Disposal at Sea Regulations: frequently asked questions

 

Disposal at Sea Regulations

1. What is the purpose of these regulations?
2. What are the key elements of these regulations?
3. How do these regulations affect Canadian businesses?
4. What is the timeline for implementation?
5. Where can I get more information?

1. What is the purpose of these regulations?

The objective of the Disposal at Sea Regulations is to prevent marine pollution from the uncontrolled disposal of waste or other matter at sea. The Regulations also implement Canada’s international commitments on disposal at sea as set out in the 1996 Protocol to the Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping of Wastes and Other Matter, 1972.

2. What are the key elements of these regulations?

The Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA) prohibits the disposal of waste and other matter at sea but allows certain types of waste to be disposed of with a permit. The Disposal at Sea Regulations specify the area where the rules in CEPA apply, the requirements for obtaining a permit, as well as a list of reporting requirements regarding emergency disposals.

3. How do these regulations affect Canadian businesses?

The Regulations apply to anyone proposing to dispose of waste or other matter at sea. This may include dredging companies, excavation companies, fish processing plants, port authorities, small craft harbours and others.

Discharges from land or from normal ship operations (such as bilge water) are not considered disposal at sea but are subject to other controls.

The Disposal at Sea Regulations prescribe the fee for submitting a permit application ($2,500) for the disposal of certain types of waste material. The Disposal at Sea Permit Fee Regulations establish the permit fee for the disposal of dredged or excavated material.

The Disposal at Sea Regulations also prescribe the contents of a report that is required if a disposal at sea has occurred for emergency purposes. Note that permit applicants and permit holders are also subject to other reporting requirements under CEPA.

4. What is the timeline for implementation?

The Disposal at Sea Regulations, made under the authority of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999, came into force on August 1, 2001, replacing the Ocean Dumping Regulations 1998.

Amendments to the Disposal at Sea Regulations came into force on September 24, 2014. Under those amendments, permit renewals are allowed for routine, low-risk permits. The amendments also establish service standards for the issuance of permits.

5. Where can I get more information?

More information can be found on the Disposal at sea legislation and regulations website, or by contacting:

Marine Environmental Protection Programs Section
Environment and Climate Change Canada
Gatineau QC  K1A 0H3
Tel.: 819-420-7613
Fax: 819-420-7624
Email: ec.immersionenmer-disposalatsea.ec@canada.ca

For more information

• Federal regulatory management
• The Cabinet Directive on Regulatory Management
• The Canada-United States Regulatory Cooperation Council

To learn about upcoming or ongoing consultations on proposed federal regulations, visit the Canada Gazette and consulting with Canadians websites.