33 U.S.C. § 1271 — Sediment survey and monitoring

(a) Survey. (1) The Administrator, consulting NOAA’s Administrator and the Secretary, shall conduct a comprehensive national survey of United States aquatic-sediment data. The Administrator shall compile existing information on pollutant amounts, chemical and physical composition, and locations; probable pollutant sources; and sediments contaminated under section 501(b)(4). (2) Within 24 months after October 31, 1992, the Administrator shall report the survey’s findings, conclusions, and recommendations to Congress, including actions needed to prevent sediment contamination and control its sources. (b) Monitoring. (1) The Administrator, consulting NOAA’s Administrator and the Secretary, shall conduct a comprehensive continuing sediment-quality assessment. At minimum it shall locate pollutants; determine their extent and identify contaminated sediment under section 501(b)(4); establish methods and protocols for physical, chemical, and biological effects; develop data management, storage, and sharing; assess trends; identify places where sediment pollutants may threaten drinking-water supplies, fisheries, or marine habitats; and establish an information clearinghouse on remediation, decontamination, and sediment-contamination control technology, methods, and practices. (2) The Administrator shall report to Congress on the monitoring findings two years after the date specified in subsection (a)(2), and every two years after that.