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Challenging US regulation for ballast water discharges

Canadian Ship Owners seek solution to impending VGP regulation From December 19, 2013 the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) implements its new Vessel General Permit (VGP), which according to a recent press release by theCanadian Shipowners Association demands a technical solution that is currently unavailable to the marine industry. According to Canadian Shipowners Association (CSA), there is little flexibility in the VGP to accommodate this delay, and this leaves ship owners with an impossible requirement. This situation could lead to significant impacts for Canadian ship owners if left unresolved. Given the dependence of American and Canadian industry on the marine transportation sector, finding a short-term solution to facilitate commerce is imperative.The CSA has been working on multiple fronts to find relief from this situation of inflexibility. "While the regulation of ballast water discharges is a global challenge, we need an immediate and flexible solution that recognizes the unique situation for vessels that trade on the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway system," said Robert Lewis-Manning, President of the Canadian Shipowners Association.Protection of the marine environment is a priority for CSA member companies who are investing in new ships, modernizing existing ships, and employing the highest environmental practices in the ...

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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 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 ...

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