Here's the scoop from LA Licata. Seems this is the EPA's response to the bills exempting pleasure craft from the individual permitting process. While this isn't law yet, if it becomes implemented, you'll be "permitted" under a general permit from the EPA if you're under 79'. 79' and over will have to apply for an individual EPA permit.
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EPA Proposes Vessel Discharge Permits
Release date: 06/16/2008
Contact Information: Latisha Petteway, (202) 564-4355 /
petteway.latisha@epa.gov
(Washington, DC June 16, 2008)The U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency is proposing two general permits under the Clean Water Act
that will cover discharges incidental to normal operation of
commercial and recreational vessels. Based on agency estimates, as
many as 91,000 commercial vessels and about 13 million recreational
boats could be affected.
EPA is proposing a practical approach as we work with Congress on a
longer-term, comprehensive solution, said Assistant Administrator
for Water Benjamin H. Grumbles. We believe it is good environmental
policy and common sense to promote clean boating without imposing new
permits on millions of boaters.
As a result of a court ruling currently under appeal, vessel owners
or operators whose discharges have previously been exempt from Clean
Water Act requirements for the last 35 years will require a permit as
of September 30, 2008. EPA is proposing control technologies and
management practices that enhance environmental protection and are
practical to implement.
The commercial and large recreational vessel general permit (VGP)
would cover all commercial vessels and recreational vessels 79 feet
or longer. For vessels that carry ballast water, it would incorporate
the Coast Guard mandatory ballast water management and exchange
standards, and have supplemental ballast water requirements. The VGP
would provide technology-based and water-quality-based effluent
limits for other types of discharges including deck runoff,
bilgewater, gray water and other types of pollutants. The permit also
establishes specific corrective actions, inspections and monitoring
requirements as well as recordkeeping and reporting requirements.
Only a subset of the vessels potentially affected by this permit will
have to submit a Notice of Intent for coverage; for all the other
vessels their coverage would be automatic.
The permit for smaller recreational vessels measuring less than 79
feet in length contains simpler provisions. These smaller vessels,
which are substantially different in both size and operation from
larger vessels, would need to comply with new and established best
management practices. In addition, these smaller vessels would not be
required to submit a Notice of Intent for coverage under the permit;
their coverage would be automatic.
EPA is inviting comments on both proposed permits for a period of 45
days. EPA will be holding public meetings and a hearing starting June
19.
June 19 - Washington, DC meeting
June 24 - Portland, Oregon meeting
June 26 - Chicago, Illinois meeting
July 2 - public Webcast meeting
July 21 - Washington, DC hearing
Information on the permits and meetings:
http://www.epa.gov/npdes/
vessels
http://tinyurl.com/3nzmaw
http://tinyurl.com/4xvh5j
