ySpecial lssuesz Ocean Dumping and Contaminated Sediment
Environmental Regulations on Ocean Dumping of Dredged Materials
Takatoshi Nagasaki
Global Environment Issues Division, Global Environment Bureau, Ministry of the Environment
i1-2-2 Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 100-8975 Japanj
Abstract
The London Convention is the international instrument for the prevention of marine pollution by ocean dumping of wastes and other matter. Dredged materials for ocean dumping are domestically limited to those which are in compliance with standards for hazardous substances and to be dumped within designated sea areas as stated in the Law Relating to the Prevention of Marine Pollution and Maritime Disaster. Under this legislation, dredged materials which originated from dredging works at commercial ports and fishing ports are disposed of at a rate of more than 1.4 million ton/y and 0.7 million ton/y respectively. In light of the ratification of the 1996 Protocol to the London Convention which introduces a list for wastes or other matter that may be considered for dumping, as well as a regulatory system ensuing environment impacts assessment and permission regime, the Japanese government amended the Law in 2004 to incorporate the opinions of the Central Environment Council. For dredged materials, after the amended Law is enforced ocean dumping will be permitted by the Ministry of the Environment, and this is subject to the assessment results for its impact to the marine environment.
Key words: dredged materials, London Convention, Law Relating to the Prevention of Marine Pollution and Maritime Disaster, judgement standards