The level of dumping and dredging activities has been relatively stable over the past decade and is unlikely to fall. Between 19 the total annual amounts dumped at sea varied from 80 to 130 million tonnes (dry weight) with much of the variation due to capital dredging associated with port expansion and deepening of navigation channels. In 2005, there were around 350 dumpsites in the OSPAR area Figure 9.11. This is largely from maintaining navigation channels to major seaports such as Hull, Antwerp, Rotterdam, Hamburg and Esbjerg. About 90% of all sediments dumped each year are dredged and dumped in the southern North Sea. Dumping of radioactive wastes has been prohibited since 1999.ĭredging and dumping operations and techniques have changed little over the past ten years. Dumping of sewage sludge and of vessels or aircraft has been banned by OSPAR since 19, respectively. The phasing out of several types of waste disposal has reduced pressure on the marine environment. Fish waste is only dumped in small amounts and at a few sites (fewer than 1000 tonnes per year). Fish wastes and inert material of natural origin, for example rock and mining wastes, may also be dumped at sea. It is also used for purposes such as beach nourishment or land reclamation. Most dredged material is dumped at established sites Figure 9.11. Over 99% of sediment dumped at sea is locally-generated and results from dredging of harbours and their approaches to ensure they are navigable. Sediment is an essential, integral and dynamic part of the ecosystem.
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