London Convention

Formal name:"Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping of Wastes and Other Matter"

Commonly called the "London Convention" or "LC '72"

Genesis

Called for by UN Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment (June 1972)

Treaty drafted at Intergovernmental Conference on the Convention on the Dumping of Wastes at Sea (November 1972, London)

Entered into force on August 30, 1975 when 15 nations ratified (U.S. among them)

As of October 1, 2001, there were 78 Contracting Parties to the Convention

Domestic Implementation

Implemented in U.S. through Title I of the Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act (MPRSA) which directs that implementing regulations are to apply binding requirements of LC to extent this would not relax the MPRSA.

International Administration of LC

Functions through Consultative Meetings held at International Maritime Organization (IMO) headquarters in London.

IMO performs Secretariat functions for the Convention. Mailing address:

4 Albert Embankment

London SE1 7SR

United Kingdom

Overview of LC

• Covers the deliberate disposal at sea of wastes or other matter from vessels, aircraft, platforms

• Does not cover:
  • Discharges from land based sources such as pipes and outfalls

  • Wastes generated incidental to normal operation of vessels

  • Placement of materials for purpose other than mere disposal, provide such disposal is not contrary to aims of the Convention

• Consists of 22 Articles and three Annexes

• Follows a "black list/grey list" approach to regulating ocean dumping

• Annex I materials (black list) generally may not be ocean dumped

• For certain Annex I materials, dumping may be permissible if present only as "trace contaminants" or "rapidly rendered harmless"

• Annex II materials (grey list) require "special care"

• Annex III lays out general technical factors to be considered in establishing criteria for issuance of ocean dumping permits

International Maritime Organization

Contact information:
Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds
Oceans and Coastal Protection Division
202/566-1200

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