at time. The analysis showed that within a half-mile of the outfall the vast majority of organisms were worms particularly Capitella capitata. Almost all other forms of infauna were absent until after half a mile in which some small mollusks and crustaceans were present. The usual species composition only reappeared about four and a half miles away from the outfall. Further studies have shown a sharp decline in species richness around the 5-mile outfall and a more severe decline around the now defunct 7-mile sludge outfall. A more recent study suggests that since the termination of sludge discharge at the 7-mile outfall a greater variety of species were beginning to encroach on what was once an empty sludge field. Since secondary treatment has increased at the Hyperion there is also evidence to suggest that the infaunal communities are starting to return to a more natural state. Still it is obvious that massive damage to the area around the outfall has been done and it may take several decades if not longer to return to normal. ( EPA V1 III-77)Epifauna are a group of organisms that reside upon hard or soft surfaces. Creatures such as barnacles, mussels, anemones, starfish, shrimp and crabs are included in this group. There are few naturally occurring habitats for these creatures in the bay, however, some of these creatures are known to thrive on top of the 5 and 7-mile outfall pipes. Some of these creatures thrive in the vicinity of the 7-mile outfall and the potential for bioaccumulation from these creatures does exist.Megenbethic Invertibrates include creatures such as crabs, shrimp and lobster. The general trend is a decrease in species richness in the bay as opposed to other areas. There is greater species richness farther offshore of sewage outfalls.Fishes more than 480 species occur between the bay and the Mexican border. They can be divided into three groups, Pelagic Fishes, Rocky Bottom Fishes, and Demersal Fishes. ...
