Background Information

There are several major problems affecting Buzzard’s Bay. The first problem is in the New Bedford Harbor area which affects Buzzard’s Bay through tidal action. The area is polluted with PCBs as a result of industrial production from 1940-1970. The chemicals reached the harbor through direct dumping and through the city’s sewer system. Now the chemicals are being spread around the Bay through tidal action. A more general problem for all of Buzzard’s Bay is excessive nitrogen levels in the water. This is due to sewage treatment plants, storm-water runoff, septic systems and waste discharge from boats.

Definitions

Nitrogen Levels

High- nitrogen level is 20% above the maximum safe level.

Moderate- nitrogen level is 10 ppm which is considered to be the maximum safe level.

Low- nitrogen level is 60% below the maximum safe level.

 

Congestion

High- 20 boats within 1 square mile.

Moderate - 10 boats within 1 square mile.

Low- 5 boats within 1 square mile.

 

Restrictions on Fishing-restrictions on fishing due to PCB contamination.

Full- No fishing allowed due to PCB concentrations greater than 2 ppm in fish. (FDA regulation)

Partial-Fishing is allowed, but shellfish harvesting is prohibited due to high PCB contamination.

None-Fishing and shellfish harvesting is permitted.

 

Amount of Harbor Clean Up-amount of Superfund assistance given to cleaning up PCBs in the harbor.

Full- Complete removal of PCB contaminated material which is contaminated above 10 ppm.

Partial- Removal of material which is contaminated to a level higher than 50 ppm.

None- No clean up effort.

 

Amount of Beach Clean-up-amount of Superfund assistance given to cleaning up PCB contamination of beaches around the harbor.

Full-PCB contamination is greater than 25 ppm.

Partial -PCB contamination is between 10-15 ppm.

Minimal-PCB contamination is lower than 5 ppm.

(Beaches are considered unfit for human use if [PCB] is greater than 25 ppm)

 

 

Questionnaire:

Please rate the following scenarios from one (least desirable) to six (most desirable).

A.

 

Scenario Nitrogen levels Congestion Amount of Payment Rank
1 High High 0  
2 High Moderate $25  
3 High Low $50  
4 Moderate High $25  
5 Moderate Moderate $50  
6 Low Low $100  

 

 

B. Please rate the following scenarios from one (least desirable) to four (most desirable).

 

Scenario Amount of Harbor Clean-Up Restrictions on Fishing Amount of Beach Clean-up Rank
1 none full full  
2 partial partial partial  
3 full none partial  
4 full none full  

 

Demographic

Age

Income (please check one)

A. Under $30,000 B. $30,001-$50,000 C. $50,001-$90,000 D. Over $90,000

Occupation

Do you own a home, and if so does it have a septic system?

What is your highest level of education?

Do you own a boat?

What town do you live in?

Do you belong to an environmental organization?