New York State Advocates Uniform US National Ballast Water Standard
New York State Advocates Uniform US National Ballast Water Standard
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) issued a press release stating that it will work with other states to pursue a uniform national ballast water standard that will leave in place the EPA's current standards in New York for the remainder of the EPA's current Vessel General Permit through December 2013.
NYSDEC believes that the EPA proposed standards for 2013-2017 (which include that ballast water treatment equipment is to include monitoring capabilities to check compliance with IMO's D2 discharge standard and with the conditions under which it was type approved and allows for exemptions for specific ship types (barges) and for restricted areas of operation) can be strengthened and NYSDEC will work with others to advocate a more protective national approach.
NYSDEC also posted its recent letter granting, through 19 December 2013, an extension of the implementation date for installation of ballast water management systems meeting Conditions 2, 3, 4 and 5 of NYS' Clean Water Act 401 Water Quality Certification.
Condition 2 - Installation of treatment systems (100 x IMO's D2 standard) on existing vessels constructed before 1 January 2013
Condition 3 - Installation of treatment systems (1,000 x IMO's D2 standard) on vessels constructed on or after 1 January 2013
Condition 4 - Prohibition of grey water into New York waters within 3 nm offshore
Condition 5 - Discharge as per Condition 4 permitted in cases where the master determines that compliance threatens the safety of the ship
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