MPRSA General Permits

The EPA issues general permits under the Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act (MPRSA) for the transportation and disposition (dumping) of certain materials that will have a minimal adverse environmental impact and are generally released in small quantities. The EPA may also issue general permits for special classes of materials that must be disposed of in emergency situations.

General permits do not require a permit application for each activity authorized under the permit. A person or entity seeking authorization under an MPRSA general permit would meet the requirements specified in the conditions of the general permit. For example, some general permits require prior coordination with the EPA to ensure that the permit is applicable to the activity or to identify an appropriate location for the permitted activity to be conducted at sea. General permit conditions may also require coordination with non-EPA entities. 

General permits do not require a separate ocean site designation under the MPRSA. The geographical areas or regions where materials may be dumped are specified as a condition in each general permit. 

The EPA has issued general permits for the following activities:

• Burial at Sea of cremated or non-cremated human remains
• Transportation and Disposal of Vessels at Sea
• Transport of Target Vessels for Ocean Disposal by the U.S. Navy for the Sink Exercise Program (SINKEX)
• Ocean Disposal of Man-Made Ice Piers by National Science Foundation in Antarctica
• Ocean Disposal of Marine Mammal Carcasses