Ocean dumping: What are the pros and cons of of disposing of wastes, by placing them in the ocean. How is ocean dumping regulated?

CEE 3510 Environmental Quality Engineering

Why use the ocean for waste disposal? Ocean disposal can pose less risk to human health

than does land disposal or incineration. Disposal in the deep ocean may have minimal effect

on coastal fisheries and communities. Oceans are HUGE with relatively high assimilative

capability. If disposal sites are properly chosen and dumping

methods are properly designed, wastes can either be concentrated and confined to a small area in the deep ocean, or dispersed throughout a large volume.

Aerobic conditions and extensive flora and fauna will result in degradation of some wastes.

For coastal communities, like NYC, ocean disposal appears to be the most economical alternative.

[Not true for the deep ocean.]

Cons While near shore ocean dumping may be economical for

some communities, it takes $$$$$ to transport wastes for dumping in the deep ocean.

Limited knowledge of effects, particularly long term and deep ocean. Biomagnification of toxins may significantly impact coastal communities even if wastes are disposed of in deep ocean.

If toxins are dumped and the intent is containment, ocean

dumping offers less control than current landfills. Potential for negative press. If organic waste is concentrated, O2 may be depleted. The residence time of ocean water is very high, so if we

damage a particular area, it can take a long time before it can repair itself.

Ex. Whales have mercury levels one million times that of ocean water.

History of Ocean Dumping Until only a few decades ago the oceans had been viewed as

limitless and unaffected by human actions. Throughout the world, coastal countries have used the oceans as receptacles for all types of waste, from sewage and sewage sludge, to industrial and radioactive wastes, to munitions and other warfare agents.

The results of shortsighted and poorly planned waste disposal have been severe, particularly in coastal areas. For example, Japan's Inland Sea experiences ≈ 200 red tides annually, and in 1988 of New York and New Jersey beaches were closed because medical wastes and sewage were washing up.

Fishing industries have been among the most affected by coastal dumping. Toxins accumulate in shellfish and other marine organisms and make them unsuitable for consumption.

Regulations Rivers and Harbors Act (1890) Prohibited deposition of refuse

into U.S. navigable waters. Ocean Dumping Act (Marine Protection, Research and

Sanctuaries Act) (1972) US Agencies or US flagged vessels can not dump in any ocean without a permit. No transport into US waters for dumping. COE permits for dredged material. EPA permits for others. EPA designates recommended ocean disposal sites. Permits are not granted if a land based alternative exists.

London Dumping Convention (1972) Meeting of 92 nations which declared that all other options should be exhausted before ocean dumping is considered and agreed to regulations similar to the U.S. ODA.

Regulations (continued) Hughes Amendment to ODA (1978) Banned ocean dumping of

sewage sludge as of Dec. 31 1981. New York City remained in violation until the 1988 Ocean Dumping Ban Act.

In 1987 the United States ratified an amendment to the Marine Pollution Treaty of 1973 prohibiting ocean dumping of plastic materials.

Ocean Dumping Ban Act (1988 amendment to ODA) As of Dec. 31, 1991, banned all ocean dumping of sewage sludge, industrial waste, radiological, chemical, and biological warfare agents, and high level radioactive waste.

Speaking of plastic in the ocean… An environmental survey in

2004 found that plastic debris can erode away and end up as microscopic fibers and that these are steadily accumulating in the oceans.

The fibers include nylon, polyester, and polyethylene and can be ingested by plankton, barnacles, etc.

The environmental impact of this consumption is not yet known.

Lab experiments show that marine animals consume microscopic bits of plastic, as seen here in the digestive tract of an amphipod. © Science 2004

Plastic and other debris accumulates in huge ocean gyres (circulating fluid)

The Great Pacific Garbage Patch, also described as the Pacific Trash Vortex, is a gyre of marine litter in the central North Pacific Ocean. The gyre's rotational pattern draws in waste material from across the North Pacific Ocean. Wind-driven surface currents gradually move floating debris toward the center, trapping it in the region.

Estimates of size range from 270,000 sq mi. to more than 5,800,000 sq mi.

Most debris consists of small plastic particles suspended at or just below the surface, making it impossible to detect by aircraft or satellite. The patch is defined as an area in

which the mass of plastic debris in the upper water column is significantly higher than average.

Regulations continued Current status:

– After 3 years of deliberation, in 2003 the Pew Oceans Commission declared: “U.S. ocean governance is in disarray [and] . . . the status

quo is unacceptable”. More than a dozen federal agencies now have a voice on

marine issues (poor coordination).

– Panel recommendations include: Merging fragmented ocean programs into an independent

agency. Creating a robust system of marine reserves (protected

areas). Doubling spending on marine research. Changing administration focus to prioritize healthy oceans and

not maximizing economic return.

Current status continued The congressionally appointed U.S. Oceans

Commission released a report in May 2004. – This was the 1st comprehensive federal review of

ocean status & policy in 35 years! – The commission found US oceans to be in serious

trouble (similar to the Pew Commission report). Management programs were found to be fragmented, under-

funded and uncoordinated. Ecosystem-based management was recommended. Doubling of funding on ocean science (over next 5 years) was

recommended, including building of ocean observatories and basic research.

Although it is not ocean dumping per se, global warming is changing the oceans.

The ocean has absorbed an estimated 118 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide since the onset of the Industrial Revolution. 20 to 25 tons of CO2 are being added to the atmosphere daily, and increasing levels of dissolved CO2 are changing the pH balance of the oceans. – Shells, and coral dissolve within 48 hours when exposed to the

oceanic acidity expected by 2050. Measurements indicate circulation of warm ocean into

northern Europe slowed by 1/3 between 1957 and 2004 causing fear of a shutdown and cataclysmic climate change.