Issuance of permits for dumping at sea

1.1 Application
Applications must be submitted through the online system. The online system manual can be downloaded from the MEPA website. Your hotel, industry, or condominium must be registered in the Sea Dumping Permit Management System via https://sdpms.mepa.gov.lk. Follow the manual to complete the registration process and verify your email address. Once registered, you can submit your application through the system, including soft copies of all required supporting documents.

1.2 Other Supporting Documents
Soft copies of the following documents must be submitted with the application as outlined in the manual:

1. Water Quality Test Report – Submit as per the regulations. Tolerance limits for each parameter are annexed in the regulations.
2. Water Bills – If relying on the Water Board for water supply, submit water bills for the most recent 12 months.
3. Gully Bowser Bills – If wastewater is removed via gully bowsers, submit bills indicating the volume of wastewater.

1.3 Inspection
Once the application is submitted, the relevant regional officers will issue an inspection fee letter. After payment of the inspection fee, regional office officers will inspect the wastewater mechanisms and verify the information provided in the application.

1.4 Recommendation Letter
Upon submission of the required documents through the online system, the regional office will conduct an inspection. The District Marine Environment Officer will prepare a recommendation, which will then be reviewed by the Assistant Manager (AM). The recommendation and inspection report will be submitted to MEPA’s head office through the online system.

1.5 Evaluation and Approval
All documents will be reviewed by the Evaluation Board for Dumping Permits. The system will calculate annual water consumption and wastewater generation to support decision-making.

1.6 Fee Informing Letters
Based on the evaluation, a fee-informing letter will be sent to the client via the system. Hard copies of the letter will also be sent by post.

1.7 Payment and Issuance of Permit
Once payment is completed, the Annual Sea Dumping Permit will be issued, signed by the General Manager, along with a covering letter. Payment details will be included in the fee-informing letter.

1.8 Renewal
One month before the permit’s expiration, the system will generate a notification email for the permit holder. The renewal process is the same as the initial application process.

1.9 Monitoring and Reporting
Continuous monitoring and report generation are managed through the system.

2.1 Application
Applications can be downloaded from the MEPA website (http://www.mepa.gov.lk) or requested from MEPA’s head office or regional offices. The completed application and supporting documents must be submitted to the respective District Office.

2.2 Supporting Documents
The following documents must be submitted with the application:

1. Water Quality Test Report -Submit as per the regulations. Tolerance limits for each parameter are annexed in the regulations.
2. Water Bills – If relying on the Water Board, submit water bills for the most recent 12 months.
3. Gully Bowser Bills – If wastewater is removed via gully bowsers, submit bills indicating the volume of wastewater.

2.3 Inspection
Once the application is submitted, the relevant regional officers will issue an inspection fee letter. Fees will vary based on the distance from the regional office and officer costs. After payment, officers will inspect the wastewater mechanisms and verify the submitted details.

2.4 Recommendation Letter
Following the inspection, the District Marine Environment Officer and the Assistant Manager will prepare a recommendation letter. All documents, including the recommendation, will then be sent to MEPA’s head office for further evaluation.

2.5 Evaluation and Approval
The Evaluation Board for Dumping Permits will review the documents and prepare a recommendation sheet. The system will calculate annual water consumption and wastewater generation as part of the evaluation process.

2.6 Fee Informing Letters
Based on the evaluation, a fee-informing letter will be sent to the client.

2.7 Payment and Issuance of Permit
Once payment is made, the Annual Sea Dumping Permit will be issued, signed by the General Manager, along with a covering letter. Payment details will be outlined in the fee-informing letter.

2.8 Renewal
Permits are valid for one year. Clients are encouraged to begin the renewal process three months before the permit expires.