Posted on October 27, 2026
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At the group discussion session on the morning of October 24 on the draft Law on Marine and Island Resources and Environment (amended), delegate Nguyen Thi Viet Nga – Deputy Head of the Hai Phong City National Assembly Delegation, requested clarification of regulations related to dredging, reuse of dredged and submerged materials at sea.
According to the delegate, in localities with developed seaport activities such as Hai Phong, dredging and maintaining maritime channels is a regular task to ensure channel depth, maintain port operations and maritime safety. However, this activity also sets requirements for strict control of dredged material and environmental impact risks.
The draft law has stipulated the orientation of prioritizing the reuse of dredged material for beneficial purposes if it meets technical, environmental and legal requirements. The delegate said that there should be clear guidance so that this policy can be effectively implemented.
Accordingly, dredged material needs to be classified by component, quality, level of pollution and purpose of use. Types that meet the conditions can be considered for use as materials or for appropriate purposes. Materials that do not meet the requirements must be treated according to appropriate plans.
Delegate Nguyen Thi Viet Nga also proposed to clarify the responsibility for quality inspection, the responsibility of the handover party and the receiving party of dredged material, and the handling method when switching from sea dumping to reuse.
Simplifying procedures, not loosening control
Another issue raised by the delegate is the procedures for periodic dredging and maintenance activities. Because this work is repetitive, the delegate proposed to study a management mechanism according to a multi-year program or plan, with limits on scope, volume and environmental conditions.
With valuable data, the implementing agency can inherit and update changes, instead of having to re-implement the entire assessment process for each dredging phase. This approach is expected to reduce repetitive procedures, creating favorable conditions for maritime channel maintenance activities.
However, data inheritance needs to be accompanied by strict conditions. The delegate noted that the consideration of exemption from sampling must ensure similarity in location, depth and sediment layer. Sampling results are only representative when relevant factors are appropriate.
Regarding the dumping area that has been announced, the delegate proposed to clarify which contents can be inherited in the next dossier, and which contents must still be assessed separately for each project. When many projects use the same area, it is necessary to control the total volume of receiving materials, the characteristics of dredged materials and the accumulated impact on the environment.
According to delegate Nguyen Thi Viet Nga, the completion of these regulations is meaningful for localities developing seaports, and at the same time must ensure harmony with tourism activities, aquaculture and marine ecosystem conservation.
Amending the law needs to clarify management principles, responsibilities of parties and environmental control conditions. Technical procedures can be assigned to the Government for guidance to suit practical implementation.
The requirement is to remove unnecessary obstacles in dredging procedures, and at the same time ensure that dredged material is used or handled in accordance with regulations, without increasing the risk of marine environmental pollution.
