Part VI: ocean disposal (CEPA sections 66-86)

Environment Canada regulates the disposal of substances at sea and meets the international obligations under the London Convention 1972 by means of the Ocean Dumping Regulations and a system of permits under Part VI.

Canada is committed to strong and effective controls on disposal at sea. Disposal at sea is permitted only for non-hazardous substances and where it is the environmentally preferable and practical alternative. Permits are not granted if practical opportunities are available to recycle, reuse or treat the waste. Environment Canada considers a number of factors before granting a permit, including:

Quantities permitted and permits issued nationally, 1999–2000
Material Quantity (tonnes) Permits issued Percent of quantity Percent of permits
Dredged material 643 500 33 85 % 41 %
Geologic material 50 000 1 7 % 1 %
Fish waste 58 375 45 8 % 55 %
Organic material 200 1 1 % 1 %
Bulky wastes 411 2 1 % 2 %
Total 752 486 82 100 % 100 %
Quantities permitted and permits issued regionally, 1999-2000
Material Atlantic Quebec Pacific Northern
Quantity
(tonnes)
Permits
issued
Quantity
(tonnes)
Permits
issued
Quantity
(tonnes)
Permits
issued
Quantity
(tonnes)
Permits
issued
Dredged material 352 300 12 50 700 9 240 500 12 0 0
Geologic material 50 000 1 0 0 0 0 0 0
Fish waste 55 825 41 2 550 4 0 0 0 0
Organic material 0 0 0 0 0 0 200 1
Bulky wastes 411 2 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total 458 536 56 53 250 13 240 500 12 200 1

Inert materials or uncontaminated materials of natural origin are considered suitable for ocean disposal. The majority of the material disposed at sea is dredged material that must be moved to keep shipping channels and harbours clear for navigation and commerce. Fish waste that cannot be recycled as fertilizer, animal feed or other products may be permitted for disposal at sea. Other wastes that may be considered suitable for ocean disposal include bulky wastes, such as concrete rubble, and decommisioned vessels.

During the 1999-2000 period, Environment Canada issued 83 permits for the disposal of an estimated 750 000 tonnes of material. This is the amount approved for disposal as opposed to the actual amount disposed of at sea, which may be less.

The total number of permits issued in 1999-2000 decreased by 20% from the year before, while the total quantity of material approved for disposal dropped by 92%. In March 1999, a new permit fee of $470 per 1000 cubic metres came into effect for dredged material and inert geologic material of natural origin, which resulted in the dramatic declines from previous amounts.

1999 Disposal at Sea Sites - Atlantic Region
1999 Disposal at Sea Sites - Pacific Region

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