Key Resources for the New VGP

Effective from December 19, 2013

The second Vessel General Permit was finalized on March 28, 2013 and it will replace the 2008 VGP when it expires on December 19, 2013.

The 2013 Final VGP:

regulates 26 specific discharge categories that were contained in the 2008 VGP
provides coverage for fish hold effluent in the event that a permitting moratorium currently in effect expires in December 2014.
contains numeric ballast water discharge limits for most vessels.
aligns with requirements contained within the 2012 U.S. Coast Guard ballast water rulemaking.
contains requirements to ensure ballast water treatment systems are functioning correctly.
provides additional environmental protection for certain vessels. i.e.certain high-risk vessels entering the Great Lakes must conduct additional management measures to reduce the risk of introducing new invasive species to our waters.
contains more stringent effluent limits for oil to sea interfaces and exhaust gas scrubber washwater
allows electronic recordkeeping
requirs an annual report in lieu of the one-time report and annual noncompliance report
allows combined annual reports for some vessel operators
allows a reduced inspection frequency for vessels in a prolonged idle status,
requires small vessel owners and/or operators to obtain coverage under the VGP by completing and agreeing to the terms of a Permit Authorization and Record of Inspection form.

Key Resources

A. Vessel General Permit for Discharges Incidental to the Normal Operation of Vessels; Authorization to Discharge Under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System

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In compliance with the provisions of the Clean Water Act (CWA), as amended (33 USC 1251 etseq.), any owner or operator of a vessel being operated in a capacity as a means of transportation is authorized to discharge in accordance with the requirements of this permit.

Find more details here

B. 2013 Final Issuance of NPDES VGP for Discharges Incidental to the Normal Operation of Vessels; Fact Sheet

Non-recreational vessels greater than 79 feet, which are not vessels of the armed forces,operating in a capacity as a means of transportation needing NPDES coverage for their incidentaldischarges will generally be subject to the VGP. Similarly situated vessels less than 79 feet maybe covered under the VGP, or may instead opt for coverage under the Small Vessel GeneralPermit (sVGP).

Find more details here

C. Economic and Benefits Analysis of the Final 2013 VGP

This report presents EPA’s economic and benefits analysis of impacts of revisions to the Vessel General Permiton all affected vessels. Though the issuance of this Permit is not a Federal regulation, EPA is conducting thisanalysis to evaluate the potential impacts of the VGP. This Executive Summary provides an overview of the costsand benefits of VGP revisions

Read the report here