WWII-era munitions found under water in survey of Southern California industrial waste dump site

By ROBERT JABLON
The Associated Press

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Researchers say underwater dump sites off the Los Angeles coast contain World War II-era munitions including depth charges and smoke devices. Results of an April survey of the sites were announced Friday. The survey used high-definition video on a limited portion of the vast dumping area and spotted what a scientists says are dozens and perhaps hundreds of munitions on the sea floor. The Navy says dumping unused munitions from returning ships was considered safe practice at the time. The debris is found in areas known to have been industrial dumping grounds for decades, sparking health and environmental concerns. High levels of DDT have been detected in local marine mammals, and the chemical has been linked to cancer in sea lions.