UNITED
NATIONS
Second Meeting of the Interim Scientific, Technical
and Advisory Committee (ISTAC) to the Protocol
Concerning Pollution from Land-Based Sources
and Activities in the Wider Caribbean (LBS)
Managua, Nicaragua, 12-16 May 2003
DRAFT
REPORT OF THE IMO/UNEP-CAR/RCU WORKSHOP ON
MARINE POLLUTION PREVENTION AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
OF PORTS IN THE WIDER CARIBBEAN REGION
UNITED
NATIONS
Workshop on Marine Pollution Prevention
and Environmental Management in Ports in
the Wider Caribbean Region
Ocho Rios, Jamaica, 20-24 May 2002
REPORT OF THE WORKSHOP
DRAFTEXECUTIVE SUMMARY
RECOMMENDATIONS
1Sewage management is an issue of major concern in all Caribbean countries. It is also the priority of the UNEP Global Programme of Action for the Protection of the Marine Environment from Land-based Activities (UNEP-GPA) and the Land-based Sources Protocol to the Cartagena Convention. The emphasis of the GPA and this Protocol in relation to sewage management is to facilitate the development of appropriate sewage treatment facilities in the region. Parties to the London Convention and MARPOL 73/78 could complement these activities by providing:
.1information on alternative/beneficial uses of sewage sludge (production of which will increase with the expansion of sewage treatment facilities);
.2information on pre-treatment programmes for industry discharges to sewer collection systems to ensure that sewage sludge is not contaminated and exceed criteria for land disposal or beneficial use;
.3assistance if any Caribbean countries consider sea disposal of sewage sludge; and
.4assistance in addressing the problem of sewage waste from ships - especially cruise ships.
Administrations should develop incentives to encourage homeowners to link up to sewage collection and treatment systems, or to install systems, which protect water quality and human health.
2Regulation of the impacts ofcruise ships: an international approach is needed to the regulation of waste waters and solid wastes from cruise ships; development of standards is needed for (1) management of sewage and other wastes generated on board cruise ships and (2)implementation of those standards (e.g. monitoring of waste discharges); the possibility of introducing an "environmental tax" on tourists on board cruise ships should be considered to fund programmes which would enhance coastal water quality, as in the case of the Organization of the Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) GEF/OECS Solid and Ship-Generated Waste Management Project.
3Port reception facilities: The establishment of port reception facilities to receive ship generated waste in the Wider Caribbean Region under MARPOL73/78, in particular for Annex I (oily wastes), Annex IV (sewage), and Annex V (garbage) should be promoted without delay, also to give effect to the special area designation of the Region under Annex V. Problems to be overcome include transportation of the wastes, building and operation of landfills, and construction and operation of treatment facilities. Assistance was requested with respect to design of facilities and process requirements.
4Solid waste management is also a general problem since most countries do not have adequate sanitary landfill sites. Steps need to be taken to facilitate a regional approach to the establishment of facilities for the re-use/recycling or proper disposal of used oils, POPs, pesticides, and solid wastes such as plastics, tyres, car bodies, batteries, and asbestos. The possible role of private enterprise in this initiative would need to be investigated. A regional policy is needed regarding the importation of used cars (near the end of their life that include hazardous materials such as lead batteries) and other products (e.g. used cell phones) as a “means” of disposing of these products that, in the not too distant future, become a waste problem in developing countries in the Wider Caribbean Region.
5Dredging and dredged material management are critical needs in the Wider Caribbean Region and enhanced management of dredged materials is needed.
.1When dredging near sensitive ecosystems such as coral reefs, special measures should be used to control dispersion of turbidity.
.2Co-ordination of dredging plans should be promoted countrywide and regionally to share dredge mobilization costs and environmental impact assessment costs.
.3Dredged material should be promoted as a resource and used in beneficial manner, such as in beach nourishment or in wetlands/habitat restoration, creation or enhancement.
6A project to promote sound ballast water management should be established. For this purpose, Colombia will present a proposal for assessment of the transfer of non-indigenous aquatic organisms through ballast water in the Wider Caribbean Region for the future IMO Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments, possibly as an extension of the current GEF/UNDP/IMO Ballast Water Management Programme (GloBallast).
7There is a need to enhance the capacities and capabilities for emergency response and preparedness in case of chemical spills in ports in the Wider Caribbean Region. In addition, each country should develop their own regulations for use of oil spill dispersants with emphasis on defining special areas for use of the dispersants. Complementing that effort, a regionally coordinated approach should be developed in the Wider Caribbean Region.
8Regular training and capacity building activities should be supported in various areas, such as operation and maintenance of sewage treatment and port reception facilities, and waste management practices in general. Employee advancement and turnover resulting in loss of employee expertise is noted as a challenge in some countries.
.1The communication and co-ordination between countries in the Wider Caribbean Region should be improved (e.g. regarding the transfer of non-indigenous aquatic organisms through ballast water), and possibly through the establishment of technical working groups (email networks of contacts) on these issues.
.2Scientific/technical resources in the region: A directory of scientific/ technical resources (e.g. certified or accredited laboratories/consultants) in the region should be developed. Such directory could possibly be accessed on the UNEP Regional website and distributed through other suitable means.
9Continued assistance is needed with development of legislation, standards, and guidelines and the establishment of administrative institutional structures to support the implementation of international agreements in the Wider Caribbean Region. Suggested approaches include development of model legislation, or possibly using existing model legislation from other areas of the world. Exchange of existing legislation between countries of the Wider Caribbean Region is encouraged.
10Development of awareness-raising programmes is needed to make the general public aware of the benefits of high coastal water quality (for tourism, fisheries and amenity purposes). Initiatives should be developed to increase environmental awareness and to mobilize and maintain the political will to deal with environmental issues in the Wider Caribbean Region.
11Capacities should be developed in the Wider Caribbean Region for valuation of marine resources, both for resource use management and for liability and compensation purposes.
12Bulky Waste Disposal: An evaluation of the disposal of bulky waste in the region is needed, with the aim of developing recommendations regarding future regulation of the activity. Unregulated dumping of appliances and other bulky items has occurred in the Bahamas, whereas dumping of these types of items is now regulated in OECS States.
13Shipments of radioactive wastes through the Wider Caribbean Region: Countries in the Wider Caribbean Region should be notified in advance of shipments of radioactive materials through the Region.
14A regional policy is needed on creation of artificial reefs including siting, construction and types of materials used for artificial reefs. One key element of the policy should be that tyresshould not be used in artificial reef construction.
15There is a need to promote the establishment of catchment area management programmes to reduce siltation in bays with consequent impacts on coral reefs and navigation channels.
16A status report on decommissioning activities of offshore oil & gas platforms in the Wider Caribbean Region should be developed, possibly as a basis for a regional approach. The London Convention Guidelines for Assessment of Platforms or other Man-Made Structures at Sea may be useful in assessing potential management options including waste prevention, recycling, and disposal at sea.
17A status report should be developed on dumping activities carried out and dumping sites in the Wider Caribbean Region for consideration under the Cartagena Convention and the London Convention1972.
18Accession by countries in the Wider Caribbean Region to the IMO Convention on the Control of Harmful Anti-Fouling-Systems on Ships, 2001, should be promoted. In addition, the application of best management practices should be promoted for the handling of TBT paint chip flakes, especially in dry-docking facilities.
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CONTENTS
Page
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
RECOMMENDATIONS
CONTENTS
1Welcome and Introduction.….……………………………………………………. 1
IMO…….……………………………………………………………………………. 1
UNEP…..………………………………………………………………………….…. 2
NEPA…..…………………………………………………………………………..… 2
Ministry of Transport and Works, Jamaica.………..……………………………….. 3
2Workshop Objectives...……..…………………………………………………….. 4
3Legal Framework for Marine Pollution Management…..…………………….…. 5
London Convention……………………………………………………………….... 5
MARPOL 73/78.…………………………………………………………….…….... 6
Global Programme of Action (GPA).………………………………………………... 6
Cartagena Convention.……………………………………………………………... 7
4Environmental Management in Ports: Identification of Issues……………..…. 7
Port Reception Facilities…………..……………………………………………….. 7
Global Ballast Water Management Programme…..……………………………….. 9
Dredging of Ports and Marinas...……….………..………………………………....10
Oil Spills in Ports…………………………………………………………………...11
Land-based Discharges….………………………………………………………....12
TBTs…………………………………………………………………………….…..12
Case studies: Trinidad, Venezuela, East Asia.…..………………………………….13
5Waste Management in the Wider Caribbean Region..…..………………………15
Overview of Waste Management in the Wider Caribbean Region …………………15
Case Studies: Costa Rica, St. Lucia..…..………..………………………………….16
6Introduction to Waste Assessment Guidance...……………………..…………… 18
Key Components of Waste Assessment Guidance.………………………………....18
Waste Characterization for Disposal at Sea.………...……………………………...18
Waste Management Options/Environmental Impact Assessment and Monitoring...19
Identification of Disposal Sites for Disposal of Wastes at Sea……………………..20
Case Studies: Dutch Experience, Jamaica…………………………………………..21
Annex I:Workshop Programme
Annex II:List of Participants
Annex III:National Reports
IMO/UNEP Workshop – Jamaica 2002
Page 1
1WELCOME AND INTRODUCTION Rear Admiral Peter Brady, Director General, Maritime Authority of Jamaica (MAJ).
1.1In his welcome address, MAJ Director General Brady indicated that the IMO/UNEP Workshop on Marine Pollution Prevention and Environmental Management in Ports in the Wider Caribbean Region was a remarkable event, especially at a time when in the shipping world there was strong focus on security issues. However, in the context of this Workshop, the event was also remarkable in respect of the environmental protection of an important body of water in the region. In this connection, he pointed out that participants have come together to discuss, debate, establish and implement measures for a cleaner Caribbean Sea.
1.2Director General Brady welcomed all participants to Jamaica and to Ocho Rios, and assured them that Jamaica took pleasure in hosting and sharing experiences with the 45participants at the 2002 Ocho Rios Workshop. He took the opportunity to encourage delegates to go on the field trip to Kingston Harbour on Wednesday (Day 3 of the Workshop) aboard the US EPA vessel that is in the process of dredging the harbour.
1.3Finally, Director General Brady introduced the following agencies and invited their representatives to address the Opening Ceremony:
-IMO (International Maritime Organization) – Office for the London Convention: Mr. René Coenen, IMO/London Convention;
-UNEP (United Nations Environmental Programme) – Regional Coordinating Unit: Mr. Tim Kasten, Acting Deputy Coordinator;
-NEPA (National Environment and Planning Agency): Mr. Franklin McDonald, Chief Executive Officer; and
-Ministry of Transport and Works, Jamaica: Dr. Alwin Hales, Permanent Secretary
IMO
1.4Mr. René Coenen welcomed delegates to the opening of the IMO/UNEP Workshop. He explained that while the main mission of the IMO was to work together with its 162member states for “safer shipping and cleaner oceans” worldwide, a secondary but important function of the IMO was to administer the London Convention 1972 – a convention that governs marine pollution prevention from dumping of wastes and other matter – hence the inclusion on the Workshop programme of waste management issues (e.g. dredged material management).
1.5Mr. Coenen reminded participants that the overall theme of the Workshop was the promotion and implementation of international agreements to protect the marine and coastal environment and to ensure co-operation within and between countries in the Wider Caribbean Region to achieve that protection.
1.6He outlined the importance of international agreements to the work of the IMO, and pointed out the challenges that the international community faced in its efforts to assist countries in implementing these agreements. In this regard, he highlighted the co-operation programme established in 1997 under the London Convention Technical Co-operation and Assistance Programme, and informed participants that this 2002 Ocho Rios Workshop was the fourth in a series of similar workshops held under this co-operation programme.
1.7Mr. Coenen posed further challenges, urging that delegates address them in the course of their deliberations. These included identifying practical solutions to individual situations, feedback on case studies presented, sharing concerns and ideas, and thinking strategically about co-operation opportunities.
1.8Finally Mr. Coenen expressed his appreciation to the sponsors and hosts of the Workshop.
UNEP
1.9Mr. Kasten welcomed the participants and wished them a productive meeting. He expressed his pleasure at coordinating this event with the London Convention 1972 on a topic of such critical importance to the wider Caribbean. He noted that while UNEP tried to do as much as possible through the CEP for the protection of the marine environment, he realized the absolute necessity of coordinating these efforts with other instruments. To this end, he hoped that this meeting would mark the beginning of a fruitful relationship for both the London Convention and the Cartagena Convention for the Protection and Development of the Marine Environment of the Wider Caribbean Region.
NEPA
1.10Mr. McDonald underscored Jamaica’s recognition of the need to treat the management of those marine and land based activities that affect the country’s fragile marine and coastal ecosystems as a national priority. In this context, he identified initiatives taken by Jamaica over the past three decades at the national and regional level that attest to that country’s involvement in the governance and management of coastal, marine and ocean resources, and its commitment to the stewardship of these resources.
1.11At the international level, Mr. McDonald recognized the challenges and opportunities presented by the London Convention (ratified in 1991), and the relevance of this Convention to Jamaica’s maritime regime, particularly in light of the recent thrust (i.e. the formation of the National Council on Oceans and Coastal Zone Management) towards integrated coastal zone management. It was noted that Jamaica’s new status as an archipelagic state now challenges that country with management responsibility for a relatively large marine space, 24times its land area. Consistent with the multilateral agreements to which Jamaica has committed itself:
.1the NEPA (implementing arm of the National Resources Conservation Authority – NRCA) ensures the application of principles consistent with the Dredged Material Assessment Framework and the Waste Assessment Guidelines;
.2local laws, including the Shipping Act of Jamaica and the Marine Pollution Bill, have been recently revised; and
.3closer working relations have been developed with the Maritime Authority of Jamaica, and with NEPA stakeholders (e.g. the Port Authority of Jamaica which exercises statutory jurisdiction over ship channels).
1.12In his concluding remarks, Mr. McDonald observed that the workshop was well timed and represented a regional effort at addressing the challenges and grasping the opportunities associated with the Convention. He hoped that the deliberations would be successful and would produce the kind of linkages necessary for regional co-operation and provide a sustainable context of governance over the region’s shared marine ecosystems and associated coastal resources.
Ministry of Transport & Works (Jamaica)
1.13Mr. Hales welcomed participants on behalf of the Government of Jamaica, and expressed his confidence that the shared experiences coming out of the Workshop would redound to the benefit of the states in the Wider Caribbean and to the health of the region’s sensitive marine environment.
1.14Mr. Hales explained that the Maritime Authority of Jamaica (MAJ) as a statutory body of the Ministry of Transport and Works has the responsibility of ensuring that maritime transportation and related activities are conducted in accordance with government policies and plans for the development of the sector and consistent with national and international standards of maritime safety and pollution prevention.
1.15Mr. Hales explained further that the Maritime Authority is the focal point for the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in Jamaica and, in this regard, has supported the IMO on environmental and other issues of safety and security. He assured participants that all major marine environmental protection conventions relating to the prevention, response and compensation with regard to pollution damage have been signed by Jamaica, and are currently being incorporated into legislation which, when passed, will provide a comprehensive legal framework aimed at protecting Jamaica’s fragile ecosystem.
1.16Mr. Hales referred to the London Convention 1972, which was ratified by Jamaica in 1991. He said that the MAJ works closely with NEPA, the national authority designated to control all sources of marine pollution and to prevent such pollution through the regulation of disposal at sea in Jamaica. He further disclosed that Jamaica has yet to ratify the 1996 Protocol, with additional objectives that include a ‘reverse list’ which prohibits all dumping at sea unless special permits are granted.
1.17In concluding, Mr. Hales pointed out that the Government of Jamaica fully recognized the need for a multi-sectoral approach, with co-operation at the national and international level, to ensure the protection of the country’s marine environment and coastal zone. To this end, the government has established an inter-agency body, the Council on Ocean and Coastal Zone Management. He commended the collaborative efforts of the national and international agencies involved in organizing the workshop, and felt that this reflected the co-operation needed to tackle the marine environment issues contained in the very comprehensive workshop agenda.