guide for fish waste

If the Applicant is planning a project that may involve disposal of fish waste and other organic matter resulting from industrial fish processing operations (referred to as “fish waste” throughout this guide) at sea, the Applicant should contact the nearest Disposal at Sea Program office as soon as possible to ensure that all pre-application requirements are completed (see the Applicant’s Guide - Appendix A: Disposal at Sea Program Contacts). If the Applicant is planning to apply for a multiple site permit, the Applicant should be aware that some steps may come later in the process, hence it is essential that the Applicant contact the nearest Disposal at Sea Program office for further guidance pertaining to the multiple site permits. For emergency permits, contact the nearest Disposal at Sea Program office (see the Applicant’s Guide - Emergency Disposal).

This document guides a permit Applicant in providing the minimum information required for completing the Disposal at Sea permit application form for fish waste as stated in the Disposal at Sea Permit Application Regulations. If applying for a Disposal at Sea permit for fish waste, the Applicant must fill out the relevant fish waste application form attached to this guidance. The section titles listed in this guidance document correspond to the section titles on the attached Disposal at Sea permit application form for fish waste. This attached permit application form provides only sections of the regulations relevant for fish waste. Providing the information outlined in the form will allow the Applicant to comply with the regulations.

This application guide outlines the minimum information that is required to apply for a disposal at sea permit for a low-risk, routine disposal-at-sea activity, as determined in consultation with Environment Canada. For all other projects, refer to the Applicant’s Guide for information about additional information that will be required in support of a disposal at sea permit application.

Note that any changes to a disposal at sea permit, once issued, would be subject to an amendment (see the Applicant’s Guide - Chapter 4. Once a permit has been issued).

Proposed Activity

As this section will already have been completed, there is no need for the Applicant to add any additional information. Given that the Permit Application form is intended specifically for fish waste, Box #1 (Loading for the purpose of disposal) and #2 (Disposal of waste or other matter) will be automatically selected.

Identification and Applicant Information

Name of Applicant

Legal name that will appear on the permit, of the company or other organization that is responsible for the proposed activity, and who will be responsible for ensuring that operations are conducted in accordance with all permit conditions. Provide Applicant’s address and other contact information including telephone number, fax number, email address and address in the appropriate boxes.

Type of Business

Brief description of what the Applicant or the Applicant’s company does. The department and branch is added if not listed under “Name of Applicant.”

Permit History

The Disposal at Sea permit number and expiry dates of the most recent permits, including renewals, up to a maximum of five. The permits listed should be for similar material from similar loading sites or relevant to this application.

Name of Individual(s) Responsible for Proposed Activity

The person authorized to sign on behalf of the Applicant and who can certify that the information provided in this application is true, complete and accurate. Provide the individual’s address and other contact information including telephone number, fax number and email address in the appropriate boxes if not already provided.

Name of Technical Contact(s) for Proposed Activity

The person knowledgeable about the technical details of the proposed disposal at sea activity, including equipment or site selection. If a permit is granted, the technical contact should be able to provide status information on the project during operations. Provide the technical contact’s address and other contact information including telephone number, fax number and email address in the appropriate boxes.

Information on the Proposed Activity and General Information

Description of the Activity

A brief synopsis of the proposed project and associated activities. The information submitted here is the same as that submitted during the pre-application phase (see section 3.1.1 of the Applicant’s Guide - Chapter 3: The Disposal at Sea Permitting Process for Fish Waste).

Substance to be Disposed of at Sea

Provide the following information with respect to the fish waste to be disposed of:

species
type of waste, e.g., offal, shells
source(s) of wastes

Note that Disposal at Sea permits are generally not available for waste from finfish aquaculture operations. For more information, please contact the nearest Disposal at Sea Program office.

Total Quantity

The maximum estimated quantity of fish waste for disposal in metric tonnes. Applicants are encouraged to estimate the total quantity as accurately as possible to avoid a need for permit amendments.

Term of Permit Requested

The anticipated start and end date of the loading and disposal operations. The term of permit requested cannot exceed one year. Applicant’s estimate should take into account: time for loading and disposal, weather-related delays, equipment failure or administrative issues as well as time for other factors such as interruptions of disposal activities to accommodate fish spawning or migration.

Applicants are to estimate the duration of the loading and disposal activity as accurately as possible. Should the length of time be underestimated, an amendment can be requested to extend the duration of the permit up to a maximum of one year from the permit start date. Note that continuation of disposal operations beyond the term of the permit is a violation equivalent to disposing without a permit.

Renewals

Do you want the required permit to be considered for renewal?

The appropriate box is checked indicating whether the requested permit should be considered for renewal. If yes, the “Renewal Quantity” and “Number of Potential Renewals Required” boxes are filled in. If no, the “Renewal Quantity” and “Number of Potential Renewals Required” remain blank.

Number of potential renewals required

The number of potential renewals that may be required. The number of renewals cannot exceed four.

Renewal quantity

The maximum total quantity estimated for disposal in metric tonnes for each expected renewal permit.

Load Site(s)

For information that has already been submitted as part of the pre-application process, reference the previously submitted materials as well as including the following information on the permit application form. Note that latitude and longitude information is optional.

Name and address of site(s)

If more than one site is identified, sites are to be named: “Load site 1,” “Load site 2,” “Load site 3,” etc. The address refers to the street address of the load site. A description of the location (i.e., latitude/longitude) will be required in the case of a remote site.

Latitude, longitude

If applicable, provide in degrees decimal (to five decimal places referencing NAD83, e.g., 46.03333° N, 61.55700° W) for each load site.

Quantity to be loaded

Estimate the quantity of fish waste in metric tonnes to be loaded from each site. See “Total Quantity” above for further information on estimates.

Disposal Site(s)

Identify a previously approved fish processing waste disposal site in the vicinity of the load site. For disposal at a new site, contact the nearest Disposal at Sea Program office. All sites to be used must be characterized, hence the site characterization and identification information must be provided for each of the proposed sites. For information that has already been submitted as part of the pre-application process, reference the previously submitted materials as well as including the following information on the permit application form.

Disposal site name

Disposal site names or general locations are required for each disposal site. Use proper names where available. Otherwise, name the disposal sites "1," "2," "3," etc. with a general location such as "Long Harbour."

Latitude and longitude

Provide the latitude and longitude in degrees decimal (to five decimal places referencing NAD83, e.g., 46.03333° N, 61.55700° W) for each disposal site or in a format agreed to/specified by Environment Canada.

Depth

Provide the depth of the disposal site in metres, at lowest normal tide as presented on Canadian Hydrographic Charts.

Quantity to be disposed of

Estimate the quantity to be disposed of at each site. See “Total Quantity” for further information on estimates.

Movement and dispersion

Estimate dispersion in the water column during disposal and movement, if any, on the sea floor after disposal. For disposal sites that have been monitored, information on movement and dispersion at the site may be on file at the Disposal at Sea Program office. When this is not the case, information will have to be supplied by the Applicant. If a new site is being selected, refer to the Applicant’s Guide - Appendix C: Guidance for Disposal Site Selection. Predictions of movement and dispersion can be generated using models with information on the depth of the site, surface and bottom currents, and particle size distribution of the substance proposed for disposal.

Route from Load Site to Disposal Site

It is optional to provide information on the route from the load site(s) to the disposal site(s). If the Applicant chooses to include this information, provide a map, chart or drawing showing the exact location of the load and disposal sites (list sites as they were named in under “Load Site(s) and Disposal Site(s)”). Add the intended route to the map, chart or drawing. If the Applicant plans to use the most direct navigational route from the load site to the disposal site, write "Direct." If the route is not direct, describe the route and explain why the direct route will not be used.

Equipment and Methods

The equipment and methods to be used at each load site and disposal site. A list of examples of equipment and methods are provided in the permit form. Check on the permit form the appropriate equipment and methods to be used, or provide a description if not listed in the permit application form.

Methods of Packaging and Containment

A description of the methods to be used for the packaging and containment of the fish waste (if applicable).

Disposal Specifications

Maximum quantity per disposal

Estimate the maximum containment capacity of the vessel to carry the waste in metric tonnes.

Frequency

Acceptable units of measure are disposal events per day, week or month or per disposal. Each disposal is assumed to be the maximum quantity specified under “Maximum Quantity per Disposal” unless stated otherwise.

Speed during disposal

The speed in knots if disposal is conducted from a moving vessel or barge, etc. Disposal while a vessel or barge, etc. is moving will result in increasing the dispersion of the substance being disposed. High dispersion is desirable, and disposal methods that maximize dispersion is a condition of a Disposal at Sea permit for fish waste.

Time required for discharge

The time it takes for the barge or carrier to discharge its load. This information will be used as part of the calculation of the initial dispersion addressed under “Disposal Site(s).”

Track to be followed during disposal

The path the vessel will follow and relevant coordinates. This box applies ONLY to disposal from a moving vessel or barge, etc.

Carrier Information

Name and address of carrier

The individual(s) responsible for the carrier (the ship, aircraft, platform or structure used to carry out the disposal). Provide the complete name, address, email address and telephone number of individual responsible for the carrier used to carry out the disposal. If unavailable, the carrier information can be provided at a later date; contact the nearest Disposal at Sea Program office for further guidance.

Name, title and address of owner

If different from above, the individual(s) who holds the deed to the carrier (e.g., ship, aircraft, platform or structure used to carry out the disposal) that is to be engaged to move the substance intended for disposal. Provide the complete name, address, email address and telephone number.

Name of individuals responsible for loading and disposal on behalf of the applicant

Name the master of the carrier (e.g., ship, aircraft, platform or structure used to carry out the disposal) who is to be engaged to move the substance intended for disposal, or other individuals responsible for loading and disposal, if different from “Name and Address of Carrier.”

Name or number of ship, aircraft, platform or structure used to carry out the disposal

List the name or number of the ship, aircraft, platform or structure used to carry out the disposal (e.g., Wood Scow "Julie Plante," Registration number: 1234567).

Approvals

The expected date of approval for each permit or authorization needed, in addition to the permit for disposal at sea. In addition to a permit for disposal at sea, other permits or approvals are often needed to allow a project to proceed. It is the responsibility of the Applicant to determine which, if any, other permits, licences, etc. are required. It is not necessary that other required permits be approved before this application is made, but a permit for disposal at sea is not valid until all other permits or authorizations have been issued.

Notice of Application

Proof of publication of the Notice of Application, i.e., original print copy (see the Applicant’s Guide - Appendix B: Notice of Application to Dispose of Waste or Other Matter at Sea) and information on the name, place and date of publication. Applicants must publish a Notice of Application in a newspaper of general circulation in the area where the proposed loading and disposal activities will take place. The Notice of Application must be posted for at least one day of circulation and the display advertisement must be a significant width (e.g., approximately 9 cm wide). If no newspaper of general circulation is available in the vicinity, the Notice of Application may be posted in a post office or other appropriate notice site for a reasonable period of time (e.g., 14 days). The Notice of Application should be published in locally relevant languages.

Proximity to Sensitive Areas

The location of all sensitive areas, listed on the permit application form, in the vicinity of the load and disposal site. This box applies ONLY to NEW disposal sites. A new disposal site is one that has not previously been used for disposing of this type of substance or has not been used in the past 10 years (see the Applicant’s Guide - Appendix C: Guidance for Disposal Site Selection). On a hydrographic chart, show the proposed disposal site and clearly show the following:

name of water body at the disposal site
existing shoreline
mean high and mean low water lines and maximum (spring) high tide line in tidal areas
water depth at the disposal site
dimensions of the disposal site
distance between disposal site and any navigation channel, where applicable
location of structures, if any, in navigable waters immediately adjacent to the proposed disposal site
location of any of the mentioned sensitive areas within a 2-km radius, using the codes from the application form to identify the sites (examples of sensitive areas include: seabird breeding colonies, parks and other protected areas, fishing grounds, beaches, other recreational areas, etc.)
north arrow
scale
list of information sources

If the Applicant is familiar with the use of conceptual site models, include the conceptual site model in this section to illustrate the information given above, if available.

Detailed Characterization of Fish Waste

Characterization of Fish Waste

A detailed description and characterization of the material proposed for disposal is required prior to approval of loading and disposal activities. This section outlines the minimum information that is required to apply for a Disposal at Sea permit for a low-risk, routine disposal-at-sea activity, as determined in consultation with Environment Canada. For all other projects, contact the nearest Disposal at Sea Program office for additional information. If the Applicant is familiar with the use of conceptual site models, include the conceptual site model to illustrate the information given below, if available.

In this section, provide sufficient information demonstrating that the following conditions have been met:

The source of the waste is either from wild fisheries or aquaculture operations. Disposal at Sea permits are generally not available for wastes generated by finfish aquaculture operations.
Wastes have not undergone degradation. (Degraded fish waste may cause odour problems and/or problems with nuisance species, and dried wastes may not sink and disperse at the disposal site to the extent desirable.)
Fish sourced from non-local sources do not present an increased invasive species risk.
Fish processing wastes have been ground to promote dispersion at the disposal site.

Information on Alternatives to Disposal at Sea

Waste Assessment

Summary of the measures taken to reduce the necessity for disposal included in the waste prevention audit and relevant documents if applicable as outlined in the pre-application phase (see section 3.2.2 of the Applicant’s Guide - Chapter 3: The Disposal at Sea Permitting Process for Fish Waste). The waste prevention audit should include an evaluation of:

the types, amounts and relative hazard of waste or other matter generated;
the details of the production process and sources of waste or other matter within that process; and
the feasibility of the following waste reduction or prevention techniques:
- product reformulation,
- clean production technologies,
- process modification,
- input substitution, and
- on-site, closed-loop recycling.

If the waste assessment reveals that opportunities exist for waste prevention at source, a waste prevention strategy may be required. Refer to Schedule 6 to the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 or contact the nearest Disposal at Sea Program office for additional information.

Alternatives

Summary of the assessment of alternative disposal or management options, such as re-use or other beneficial use, and alternative disposal sites. Provide relevant documents if applicable. Include a justification for concluding that disposal at sea is the preferred alternative (see section 3.2.2 of the Applicant’s Guide - Chapter 3: The Disposal at Sea Permitting Process for Fish Waste).

Assessment of alternatives must address the following:

environmental impacts;
risks to human health;
hazards (including accidents) associated with transport and disposal;
economics (including energy costs); and
conflicting use of resources (potential and actual).

The application will be rejected if the alternatives assessment demonstrates that disposal at sea is not the preferred option. Contact the nearest Disposal at Sea Program office for additional information.

Previous Disposal Methods

Information to indicate how the material was disposed of or managed historically if disposal at sea was not used (if applicable).

Mitigation

If any potential impacts are predicted in the Detailed Characterization of Fish Waste, provide documentation of proposed mitigation. The Applicant should examine means to reduce the potential impact of loading operations in the immediate area of the load site. The Applicant should also document disposal mechanisms to increase dispersion during disposal.

A list of examples of mitigation measures for project activities are provided in the permit application form. Check on the permit application form the appropriate mitigation methods to be used, or provide a description if not listed in the form.

This information may not be available at the time of application but must be submitted prior to approval.

Time Restrictions

A list of environmental conflicts that, over the course of the proposed term, could affect the timing of the loading or disposal such as migration periods, spawning or rearing times. It is the responsibility of the Applicant to identify any times when their disposal may cause conflicts with other uses of the area. The disposal of fish waste can attract certain species of fish to the disposal location. This may have implications for adjacent fishing grounds, and timing restrictions may apply. The proponent should assess this issue and identify necessary restrictions if any. Some information with regard to potential timing conflicts may be available from the nearest Disposal at Sea Program office.

Disposal at sea permit application form guide for fish waste

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