The Ocean Dumping Ban Act of 1988 (Public Law 100-688) marked an end to almost a century of sewage sludge and industrial waste dumping into the ocean. The law was enacted amid negative publicity about beach closures from high levels of pathogens and floatable debris washing up along New York and New Jersey beaches and strong public sentiment that ending ocean dumping may improve coastal water quality. The Ban Act prohibits sewage sludge and industrial wastes from being dumped at sea after December 31, 1991. This law is an amendment to the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 (Public Law 92-532), which regulates the dumping of wastes into ocean waters. These laws do not cover wastes that are discharged from outfall pipes such as from sewage treatment plants or industrial facilities or that are generated by vessels.

The Ocean Dumping Ban Act was not...