National assessment guidelines for dredging

source: Dept. of the Environment, Water, Heritage & the Arts
"A healthy marine environment is essential for Australia’s current and future well being. Australia has entered international agreements and implements legislation to help preserve marine ecosystems and prevent marine pollution. The international agreement relating to the dumping of wastes and other matter in Australian waters, including dredged material, is called the London Protocol. Australia implements its obligations under the London Protocol through the Commonwealth Environment Protection (Sea Dumping) Act 1981 (the Sea Dumping Act).Through the Sea Dumping Act, the Australian Government assesses proposals to load and dump wastes and other matter at sea, permits acceptable activities, and places conditions of approval, to mitigate and manage environmental impacts.The National Assessment Guidelines for Dredging set out the framework for the environmental impact assessment and permitting of the ocean disposal of dredged material."