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Tuesday, December 6, 2011

EPA proposes stricter ballast water regs

The Environmental Protection Agency is proposing stricter regulations on ballast water that reaches the U.S including the requirement that commercial vessels be equipped with technology that can kill off some of the attendant microorganisms.

Over 180 exotic species such as zebra and quagga mussels have reportedly invaded the Great Lakes eco-system, and the source of about two-thirds of the invaders has been blamed on ballast water.

The EPA's new draft permit reportedly includes live-organism limits that are similar to those recommended by the International Maritime Organization.

Environmental groups, which sued the federal government to force the reluctant EPA to act on ballast water regulation that debuted in 2008, were not satisfied with the latest proposal.

"EPA is shrinking from its duty to make sure U.S. waters are fully protected," said Thom Cmar, attorney for the Natural Resources Defense Council.

"This draft permit is a half-step forward. EPA had an opportunity to solve this problem once and for all but this proposal doesn't do that," he said.

The shipping industry was more favorable in its reaction.

"We believe this represents a doable solution," said Steve Fisher, executive director of the American Great Lakes Ports Association.

"We also believe that once we start installing the first generation of this equipment, it will lead to second and third generations. EPA will have the opportunity to ratchet up the requirements as technology becomes available," Fisher said.

For more on this story: www.sacbee.com