Ocean Dumping Act Period 3 Kiana Brayton Lyle

Ocean Dumping Act Period 3 Kiana Brayton Lyle Swallows

Ocean Dumping Act �The Ocean Dumping Act is the Title 1 of the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act, that regulates international ocean disposal of materials, and authorizes related research. �The Ocean Dumping Act regulates permit and enforcement provisions for ocean dumping.

History �The United States enacted the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act in 1972 to regulate disposal of wastes in marine waters that are within the United States jurisdiction. �Prior to 1972, U. S. waters were used as an alternative to land based sites for disposal of sewage sludge, industrial wastes, and pipeline discharges and runoff. �Ocean Dumping Act was proposed in 1977 to stop all dumping in 1981, it was then postponed to 1988, dumping ceased in 1991 as later estimated.

Why �Following the bad press from beach closures for high levels of pathogens and floating debris along New York and New Jersey beaches, there was a strong public opinion to banning ocean dumping.

Specific Regulations �Regulates international ocean disposal of materials, and to authorize related research. �Bans dumping of radiological, chemical, or biological warfare agents and any high level radio active waste, and medical wastes.

Amendments to ODA �Amendment enacted in 1992, made an exception to dredge material approved by the EPA to be dumped at specific sites. Dredge material is sediments removed from the bottom of the ocean to maintain navigation channels. The sediments must be evaluated before dumping to ensure they will not cause environmental harm.

Authorities under ODA �Environmental Protection Agency: Regulates ocean disposal of substances excluding dredged spoils. �U. S. Army Corps of Engineers: Regulates ocean disposal of dredged spoils. �National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration: Regulates long range research on the effects of human -induced changes to marine environment. �Coast Guard: Regulates surveillance of ocean dumping.

Effected Boundaries �The Ocean Dumping Act covers all ocean water in U. S. jurisdiction, U. S. vessels, and any vessel sailing from a U. S. port. �The Ocean Dumping Act covers both municipal, and federal vessels of all sizes. �Over the past 25 years, countries have been meeting to make a series of treaties pertaining to the marine pollution. Now there are international conventions that provide uniform standards to control world-wide marine pollution.

Permits and Penalties �Permits can be issued by the EPA, after opportunities for public hearings. �Civil penalties can be no more than $50, 000 for each violation. �Criminal penalties from $125, 000 to $250, 000 for each violation, and up to 5 years in prison.

Bibliography �http: //www. eoearth. org �http: //ncseonline. org �http: //www. epa. gov �http: //waterencyclopedia. com