Assessment of the Microbiological Hazards to Human Health Associated with the Ocean Disposal of Sewage Sludge in the New York Bight Apex

An in-depth assessment was made of the potential microbial hazards to human health due to ocean disposal of sewage sludge in the New York Bight. Existing monitoring data, the occurrence of microbial pathogens and indicators in sewage sludges, and available literature suggest that microbial pathogens in sewage sludges present no human health threat when disposed at the 12-Mile Site in the New York Bight. Recreational beaches are protected due to rapid initial and subsequent dilution of the sludges, sedimentation, and microbial die-off. Monitoring data show log decreases in microbial indicators from the 12-Mile Site to Long Island. After initial dilution of the discharged wastes, waters of the 12-Mile Site would meet New York and New Jersey standards for marine recreational waters. Shellfish contamination does not threaten human health due to the 6-nm-radius shellfish closure, the paucity of shellfish, and the expected processing of the only two shellfish species found in the vicinity of the site.