Ocean Dumping Regulations to be Strengthened

A 1996 protocol that contains revisions of the Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping of Wastes and Other Matter (the London Convention, 1972), is expected to take effect in 2004 or 2005. Working toward conclusion of the protocol, Japan has partially amended its Law Relating to Prevention of Marine Pollution and Maritime Disaster.

Examples of the major changes in Japan's law include creation of a permit system for ocean dumping from ships, and the prohibiting of incineration of land-generated wastes at sea. To obtain permission for ocean dumping, industrial waste generators are required to submit a report of their efforts to reduce the volume of waste, as well as an environmental impact assessment, and environmental monitoring plans for the ocean dump site. After government screening of applications, the Minister of the Environment will issue time-limited licenses.

Today, Japan is one of the world's top ocean dumpers. It dumped 2.92 million tons of industrial waste at sea in 1999. This amount has been decreasing, but Japan's amount and number of items dumped at sea are still the highest among seven countries reporting this data.

The amended law will enter into force in three years. Meanwhile, generators of industrial waste are expected to take measures before that time.

- Central Environment Council Submits Report on Ocean Dumping (Related JFS article)
http://www.japanfs.org/db/591-e

Posted: 2004/08/02 05:03:51 PM
Japanese version