In 1987, more than half (53 percent) of the population in the United States lived within 50 miles of the coasts along the Great Lakes, Gulf of Mexico, and Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. While predictions vary, estimates indicate that 54 to 80 percent of this Nation's population will be residing in coastal areas by the year 2000. As a result of this significant population growth, the amount of chlorine and ammonia entering coastal waters will undoubtedly increase. Chlorine and ammonia are ubiquitous and highly toxic 'conventional' pollutants whose sources include effluents from sewage treatment plants, large power plants, and industry. Chlorine is used to disinfect drinking water and effluents from sewage treatment plants to protect humans from exposure to pathogens (bacteria and viruses) in drinking water, receiving waters through body contact (such as swimming, scuba diving, and wind surfing), and contaminated shellfish. Another major source of chlorine is a biocide in power plant cooling waters and industrial effluents.

EPA/600/D-91/234. PB92-108091. Microfiche.