Resources for MPRSA Permit Applicants

MPRSA permits authorize the transportation and disposition of materials in ocean waters. 

Research permits are the most relevant MPRSA permit category for mCDR research activities. However, MPRSA general permits or special permits may be appropriate in some situations. Research permits may be issued for a period of up to 18 months. General and special permits may be issued for up to 7 years and 3 years, respectively. All MPRSA permits types may be considered for renewal. 

MPRSA Permit Application Requirements and Process 

The EPA's   Interim Information Sheet for Potential mCDR Permit Applicants (pdf) (873.53 KB)  provides detailed information for potential permit applicants and other interested entities on the MPRSA permitting process for proposed mCDR activities.  

The permit application process begins with the applicant developing a permit application that includes the necessary information from 40 CFR Part 221. An MPRSA permit application includes: 

• Description of the proposed research or deployment activities. 

• Methods used to transport and place the material into the marine environment. 

• Description of the proposed environmental monitoring program designed to characterize environmental impacts of the proposed activities. 

• Description of the material(s) to be placed into the ocean environment (e.g., physical and chemical properties, amounts). 

• Description of the proposed location(s) for conducting the research or deployment activity. 

• For research permits: a justification that the scientific merit of the proposed project outweighs any potential environmental or other damage that may result. 

• Other information required by the regulations and any additional information that will assist in the permit application evaluation process. 

• Application processing fee (described in 40 CFR 221.5). 

Once the EPA receives a complete application, the permitting process described in 40 CFR Part 222 begins. This process includes coordination and/or consultation with other relevant entities as appropriate. These entities may include Tribes, states, territories, and other federal agencies, including those that administer federal statues such as the Endangered Species Act, Clean Water Act 401, Magnuson–Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, and Coastal Zone Management Act. The process also includes a public review and comment period. 

The EPA encourages potential permit applicants to familiarize themselves with the requirements for MPRSA permits as described in the MPRSA regulations (40 CFR Part 220 to 229) and particularly the permit application sections (40 CFR Parts 221 and 222). 

Locations for Permitted mCDR Activities 

Applicants should propose suitable location(s) for mCDR research activities, which the EPA will evaluate for approval. Potential locations should be selected based upon various criteria, including: 

• The environmental conditions necessary to conduct the research. 

• Considerations to minimize potential impacts to the marine environment, marine resources, human health, navigation and other uses of the ocean. 

Note that existing MPRSA ocean sites designated for the ocean disposal of dredged material are not available locations for mCDR research involving the disposition of material (40 CFR 228.4(e)(3)). 

For Further Information About the Permit Process or to Begin the MPRSA Permit Application Process 

The EPA can provide additional information on the MPRSA permit application development process to potential permit applicants and answer questions about the permitting process. 

Please contact the EPA headquarters point of contact for MPRSA permitting for mCDR by emailing MarineProtectionPermitting@epa.gov.