THE US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued the 2013 Vessel General Permit, which will come into force on December 19, reports GAC Hot Port News.
EPA issues tougher Vessel General Permits to take effect in December THE US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued the 2013 Vessel General Permit, which will come into force on December 19, reports GAC Hot Port News.
The aim of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System's (NPDES) 2013 Vessel General Permit is to protect US waters from shipping pollution and invasive species, said the report. The new permit includes a stricter numeric discharge standards, limiting the release of non-indigenous invasive species in ballast water. It also contains additional protection for the Great Lakes, requiring additional precautions.
The EPA said it also reduces burdens for shipowners by eliminating duplicate reporting requirements, expanding electronic record-keeping, and reducing self-inspection frequency for ships out of service for extended periods.
It covers commercial vessels longer than 79 feet, excluding military and recreational vessels, and will replace the 2008 vessel general permit that expires on 19 December 2013. The new discharge standards are in line with the International Maritime Organisation's (IMO) 2004 Ballast Water Convention, said the EPA.
