US Code : Title 33, Section 1343

United States Code
- TITLE 33 - NAVIGATION AND NAVIGABLE WATERS
  - CHAPTER 26 - WATER POLLUTION PREVENTION AND CONTROL
    - SUBCHAPTER IV - PERMITS AND LICENSES

Sec. 1343. Ocean discharge criteria

(a) Issuance of permits
No permit under section 1342 of this title for a discharge into the territorial sea, the waters of the contiguous zone, or the oceans shall be issued, after promulgation of guidelines established under subsection (c) of this section, except in compliance with such guidelines. Prior to the promulgation of such guidelines, a permit may be issued under such section 1342 of this title if the Administrator determines it to be in the public interest.

(b) Waiver
The requirements of subsection (d) of section 1342 of this title may not be waived in the case of permits for discharges into the territorial sea.

(c) Guidelines for determining degradation of waters
- (1) The Administrator shall, within one hundred and eighty days after October 18, 1972 (and from time to time thereafter), promulgate guidelines for determining the degradation of the waters of the territorial seas, the contiguous zone, and the oceans, which shall include:
  - (A) the effect of disposal of pollutants on human health or
    welfare, including but not limited to plankton, fish, shellfish,
    wildlife, shorelines, and beaches;
  - (B) the effect of disposal of pollutants on marine life
    including the transfer, concentration, and dispersal of
    pollutants or their byproducts through biological, physical, and
    chemical processes; changes in marine ecosystem diversity,
    productivity, and stability; and species and community population
    changes;
  - (C) the effect of disposal, of pollutants on esthetic,
    recreation, and economic values;
  - (D) the persistence and permanence of the effects of disposal
    of pollutants;
  - (E) the effect of the disposal of varying rates, of particular
    volumes and concentrations of pollutants;
  - (F) other possible locations and methods of disposal or
    recycling of pollutants including land-based alternatives; and
  - (G) the effect on alternate uses of the oceans, such as mineral
    exploitation and scientific study.
- (2) In any event where insufficient information exists on any proposed discharge to make a reasonable judgment on any of the guidelines established pursuant to this subsection no permit shall be issued under section 1342 of this title.