Vanderbilt Television News Archive

(Studio) For last 50 years Philadelphia, New York City and some New Jersey cities have dumped sludge from sewer systems into Atlantic; envts. want it stopped. EPA holds hearings in New Jersey.
REPORTER: John Chancellor

(Toms River, New Jersey) Reporter cites own experience in viewing New York City dumping practices and notes amount of sludge dumped in 1 year New York City and New Jersey dumping site is only 12 mile from shore. Diver Lee Ward took film of ocean floor under dumping area; scientists say area is undersea desert. In 50 years of dumping, pollution has spread within 6 mile of shore. New York City officials say, until better land methods found, it will continue [New York Environmental Protection Agency director Robert LOW - says it's cheapest, but not safest way to dispose of sludge.] Despite hearings, there's not much public protest yet.
REPORTER: Robert Hager