In the harbor these contaminants are at concentrations found to cause cancer and adverse effects to reproductive, nervous, immune, and neurological systems in marine life. As these pollutants move up the food chain into shellfish and fish, they can pass these contaminants into people. For nearly 100 years, this highly contaminated muck was dumped in the ocean further spreading the contamination. However, some of this mud must be moved.
Shipping is an efficient and environmentally-sound way to move cargo.
The material that is scooped out to maintain the channels contains the poisons described above. The level of contamination depends on the exposure to pollution sources and the size of the particle. The smaller particles, such as clay and silt, are more contaminated than the larger particles, sand or pebbles. Concerns over the ocean disposal of contaminated material and the need to maintain channels has long caused clashes between the port and environmental community. The Agreement To resolve these issues, in July 1996, Vice President Gore brokered a deal to meet the shipping needs and to end ocean dumping of contaminated material off the Jersey Shore.