David E. Ortman

I have reviewed the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on establishing a safety zone at the entrance of Yaquina Bay in Newport, OR for a local fireworks event that appeared in the May 10, 2012, Federal Register (77 FR 27381). I am opposed to the establishment of such a "safety zone" if it is for a fireworks event that will discharge fireworks into waters of the United States. Fireworks contain chemicals including aluminum, ammonium percholorate calcium carbonate carbon, copper, iron, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium (many compounds) strontium, sulphur, and titanium. The discharge of such pollutants into Yaquina Bay would not be in keeping with an environmental ethic that Newport High School should promote. Students at Newport High School wold better serve their community and the environment by seeking a graduation experience that does not involve discharging toxic chemicals and metals into the air, land and water. Congratulations to the graduating class of Newport High School. It is o.k. to go out with a bang. Just not one that involves fireworks.