Dumping, ocean

The ultimate dumping method is ocean dumping. It describes two forms of waste disposal one into shallow offshore waters and the other into deep ocean waters. Before dumping any wastes it must be treated to reduce its volume and should be less toxic to the marine environment. This dispersal actually dilutes the contaminant and biologically converts it to a nonhazardous form. 

Different kinds of wastes are still dumped in the ocean without treatment along with runoff waters, but the long-term effects on the marine environment have not been well-monitored. There is a possibility of very damaging and long-term consequences [15]. 

Waste Treatment and Disposal, John Wiley Sons, p. 27, 1998. 

Williams, G. M. and Aitkenhead, N., Lessons from Loscoe The uncontrolled migration of landfill gas. Quarterly Journal of Engineering Geology, 24, 191-207, 1991. 

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Industrial treatment plants may not be able to use their biological sludges as fertilizer or spread them on nearby fields if certain substances are present. They may be forced to dry and bum them instead. In some cases, as when heavy metals are present, they may have no recourse but to recover them or use deep-well or ocean-dumping methods. Often anaerobic digestors are used to reduce the amount of sludge and hence the size of subsequent equipment or the cost of ultimate disposal. 

MARPOL regulations on ocean dumping. Source From O Hara, K. J., et al. (1988). A Citizen s Guide to Piastics in the Ocean More Than a Litter Probiem. Center for Marine Conservation, p. 37. 

This operation. Project PACER HO, was accomplished under the very stringent criteria set forth In an United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ocean dumping permit. 

EPA Marine Protection Research and Sanctuaries Act Ocean dumping of organohalogen compounds or oils of any kind which are known or suspected carcinogens, mutagens, or teratogens is prohibited except when they are present as trace contaminants Yes EPA 1991b (40 CFR 227.6)... 

EPA. 1977. Criteria for the evaluation of permit applications for ocean dumping of material. 

The effects of polluted waters on the proliferation and edibility of fishes and other forms of ocean life have been researched extensively in recent years, and this knowledge has created a vital incentive for reducing pollution. Just a few years ago lightweight refuse that rises to die ocean s surface and littered beaches created an environmental crisis and another incentive for ceasing ocean dumping of sewage and solid wastes into the oceans. 

EPAOERR Regulated under the MPRSA ocean dumping prohibited except when in trace amounts (2,3,7,8-TCDD) Yes 40 CFR 227.6 EPA 1977... 

EPA. 1977. Ocean dumping Constituents prohibited as other than trace contaminants. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Code of Federal Regulations. 40 CFR 227.6. 

Greig RA, Jones J. 1976. Nondestructive neutron activation analysis of marine organisms collected from ocean dump sites of the middle eastern United States. Arch Environ Contam Toxicol 4(4) 420-434. 

CEQ. 1970. Ocean dumping A national policy. Council on Environmental Quality, Government Printing Office. Washington, DC. 

Subchapter E-Pesticide Programs Subchapter H-Ocean Dumping Subchapter N-Effluent Guidelines and Standards Chapter IV-Low-Emission Vehicle Certification Board Chapter V-Council on Environmental Quality Part... 

EPA OW Ocean Dumping - Limits Established Waste concentration < solubility Limit in sea water 40 CFR 227.7 EPA 1977b... 

Disposals The final placement or destruction of toxic, radioactive, or other wastes surplus or banned pesticides or other chemicals polluted soils and drums containing hazardous materials from removal actions or accidental releases. Disposal may be accomplished through use of approved secure landfills, surface impoundments, land farming, deep-well injection, ocean dumping, or incineration... 

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