Which federal law specifically addresses ocean dumping?

The Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act specifically addresses ocean dumping. This law was enacted to control and regulate the dumping of materials into the ocean to protect marine environments. It establishes a framework for issuing permits for ocean dumping and aims to prevent pollution and ensure the health of marine ecosystems. The Act allows for research into the impacts of dumping and establishes marine sanctuaries, which contribute to the preservation of marine habitats and biodiversity.

Other laws, such as the Clean Water Act, focus primarily on regulating pollutants in surface waters and do not specifically target ocean dumping. The Endangered Species Act is aimed at protecting species at risk of extinction, and while its provisions can intersect with marine environments, it does not focus on the regulation of ocean dumping. The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act addresses the management of solid and hazardous waste, which is different from the specific focus on ocean dumping found in the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act.