Major Events in Controlling Ocean Dumping (1972-2002)

1972
Passage of Marine Protection Research and Sanctuaries Act (MPRSA): October 1972

1973
First ocean dumping permits issued under MPRSA: April 1973
Ratification by U.S. Senate of London Dumping Convention: August 1973

1977
EPA issued ocean dumping regulations and testing guidance: 1977

1978
EPA's Ocean Survey Vessel Peter W. Anderson began monitoring ocean dumping sites: July 1978

1982
Last incineration-at-sea of liquid organohalogen wastes: August 1982

1983
Amendment of MPRSA to require Congressional approval for any dumping of low-level radioactive wastes: 1983

1988
EPA terminated incineration-at-sea program: 1988
Passage of Ocean Dumping Ban Act: November 1988
End of dumping of industrial wastes: November 1988

1989
Last permit for dumping of construction debris and cellar dirt expired: November 1989

1991
End of woodburning activities in New York Bight: 1991
Gulf of Mexico incineration-at-sea site de-designated: February 1991
EPA and the Corps of Engineers revised dredged material testing manual: April 1991

1992
Last dumping of sewage sludge: June 1992
MPRSA amended to require site management and monitoring plans for all EPA-designated sites: October 1992

1995
National Dredging Team established: July 1995

1998
London Convention Protocol signed by United States: March 1998

1999
Agreement with U.S. Navy signed to control removal of toxic substances from disposed vessels: August 1999

2002
30th anniversary of the passage of the MPRSA: October 2002