fish. The Monitor Marine Sanctuary off 12,383 miles long, including number of marine sport anglers Cape Hatteras in North Carolina 2,069 miles along the Atlantic, More than 50 percent of the in the U.S. increased from 6.3 protects the wreckage of the 1,631 miles along the Gulf of U.S. population is in coastal million in 1960 to 9.5 million Civil War iron-clad ship USS Mexico, 7,623 miles along the counties, nearly half our by 1970. Monitor. The Key Largo Coral Pacific (5,580 miles in Alaska), manufacturing capacity, and Reef Marine Sanctuary near and 1,060 miles along the more than 60 of our oil refiner­ Commercial fisheries, in addi­ Miami protects a 100-square Arctic. The tidal shoreline, ies. This includes the Great tion to supplying food for our mile coral reef area . measured to include the shore­ Lakes area. country and the world, represent lines of the outer coast, off­ a $7 billion industry with nearly In Fiscal Year 1978, the Federal shore islands, and inlets to the In 1978, there were 24 major 500,000 man-years of employ­ Government spent $165 million head of tidewater, totals oil tanker spills at sea. The ment. for ocean pollution research, 88,633 miles, and is more than spills totaled 328,260 long development. and monitoring. More than two-thirds of the seven times as long as the tons of oil.•• Dramatic recent The effort involves nearly 1.000 commercial and recreational general outline of the coast. examples of ocean oil spills projects and 11 Federal fish caught and eaten by For the Great Lakes, the com­ include the blow-out in agencies. Americans directly depend for bined coastlines in the Mexico's Campeche Bay and part of their lives on estuaries, United States have a shoreline the Amoco Cadiz and the Argo Under a Congressional direc­ the areas where rivers, streams, of about 3,075 miles.• Merchant wrecks. tive, ocean dumping of harm­ or other fresh water bodies Other marine pollutants ful sewage sludge is to halt by The total weight of the Earth's meet the open seas. include organic chemicals, Dec. 31 , 1981. seawater is one billion billion pesticides, and herbicides, as tons. About two-thirds of U.S. operat­ well as toxic metals such as ing nuclear and fossil-fueled In 1972 Congress recognized The maximum depth of the sea mercury, copper, cadmium, electric generating plants are in as a pressing problem the is about six miles, in the chromium, and tin. the coastal zone. increasing demand for the lim­ Kermadec-Tonga Trench in the ited supply of coastal lands and Pacific Ocean. There are about 12,000 known At least 50 percent of Connec­ shoreline. The Coastal Zone species of marine fish globally. ticut's tidal marshes have been . Management Act authorized a The average depth of the sea destroyed by development. An national effort to improve the is 2.38 miles. There are eight species of estimated 300,000 acres of management of U.S. coastal The average salinity of the sea so-called great whales, 35 feet wetlands in the Nation are zones. is 35 parts per thousand. or longer. The U.S. lists all being lost each year, including eight of those species on the coastal marshes. Nineteen of 35 eligible States Much of the world's ocean have Federally-approved endangered species list. As of March, 1977, 7 .8 million activity is concentrated above coastal zone management acres of coastal and offshore the continental shelves, shallow programs. 0 parts of the ocean, 1,000 feet area in the Gulf of Mexico were deep or less, off most coasts. held under active lease for • Encyclopedie Americane petroleum production. ••From the Oil Spill Intelligence Report

Reading Anchor Press/ Doubleday, Garden Documents, U.S. Govt. Printing City, New York. Office, Washington, D.C. 20402 The Frail Ocean, by Wesley Marx, (# 041-011-00045-9) 1967, A Sierra Club-Ballantine Book, The Sea Around Us, by Rachel 220 Bush St., San Francisco, Calif. 94104 Carson, 1951, Oxford University Freshwater Wetlands; A Citizen's Press, New York, N. Y. Primer, 1979, Catskill Center for The Thin Edge, by Anne Simon, Conservation and Development, Inc., 1978, Harper and Row, New York, The Edge of the Sea, by Rachel Hobart, N. Y. 13788, ($2). N. Y.10022, also available in paper- Carson, 1955, Houghton Mifflin Co., National Wetlands Newsletter, The back from Avon Books. Boston, Mass. Environmental Law Institute, Suite The Beaches Are Moving, by Wallace Our Nation's Wetlands, 1978, Coun­ 600, 1346 Connecticut Ave., NW, Kaufman and Orrin Pilkey, 1979, cil on Environmental Quality, Supt. of Washfngton, D.C. 20036. (6 issues/$21)

MAY 1980 27 So UNEP stepped in at the invitation of the Mediterranean Rocking the Cradle countries themselves. "The international conference on the environment in Stockholm in by p ul 1972 had made marine pollu­ of Civilization tion a priority field, and UNEP felt that if it could succeed in et us not dream. There effort to save their common sea overwhelming majority of the such a politically difficult region won't be a Mediterra­ from further deterioration. Most Mediterranean governments as the Mediterranean. it could nean Community in the of them are expected to sign a and peoples to act together to be effective in any sea," recalls 1ear future. But after all, long-awaited, carefully­ do something now about their Peter S. Thacher, Deputy Exec­ European cooperation began prepared treaty controlling pol­ common sea proves that ancient utive Director of UNEP. "In­ with coal and steel. Why should lution from land-based sources: and current political conflicts deed, UNEP has a Regional not Mediterranean cooperation factory waste, municipal sew­ can be overcome," says Dr. Seas Program, inspired by the start with the protection of the age, and agricultural run-off Mostafa K. Tolba, the Egyptian Mediterranean Action Plan and environment and the rescue of from pesticides and fertilizers. micro-biologist who heads the involving 80 countries. The a threatened sea?" Since these account for about United Nations Environment United States participates in the Is there wishful thinking or 85 percent of all Mediterranean Program (UNEP). Caribbean one." reasonably-founded optimism pollution, its signing and ratifi­ Left to themselves, the coas­ The first step was for U NE P in these words of Serge An­ cation by Mediterranean Parlia­ tal states of the Mediterranean to bring together as many of the toine. director of studies and ments in the next year or two probably would not have suc­ 18 Mediterranean countries as research in the cabinet of the are fundamental to any serious ceeded in working so harmoni­ possible. How many would French Minister of Environment? effort to diminish and control ously together. Not only are actually turn up in Barcelona in If one looks backward to the pollution in the region. they handicapped by bitter ter­ 1975? No one knew. The 16 first meeting in Barcelona in Does this mean that the Medi­ ritorial and political disagree­ that did approved a Mediterra­ 1975, in which 16 of the 18 terranean will be resuscitated, ments, but they have a keen nean Action Plan. This plan Mediterranean governments or nursed back to health from competition going for tourists. called for a series of treaties to participated, and if one meas­ the death bed 7 No. because the With more than 100 million be drawn up and signed, the ures the progress of the past Mediterranean was never dead tourists flocking to the Mediter­ creation of a pollution monitor­ five years, then Serge Antoine's or dying. Its coastal waters are ranean every year, and twice ing and research network, and words seem more prophetic sick. How sick no one really that already staggering number a socio-economic program that than wishful. knows, but certainly polluted expected in the year 2000, the would reconcile vital develop­ On May 17, in Athens. the enough that something drastic region is easily one of the ment with a respect for the Mediterranean countries will has to be done. world's foremost tourist environment. For it should not take a giant step in their joint "The determination of the attractions. be forgotten that all but three or four of the Mediterranean states are developing countries, most of them poor. "Barcelona I," as that con­ ference is called, was a major accomplishment. A look at the map of the Mediterranean makes this clear. From west to east: Spain, France, Monaco, Italy, Yugoslavia, Albania, Greece, Turkey, Cyprus. Syria, Lebanon, Israel, Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Malta, Algeria and M orocco. Al I were present except Albania and Cyprus. One year later in February, 1976, "Barcelona II " brought together again 16 Mediterra­ nean states, this time to approve three treaties. Normally at such conferences delegates approve but go home to think about sign­ ing the treaties in a month, in a year or sometimes never. Jt was a measure of the seriousness of the Mediterranean govern­ ments, and of the concern of their citizens, that plenipoten-

Crowded csmpsites, like this one in ltsly, sre now common on the shores of the Mediterrsnean Sea.

28 EPA JOURNAL tiaries of most of the countries the major role played by large exposure. Don't forget either and will. "The money will be signed the three international rivers (such as the Rhone, the that in most places the Mediter­ spent over a period of 10 to 20 agreements in Barcelona im~ Po. the Ebro, and the Nile) in ranean coastal waters are clean. years. and no country will have mediately. They entered into carrying factory waste and sew­ Naturally I go swimming .. . to pick up any other country's force in February, 1978. Today age to the Mediterranean. In when f can find the time." bill. The 17 countries will share 16 Mediterranean countries many instances pollutants come It would be inaccurate to the cost. If the Mediterranean (Turkey and Albania are the ex­ from several hundred miles up­ pretend that the Mediterranean countries do not raise the ceptions) and the European stream. If 85 percent of all is less polluted today than it money to deal with their indus­ Economic Community have Mediterranean pollution comes was five years ago at trial and municipal waste. then ratified the three treaties. not from the sea but from the Barcelona I. they will find themselves losing The principal treaty or frame­ land, about 85 percent of that "The Mediterranean wasn't huge sums on medical treat­ work convention commits the pollution comes not from coas­ polluted in five years and, be­ ment of their sick citizens (and coastal states to "take all ap­ tal areas but from inland indus­ sides, with urbanization, indus­ of tourists}, on an ailing fishing propriate measures .•. to pre­ try, agriculture, and cities. trialization, population growth, and shellfish industry, and on vent. abate. and combat pollu­ Without such information ob­ and the rapid development of decreasing numbers of tourists. tion ... and to protect and viously it would not have been tourism, pollution 1s simply not Holiday-makers may go some­ enhance the marine environ­ possible to draw up an accept­ going to disappear. At best, we where else if they risk getting ment." The second treaty or able treaty on land-based can limit and control it. If the sick in a polluted Mediterra· "Protocol for the Prevention of sources of pollution. Athens treaty on land-based nean. In short, the Mediterra­ Pollution of the Mediterranean Does this all mean that it is sources of pollution is ratified nean countries really have no Sea by Dumping from Ships and not safe to swim in the in about two years and seriously choice." Aircrafts" prohibits any dump­ Mediterranean 7 implemented, I think we can Slowly, imperceptibly, ing at all of dangerous sub· " Do I cross the street?" reverse the rising tide of pollu­ a "Mediterranean stances on a "black list" and replies Dr. Stjepan Keckes. the tion by the end of this decade," mentality" is forming among requires a special permit for the Yugoslav marine scientist in Dr. Keckes says. "That would the thousands of Action Plan dumping of less toxic sub­ charge of UNEP's Regional be 15 years after the birth of participants. In spite of all the stances on a "gray list." The Seas Program. "Scientific the Mediterranean Action Plan. things dividing them, these third agreement or " Protocol on evidence of infection from And that's not really a long Mediterranean "activists" have Cooperation in Combating Pol­ swimming in polluted water is time. After all, people began clearly found something they a II lution ... by Oil and Other scarce but the risk does exist. talking about cleaning up the love and wish to save. As a Harmful Substances in Cases of The accent is on the word ' risk'. Thames in the 1950's, and how delegate from Greece remarked Emergency" provides for the Don't forget that in the Mediter­ long is it taking to restore the to a group of Mediterranean exchange of information, coor­ ranean people swim, snorkel, sit Great Lakes to a decent con­ neighbors after the third dination of communications, on the rocks, lie in the sand for dition?" Barcelona conference in Febru­ and assistance in emergencies hours. some of them practically No one really knows how ary, 1980, " I used to consider involving massive oil spills. from sunrise to sunset. They much it will cost to "clean up" myself a Greek and an inhabi- Admittedly. these three trea­ ties do not get to the heart of the pollution problem. that is, factory waste, municipal sew­ age and agricultural run-off but, politically and psychologically, they prepared the way for the key Athens treaty this month. The four years between Bar­ celona II and Athens have cer­ tainly not been wasted in the domain of science. They were used to build a network of 84 marine laboratories in 16 Medi­ terranean countries and to A N S create seven pilot projects for them. Four of these are basi­ ALGERIA cally monitoring activities based on common sampling and analytical procedures, while three deal with research on the behavior and effects of pollu­ tants in the marine environment. are under water, they frequently the Mediterranean. Estimates tant of the Balkans. Now, after The results of four to five swallow water, so they are ex­ vary from five to 15 billion all these encounters with people years of monitoring and re­ posed to the contact of sea dollars. In a period of economic from all parts of the Mediterra­ search will be published in water and beach in a completely crisis skeptics are entitled to nean, I regard myself as a Greek Britain in 1981 in a 600-page different way from those who wonder whether the 17 coun­ and a Mediterranean man." D book called "The State of Pol­ swim in the colder waters of the tries actively cooperating in the lution in the Mediterranean Atlantic. We do not know the Mediterranean Action Plan will Paul Ress is the European Sea." magnitude of the risk they are be willing and able to raise such Regional Information Officer A special study on land­ taking by doing this, but the risk an enormous amount of money. for the UN Environmental based sources of pollution is definitely proportional to their Dr. Tolba, UNEP's Executive Program. turned up massive evidence of Director, is convinced they can

MAY 1980 29 Around the Nation ate short-term measures lea ded gasoline pump. Carolina at Charlotte. The The estimated total of to halt leachate and an Thirteen police cars were UNCC campus is located $35 million can be saved additional $250.000 is subsequently fi lled with in the northeast section in construction of the first expected from the Agency leaded fuel. This was of the city where ozone five of seven planned z 0 to develop long-term done despite the exist- concentrations are the treatment projects on i3w methods for pollution ence of another munici- worst. which Env ironmenta l Im- a: control and treatment. pally-owned unleaded The CLEAR coalition is pact Statements are pre- pump nearby, and the made up of representa- pared using the new tech- River Festival Toxics Grants Set availability of credit cards tives from the Audubon niques. These projects, EPA Region 2 awarded to purchase unleaded gas Society, the Junior Worn- located on lakes in M ichi- U.S. Senator Paul E. New Jersey's Department at retail outlets. The un- en's Club, the League of gan, Minnesota, Indiana, Tsongas, the New Eng- of Environmental Protec- leaded pump was re- Women Voters, and the and Ohio, can now be land Rivers Center, EPA, tion (DEP) $794,053 for paired within two days, Sierra Club. built at a substantial and State, loca I and prl- research on the origin, and the switching saving. Reductions in vate river protection transport, and presence stopped. monthly user charges will organizations will hold a of toxic substances In the An Inspection of police range from 50 to 90 per- Massachusetts Rivers cars revealed that no 5 air, water, and vegetation. 6 cent. Celebration May 31 and w The grant also will finance damage had been done a: The new methods rely June 1. The purpose of the creation of a Toxic to the catalytic conver- on aerial infrared sensing the celebration is to high- Substances Information ters. Reading officials to assist in identification light successful efforts to Resource Center and an notified the EPA about of surface septic system restore our rivers as a experiment Involving a the incident in September, failures and ultraviolet natural resource. Activi- biological analysis tech- 1978, and EPA filed a $36 Million Saving fluorescence sensing to ties will Include canoe nique that could alert sci- complaint against the The use of new testing reveal effluent plumes en- races, barge rides, fish- entists to carcinogens city in May, 1979. techniques which allow taring streams and lakes Ing derbies, art exhibits that haven't yet been ex- unprecedented efficiency from septic tanks. These and picnics. ).,0~ amined in the laboratory. '?-r.:.,G in the selection and devel- techniques, coupled with This technique may prove opment of rural waste- waste flow management, Hazardous Waste more cost-efficient than water treatment systems permit the replacement Conference chemical measurement. will save an estimated of only the defective EPA Administrator The projects are part of a $35 million in the con- septic tanks rather than Douglas M. Costle will be series of toxic substances struction of five rural requiring the expensive the keynote speaker at a strategies agreed to by sewage treatment facili- installation of new sewer ties in Region 5, accord- hazardous waste manage- EPA and DEP . CLEARlng the Air systems to replace all ment conference spon- Puerto Rico received ing to Charles H. Sutfin. septic tanks. EPA can CLEAR, the Coalition to sored by the Maine Audu- $258,394 under the same Sutfin said these tech- then avoid unnecessary bon Society, Maine Asso- Launch Environmental niques are being used for construction and over- type of cooperative agree- Awareness and Response, elation of Conservation ment with the Agency. the first time on EPA con- building. Commissions, and the is sponsoring a three-day struction grant projects by Associated Industries of seminar this month to pro- Region 5 and its environ- Maine on May 30th In mote public understand- mental impact statement Portland, Me. ing of Charlotte, N.C.'s consultants, Wapora, air pollution problems and Inc., of Chevy Chase, Md. to encourage increased These techniques, he ~ use of the city's rapid said, if used on even a # transit system. portion of the hundreds Because of the Appa- of similar projects for Fuel Switch Fine lachian Mountains to the which construction grant Women's Conference The City of Reading, Pa •• west. the Atlantic Ocean applications have already About 300 women at- recently paid a $2,000 to the east, and persist- been submitted. could re- tended the first two-day fine levied by EPA for ent high pressures to the suit in the saving of hun- Regional Conference for Hazard Suit Flied illegally using leaded south, air becomes dreds of millions of dol- American Women held in The Department of Jus- gasoline in police cars trapped for substantial lars in the next ten years Dallas recently. Five tice, on behalf of EPA, designed to use unleaded periods of time in the alone. regional conferences are has filed a suit against fuel only. The use of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Rural sewage treatment scheduled across the Nick LiPari, owner of the leaded gasoline in cars County area. Ozone and facilities are often exorbi- country as part of U.S. Inactive LIPari Landfill requiring unleaded fuel carbon monoxide are the tantly costly to build, participation in the World site in Gloucester County, will eventually destroy principal pollutants. Be- sometimes as high as Conference of the U .N. N.J. The suit alleges that the catalytic converter, a cause the area does not $15,000 in construction Decade for Women, pollution coming from the major pollution control meet EPA standards for costs per dwelling served. 1980, to be held in landfill has created an device. carbon monoxide the Furthermore. because the Copenhagen, Denmark, Imminent hazard to the The violation occurred counties will have to planning of these projects July 14-30. The Regional health of anyone coming In July, 1978, when an install an inspection and often does not indicate conferences will focus on in contact with it. unleaded gas pump in a maintenance program for adequately the resulting the major issues facing The Justice Depart- Reading municipal garage automobiles. impact on existing water women in the 1980's- ment wants the site to be broke down. A garage To be certain that pro- quality and upon the en- health, education and em- fenced off. supervisor ordered that gram participants don't vironment, the construe- ployment. EPA has already com- the smaller unleaded fuel lose sight of the problem, tion of such facilities can Barbara Blum, EPA mitted $50,000 to evalu- nozzle be switched to a the seminar will be held at harm nearby natural areas Deputy Administrator, the University of North such as wetlands. said EPA hosted the 30 EPA JOURNAL Dallas conference be­ activist for the environ- lion-acre Ft. Peck reserva- threat to downstream ble energy developments cause the agency "owes ment. Recently, Mrs. Fent tion in northeastern waters. Two years ago in the West. A very small its existence •.. to count­ brought public attention Montana, will be acquiring heavy rain caused the part of his study--one or less women in communi­ to environmental deficien- technical staff, doing ponds to overflow and two pages in over 10 vol­ ties across the Nation cies of a proposed rural monitoring, and perform- waste entered Pyrite umes--concerned past who continue to support water district; ing research. Both tribes Channel flowing through studies of interbasin strong environmental • Merlin Green, Pratt are concerned with air the community of Glen transfers of water. As for programs." Wastewater Treatment quality and energy devel- Avon and eventually new studies, the contrac­ Region 6 Administrator Plant supervisor, who~ opment within their reser- reached the Santa Ana tor explicitly told his Adlene Harrison said the received an award for vations and activities near A iver. audience in San Antonio women's movement is dedicated effort in main- their lands that will affect The State of California that such studies by any scrutinized constantly by tenance and supervision them. There are extensive Water Resources Control F edera I agency were for­ skeptics or adversaries of the treatment facility coal resources in the vi- Board has been monitor- bidden by an act of Con­ looking for flaws. "We as in order to meet clean cinity of both reservations. ing the site for several gress. EPA couldn't study women have to put our water standards; EPA will provide some years. Recently the State water diversions even if best foot forward. We are • Dr. E. Raymond Hall, $33,000 of a total removed approximately it wanted to and, declared constantly in the spot­ University of Kansas $44,000 grant to the one million gallons of Dubois, "We definitely light, and people watch zoology professor, was Northern Cheyenne and waste material from the don't want to. EPA has its our actions," she said. recognized for a distin- $45,000 of a $79,000 site. However, continued hands full trying to pro­ guished career as educa- grant to the Assiniboine- rains refilled the ponds tect water quality. We tor and author and for Sioux. Remainder of the and the State requested have no desire, plan, In­ instilling in his students funds will come from the assistance from EPA. tention, or thought of concern for the environ- Department of Interior Section 311 of the doing anything else w ith ment; and the tribal government. Clean Water Act estab- the water." • Both Dr. Wesley Jack- For the past several Ji shed a revolving pollu- son and his wife Dana of years both tribes have been tion fund to handle oil Salina received an award active in various aspects and hazardous substances Kansas Citizens Cited for direction of The Land of pollution control on emergencies. Region 9 Institute, an innovative their reservations includ- used this fund to respond Dr. Kathleen Q. Camin, education and research ing solid waste control, to the State's request for Region 7 Administrator, organization devoted to water quality planning, assistance . Over three recently presented En­ the study of alternatives and air pollution. million ga llons of hazard- vironmenta I Quality in agriculture, waste, ous waste materia ls were Awards to eight Kansas shelter and energy; and z pumped from the ponds citizens for their personal • Dr. Ross McKinney, o and trucked to an alter- contributions toward pre­ Director of Environmental ~ native disposal site, dams serving the quality of the Engineering and Environ- an d dikes w ere repai red. environment. The awards mental Health, University and leachate from the ceremony was held in of Kansas. received an ponds was controlled. Topeka, Kan., at Governor award for research, teach- John Carlin's offices. ing, and publishing in the Hazardous Waste Aid The recipients are: field of environmental • Ronald G. Bliss, public engineering. Dr. McKin­ The San Francisco affairs director for KARD­ ney has been internation­ Regional Office recently TV, Wichita, who re­ ally recognized for his coordinated a Federal and ceived an award for pro­ work in wastewater treat- State task force to reduce ducing the television ment systems. the release of hazardous documentary, "Water­ chemicals from an aban­ A Very Dry Subject." The doned waste site near Water Misunderstanding documentary warns of Riverside, Calif. The Seattle Office of Ex­ impending crisis in the Known as the String­ terna I Affairs has been underground water supply fellow Hazardous Waste busy fending off recurring in Kansas; Site, the area contains reports that EPA is con­ • Robert Bolon, president chemical, petroleum, and sidering the diversion of of the The American Wal­ sulphuric acid wastes. water from the Northwest nut Company, Kansas Before being abandoned to other areas of the West City, Kans., was recog­ Indians Protect Air in 1975, the site was used where water is in short nized for aggressive Two Montana Indian for 17 years as a chemical supply. This is simply not leadership in reducing tribes will be building the waste disposal site with tru e says Regiona l Ad­ air pollution. Bo Ion's foundations of their own an estimated 32 million ministrator Donald P. company, a manufacturer air pollution control pro­ gallons of waste liquid Dubois. The water diver­ of gunstocks and lumber, grams this year with the deposited there. A series sion rumors originated meets air pollution control help of grant funds from of ponds on the site was last January in San standards by a comforta­ EPA's Denver Regional w ithin one foot of over­ Antonio. where someone ble margin, and is nearly Office. The Northern Chey­ flowing due to heavy rain­ apparently misunderstood energy self-sufficient; enne tribe, whose storms in southern Cali­ what was said by an EPA • Joyce P. Fent, Salina, · 440,000-acre reservation fornia. Soil in the area contractor during a pres­ was honored for her out­ lies in southeastern Mon­ was saturated and addi­ entation about his work standing efforts as citizen tana, and the Assiniboine­ tlona I rainfall posed a on the benefit-cost rela­ Sioux, from their 1 mil- tionshlps of certain possl- MAY 1980 31 Reordering Coastal Priorities same time, programs like South Carolina's siting issues in a more expeditious manner. Continued from page 11 coastal zone activities have direct policies This is not to say that important environ­ concerning further development on barrier mental considerations should be over­ islands and other high risk hazard areas. looked. Rather, we must find more system­ The Federal Government and its vast array atic means for identifying appropriate sites of public facility support programs (such as and for ensuring that environmental dis­ remains the proper forum for this collective water and sewer treatment plants. high­ ruptions are minimized. approach. w~ys, etc.) and others sµch as the Flood • Improved Environmental Protection. The Administration is proposing amend­ ln~urance Program must be equally respon­ Improvements can be made in protecting ments to the Coastal Zone Management Act sive to the need for greater care in develop­ the significant environmental resources of of 1972, as amended, and the Congress has ing coastal areas. One point which has been our coastal lands and waters. Coastal Zone already begun to consider the future of this abundantly brought home by the current Management has taken an extremely program. It is vitally important that in our state of economic crisis is that the Federal important step in this process by identify­ deliberations, we maintain the spirit of the Government wil I not be able to bear the ing these resources in the basic manage­ original Act and continue to recognize the costs indefinitely of rebuilding in the higher ment plans. CZM is both a facilitator of this need for strong partnership in developing risk areas. objective and a means to coordinate the programs which resolve conflicts. It is a tall • Urban waterfronts. effects of other agencies in achieving order under current circumstances, but it is A subject of increasing concern is improved protection. still the most sensible means we have for the need to revitalize many of our coastal Year of the Coast is more than a theme responding to all legitimate interests. urban waterfronts. These areas have for assessing where we've been. It should Beyond the careful consideration given great potential for increasing vital eco­ be a catalyst for citizens, all levels of gov­ to the process which the Congress has nomic activity as well as offering unique ernment, the Congress, and the Administra­ spawned in this program, critical issues potential for increasing public access to the tion to accelerate momentum built over the which are being raised by Year of the Coast shore. Several major cities such as Charles­ last decade. This should be a year of mile­ efforts are being called to our attention. ton, Baltimore, Detroit, and Boston, and stones, and it will be a year of tough, prac­ • Hazards. countless smaller municipalities have made tical decisions that will set a new pace for David and Frederick, the two hurri- marked improvements along their water­ the decade. No one element in this complex canes of last fall, reminded us of the risks fronts. These have been the types of im­ partnership can, alone, make the difference. faced by the millions of people living at the provements which have benefited ports, Coastal Zone Management must be care­ water's edge. Much development occurring towns, recreational boating, the quality of fully reviewed and citizens must use Year along our coasts places people and property life for neighborhood residents, and all of the Coast to press for responsiveness in at great risk, and often unknowingly. citizens and visitors to the community. government, particularly at the State and Government programs support this de­ • Energy Facility Siting. local levels. D velopment directly or indirectly. At the A need exists to resolve energy facility

Choosing a Course Unfortunately, the dynamic and fragile The Year of the Coast offers us an oppor­ Continued from page 7 7 character of our barrier islands has not yet tunity to change these policies and to alert been sufficiently recognized by the Federal the public at large to the tremendous impor­ Government, which has instead encouraged tance of these areas. I have recently co­ and assisted the development of these sponsored the Barrier Islands National islands. In fact, a recent study by the De­ Parks Bill which would provide funds for partment of the Interior found that "over the purchase of undeveloped islands for rier islands and beaches. These long, three fiscal years, the permit granting and inclusion in a system of National Parks. finger-I ike pieces of land protect estuaries licensing agencies committed nearly half a and sounds-which are among the richest billion dollars to barrier island development Ocean Thermal Energy and most productive ecosystems known to projects." The study goes on to conclude One of the most promising new technol­ man-from natural disruptions like storms that "this action results from a general lack ogies which could help the United States and hurricanes and from man-made disas­ of knowledge and understanding of barrier become independent of imported oil during ters like coastal oil spills. They are unique islands as unique resources warranting the 1990's is ocean thermal energy con­ components of the coastal zone and as such specia I attention and a lack of appreciation version, a process which uses the tempera­ merit special attention and protection. of the need for protection." ture difference between warm, surface Any permanent development on these It is particularly disturbing that the Fed­ waters and cold, deeper waters to generate islands and beaches is both unwise and eral Government has not only encouraged electricity. While this process would not be hazardous because of the tremendous phys­ the development of these islands, but has practical in the cold waters of New Eng­ ica I changes they are constantly spent millions of valuable taxpayer dollars land, large thermal energy conversion plat­ experiencing. redeveloping areas clearly not suited for forms could be located near the coasts of Land considered safe today for building development in the first place. As a result Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and other areas with may well be covered with water within a of these policies, barrier islands have be­ warm water, and the electricity they pro­ few years, the result of the great natura I come urbanized at a rate twice that of the duce could be delivered to shore by forces at work in these areas. They are as Nation as a whole. Already, 14 percent of submerged cables. well extremely vulnerable to ocean storms, our island space is considered urban as While the technology involved in pro­ which periodically hasten these natural opposed to only three percent of the ducing ocean thermal energy on such a changes-as was apparent in New England mainland. large scale still needs additional engineer­ during the blizzard of 1978. ing and demonstration, it is clear that this

32 EPA JOURNAL could become one of the major new types of these plants. This legislation has been fisheries to continue to regenerate in of electrical generating plants being built referred to our Oceanography Subcommit­ sufficient number. Wetlands, estuaries, in the 1990's. The construction of these fa­ tee. I believe our effort to develop renew­ harbors, and bays provide the habitats for cilities could relieve us of one of the great­ able energy alternatives from the sea is an most of our fisheries during various stages est pressures now being placed on our important and vital part of what we can of their development. The absence of these coastal environment: the need for electric accomplish during the Year of the Coast. habitats would lead to a dramatic if not utility companies to find sites near water to total decline in the fish population. Ironi­ build their traditional oil, coal, or nuclear Fisheries Habitat Protection cally, there is no requirement that Federal power plants. The emergence of thermal The Fisheries Conservation and Manage­ agencies protect these important areas. energy conversion as a viable alternative ment Act- the act which established the One of our major efforts during the Year energy source would reduce the need to 200 mile fishing limit-has made signifi­ of the Coast will be to guarantee the protec­ allocate space in already crowded coastal cant progress in restoring the vitality of tion of these fish habitats. areas for the construction of such plants. our domestic fisheries. Since its inception Our subcommittee staff is currently While some local environmental disrup­ in 1977, landings by American fishermen studying various proposals to safeguard tion may still be caused by the huge volume have increased significantly, while foreign these areas, and I am hopeful that we will of water which must be pumped through an fishing within our waters has dropped soon be prepared to introduce legislation operating thermal energy conversion plant, dramatically. Fisheries management plans that will bring this about. The continued all indications are that the overall impact are now being developed across the coun­ viability of our fishing industry depends upon the environment would be far less try by Regional Councils comprised in part upon it. severe than the problems caused by the by working fishermen. To a large extent it wi I I be the success power plants on which we now rely. Unfortunately, much remains to be done we have in increasing public awareness of Because of the great potential for ocean before we can rest assured that the future the issues involved that will ultimately thermal energy, I have cosponsored legis­ of the fishing industry will always be as determine the success of the Year of the lation to speed up the construction of large bright as it is today. The law establishing Coast. This will be our single greatest scale demonstration plants. I have also the 200 mile limit was important because challenge in the year ahead. 0 written and introduced legislation to re­ it gave us a tool with which to manage the move some of the legal and financial bar­ harvest we reap from the sea. Equally riers to the prompt commercial construction important, however, are safeguards that will allow our commercial and recreational

MAY 1980 33 A review of recent major Pesticide Protection Improving Accuracy However, continuing EPA activities and devel­ An agreement to provide The EPA has told the uncertainty about re­ opments in the pollution ported human health Cleanup Suit for the development of a manufacturer of an inse~­ control program areas. pesticide protection pro- ticide, advertised in major effects to children of The Department of Jus­ gram for farm workers has newspapers as a " dooms­ workers at a GAF Corp. tice, on behalf of EPA, has plant in Rensselaer, N.Y., R been reached by EPA and day powder for roaches," filed a suit against Vertac the Department of Labor. to make labeling and which manufactured the Chemical Corporation, chemical during 1974 to Excess Lead The objective is to protect advertising for the prod­ Inc., seeking clean-up of a farm workers from ad- uct more accurate or risk 1976, has caused EPA to The EPA has taken en­ site in Jacksonville, Ark., verse effects of pesticides. losing EPA's permission require oryzalin's pro­ forcement action against containing waste from the A principal feature of to sell it in this country. ducer, Eli Lilly & Co. of a major oil refiner for production of the herbi­ the agreement is a $5 In a letter to Copper Indianapolis, to conduct adding too much lead to cides 2,4,5-T and 2,4,D. million, five-year study Brite Incorporated of Los additional animal studies its gasoline, thereby vio­ Much of the waste con­ of the effects of pesticide Angeles, EPA said adver- to resolve questions about latfng health-based lead tains dioxin, one of the exposure, if any, on the tisements for the com- the herbicide's potential rules. most dangerous chem­ health of youth under pany's "Roach Prufe" in- for causing harmful health An administrative civil icals known to man, sus­ 16 years old employed in secticide "made claims effects. complaint issued against pected of causing cancer, agriculture. The Fair La- which are either too prom­ The Agency's investi­ Americana Petrofina of miscarriages, birth bor Standards Act allows ising, are an implied gation concentrated on Texas alleges the refiner defects, and genetic youth under 16 to work safety claim or have not potential hazards from exceeded the 0.8 grams mutations in humans. on farms under specified been accepted for regis- oryzalin to users of the per gallon lead standard Dioxin has been found conditions. tration." Registration is herbicide. The Agency at its Port Arthur, Tex., in soil on the site, in Specifically, a study EPA's permission to mar- also inspected the eight refinery during the Octo­ Rocky Branch Creek will be undertaken to ket a pesticide in the U.S. plants besides the GAF ber-December quarter and which runs along the site, determine actual pesti- EPA regulates the sale facility that produced or proposes a penalty of and in soil in residential cide exposure and physi- and use of pesticides in are producing the herbi­ $122,074. araas adjacent to the site. cal effects of such expo- this country under the cide, reviewing the vari­ Jeffrey Miller, Acting Dioxin has also been sure, absorption rates of Federal Insecticide, Fun- ous production processes Assistant Administrator used and examining exist­ detected in fish down­ pestlcides into the body, glcide and Rodenticide for Enforcement, said the stream from the site. and acute and chronic Act. The Agency is not ing information on oryza­ penalty was designed to Vertac and Hercules, health effects in relation contesting the basic effec- lin's toxicity. offset any profits the Inc., a previous owner of to duration and level of tiveness of Roach Prufe in EPA's plant inspections refiner may have re­ and a review of its own the site, are being asked exposure. controlling cockroaches, ceived during that quarter in the suit to jointly clean The agreement also ants, and silverfish in records indicated no ad­ by not complying with the up the site. Specifically, calls for joint efforts in houses and certain other verse hea Ith effects re­ Agency regulations. they are being asked to corded or reported by the development and buildings, but it does be- EPA has given refiners provide secure storage of dlstrlbution of informs- lieve that some of Copper production workers, or an extra year to produce all barrels on the site, to t1on on pesticides to farm Brita's promotional mixers, loaders, and ap­ gasolfne at the grams a.a cease the discharge of workers and for cooper- claims for the insecticide plicators of the herbicide. per gallon level before the hazardous wastes into ative enforcement efforts are excessive or unsub­ The actual circum­ final lead phase-down soil and water, and to by the Labor Department stantiated. stances of the Rensselaer standard of 0.5 grams per submit plans to EPA for and EPA. Roach Prufe is a pow- s1tuat1on are being inves­ gallon goes into effect in clean-up of the site and of tigated by the Occupa­ der containing 99 percent October of this year. Rocky Branch Creek and tional Safety and Health boric acid, a widely rec­ The agency said it dis­ a bayou into which the Administration and the ognized poison for cock­ covered the lead viola­ creek runs. The more than National Institute for roaches and certain other tions while reviewing the 3,000 barrels on the site Occupational and Health. common insect pests. refiners reports submitted contain chemical waste The GAF plant no to EPA at the end of the with dioxin. longer produces oryzalin. last quarter. The reports The suit also asks that Herbicide Decision are required by the lead Vertac and Hercules be The EPA says its investi­ phase-down regulations fined $10,000 a day for gation of the herbicide in order to ensure compli­ each day of discharge into oryzalin has not dis­ ance with the standards. navigable waters without closed adverse effects a permit, under the Clean associated with its cur­ Water Act. rent use. It therefore pro­ Meanwhile, EPA has poses no regulatory ac­ ordered Vertac, Inc. to tion under the Federal delay off-site disposal of pesticides law against use the barrels until the of the chemical at this Agency can advise the time. firm of a safe disposa I method.

34 EPA JOURNAL Limited Use Working from a list of that the Nuclear Regu la­ The EPA says it w ill allow the nearly 4 7 ,000 com­ tory Commission decides a rodenticide called Com­ mercial chemicals made that this action is neces­ Three Mile Island pound 1081 to be used or imported into the U.S., sary. These additions Training Center only against rats in sew­ the Agency identified the Officials from several would consist of increas­ As knowledge of the re­ ers. Use will be restricted 2,300 compounds primar­ Federal agencies and the ing the monitoring per­ lationship between water to certified commercial ily on the basis of their Commonwealth of Penn­ sonnel in the area, collect­ pollution and public applicators. relatively high production sylvania met recently to ing additional gas health Increases, so does The risk of children. volumes, as well as infor­ update the lnteragency samples for Krypton anal­ the need for trained spe­ pets. and wildlife acci­ mation on their toxicity. long-term plan for moni­ ysis, increasing the fre­ cialists. To answer this dentally eating the rat EPA is proposing that toring radioactivity in the quency of air sample need, the EPA ls trying killer, the Agency said, is manufacturers and im­ environment around the collection, and collecting out a new short-course too great to allow its use porters of these chemicals disabled Three Mile atmospheric water vapor training center in locations other than be required to submit gen­ Island nuclear power for radioactive analysis. approach. sewers. eral information on what plant. EPA was named the The public at large, key The Agency's first Area EPA opened its investi­ each chemical is being lead Federal agency for State personnel and offi­ Training Center is now gation of Compound 1081 used for and by whom, releasing information on cials in communities near being established on a in 1976 after three chil­ how each chemical is environmental monitoring Three Mile Island are to trial basis at the Univer­ dren in Durant, Okla .• being handled by workers levels. be kept Informed of all sity of Massachusetts in died from eating wafers and others who come into The updated plan also monitoring information. Amherst. Beginning this soaked with the poison. contact with it, and how includes additional re­ Under the current EPA June, it will offer selected They found the wafers in much of each is released quirements for off-site long-term surveillance three- to five-day courses a pest control operator's into the environment. The monitoring in the event plan for Three Mile to public and private sec­ unlocked truck. That in­ Agency is also asking for that radioactive Krypton Island, a network of air tor employees, primarily vestigation has now been updated production vol­ gas is vented from the sampling and gamma rate from the Northeast, who completed and the manu­ ume information for the Inoperative nuclear reac­ background recording sta­ work in the pollution con­ facturer fast November year 1979. tor at Three Mile Island. tions will continue to trol and public health voluntarily revised the The meeting, which operate. Periodic review fields. The courses will label on the product to Toxics Control took place March 11 and and revisions of the plan stress the latest tech­ limit the use specifically EPA has awarded two 12 in Harrisburg, was at­ will continue in accord­ niques and technology in to rats in sewers. States and the Common­ tended by officials from ance with planned clean­ these areas. ArCHEM Corporation wealth of Puerto Rico a EPA; the Department of up operations. The Center's operations of Portsmouth, Ohio, the total of $1.44 million to Health, Education, and will be evaluated over the sole manufacturer, al­ develop programs for in­ Welfare; the Nuclear Reg­ first year. If the Training ready has the product vestigating and control­ ulatory Commission; the Center idea proves its available for sale under ling human and environ­ Department of Energy, worth during that period, the new label. mental hazards from toxic and the State. the Agency will consider chemicals. New additions to opening additional cen­ TOXICS The states receiving EPA's current monitoring ters in other parts of the the funds under coopera­ plans will allow the Agen­ country. tive agreements are New cy to obtain a compre­ The Director of the Exposure Facts Jersey and North Caro­ hensive picture of envi­ training center is Dr. ronmental levels of Kryp­ The EPA has announced lina. The grants are the Francis A. DiGiano, Asso­ ton-86 venting from Three 'plans to begin gathering second group to be ciate Professor of Civil Mile Island, in the event basic information on how awarded for State pro­ Engineering and Coordi­ and to what extent people gram development under nator of Environmental and the environment are the 1976 Toxic Sub­ Engineering Program at exposed to many of the stances Control Act. The the University of Massa­ Nation's largest-volume first group of grants went chusetts. He can be con­ chemicals starting with to Maryland, Michigan, tacted at the University's some 2,300 substances. New Jersey, New York, Department of Civil Engi­ "Although we have and Wisconsin in 1979. neering, Amherst, Mass. learned a great deal about The States have until 01003. Phone(413) 546- chemical production vol­ May 11 to apply for a 0686 for more informa­ umes, there still are many third round of grant tion. O unanswered questions money totalling about what they are used $1,250,000. for and who is exposed to them," said Steven D. Jellinek, EPA Assistant Administrator for Pesti­ cides and Toxic Sub­ stances.

MAY 1980 35 A FA4GILE a41.ANCE n his 1977 Environmental Message, Presi­ Brown Pelican, Peregrine Falcon, and the The Federal Government has subsidized dent Jimmy Carter directed the Secre­ American Crocodile. and encouraged development on barrier tary of the Interior, in consultation with • Barrier islands abound with cultural islands. other Federal agencies and State and and historical treasures. There are 76 Na­ When natural disaster does occur, the local officials, to develop an effective plan tional Register properties on 43 island Federal Disaster Relief Act of the Federal for protecting barrier islands. groups, and 73 National Landmark sites on Emergency Management Agency pays for The President ordered an examination of 68 island groups. a range of relief efforts-emergency warn­ various Feder.al programs which through ing, evacuation, shelter, food, and medical •Of the 295 islands studied, 175 pro­ subsidies, permits, and management pro­ care. vide direct access for vehicles by road, grams contribute either to the protection Thus, Federal programs provide protec­ bridge, or causeway; nine have airports; or development of barrier islands. tion and recreation, but they also encourage and 24 offer regular ferryboat service. The Secretary of the Interior established and help people and businesses to return a work group under the general direction of •Population density in America's coas­ and rebuild again. the Heritage Conservation and Recreation tal counties is more than four times the Citizens and groups, governments at all Service for a comprehensive review of national average. The density over the en­ levels, planners, builders, property owners, these islands in order to prepare tire continental U.S. between 1960 and investors, and conservation groups are options for a plan for protecting them. 1970 was 60 persons per square mile; commenting on the draft environmental The review surveyed the nearly 300 barrier whereas, in barrier island counties, the impact statement which resulted from the islands in 18 East and Gulf States reaching density was 278 persons per square mile. barrier islands study. from Maine to Texas and incorporating •Population growth in these coastal They are responding to draft environ­ nearly 1 .6 million acres. counties is accelerating at a rate more than mental impact statement proposals for The report and draft environmental double the rate in the continental U.S. Federal alternatives and options. Their impact statement said that: •From coastal erosion alone, property comments will help the Secretaries of •Barrier Islands form the shoreline's losses on barrier islands are estimated at Interior and Commerce make recommenda­ first line of defense against storms and $300 million a year. tions to the President. hurricanes along the several thousand The Barrier Islands draft environmental •Due to a lull in hurricane activity along miles of the East and Gulf Coasts. When an the Atlantic coast over the past 20 years, impact statement gives three options or alternative levels: island'.s dunes are leveled, its first and fore­ approximately 80 percent of the people who most defense against storms is removed. live on the coast have no experience in the 1. The "low" level alternative •One of every four Americans lives hazards of hurricanes. And this does not essentially is a description of status quo. within 100 miles of a barrier island. count tourists and island visitors. No options for change are given. •Today, with many more people living • Experts say the Atlantic Coast is long 2. The "moderate" level describes on or visiting barrier islands, huge eco­ overdue for a hurricane of killer options designed to make authorized pro­ nomic investments are involved. dimensions. grams more effective in protecting barrier •Nearly one-third of those 295 islands •A sea level rise of even a few feet can islands. studied are heavily populated and substan­ flood routes of escape from many of the 3. The "high" level options are new tially developed. In some cases, major populated barrier islands. program thrusts. New legislation will be cities are on these islands, including Miami This seems to set the scenario of potentia I required as well as strong executive Beach, Atlantic City, and Galveston. tragedy. directives. •Of the 1.6 million acres studied, What happens if those waters rise above These preliminary options in the draft 739,000 acres are undeveloped but are an island's bridge of escape? Or if a truck impact statement were prepared for con­ unprotected from future development. jacknifes on a causeway between the is­ sideration, study, and to stimulate com­ ment, but they are not recommendations or • Estuaries surrounding barrier islands landers and the mainland? Or if turbulent waters send a barge or ship smashing into the Administration position. are among the most productive ecosysfems Robert L. Herbst, Assistant Secretary of anywhere. a bridge? Or if island inhabitants react too slowly to early warning? Or if the warning the Interior Department. sums up the •At last count, in 1976, the Gulf States is not sounded early enough? problem as follows: offshore fishing industry accounted for Recently, Hurricane Frederick lashed "Barrier islands are different . .. (They) about one-third, by both weight and value, from the Gulf into areas around Mobile, contain fascinating ecosystems not found of the to ta I U.S. fisheries. Of the catch, Ala. Effective warning and evacuation anywhere else . .. Because of their inherent almost 98 percent are estuarine-dependent procedures aided by a vivid memory of beauty, they are places of great attraction, species. Hurricane Camille spared lives. But damage offering not just scenic land and water •Interior's National Park Service man­ to private and public properties was close scapes, but also the mystery and an allure ages popular barrier island recreation areas, to $2 billion. that seacoasts always have had. including Cape Cod, Fire Island, Gateway The winds of Hurricane Frederick had "We see today a pervasive disregard of the in New York, Assateague, Cape Hatteras, hardly died before questions of Federal barrier islands' nature-of what ought to be and Padre Island. In 1978, visitation to assistance were being raised. These their proper role. The balances are fragile, seashores managed by the National Park questions hinged on a range of Federal but the forces at work are not. Service totaled about 26.3 million people. "responsibilities"-loans, insurance, "It is clear that we cannot continue to de­ rebuilding plans, and other forms of •Thirty-one barrier islands support velop barrier islands as if they were main­ disaster assistance. Federal assistance was National Wildlife Refuges managed by the land sites. Sooner or later we have to pay expected and has been provided in· the Interior Department's Fish and Wildlife for our mistakes." D Service. past. This raises a question of whether the • About 34 endangered or threatened Federal Government should subsidize the species of animals depend on barrier is­ recurring costs, costs often paid and then lands, including the Loggerhead Sea Turtle, paid a second time and even a third for the Whooping Crane, Bald Eagle, Eastern same property damage.

MAY 1980 37 Gordon G. Robeck He has been elected to the National Academy of Engineer­ ing, the highest professional distinction for engineers. Robeck, director of Drinking Water Research at EPA's Cin­ cinnati Environmental Research Center, is the only Agency sci­ entist currently a member of the Academy. With a membership of 1,024, the Academy is composed of those who have made important contributions to engineering theory and prac­ tice, and who have demon­ strated unusual accomplish­ R. Sarah Compton Dr. Edwin H. Clark F. Allen (Tex) Harris ments in the pioneering of new She has been named Deputy He has been appointed Asso­ He has been named Director of and developing fields of tech­ Assistant Administrator for ciate Assistant Administrator the Office of International nology. Water Enforcement. Compton for Pesticides and Toxic Sub­ Activities. Robeck was elected by Acad­ had been Director of the Region stances. Since 1978 he had "Tex Harris brings to this posi­ emy members for his "leader­ 3 Enforcement Division since been special assistant to Admin­ tion broad experience in dealing ship to the engineering profes­ May, 1979. Prior to joining gov­ istrator Costle, advising on with environmental problems sion in the improvement of ernment service she was with economic issues and represent­ around the world," said Ad­ drinking water quality through the Center for Law and Social ing EPA in the lnteragency Reg­ ministrator Douglas M. Castle published research contribu­ Policy in Washington. from ulatory Liaison Group, which in announcing the appointment. tions." 1973to 1975. From 1975 coordinates Federal regulatory "He gained that experience Dr. Stephen J. Gage, through 1978 she served on the programs. He also served as while serving as special assist­ EPA's Assistant Administra- legal staff of the Natural Re­ IRLG chairman. Before joining ant for international environ­ tor for Research and Develop­ sources Deiense Council, spe­ EPA he spent six years on the mental matters to myseli and ment. said the Office of Re­ cializing in environmental law, staff of the President's Council my predecessor between 197 4 search and Development is wildlife, and fluorocarbon regu­ on Environmental Quality, serv­ and 1977." During that period "indeed pleased thatthe Nation­ lation. In 1978 she moved to ing as Staff Director, Sen ior Harris was U.S. Coordinator of al Academy of Engineering has Boston. where she opened a Economist. and Senior Staff the North Atlantic Treaty Or­ recognized the significant re­ law practice dealing with envi­ Member for Pollution Control. ganization and of the Commit­ search Gordon Robeck has ronmental law. Compton re­ Previously Clark taught eco­ tee on the Challenges of Mod­ done for EPA. Robeck is a true ceived her bachelor's degree nomics and headed the Center ern Society (CCMS). which scientist and engineer, dedi­ from the University of Mary­ for Environmental Studies at conducts multi latera I pilot cated always to the quality of land in 1970 and her law Williams College in Massachu­ studies on environmental pollu­ our Nation's drinking water." degree from the Georgetown setts. He served as an advisor to tion control, energy, health, In addition to this honor, University Law Center in 1973. Pakistan on agricultural policy and transportation. Until re­ Robeck received, within the and has been an engineer for a cently he served in a dual ca- past year, both the American firm designing water resources . pacity as Director of the State Water Works Association's projects and planning electric Department's SALT Working Medal for Outstanding Service power systems. Clark earned Group (European Bureau) and and the EPA Gold Medal. a bachelor's degree tram Yale. Office of Public Programs (Pub­ A veteran of 35 years of govern­ He also has a Master of Engi­ lic Affairs Bureau). His previous ment service, Robeck has been neering, Master of Public assignments included: First with EPA since its beginning in Affairs, and Ph.D. degrees from Secretary. Political Section, 1970. Princeton University. American Embassy, Buenos I Subscrip ions Do you know someone in industry or in a civic Name-Firtt, Laat PIHHPrlnt group who wants to keep up with national l I I l I I I l I I l I l I J I I l I l I I I I I environmental developments involving EPA? Let them know about EPA Journal. If they want Company Name or Additional Addreas Line to subscribe, give them this form. The sub­ \ l I I I I I I I I I I I I l I I scription price is $12 per year and $15.00 if mailed to a foreign address. A single copy Stl'Ht Address sells for $1.20. (Agency employees receive I ~ I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I this publication without charge.) Anyone ! I I I I I I wishing to subscribe should fill in the form City Zip Code below and enclose a check or money order I I I I I I I I I I I l ; l I ; I I !Sttl I I I I I payable to the Superintendent of Documents. Mail order form to: Payment enclosed (Superintendent of Documents) 0 Government Printing Office 0 Charge to my Deposit Account No ...... Washington. D.C. 20402

38 EPA JOURNAL Aires; Attorney, Office of the Awards and James Symons of the Mu­ Special Trade Representative; Richard J. Bull and the team of nicipal Environmental Research International Economist, Eco­ Robert K. Stevens and Thomas Laboratory In Cincinnati shared nomics Bureau, State Depart­ G. Dzubay have won the top another first place award of ment; Special Assistant to the prizes of $5,000 in EPA's Sci­ $3,000 in this category. Gary S Legal Advisor and to the Chair­ entific and Technological Logsdon and James Symons of man, U.S. Law of the Sea Task Achievements awards competi­ EPA 's Cincinnati laboratories Force, State Department, and tion. The awards were set up to shared the third place award of Political Officer, American Em­ recognize exceptional and dis­ $1,000. bassy, Caracas. Harris received tinguished achievement in re­ an A.B. degree from Princeton search and development by Region 9 Appointees in 1960 and a law degree from Agency employees. William H. McNeice, Deanna the University of Texas in 1965. Categories include: Health; M . Wieman, Sara J. Segal, and Monitoring, Measurements and Jo Ann Semones have been Michael Cook Methods Development; Ecol­ appointed to positions in the He has been appointed Asso­ ogy, Transport and Fate; and Jeffrey G. Miller Region 9 Office of External ciate Deputy Assistant Admin­ Control Systems. The Science Relations. McNeice, who w ill istrator for Water Program He has been named Acting Advisory Board evaluated each be Director of the Office of Ex­ Operations (Environmental Assistant Administrator for nominee by reviewing a pub­ ternal Relations, has been Chief Emergency Response and Pre­ Enforcement.Miller formerly lished paper describing the of Public Affairs for the Army vention). Cook had been Direc­ headed EPA's National Hazard­ scientific or technological Corps of Engineers in San Fran­ tor of the Facility Requirements ous Waste Enforcement Task achievement. cisco for the past nine years. Division in the Water Program Force. He was Deputy Assistant Bull, who is stationed at the He has been an information since September, 1978. He was Administrator for Water En­ Health Effects Research Labora­ officer with various Federal chief of the Facility Require­ forcement from 19 7 5 to 1979 . tory in Cincinnati, won in the agencies in Michigan and ments Branch from 1975 to He joined EPA in 1971 as chief category of Health. The second Washington, and was a profes­ 1978 and of the Permit and of an enforcement branch in the place award of $2,500 in that sor of English Literature in Policy E!_ranch in 1974 and Agency's Boston Regional category went to Philip M. Cook Boston. Deanna Wieman, the 1975. He joined EPA as a pro­ Office. Miller later became di­ at the Environmental Research new Congressional Liaison Offi­ gram analyst in 1973. His pre­ rector of the enforcement divi­ Laboratory in Duluth. cer, has been w ith EPA since vious government service was sion and served In that post for Stevens and Dzubay shared 1971 . She was Acting Director with the Department of State in two years. Before coming to a joint reward for their work of the Office of External Rela­ various positions froin 1966 to EPA in 1971, Miller practiced under the category of Monitor­ tions in 1979 and had devel­ 1973. Cook received a bach­ law. An honor graduate of ing, Measurements, and Meth­ oped and managed the Region's elor's degree from Swarthmore Princeton University in 1963, ods Development. Jack Wag­ Congressional relations, con­ College in 1963, was a Wood­ and Harvard Law School in man and Ronald Patterson stituency liaison, and public row Wilson School Fellow at 1967, Miller was a Research shared the second place award participation programs. Sara Princeton University in 1963, Fellow at Harvard for a year of $2,500 in this category and Segal, the new State Liaison and was a Rhodes Scholar at following graduation. James Mulik received $500 for Officer, was previously a State Oxford University, England third place. J. P. F. Lambert and Coordinator in EPA's Region 5 from 1964to 1966. He was Joan Kovalic F. W. Wiltshire also shared a office and a section chief in the awarded the EPA Silver Medal She has been named Associate $500 third place award in this water division. Her experience for superior service in 1976, Deputy Assistant Administrator category. Recipients of all includes directing the Land Ad­ and the EPA Gold Medal in for Water Program Operations. awards in this category are sta­ vocacy Program for the City of 1978. Kovalic comes to EPA from the tioned at Research Triangle Chicago and serving as a con­ House Committee on Public Park, N.C. in either the scien­ servation consultant to the Michael Cole Works and Transportation, tific or monitoring laboratory. Michigan School System. Jo He has been named Deputy where she was a staff member Under the third category, Ann Semones, the new Public Director of External Affairs in for water resources from 1973 Ecology, Transport and Fate, Information Officer, had been Region 7. to 1979 and Assistant Counsel first prizes of $3,750 each went Assistant Regional Director for He was most recently Legis­ for Water and the Environment to Basil Dimitriades of Re­ Public Affairs and Communica­ lative Director of Common since May, 1979. She served as search Triangle Park and Rob­ tion for1he Small Business Ad­ Cause, a public interest lobby a research analyst with the De­ ert D. Rogers of the Environ­ ministration. She also served as group. In that role he drafted partment of Labor in 1972 and mental Research Laboratory in press secretary to Congressman and analyzed legislation, super­ 1973, and was a program ana­ Las Vegas. David J. Hansen of James Corman of California vised the group's legislative lyst with the Senate Committee the Environmental Research and was a newspaper reporter I strategy and acted as spokes­ on Public Works in 1971 . Laboratory at Gulf Breeze re­ photographer for the San Fer­ man for the group to members Kovalic earned a bachelor's ceived the third place award of nando Valley Sun. of Congress and the public. degree in 1970 and a master's $1,000. Cole also served for two in 1972 from Carnegie-Mellon In the Control Systems cate­ years as an attorney with the University in Pittsburgh, Pa ., gory, a first place award of Department of Housing and and a law degree from George $3,000 went to Richard Field, Urban Development Office of Washington University in 1979. located at the Municipal Envi­ General Counsel. He received She is a member of the Bar of ronmental Research Laboratory a B.A. in 1965 from Yale Uni­ the Supreme Court of Pennsyl­ in Edison, N.J. Alan Stevens versity and a J.D. in 1968 from vania. Her appointment is sub­ the University of Michigan Law ject to approva I by the Office of School. Personnel Management.

MAY 1980 39 n nn n M 1980 Sea Sentinels

n the often stormy and violent The results of Mussel Watch permit the measurement of pol­ world of many seashores have led to several conclusions, lutants not currently being around the world live little as the 1979 annual report of analyzed but which may be rec­ Iblue-black-shelled creatures the Council on Environmental ognized in the future. known as mussels which are be- Quality noted: " .. . available EPA began its surveillance I\ ginning to provide us with im- data show that serious contami- of coastal pollution under the , \ portant information about our nation of resident shellfish pop- Mussel Watch program at environment. ulations is taking place in many 108 locations. Scientists col­ --J Each of these creatures parts of the country. Second, as lected samples which were pumps in several gallons of expected, mussels are good frozen in dry ice and shipped by water a day through its system samplers and consequently air to various laboratories for and filters out tiny food parti- good indicators of environmen- analysis. cles before expelling the water. tal quality. Third, the results As a result of this initial work l In the process they suck in and show that certain toxic pollu­ zones of high pollutant concen­ retain any pollutants. The result tants, particularly those that do trations were discovered which is that mussels serve as a live not break down easily into non­ are referred to as "hot spots." monitor at the edge of the sea. toxic forms, are present in Collection of mussels from While barnacles, limpets, sea coastal waters and probably these "hot spots" is still con­ urchins, oysters and other shore will be for many years to come. tinuing. creatures have also learned to "The molluscs have also Another reason for using survive the hammering of an pointed to problems whose mussels in this sampling is ocean surf, none of these can cause is unknown, for example, their potential impact on human match the mussels as pollution high-and unexplained-levels health, explained Donald K. sentinels. of the radioactive element cu- Phelps, the EPA scientist who 1/ Enormously successful sur- rium at Cape Charles, Va . directs the U.S. Mussel Watch ( / ;' ! . I// vivors, the mussels succeed in "As more data become avail- program from his office at I holding strategic positions on able, and as other nations start EPA's Environmental Research the tidal shore by putting out similar programs, a more de- Laboratory at Narragansett, anchor lines to hold their places tailed picture of the environ­ R.I. These shellfish are eaten (11 I on the rocks. These shiny silken mental quality of the estuarine extensively in Europe and the lines, spun by a gland in this waters in which mussels dwell market for them in the United J animal's "foot," extend in all wilt emerge." States is growing. directions. If one line is broken. The mussel findings could He said that an explanation it is replaced by another. help provide a basis for the of how the mussel watch pro­ Using several of these moor- management of wastes released gram can be used will be dis­ ing lines, the mussel is secure from our expanding nuclear fuel cussed at a meeting of environ­ from currents from any direc- and fossil fuel technology. mental management officials in tion and in a storm heads its For example, the increase in June in Rhode Island. A report shell into the seas, taking the coal combustion and tanker on the U.S. Mussel Watch proj­ impact of waves on the "prow" movement of oil in the years ect will also be presented to the of its narrowest edge. ahead may result in pollution International Council for Ex­ Another reason why the mus- leakage problems that Mussel ploration of the Seas at a sels are useful as monitors is Watch could help detect and meeting in Copenhagen, Den­ that they are found, often in measure. mark. in October. staggering numbers, in tem- A "library" of frozen sam- The promising operation of perate waters around the world. pies from mussels collected as Mussel Watch in this country Their flesh serves as a deposi- part of this study has been has helped stimulate the forma­ tory where alien materials in the established and is maintained ticm of similar programs in water can be concentrated. at EPA's Environmental Re- many of the member countries in order to use the remark- search Laboratory at Narra- of the 18-nation International able monitoring capability of gansett, R.I. Counci I for the Exploration of these creatures, EPA has had a Whire some pollutants such the Seas and in organizations program in operation since as radioactive nuclei des may such as the Mediterranean 1976 known as Mussel Watch. disappear in time from the Research and Monitoring Pro­ frozen flesh. others like heavy gram of the United Nations. metals will continue to be -C.D.P. measurable in the future. The preservation of these samples also will be useful to

40 EPA JOURNAL Caring for the Shore Pollution Control Act. These revisions pro­ Scientists from EPA s Gulf Breeze Contmued from page 3 vide more specific information on aquatic Laboratory collect specimens for research systems, their value, and how to protect purposes from tidewater areas along the them. We have benchmarks for ascertaining Florida coast. (See article on P 3 J the environmental damage potential of both Back: Surf laps the shore of a deserted dredged and fill materials and proposed beach at Eco/a State Park in Oregon. one of Now the figure has dropped to around 40. disposal sites. We are able to determine the the coastal areas that has so far escaped Nearby Virginia showed a 90 percent drop value of the ecosystem s at the sites. We are development. (See article on P. 14) in marsh destruction between 1972 and able to identify measures for protecting 1975. New Jersey, which was losing existing values. around 1,900 acres of wetlands a year, had We also have a National Contingency coordinated measures. cut the figure to less than 15 by 1978. Plan, developed in response to the Federal The point of all these measures is that There also have been some creative solu­ Water Pollution Control Act, to minimize we have come to realize the value of a tions to restore lost marshlands. Between damage from oil spills and hazardous sub­ resource we once took for granted, or even 1947 and 1967, California lost two-thirds stances. It may seem inconceivable that the regarded as a nuisance. Despite the esthe­ of its estuarine habitat to dredging and fill­ authors of the plan visualized a spill of the tic component of our coastal wetlands, we ing for harbors, marinas, airports, industrial magnitude of the lxtoc I oil well blowout are not engaged in protecting them out of a sites, and the like. That trend not only has last year in Mexico's Campeche Bay. Yet fundamental concern for national pretti­ been halted, but turned around in some when the oil from this spill threatened the ness. Rather we are involved in a task to areas. San Francisco Bay is actually gaining shores of the United States and the pfan preserve the natural systems on which the wetlands, through such techniques as plant­ was put into operation, it was exceptionally survival of human beings depends. It is no ing the dredging spoil from channels with effective in coordinating the activities of longer true, as Lord Byron once wrote, marsh grasses. hundreds of people representing Federal, " Man marks the earth with ruin-his con­ At the Federal level, we have proposed State and local agencies. While these work­ trol stops with the shore." For now that our revisions to the 1975 guidelines for the ers were unable to head off all environmen­ civilization is leaving its mark on the seas Corps of Engineers and States to follow in tal damage from the blowout, the impact and the shores, we must extend our judging permits under the Federal Water would have been far worse without these controls to protect them as we! I. D Un11edS~1~at~e~s~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~-::-~~~~~~----,~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~-.~~,o~s~1a>.g~e>ao.n"-10;r-~~...... ,...._ Environmental Protection Fees Paid ~- Agency Environmental Washington D C 20460 P1otection _ Agency u.s.111A1L EPA335 - ~,

Official Business Third Class Penalty for Private Use $300 Bulk