(a) Survey(1) In generalThe 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).11 See References in Text note below.
(2) ReportNot 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.
(b) Monitoring(1) In generalThe 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.
(2) ReportThe 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.
(Pub. L. 102–580, title V, § 503, Oct. 31, 1992, 106 Stat. 4865.)
Editorial Notes
References in TextSection 501(b)(4), referred to in subsecs. (a)(1) and (b)(1)(B), means section 501(b)(4) of Pub. L. 102–580, which is set out below.
Codification
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.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Availability of Contaminated Sediments InformationPub. L. 102–580, title III, § 327, Oct. 31, 1992, 106 Stat. 4851, directed Secretary to conduct national study on information that was currently available on contaminated sediments of surface waters of United States and compile information obtained for the purpose of identifying location and nature of contaminated sediments and, not later than 1 year after Oct. 31, 1992, to transmit to Congress a report on the results of the study.
National Contaminated Sediment Assessment and Management; Short Title; Definitions; Task ForcePub. L. 102–580, title V, §§ 501, 502, Oct. 31, 1992, 106 Stat. 4864, provided that:
Authorization of AppropriationsPub. L. 102–580, title V, § 509(b), Oct. 31, 1992, 106 Stat. 4870, provided that: “There is authorized to be appropriated to the Administrator to carry out sections 502 and 503 [enacting this section and provisions set out above] such sums as may be necessary.”
“Secretary” Defined
Secretary means the Secretary of the Army, see section 3 of Pub. L. 102–580, set out as a note under section 2201 of this title.