Lion's office will be closed on Friday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day. For help with online training, please contact support@lion.com.
Search

Classifying Marine Pollutants

Posted on 11/19/2013 by Kathleen Caton

In addition to setting standards for the safe transport of explosives, compressed gases, acute poisons, various fire hazards, and biological and radioactive hazards, the US DOT’s Hazardous Materials Regulations also protect the long-term health of the public and the environment by regulating various substances that are hazardous to the air, water, and land. One of the primary categories of environmental hazardous substances are marine pollutants—substances that are toxic to aquatic life.
 
Hazmat Certification Training Banner

US vs. International Criteria for Marine Pollutants
 
The US DOT defines marine pollutants as materials that contain an elevated concentration of one or more of the chemicals listed in 49 CFR 172.101, Appendix B. For most materials the marine pollutant threshold is a 10% concentration of Appendix B chemicals. Others, known as “severe marine pollutants” (designated by the letters “PP” in Appendix B), are regulated at a 1% concentration.
 
The international authorities use a different set of criteria for marine pollutants. As codified by the International Maritime Organization in its Dangerous Goods Code, also known as the IMDG Code, a substance is a marine pollutant if it is toxic to the aquatic environment when evaluated by the test methods given in Chapter 2.9.3 of the IMDG Code.Shipping marine pollutants by Vessel
 
Known and suspected marine pollutants are indicated by the symbol “P” in Column 4 of the Dangerous Goods List in Chapter 3.2 of the IMDG Code or in the MP column of the Code Index. When a substance’s effect on the aquatic environment is unknown, or when you are offering a mixture or solution that contains a designated marine pollutant, you must evaluate the material according to IMDG 2.9.3.
 
 
Shipping Marine Pollutants
 
When transported by vessel, marine pollutants are shipped in much the same way as other hazardous materials. Some additional rules apply, such as extra descriptions on shipping papers and marking requirements for packages. [49 CFR 172.203(l) and 172.322] Also, if a marine pollutant meets the criteria of Hazard Classes 1 through 8, it should be assigned to the appropriate hazard class. If not, then the material should be assigned to Class 9 Packing Group III unless there is a specific entry in Class 9 for the substance. When shipped by ground or air in the United States, marine pollutants require additional communications only when shipped in bulk packages. [49 CFR 171.4]
 
It is very important to understand the differences in classification in order to properly regulate a material that could pose a danger to an aquatic environment, while at the same time avoiding over-classification.
 
Ensure compliance with the International Maritime Organization’s rules for shipping hazmat by vessel at the Hazmat Vessel Shipper Certification (IMDG) Webinar! Mandatory compliance with the IMDG Code, Amendment 36-12, begins on January 1, 2014. Don’t be caught off guard when the new rules go into effect.
 

Tags: DOT, hazmat shipping, IMDG

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

I have over 26 years of environmental compliance experience, and it has been some time since I have attended an environmental regulations workshop. I attended this course as preparation for EHS Audits for my six plants, and it was exactly what I was looking for.

Frank Sizemore

Director of Regulatory Affairs

Lion is easily and consistently the best option for compliance training. I've learned new information from every instructor I've had.

Rachel Mathis

EHS Specialist

The instructor was very patient and engaging - willing to answer and help explain subject matter.

Misty Filipp

Material Control Superintendent

I was recently offered an opportunity to take my training through another company, but I politely declined. I only attend Lion Technology workshops.

Stephanie Gilliam

Material Production/Logistics Manager

Lion's online training is more comprehensive, has better slides, and is a superior training experience than what I would get from other trainers.

Robert Brenner

District Environmental Manager

Much better than my previous class with another company. The Lion instructor made sense, kept me awake and made me laugh!

Marti Severs

Enterprise Safety Manager

Convenient; I can train when I want, where I want.

Barry Cook

Hazmat Shipping Professional

Lion courses always set the bar for content, reference, and practical application. Membership and access to the experts is an added bonus.

John Brown, CSP

Director of Safety & Env Affairs

Best course instructor I've ever had. Funny, relatable, engaging; made it interesting and challenged us as the professionals we are.

Amanda Schwartz

Environmental Coordinator

Very witty instructor, made the long times sitting bearable. One of the few training courses I can say I actually enjoyed.

John Hutchinson

Senior EHS Engineer

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Decrease spill, release, and injury risk and increase savings with these "source reduction" strategies to prevent unused chemicals from becoming regulated as hazardous waste.

Latest Whitepaper

By submitting your phone number, you agree to receive recurring marketing and training text messages. Consent to receive text messages is not required for any purchases. Text STOP at any time to cancel. Message and data rates may apply. View our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.