American Samoa Environmental Protection Agency

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) has issued a general permit under the Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act (MPRSA) to authorize the burial of human remains at sea. The general permit is published in the federal regulations at 40 CFR 229.1.

Prior to engaging in a burial at sea, you must notify USEPA 30 days prior to the event using the Burial at Sea Reporting Tool.

In order for us to ensure that burials are conducted according to federal regulations, we ask that you also complete the AS-EPA Burial at Sea Tracking Form and submit it to the Water Quality Branch (ioakimo.makiasi@epa.as.gov). For additional information or questions regarding burials at sea in American Samoa, please contact christianera.tuitele@epa.as.gov and ioakimo.makiasi@epa.as.