Current Regulations

Regulations Respecting the Form and Content of an Application for a Permit for Disposal at Sea (SOR/2001-276)

All disposal at sea is controlled federally by a system of permits issued under CEPA 1999. The objective of the ocean disposal legislation under CEPA 1999 and its Regulations is to prevent marine pollution from the uncontrolled disposal of waste or other matter at sea. Permits are granted on a case-by-case basis after an application and review process. Permits typically govern timing, handling, storing, loading, placement at the disposal site, and monitoring requirements. The permit assessment phase involves public notice, an application that provides detailed data, a scientific review and payment of fees. This system has been in place since 1975 and was included in CEPA 1988.

CEPA 1999, by updating controls and provisions on disposal at sea, allowed Canada, in May 2000, to become the tenth country to accede to a new international agreement on the prevention of pollution from the disposal of wastes at sea called the 1996 Protocol to the London Convention 1972. The Protocol came into force globally on March 24, 2006.

Contact Information:

Linda Porebski - Chief
Marine Protection Programs Section
Environment Canada
351 St. Joseph Boulevard
Gatineau, Quebec   K1A 0H3
Phone number: (819) 953-4341
Fax number: (819) 953-0913
Email address: Linda.Porebski@ec.gc.ca

Publication Information:

Regulatory Text:

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