Ocean Dumping Act

The Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act or Ocean Dumping Act was one of several key environmental laws passed by the US Congress in 1972. It brought under EPA regulation and license the dumping of sewage sludge, industrial waste, biological agents, medical waste, NBC, and radioactive waste, into the territorial waters of the United States.

Later amendments

Ocean Dumping Ban Act was contemporary to the Syringe Tide, whereby medical waste (vials of blood, syringes) washed up on the shores of New Jersey and Long Island during the summer of 1988. It pressured the passage in 1988 of the Medical Waste Tracking Act (MWTA).

Background

For much of history, the ocean was used generally as a dumping ground for many types of waste such as Garbage, Acid Rain, and Toxins. One area off the coast of New Jersey was used beginning in the 19th century as a dumping ground for sewage. This area is now known as the 12-mile dumping ground, and has a large amount of toxic metals. Divers are still advised to avoid the area due to the high level of refuse materials and toxins. [ [http://njscuba.net/biology/misc_bottom.html#dumps Offshore Dumping Grounds] , at NJ scuba diving website, accessed 11/11/07. ]

ee also

* Marine debris
* MARPOL 73/78
* OSPAR Convention
* Water Framework Directive
* Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act
* Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping of Wastes and Other Matter

References

* [http://www.epa.gov/history/topics/mprsa/01.htm EPA Journal, July/August 1975]
* [http://www.epa.gov/history/topics/mprsa/02.htm EPA press release and fact sheet, 1988]