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Background Information There are several major problems affecting Buzzards Bay. The first problem is in the New Bedford Harbor area which affects Buzzards 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 citys sewer system. Now the chemicals are being spread around the Bay through tidal action. A more general problem for all of Buzzards 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.
B. Please rate the following scenarios from one (least desirable) to four (most desirable).
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? |