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. [Not true for the deep ocean.] 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.
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. Ex. Whales have mercury levels one million times that of ocean water. 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, O 2 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.
Recent news: PCBs in the deep ocean This year researchers found highly elevated levels of PCBs (banned in the US in 1979) in the fatty tissue of amphipods (a type of crustacean) from the Mariana and Kermadec trenches, which are over 10km deep and separated from each other by 7,000km. The highest levels of PCBs were 50 times greater than in crabs from one of the most polluted rivers in China. PCBs probably made their way to Pacific Ocean trenches through contaminated plastic debris and via dead animals sinking to the sea floor.
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.
100 million tons of petroleum products; two to four million tons of acid chemical wastes from pulp mills; more than one million tons of heavy metals in industrial wastes; and more than 100,000 tons of organic chemical wastes. Although no complete records exist of the volumes and types of materials disposed in ocean waters in the United States prior to 1972, several reports indicate a vast magnitude of historic ocean dumping: In 1968, the National Academy of Sciences estimated annual volumes of ocean dumping by vessel or pipes:
A 1970 Report from the Council on Environmental Quality on ocean dumping described that in 1968 the following were dumped in the ocean in the U.S. 38 million tons of dredged material (34 percent of which was polluted), 4.5 million tons of industrial wastes, 4.5 million tons of sewage sludge (significantly contaminated with heavy metals), and 0.5 million tons of construction and demolition debris. EPA records indicate that more than 55,000 containers of radioactive wastes were dumped at three ocean sites in the Pacific Ocean between 1946 and 1970. Almost 34,000 containers of radioactive wastes were dumped at three ocean sites off the East Coast of the United States from 1951 to 1962
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 More recent 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.
Regulations update continued The congressionally appointed U.S. Oceans Commission released a report in May 2004. This was the 1 st 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 CO 2 are being added to the atmosphere daily, and increasing levels of dissolved CO 2 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.