Skip to main content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Here’s how you know

Dot gov

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

HTTPS

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock (LockA locked padlock) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

    • Environmental Topics
    • Air
    • Bed Bugs
    • Chemicals and Toxics
    • Climate Change
    • Emergency Response
    • Environmental Information by Location
    • Environmental Justice
    • Greener Living
    • Health
    • Land, Waste, and Cleanup
    • Lead
    • Mold
    • Pesticides
    • Radon
    • Science Topics
    • Water Topics
    • A-Z Topic Index
    • Laws & Regulations
    • By Business Sector
    • By Topic
    • Compliance
    • Enforcement
    • Guidance
    • Laws and Executive Orders
    • Regulations
    • Report a Violation
    • Environmental Violations
    • Fraud, Waste or Abuse
    • About EPA
    • EPA Administrator
    • Organization Chart
    • Staff Directory
    • Planning, Budget, and Results
    • Jobs and Internships
    • Headquarters Offices
    • Regional Offices
    • Lab and Research Centers
Related Topics:
  • Ocean Dumping
Contact Us

General Permits for Ocean Dumping

More Information

EPA may issue special permits, research permits, emergency permits and general permits for ocean dumping. For additional information about MPRSA permits, please visit our Ocean Dumping Permits Web page.

EPA may issue a general permit under the Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act (MPRSA) for the ocean dumping of certain materials that will have a minimal adverse environmental impact and are generally disposed of in small quantities. EPA may also issue general permits for special classes of materials that must be disposed of in emergency situations. General permits do not require an application for a case-specific permit.

Ocean Disposal Sites for General Permits

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

MPRSA General Permits

EPA has issued general permits for the following ocean dumping activities, some of which require prior consultation, for example, to ensure applicability or to identify an appropriate disposal location at sea:

  • 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
Contact Us to ask a question, provide feedback, or report a problem.
Last updated on November 23, 2021
United States Environmental Protection Agency

Discover.

  • Accessibility
  • Budget & Performance
  • Contracting
  • EPA www Web Snapshot
  • Grants
  • No FEAR Act Data
  • Plain Writing
  • Privacy
  • Privacy and Security Notice

Connect.

  • Data.gov
  • Inspector General
  • Jobs
  • Newsroom
  • Open Government
  • Regulations.gov
  • Subscribe
  • USA.gov
  • White House

Ask.

  • Contact EPA
  • EPA Disclaimers
  • Hotlines
  • FOIA Requests
  • Frequent Questions

Follow.