The Administrator, in consultation with the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Secretary, shall conduct a comprehensive national survey of data regarding aquatic sediment quality in the United States. The Administrator shall compile all existing information on the quantity, chemical and physical composition, and geographic location of pollutants in aquatic sediment, including the probable source of such pollutants and identification of those sediments which are contaminated pursuant to section 501(b)(4).1
Not later than 24 months after October 31, 1992, the Administrator shall report to the Congress the findings, conclusions, and recommendations of such survey, including recommendations for actions necessary to prevent contamination of aquatic sediments and to control sources of contamination.
The Administrator, in consultation with the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Secretary, shall conduct a comprehensive and continuing program to assess aquatic sediment quality. The program conducted pursuant to this subsection shall, at a minimum-
(A) identify the location of pollutants in aquatic sediment;
(B) identify the extent of pollutants in sediment and those sediments which are contaminated pursuant to section 501(b)(4); 1
(C) establish methods and protocols for monitoring the physical, chemical, and biological effects of pollutants in aquatic sediment and of contaminated sediment;
(D) develop a system for the management, storage, and dissemination of data concerning aquatic sediment quality;
(E) provide an assessment of aquatic sediment quality trends over time;
(F) identify locations where pollutants in sediment may pose a threat to the quality of drinking water supplies, fisheries resources, and marine habitats; and
(G) establish a clearing house for information on technology, methods, and practices available for the remediation, decontamination, and control of sediment contamination.
The Administrator shall submit to Congress a report on the findings of the monitoring under paragraph (1) on the date that is 2 years after the date specified in subsection (a)(2) and biennially thereafter.
(
Section 501(b)(4), referred to in subsecs. (a)(1) and (b)(1)(B), means section 501(b)(4) of
Section was enacted as part of the Water Resources Development Act of 1992 and also as part of the National Contaminated Sediment Assessment and Management Act, and not as part of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act which comprises this chapter.
"(a)
"(b)
"(1) the term 'aquatic sediment' means sediment underlying the navigable waters of the United States;
"(2) the term 'navigable waters' has the same meaning as in section 502(7) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1362(7));
"(3) the term 'pollutant' has the same meaning as in section 502(6) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1362(6)); except that such term does not include dredge spoil, rock, sand, or cellar dirt;
"(4) the term 'contaminated sediment' means aquatic sediment which-
"(A) contains chemical substances in excess of appropriate geochemical, toxicological or sediment quality criteria or measures; or
"(B) is otherwise considered by the Administrator to pose a threat to human health or the environment; and
"(5) the term 'Administrator' means the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.
"(a)
"(1) advise the Administrator and the Secretary in the implementation of this title;
"(2) review and comment on reports concerning aquatic sediment quality and the extent and seriousness of aquatic sediment contamination throughout the Nation;
"(3) review and comment on programs for the research and development of aquatic sediment restoration methods, practices, and technologies;
"(4) review and comment on the selection of pollutants for development of aquatic sediment criteria and the schedule for the development of such criteria;
"(5) advise appropriate officials in the development of guidelines for restoration of contaminated sediment;
"(6) make recommendations to appropriate officials concerning practices and measures-
"(A) to prevent the contamination of aquatic sediments; and
"(B) to control sources of sediment contamination; and
"(7) review and assess the means and methods for locating and constructing permanent, cost-effective long-term disposal sites for the disposal of dredged material that is not suitable for ocean dumping (as determined under the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 (33 U.S.C. 1401 et seq.) [also 16 U.S.C. 1431 et seq., 1447 et seq.; 33 U.S.C. 2801 et seq.]).
"(b)
"(1)
"(A) The Administrator.
"(B) The Secretary.
"(C) The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
"(D) The United States Fish and Wildlife Service.
"(E) The Geological Survey [now United States Geological Survey].
"(F) The Department of Agriculture.
"(2)
"(A) not more than 3 representatives of States;
"(B) not more than 3 representatives of ports, agriculture, and manufacturing; and
"(C) not more than 3 representatives of public interest organizations with a demonstrated interest in aquatic sediment contamination.
"(3)
"(4)
"(5)
"(c)
Secretary means the Secretary of the Army, see section 3 of
1 See References in Text note below.