Multilateral Environmental Agreements

Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping of Wastes and Other Matter (LC72)

Status

Signed December 29, 1972
Ratified November 13, 1975
Entered into force internationally August 30, 1975
In force for Canada December 13, 1975

Amendment concerning the Settlement of Disputes signed October 12, 1978; not yet in force due to insufficient number of signatories.

Amendments concerning Incineration at Sea accepted and came in force March 11, 1979.

Amendment to Annexes I and II to the Convention accepted and came in force for Canada November 3, 1981.

Amendment to Annex III to the Convention signed November 3, 1989; in force for Canada May 19, 1990.

Amendments concerning Radioactive Wastes accepted February 16, 1994; in force for Canada February 20, 1994.

Amendment concerning Phasing Out Sea Disposal of Industrial Waste accepted and came in force February 16, 1994.

Amendment concerning Incineration at Sea accepted February 16, 1994; in force for Canada February 20, 1994.

Objectives

The Convention prohibits the disposal at sea of waste and other matter except under a permit issued by a contracting party, depending on the nature of the wastes and other matter as described in Annexes I and II. Annex III sets out factors to be considered in establishing domestic permit systems.

Commitments

Parties must (except in emergency situations):

• prohibit dumping of Annex I wastes;
• require a special permit for dumping of wastes or other matter in Annex II;
• require prior general permit for dumping of all other wastes or matter;
• keep records, monitor, and report on actions under the Convention;
• support on a voluntary basis technical assistance to other Parties; and
• promote development of international measures to protect marine environment from various types of pollution.

Action Required

Environment Canada is the lead, supported by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO), the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT), Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) and Transport Canada (TC). Environment Canada's main obligations are to develop the legal and administrative regime to implement and report on the Convention.

Activities

The Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA), Part 7, Division 3, and schedules 5 and 6 create the legal framework for full implementation of the Convention.

The Environmental Protection Service (EPS) and the regions:

• implement and enforce the CEPA permit system; and
• provide technical assistance to Parties, and technical and policy input to the Convention Secretariat.

Evidence of Compliance

The Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA) Annual Report and the Annual report to the Convention Secretariat.