33 U.S.C. § 1443: Research program respecting ocean dumping and other methods of waste disposal

determining means of minimizing or ending, as soon as possible after October 6, 1980 , the dumping into ocean waters, or waters described in section 1411(b) of this title , of material which may unreasonably degrade or endanger human health, welfare, or amenities, or the marine environment, ecological systems, or economic potentialities, and developing disposal methods as alternatives to the dumping described in subparagraph (A); and encourage, cooperate with, promote the coordination of, and render financial and other assistance to appropriate public authorities, agencies, and institutions (whether Federal, State, interstate, or local) and appropriate private agencies, institutions, and individuals in the conduct of research and other activities described in paragraph (1). Nothing in this section shall be construed to affect in any way the December 31, 1981 , termination date, established in section 1412a of this title , for the ocean dumping of sewage sludge. the sources, quantities, and types of materials that require and will require disposal; the environmental, economic, social, and human health factors (and the methods used to assess these factors) associated with disposal alternatives; the improvements in production processes, methods of disposal, and recycling to reduce the adverse effects associated with such disposal alternatives; the applicable laws and regulations governing waste disposal; and improvements in permitting processes to reduce administrative burdens. consider the factors listed in subsection (c) as they relate to landfilling, incineration, ocean dumping, or any other feasible disposal or reuse/recycling option; include an assessment of the cost of these alternatives; and recommend such regulatory or legislative changes as may be necessary to reduce the adverse impacts associated with sewage sludge disposal.