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

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.

Federal Register Notice Seeking Stakeholder Input on Rulemaking Requests to Revise Marine Sanitation Device Standards (Clean Water Act § 312(b))