Estuaries and coastal waters need help

Journal Article · Sun Nov 01 04:00:00 EST 1987 · Environ. Sci. Technol.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/es00164a601· OSTI ID:5115185

Levenson, H

For years, our marine environments-estuaries, coastal waters, and the open ocean-have been used extensively by coastal communities and industries for the disposal of various wastes. Historically, marine waste disposal has been relatively cheap and has solved some short-term waste-management problems; however, its consequences include a general trend toward environmental degradation, particularly in estuaries and coastal waters. Thus, without protective measures, the next few decades will witness degradation in many estuaries and some coastal waters around the country. The extent of current degradation varies greatly around the country. Although it is difficult to ascertain cause and effect relationships, enough evidence exists to conclude that the pollutants in question include disease-causing microorganisms, oxygen-demanding substances, particulate material, metals, and organic chemicals. Two statutes form the basis of most federal regulatory efforts to combat marine pollution: the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act (MPRSA) and the Clean Water Act (CWA). The MPRSA regulates the dumping of wastes in coastal and open-ocean waters, whereas the CWA has jurisdiction over pipeline discharges in all marine waters, wastes dumped in estuaries, and runoff. Many people consider that the passage and implementation of these two acts and their ensuing amendments established a statutory structure sufficient to protect the nation's waters from pollution. However, these provisions have not protected some estuaries and coastal waters from degradation.

• Research Organization: Office of Technology Assessment, Washington, DC (USA)
• OSTI ID: 5115185
• Journal Information: Environ. Sci. Technol.; (United States), Journal Name: Environ. Sci. Technol.; (United States) Vol. 21:11; ISSN ESTHA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
CLEAN WATER ACT
COASTAL WATERS
CONTAMINATION
ELEMENTS
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
ESTUARIES
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METALS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
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WATER POLLUTION
WATER QUALITY