Which agreement does the Navy follow to dispose of treated sewage in foreign waters?

The correct answer is based on the importance of the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) in governing the legal status of military forces stationed in a foreign country, including guidelines on various operational activities. SOFAs are crucial because they establish the framework for the presence of military personnel, their actions, and how certain issues, such as waste disposal, are handled in the host nation's waters.

When it comes to disposing of treated sewage, the Navy must adhere to specific regulations that respect the host nation’s laws while also considering international standards. SOFAs often include provisions detailing how military operations interact with the legal systems of the host country, including environmental regulations. Therefore, utilizing a SOFA helps ensure that treaties and agreements are upheld while also protecting the environment and respecting the sovereignty of the host nation.

Other agreements mentioned, such as the Montreal Protocol, primarily address air quality and substances that deplete the ozone layer rather than sewage disposal, while the Nuclear Waste Policy Act pertains specifically to the management of nuclear waste in the U.S. Additionally, International Maritime Law provides general guidelines but does not specifically address the operational agreements between military forces and host nations regarding sewage disposal.