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Vessel Discharges
Significant environmental impacts to coastal and ocean ecosystems occur via direct pollution from vessels, and as a vector for the invasion of non-indigenous species. Pollution from recreational, commercial, and military vessels emanates from a variety of sources, and include: gray water, bilgewater, blackwater (sewage), ballast water, anti-fouling paints (and their leachate), hazardous materials, and municipal and commercial garbage and other wastes.
Vessel Discharge Permit Program Under Development
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking information as it considers how to develop a water permit program for pollutant discharges incidental to the normal operation of commercial vessels and recreational boats. Vessel owners or operators whose discharges previously have been exempt from Clean Water Act requirements will require a permit beginning September 30, 2008. Regulated discharges may include ballast water, bilge water, deck runoff, and gray water. EPA is seeking public comments and data to help the agency develop the permitting framework. Specifically, EPA is seeking information about vessel identification and operations, owner notification, discharge impacts, pollution control equipment and practices, and commercial and recreational vessel traffic patterns. Comments and data are due within 45 days of publication of the notice in the Federal Register
Invasive Species and Ballast Water
Invasive species means an alien species whose introduction does or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health.
Uniform National Discharge Standards Standards for Incidental Liquid Discharges from Vessels of the Armed Forces.
Cruise Ship Water Discharges As the cruise ship industry has expanded over the past several years, concern over potential impacts on water quality from this industry has grown.
Vessel Sewage Discharges and No Discharge Zones Standards, devices, and no discharge zones for commercial and recreational vessels.
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