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Ballast Water

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Handling Ballast Water to Control Non-Indigenous Species - Isle Royale National Park. Emergency Response Guide for Handling Ballast Water to Control Non-Indigenous Species This field guide was developed as an aid to incident responders responsible for handling ships with high risk ballast water which may be laden with non-indigenous species and harmful pathogens.

Handling Ballast Water to Control Non-Indigenous Species - Isle Royale National Park

Isle Royale partnered with the American Steamship Company, U.S. Geological Survey biologists, The Glosten Associates, and the National Parks of Lake Superior Foundation among others to conduct this work. To view this guide, click here. To view the field trails report, which outline several methods for the treatment of ballast tanks, click here. Ballast Treatment on the M/V Ranger III In response to the rapid spread through the Great Lakes of the fish pathogen viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSv), the Park installed a manually operated treatment system onboard the Ranger III.

The new system is manufactured by Hyde Marine and relies on filtration and UV. EPA Vessel General Permit. Introduction EPA currently regulates discharges incidental to the normal operation of commercial vessels greater than 79 feet in length and operating as a means of transportation primarily through the Vessel General Permit (VGP).

EPA Vessel General Permit

The first VGP was issued in 2008 and effective until December 19, 2013. On March 28, 2013, EPA re-issued the VGP for another five years. That reissued permit, the 2013 VGP, took effect December 19, 2013 and supersedes the 2008 VGP. A copy of the 2013 VGP and supporting documentation can be accessed below but for a brief overview of that permit, click here (PDF) (1 pg, 151K) . Recreational vessels as defined in section 502(25) of the Clean Water Act are not subject to the 2013 VGP. Final 2013 VGP (effective 12/19/2013 – 12/19/2018) Documents Federal Register Notice announcing 2013 VGP Issuance (PDF) (8 pp, 234K) 2013 VGP Issuance Press Release EPA issued an enforcement response policy regarding the ballast water discharge requirements in the VGP. Docket Information. Major pathways and origins of invasive species infestations in the marine environment.

NBIC: National Ballast Information Clearinghouse. USCG Ballast Water Management. Ballast water discharged from ships is one of the pathways for the introduction and spread of aquatic nuisance species (ANS) .

USCG Ballast Water Management

In response to national concerns, the National Invasive Species Act of 1996 (NISA) amended the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 ( NANPCA ). The Coast Guard has established both regulations and guidelines to prevent the introduction and spread of ANS. In 2004, the voluntary program became mandatory and current regulations are at 33 CFR 151 subparts C and D . The Coast Guard's final rule was published on March 23, 2012 in the , and became effective 90 days after publication, or June 21, 2012. The Coast Guard amended its regulations on ballast water management by establishing a standard for the allowable concentration of living organisms in ballast water discharged from ships in waters of the United States. Documents and public comments are located in the official rulemaking docket USCG-2001-10486 . A. B. C. {*style:<b> </b>*} The U.S.