Posted:
January 13, 2009
On Feb. 6, 2009, the Vessel General Permit (VGP) program will come into effect. This Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulation addresses 26 separate discharges incidental to the normal operation of vessels in the U.S. The VGP applies to all non-recreational vessels of 300 gross tons or greater and/or vessels that have the ability to hold or discharge more than eight cubic meters of ballast. Individual states may include additional regulations, which would apply when a vessel enters the territorial waters of those states. Vessels will be required to adopt best management practices (BMP) for each type of discharge, subject to EPA approval, and the requirements may change over time. Under the VGP program, a vessel's crew will be required to conduct routine monitoring, inspections and recordkeeping to meet the requirements of the permit. There is a potential for crew liability under this program. More information about the VGP is available online at: http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/home.cfm?program_id=350.
Vessel General Permit regulations take effect Feb. 6
On Feb. 6, 2009, the Vessel General Permit (VGP) program will come into effect. This Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulation addresses 26 separate discharges incidental to the normal operation of vessels in the U.S. The VGP applies to all non-recreational vessels of 300 gross tons or greater and/or vessels that have the ability to hold or discharge more than eight cubic meters of ballast. Individual states may include additional regulations, which would apply when a vessel enters the territorial waters of those states. Vessels will be required to adopt best management practices (BMP) for each type of discharge, subject to EPA approval, and the requirements may change over time. Under the VGP program, a vessel's crew will be required to conduct routine monitoring, inspections and recordkeeping to meet the requirements of the permit. There is a potential for crew liability under this program. More information about the VGP is available online at: http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/home.cfm?program_id=350.