Ocean Dumping Ban Act was contemporary to the Syringe Tide, whereby medical waste (vials of blood, syringes) washed up on the shores of New Jersey and Long Island during the summer of 1988. It pressured the passage in 1988 of the Medical Waste Tracking Act (MWTA).
Background
For much of history, the ocean was used generally as a dumping ground for many types of waste such as Garbage, Acid Rain, and Toxins. One area off the coast of New Jersey was used beginning in the 19th century as a dumping ground for sewage. This area is now known as the 12-mile dumping ground, and has a large amount of toxic metals. Divers are still advised to avoid the area due to the high level of refuse materials and toxins. 1
