Tag: Final VGP

USCG issues EPA VGP Job Aid

USCG issues EPA VGP Job Aid

The US Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) second Vessel General Permit (VGP orPermit) for discharges incidental to the normal operation of vessels took effect on 19 December2013. The second Vessel General Permit was finalized on March 28, 2013 and replace the 2008 VGP when it expired last December

The US Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) second Vessel General Permit (VGP or Permit) for discharges incidental to the normal operation of vessels will take effect 19 December 2013.

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 VGPprovides 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 washwaterallows electronic recordkeepingrequirs an annual report in lieu of the one-time report and annual noncompliance reportallows combined annual reports for some vessel operatorsallows 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 ResourcesA. Vessel General ...