Learn the Issues

National Dredging Team

The National Dredging Team aims to implement the National Dredging Policy and promote national and regional consistency on dredging issues. Regional Dredging Teams are described.

Dredged Material Testing and Evaluation for Permitting under the Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act

Evaluation and testing of dredged material proposed for ocean dumping is conducted to help protect human health and the marine environment. National guidance is provided by the Green Book. Regional Implementation Manuals are provided.

MPRSA Dredged Material Permits

Permits and authorizations for the ocean dumping of dredged material is issued by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Information is provided about where to dispose dredged material and the process for obtaining an MPRSA permit for dredged material.

Transport of Target Vessels for Ocean Disposal

General permits for the Navy's Sink Exercise (SINKEX) Program are issued by the EPA. The SINKEX Program uses obsolete military vessels as targets for at-sea live-fire exercises.

MPRSA Ocean Site Designation

The EPA designates and manages ocean sites to mitigate adverse impacts to surrounding marine environment. Criteria is considered when selecting a site for designation.

MPRSA Ocean Site Monitoring and Management

The EPA is responsible for managing all designated ocean sites. Surveys are conducted to identify appropriate locations for ocean sites and to monitor the impacts of regulated dumping at the ocean sites.

Marine Protection Permitting in EPA Region 3

Overview of marine protection permitting in Mid Atlantic, US. Includes materials dumped in the Region, MPRSA permits issues, dredged material testing guidance, ocean site descriptions and information, regional dredging teams and other partnerships

Marine Protection Permitting in EPA Region 10

Overview of ocean dumping in Pacific Northwest, US. Includes materials dumped in the Region, ocean dumping permits issues, dredged material testing guidance, ocean disposal site descriptions and information, regional dredging teams and other partnerships.

Ocean Disposal of Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Carcasses

Ocean disposal of marine mammal and sea turtle carcasses is authorized by an MPRSA general permit. Includes permit information, potential environmental impacts, and instructions for conducting disposal under the general permit.

Marine Protection Permitting

The EPA implements the Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act to safeguard the ocean by preventing or limiting the disposition of any material into ocean waters that would adversely affect human health or the marine environment.

Marine Protection Permitting in EPA Region 2

Overview of marine protection permitting in NY, NJ and Puerto Rico. Includes materials dumped in the Region, MPRSA permits issues, dredged material testing guidance, ocean site descriptions and information, regional dredging teams and other partnerships

Coral Reefs

Coral reefs are among the most biologically diverse and valuable ecosystems on Earth. This web site describes the importance of coral reefs, threats to them, and ongoing efforts to protect them.

Take Action at Home

What Can I Do to Protect Beaches?

EPA’s Recommended Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Nutrients

London Convention and London Protocol: International Treaties to Prevent Marine Pollution

The London Convention and London Protocol are global treaties to protect the marine environment from pollution caused by the ocean dumping of wastes. The MPRSA implements the requirements of the LC in the U.S.

MPRSA Ocean Sites

The EPA designates and manages ocean sites to mitigate adverse impacts to surrounding marine environment. Includes ocean site map and site management and monitoring plans.

EPA/West Virginia Department of Agriculture MOU, February 19, 2020

This MOU formalizes our partnership and expands our collaborative activities related to communication, education, outreach, training, regulatory program coordination, and funding of agricultural practices that benefit the environment.

San Juan Watershed

How EPA, states, and tribes are implementing long-term water quality monitoring in the San Juan River watershed of the southwestern U.S.

Common Effects Methodology Regional Stakeholder Meeting January 11 -22, 2010

EPA is exploring how to build on the substantial high quality science developed under both OPP programs to develop additional tools and approaches to support a consistent and common set of effects characterization methods using best available information.

Fact Sheet: Estuarine and Coastal Marine Waters - Bioassessment and Biocriteria Technical Guidance

Fact Sheet: Estuarine and Coastal Marine Waters: Bioassessment and Biocriteria Technical Guidance