Title 40—Protection of Environment--Volume 1
PART 139—DISCHARGES INCIDENTAL TO THE NORMAL OPERATION OF VESSELS
§ 139.1   Coverage.
(a) Vessel discharges. Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, this part applies to:
(1) Any discharge incidental to the normal operation of a vessel; and
(2) Any discharge incidental to the normal operation of a vessel (such as most graywater) that is commingled with sewage, subject to the conditions that:
(i) Nothing in this part prevents a State from regulating sewage discharges; and
(ii) Any such commingled discharge must comply with all applicable requirements of:
(A) This part; and
(B) Any law applicable to the discharge of sewage.
(b) Exclusions. This part does not apply to any discharge:
(1) Incidental to the normal operation of:
(i) A vessel of the Armed Forces subject to 33 U.S.C. 1322(n);
(ii) A recreational vessel subject to 33 U.S.C. 1322(o);
(iii) A small vessel or fishing vessel, except that this part applies to any discharge of ballast water from a small vessel or fishing vessel; or
(iv) A floating craft that is permanently moored to a pier, including, but not limited to, a floating casino, hotel, restaurant, or bar; or
(2) That results from, or contains material derived from, an activity other than the normal operation of the vessel, such as material resulting from an industrial or manufacturing process onboard the vessel; or
(3) If compliance with this part would compromise the safety of life at sea.
(c) Area of coverage. The standards in this part apply to any vessel identified in paragraph (a) of this section, not otherwise excluded in paragraph (b) of this section, while operating in the waters of the United States or the waters of the contiguous zone.
(d) Effective date. (1) The standards in this part are effective beginning on the date upon which regulations promulgated by the Secretary governing the design, construction, testing, approval, installation, and use of marine pollution control devices as necessary to ensure compliance with the standards are final, effective, and enforceable.
(2) As of the effective date identified in paragraph (d)(1) of this section, the requirements of the Vessel General Permit and all regulations promulgated by the Secretary pursuant to section 1101 of the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 (16 U.S.C. 4711), including the regulations contained in 46 CFR 162.060 and 33 CFR part 151 subparts C and D, as in effect on December 3, 2018, shall be deemed repealed and have no force or effect.
§ 139.2   Definitions.
The following definitions apply for the purposes of this part. Terms not defined in this section have the meaning as defined under the Clean Water Act (CWA) and applicable regulations.
Active discharge of biofouling means the discharge of biofouling from a vessel resulting from in-water cleaning activities.
Administrator means the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.
Anti-fouling coating means a coating or paint designed to prevent, repel, or facilitate the detachment of biofouling from hull and niche areas that are typically or occasionally submerged.
Anti-fouling system means a coating, paint, surface treatment, surface, or device that is used on a vessel to control or prevent attachment of organisms.
Aquatic nuisance species (ANS) means a nonindigenous species that threatens the diversity or abundance of a native species; the ecological stability of waters of the United States or the waters of the contiguous zone; or a commercial, agricultural, aquacultural, or recreational activity that is dependent on waters of the United States or the waters of the contiguous zone.
Ballast tank means any tank or hold on a vessel used for carrying ballast water, whether or not the tank or hold was designed for that purpose.
Ballast water means any water, to include suspended matter and other materials taken onboard a vessel, to control or maintain trim, draft, stability, or stresses of the vessel, regardless of the means by which any such water or suspended matter is carried; or taken onboard a vessel during the cleaning, maintenance, or other operation of a ballast tank or ballast water management system of the vessel. The term does not include any substance that is added to that water that is directly related to the operation of a properly functioning ballast water management system.
Ballast water exchange means the replacement of ballast water in a ballast tank using one of the following methods:
(1) Flow-through exchange, in which ballast water is flushed out by pumping in midocean water at the bottom of the tank if practicable, and continuously overflowing the tank from the top, until three full volumes of tank water have been changed.
(2) Empty and refill exchange, in which ballast water is pumped out until the pump loses suction, after which the ballast tank is refilled with water from the midocean.
Ballast water management system (BWMS) means any marine pollution control device (including all ballast water treatment equipment, ballast tanks, pipes, pumps, and all associated control and monitoring equipment) that processes ballast water to kill, render nonviable, or remove organisms; or to avoid the uptake or discharge of organisms.
Bioaccumulative means the failure to meet one or more of the criteria established in the definition of not bioaccumulative.
Biodegradable for the following classes of substances, means (all percentages are on a weight/weight concentration basis):
(1) For oils: At least 90% of the formulation (for any substances present above 0.1%) demonstrates, within 28 days, either the removal of at least 70% of dissolved organic carbon (DOC), production of at least 60% of the theoretical carbon dioxide, or consumption of at least 60% of the theoretical oxygen demand). Up to 5% of the formulation may be non-biodegradable but may not be bioaccumulative. The remaining 5% must be inherently biodegradable.
(2) For greases: At least 75% of the formulation (for any substances present above 0.1%) demonstrates, within 28 days, either the removal of at least 70% of DOC, production of at least 60% of the theoretical carbon dioxide, or consumption of at least 60% of the theoretical oxygen demand). Up to 25% of the formulation may be non-biodegradable or inherently biodegradable but may not be bioaccumulative.
(3) For soaps, cleaners, and detergents: A product that demonstrates, within 28 days, either the removal of at least 70% of DOC, production of at least 60% of the theoretical carbon dioxide, or consumption of at least 60% of the theoretical oxygen demand.
(4) For biocides: A compound or mixture that, within 28 days, demonstrates removal of at least 70% of DOC and production of at least 60% of the theoretical carbon dioxide.
Biofouling means the accumulation of aquatic organisms, such as microorganisms, plants, and animals, on surfaces and structures immersed in or exposed to the aquatic environment.
Broom clean means a condition in which care has been taken to prevent or eliminate any visible concentration of tank or cargo residues, so that any remaining tank or cargo residues consist only of dust, powder, or isolated and random pieces, none of which exceeds one inch in diameter.
Captain of the Port (COTP) Zone means such zone as established by the Secretary or Commandant of the Coast Guard pursuant to sections 501, 503, and 504 of title 14, United States Code, as reorganized in Title I of the Frank LoBiondo Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2018).
Commercial vessel means, except as the term is used in § 139.10(g), any vessel used in the business of transporting property for compensation or hire, or in transporting property in the business of the owner, lessee, or operator of the vessel. As used in § 139.10(g), the term commercial vessel means a vessel operating between:
(1) Two ports or places of destination within the Pacific Region; or
(2) A port or place of destination within the Pacific Region and a port or place of destination on the Pacific Coast of Canada or Mexico north of parallel 20 degrees north latitude, inclusive of the Gulf of California.
Constructed with respect to a vessel means a stage of construction when one of the following occurs:
(1) The keel of a vessel is laid;
(2) Construction identifiable with the specific vessel begins;
(3) Assembly of the vessel has commenced and comprises at least 50 tons or 1 percent of the estimated mass of all structural material, whichever is less; or
(4) The vessel undergoes a major conversion.
Contiguous zone means the entire zone established by the United States under Article 24 of the Convention on the Territorial Sea and the Contiguous Zone.
Discharge means discharge incidental to the normal operation of a vessel as defined in this section.
Discharge incidental to the normal operation of a vessel means a discharge, including:
(1) Graywater, bilgewater, cooling water, weather deck runoff, ballast water, oil water separator effluent, and any other pollutant discharge from the operation of a marine propulsion system, shipboard maneuvering system, crew habitability system, or installed major equipment, such as an aircraft carrier elevator or a catapult, or from a protective, preservative, or absorptive application to the hull of the vessel; and
(2) A discharge in connection with the testing, maintenance, and repair of a system described in clause (1):
(i) Whenever the vessel is waterborne; and does not include:
(A) A discharge of rubbish, trash, garbage, or other such material discharged overboard;
(B) An air emission resulting from the operation of a vessel propulsion system, motor driven equipment, or incinerator; or
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) A discharge that is not covered by § 122.3 of this chapter (as in effect on February 10, 1996).
Discharge of oil in such quantities as may be harmful means any discharge of oil, including an oily mixture, in such quantities identified in 40 CFR 110.3 and excluding those discharges specified in 40 CFR 110.5.
Empty ballast tank means a tank that has previously held ballast water that has been drained to the limit of the functional or operational capabilities of the tank (such as loss of pump suction); is recorded as empty on a vessel log; and may contain unpumpable residual ballast water and sediment.
Environmentally acceptable lubricant (EAL) means a lubricant or hydraulic fluid, including any oil or grease, that is “biodegradable,” “minimally-toxic,” and “not bioaccumulative,” as these terms are defined in this section.
Exclusive Economic Zone ( EEZ ) means the area established by Presidential Proclamation Number 5030, dated March 10, 1983, that extends from the base line of the territorial sea of the United States seaward 200 nautical miles, and the equivalent zone of Canada.
Existing vessel means a vessel constructed, or where construction has begun, prior to the date identified in regulations promulgated by the Secretary as described in § 139.1(e).
Federally-protected waters means any waters of the United States or the waters of the contiguous zone subject to Federal protection, in whole or in part, for conservation purposes, located within any area listed in appendix A, as designated under:
(1) National Marine Sanctuaries designated under the National Marine Sanctuaries Act (16 U.S.C. 1431 et seq. );
(2) Marine National Monuments designated under the Antiquities Act of 1906;
(3) A unit of the National Park System, including but not limited to National Preserves and National Monuments, designated by the National Park Service within the U.S. Department of the Interior;
(4) A unit of the National Wildlife Refuge System, including Wetland Management Districts, Waterfowl Production Areas, National Game Preserves, Wildlife Management Areas, and National Fish and Wildlife Refuges designated under the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966 as amended by the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997;
(5) National Wilderness Areas designated under the Wilderness Act of 1964 (16 U.S.C. 1131-1136); and
(6) Any component designated under the National Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968, 16 U.S.C. 1273.
Ferry means a vessel that is used on a regular schedule to:
(1) Provide transportation only between places than are not more than 300 miles apart; and
(2) Transport only:
(i) Passengers; or
(ii) Vehicles or railroad cars that are being used, or have been used, in transporting passengers or goods.
Fire protection equipment includes all components used for fire protection including but not limited to firemain systems, sprinkler systems, extinguishers, and firefighting agents such as foam.
Graywater means drainage from galley, shower, laundry, bath, water fountain, and sink drains, and other similar sources.
Great Lakes means Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, Lake Huron (including Lake Saint Clair), Lake Michigan, Lake Superior, and the connecting channels (Saint Mary's River, Saint Clair River, Detroit River, Niagara River, and Saint Lawrence River to the Canadian border), and includes all other bodies of water within the drainage basin of such lakes and connecting channels.
Great Lakes State means any of the states of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.
Gross register tonnage (GRT) means the gross tonnage measurement of the vessel under the Regulatory Measurement System.
Gross tonnage (GT) means the gross tonnage measurement of the vessel under the Convention Measurement System.
Impaired waterbody means a waterbody identified by a State, tribe, or EPA pursuant to section 303(d) of the CWA as not meeting applicable State or Tribal water quality standards (these waters are called “water quality limited segments” under 40 CFR 130.2(j)) and includes both waters with approved or established Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) and those for which a TMDL has not yet been approved or established.
Inherently biodegradable means the property of being able to be biodegraded when subjected to sunlight, water, and naturally occurring microbes to the following level: greater than 70% biodegraded after 28 days using Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Test Guidelines 302C or greater than 20% but less than 60% biodegraded after 28 days using OECD Test Guidelines 301 A-F.
Internal waters means:
(1) With respect to the United States, the waters shoreward of the territorial sea baseline, including waters of the Great Lakes extending to the maritime boundary with Canada; and
(2) With respect to any other nation, the waters shoreward of its territorial sea baseline, as recognized by the United States.
In-water cleaning with capture (IWCC) means the use and operation of a cleaning system for vessel surfaces that is designed to capture and transport coatings and biofouling organisms to an adjacent barge or shore-based facility for collection and processing.
In-water cleaning without capture means any in-water cleaning of vessel surfaces that does not use in-water cleaning with capture.
Live or living, notwithstanding any other provision of law (including regulations), does not:
(1) Include an organism that has been rendered nonviable; or
(2) Preclude the consideration of any method of measuring the concentration of organisms in ballast water that are capable of reproduction.
Macrofouling means biofouling caused by the attachment and subsequent growth of visible plants and animals on surfaces and structures immersed in or exposed to the aquatic environment. Macrofouling includes large, distinct multicellular individual or colonial organisms visible to the human eye, such as barnacles, tubeworms, mussels, fronds/filaments of algae, bryozoans, sea squirts, and other large attached, encrusting, or mobile organisms.
Major conversion means a conversion of an existing vessel:
(1) That substantially alters the dimensions or carrying capacity of the vessel; or
(2) That changes the type of the vessel; or
(3) The intent of which, in the opinion of the government of the country under whose authority the vessel is operating, is substantially to prolong its life; or
(4) Which otherwise so alters the vessel that, if it were a new vessel, it would become subject to relevant provisions of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) not applicable to it as an existing vessel.
Marine Growth Prevention System (MGPS) means an anti-fouling system used for the prevention of biofouling accumulation in seawater piping systems and sea chests.
Marine Inspector means any person from the civilian or military branch of the Coast Guard assigned under the superintendence and direction of an Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection, or any other person as may be designated for the performance of duties with respect to inspection, enforcement, and administration of Subtitle II of Title 46, United States Code, Title 46 and Title 33 United States Code, and regulations issued under these statutes.
Marine pollution control device (MPCD) means any equipment or management practice (or combination of equipment and management practice) for installation and use onboard a vessel that is:
(1) Designed to receive, retain, treat, control, or discharge a discharge incidental to the normal operation of a vessel; and
(2) Determined by the Administrator and the Secretary to be the most effective equipment or management practice (or combination of equipment and a management practice) to reduce the environmental impacts of the discharge, consistent with the factors considered in developing the standards in this part.
Master means the officer having command of a vessel.
Microfouling means biofouling caused by bacteria, fungi, microalgae, protozoans, and other microscopic organisms on structures and surfaces immersed in or exposed to the aquatic environment that creates a biofilm, also called a slime layer.
Midocean means greater than 200 nautical miles (NM) from any shore, except when a ballast water exchange or saltwater flush outside of 50 NM is authorized in this part, then it means greater than 50 NM from any shore.
Minimally-toxic means, for lubricants (all percentages are on a weight/weight basis):
(1) If both the complete formulation and the main constituents (that is constituents making up greater than or equal to 5% of the complete formulation) are evaluated, then the acute aquatic toxicity of lubricants, other than greases and total loss lubricants, must be at least 100 mg/L and the LC50 of greases and total loss lubricants must be at least 1000 mg/L; or
(2) If each constituent is evaluated, rather than the complete formulation and main constituents, then for each constituent present above 0.1%: up to 20% of the formulation can have an LC50 greater than 10 mg/L but less than 100 mg/L and an NOEC greater than 1 mg/L but less than 10 mg/L; up to 5% of the formulation can have an LC50 greater than 1 mg/L but less than 10 mg/L and an NOEC greater than 0.1 mg/L but less than 1 mg/L; and up to 1% of the formulation can have an LC50 less than 1 mg/L and an NOEC less than 0.1 mg/L.
Minimally-toxic, phosphate-free, and biodegradable means properties of a substance or mixture of substances that:
(1) Have an acute aquatic toxicity value corresponding to a concentration greater than 10 ppm;
(2) Do not produce residuals with an LC50 less than 10 ppm;
(3) Are not bioaccumulative;
(4) Do not cause the pH of the receiving water to go below 6.0 or above 9.0;
(5) Contain, by weight, 0.5% or less of phosphates or derivatives of phosphate; and
(6) Are biodegradable.
Minimize means to reduce or eliminate to the extent achievable using any control measure that is technologically available and economically practicable and achievable and supported by demonstrated best management practices such that compliance can be documented in shipboard logs and plans.
New ferry means a ferry that is constructed after the effective date of USCG regulations promulgated pursuant to CWA section 312(p)(5)(A)(i).
New Laker means a vessel 3,000 GT and above, and that operates exclusively in the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River west of a rhumb line drawn from Cap des Rosiers to Pointe-de-l'Ouest (West Point), Anticosti Island, and west of a line along 63° W longitude from Anticosti Island to the north shore of the St. Lawrence River, and constructed after the effective date of USCG regulations promulgated pursuant to CWA section 312(p)(5)(A)(i).
Niche areas means a subset of the submerged surface area on a vessel that may be more susceptible to biofouling than the main hull due to structural complexity, different or variable hydrodynamic forces, susceptibility to anti-fouling coating wear or damage, or inadequate or no protection by an anti-fouling system.
Not bioaccumulative means any of the following:
(1) The partition coefficient in the marine environment is log KOW less than 3 or greater than 7;
(2) The molecular mass is greater than 800 Daltons;
(3) The molecular diameter is greater than 1.5 nanometer;
(4) The bioconcentration factor (BCF) or bioaccumulation factor (BAF) is less than 100 L/kg; or
(5) The polymer with molecular weight fraction below 1,000 g/mol is less than 1%.
Oil means oil of any kind or in any form, including but not limited to any petroleum, fuel oil, sludge, oil refuse, and oil mixed with wastes other than dredged spoil.
Oil-to-sea interface means any seal or surface on shipboard equipment where the design is such that oil or oily mixtures can escape directly into surrounding waters. Oil-to-sea interfaces are found on equipment that is subject to submersion as well as equipment above the surface line that extends overboard or is mounted to the exterior of the hull.
Oily mixture means a mixture, in any form, with any oil content, including but not limited to:
(1) Slops from bilges;
(2) Slops from oil cargoes (such as cargo tank washings, oily waste, and oily refuse);
(3) Oil residue; and
(4) Oily ballast water from cargo or fuel oil tanks.
Organism means an animal, including fish and fish eggs and larvae; a plant; a pathogen; a microbe; a virus; a prokaryote (including any archean or bacterium); a fungus; and a protist.
Pacific Region means any Federal or State water adjacent to the State of Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon, or Washington; and extending from shore. The term includes the entire exclusive economic zone (as defined in section 1001 of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (33 U.S.C. 2701)) adjacent to each Pacific Region State identified herein.
Passenger vessel means a vessel of at least 100 gross tons:
(1) Carrying more than 12 passengers, including at least one passenger for hire;
(2) That is chartered and carrying more than 12 passengers;
(3) That is a submersible vessel carrying at least one passenger for hire; or
(4) That is a ferry carrying a passenger.
Passive discharge of biofouling means the discharge of biofouling from a vessel (for example, sloughing) during a period in which the vessel is not undergoing active cleaning activities.
Port or place of destination means a port or place to which a vessel is bound to anchor, to moor, or be otherwise secured.
Reception facility refers to any fixed, floating, or mobile facility capable of receiving wastes and residues from vessels and fit for that purpose.
Render nonviable means, with respect to an organism in ballast water, the action of a ballast water management system that renders the organism permanently incapable of reproduction following treatment.
Saltwater flush means the addition of as much midocean water into each empty ballast tank of a vessel as is safe for the vessel and crew; and the mixing of the flush water with residual ballast water and sediment through the motion of the vessel; and the discharge of that mixed water, such that the resultant residual water remaining in the tank has the highest salinity possible; and is at least 30 parts per thousand. A saltwater flush may require more than one fill-mix-empty sequence, particularly if only small quantities of water can be safely taken onboard a vessel at one time.
Seagoing vessel means a vessel in commercial service that operates beyond either the boundary line established by 46 CFR part 7 or the St. Lawrence River west of a rhumb line drawn from Cap des Rosiers to Pointe-de-l'Ouest (West Point), Anticosti Island, and west of a line along 63° W longitude from Anticosti Island to the north shore of the St. Lawrence River. It does not include a vessel that navigates exclusively on internal waters.
Seawater piping system means a system onboard a vessel that provides seawater for other vessel uses (e.g., ballast, engines, hydraulic systems, firefighting capacity, cleaning equipment, air conditioning, refrigeration, toilet systems) and includes any sea chest, grate, and similar appurtenances (e.g., strainers, filters, valves). Some components of a seawater piping system including sea chests, sea inlet pipes, and overboard discharges are also considered niche areas.
Secretary means the Secretary of the department in which the United States Coast Guard (USCG) is operating.
Small vessel or fishing vessel means a vessel with a vessel length that is less than 79 feet; or a fishing vessel, fish processing vessel, or fish tender vessel (as those terms are defined in section 2101 of title 46, United States Code), regardless of the vessel length.
Toxic or hazardous materials means any toxic pollutant as defined in 40 CFR 401.15 or any hazardous material as defined in 49 CFR 171.8.
Underway means a vessel is not at anchor, or made fast to the shore, or aground.
Vessel General Permit (VGP) means the permit that is the subject of the notice of final permit issuance entitled “Final National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) General Permit for Discharges Incidental to the Normal Operation of a Vessel” ( Federal Register publication on April 12, 2013).
Vessel length means the horizontal distance between the foremost part of a vessel's stem to the aftermost part of its stern, excluding fittings and attachments.
Visible sheen means, with respect to oil and oily mixtures, a silvery or metallic sheen or gloss, increased reflectivity, visual color, iridescence, or an oil slick on the surface of the water.
Voyage means any transit by a vessel traveling from or destined for any United States port or place.
§ 139.3   Other Federal laws.
(a) Except as expressly provided in this part, nothing in this part affects the applicability to a vessel of any other provision of Federal law, including:
(1) Sections 311 and 312 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1321 et seq. and 33 U.S.C. 1322 et seq. ), also known as the CWA;
(2) The Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships (33 U.S.C. 1901 et seq. );
(3) Title X of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2010 (33 U.S.C. 3801 et seq. ), also known as the Clean Hulls Act;
(4) The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. 136 et seq. ); and
(5) The National Marine Sanctuaries Act (16 U.S.C. 1431 et seq. ) and implementing regulations found at 15 CFR part 922 and 50 CFR part 404.
(b) Nothing in this part affects the authority of the Secretary of Commerce or the Secretary of the Interior to administer any land or waters under the administrative control of the Secretary of Commerce or the Secretary of the Interior, respectively.
(c) Nothing in this part shall be construed to affect, supersede, or relieve the master of any otherwise applicable requirements or prohibitions associated with a vessel's right to innocent passage as provided for under customary international law.
§ 139.4   General operation and maintenance.
(a) The requirements in paragraph (b) of this section apply to any discharge incidental to the normal operation of a vessel subject to regulation under this part, including but not limited to those discharges identified in subpart C of this part.
(b) Vessels must implement the following practices:
(1) Minimize discharges through management practices including but not limited to storage onboard the vessel, proper storage or transfer of materials, or reduced production of discharge.
(2) Discharge while underway when practicable and as far from shore as practicable.
(3) Addition of any materials to a discharge, other than for treatment of the discharge, that is not incidental to the normal operation of the vessel is prohibited.
(4) Dilution of any discharge for the purpose of meeting any standard in this part is prohibited.
(5) Any material used onboard that will be subsequently discharged (e.g., disinfectants, cleaners, biocides, coatings, sacrificial anodes) must:
(i) Be used according to manufacturer specifications and only in the amount necessary to perform the intended function of that material;
(ii) Not contain any materials banned for use in the United States; and
(iii) If subject to FIFRA registration, be used according to the FIFRA label. Proper use includes labeling requirements for proper application sites, rates, frequency of application, and methods; maintenance; removal; and storage and disposal of wastes and containers.
(6) To minimize and prevent discharge of cargo or other onboard materials, cargo must be containerized or covered except for hopper barges without a fixed cover or where covering cargo would negatively impact safety of the vessel, risk loss of life at sea, or otherwise interfere with essential vessel operations.
(7) To minimize and prevent discharge of toxic or hazardous materials, vessels must:
(i) Store toxic or hazardous materials in appropriately sealed, labeled, and secured containers located in areas of the vessel that minimize exposure to ocean spray and precipitation consistent with vessel design, unless the master determines this would interfere with essential vessel operations or safety of the vessel or crew, or would violate any applicable regulations that establish specifications for safe transportation, handling, carriage, and storage of toxic or hazardous materials.
(ii) Ensure containers holding toxic or hazardous materials are not overfilled and incompatible materials ( i.e., substances which, if mixed, will create hazards greater than posed by the individual substances) are not mixed.
(8) The overboard discharge or disposal of any containers holding toxic or hazardous materials is prohibited.
(9) Prior to washing any compartment, tank, cargo or other space and discharging washwater overboard from the area, that space must be in broom clean condition or its equivalent.
(10) Topside surfaces (e.g., exposed decks, hull above waterline, tank, cargo, and related appurtenances) must be maintained to minimize the discharge of cleaning compounds, paint chips, non-skid material fragments, and other materials associated with exterior surface preservation.
(11) Painting and coating techniques on topside surfaces must minimize the discharge of paints, coatings, surface preparation materials, and similar substances.
(12) Discharge of unused paint and coatings is prohibited.
(13) Any equipment that may release, drip, leak, or spill oil or oily mixtures, fuel, or other toxic or hazardous materials, including to the bilge, must be maintained to minimize or eliminate the discharges.
§ 139.5   Biofouling management.
(a) The requirements in paragraph (b) of this section apply to any vessel subject to regulation under this part.
(b) A biofouling management plan must be developed to minimize the discharge of biofouling organisms. The plan elements must prioritize procedures and strategies to prevent macrofouling, thereby minimizing the potential for the introduction and spread of ANS. The plan must describe the vessel-specific anti-fouling systems and biofouling management practices necessary to comply with the requirements in this section. See §§ 139.13, 139.14, 139.22, 139.28, and 139.29 for additional biofouling management requirements.
§ 139.6   Oil management.
(a) The requirements in paragraphs (b) through (e) of this section apply to vessel equipment and operations that use or discharge oil or oily mixtures.
(b) The discharge of used or spent oil no longer being used for its intended purpose is prohibited.
(c) The discharge of oil in such quantities as may be harmful is prohibited.
(d) During fueling, maintenance, and other vessel operations, control and response measures must be used to prevent, minimize, and contain spills and overflows.
(e) An environmentally acceptable lubricant (EAL) must be used in any oil-to-sea interface unless such use is technically infeasible. Operators of new build vessels should endeavor to use seawater-based systems for stern tube lubrication to eliminate the discharge of oil from these interfaces to the aquatic environment.
§ 139.10   Ballast tanks.
(a) Applicability. Except for any vessel otherwise excluded in paragraph (b) of this section, the requirements in paragraphs (c) through (h) of this section apply to any vessel equipped with one or more ballast tanks.
(b) Exclusions. The requirements of this section do not apply to the following vessels:
(1) A vessel that continuously takes on and discharges ballast water in a flow-through system, if the Administrator determines that system cannot materially contribute to the spread or introduction of ANS into waters of the United States;
(2) A vessel in the National Defense Reserve Fleet scheduled for disposal, if the vessel does not have an operable ballast water management system (BWMS);
(3) A vessel that discharges ballast water consisting solely of water taken onboard from a public or commercial source that, at the time the water is taken onboard, meets the applicable requirements or permit requirements of the Safe Drinking Water Act (42 U.S.C. 300f et seq. );
(4) A vessel that carries all permanent ballast water in sealed tanks that are not subject to discharge; or
(5) A vessel that only discharges ballast water to a reception facility.
(c) Ballast Water Best Management Practices. (1) Any vessel equipped with ballast tanks must minimize the introduction and spread of aquatic nuisance species (ANS) by adhering to the following practices:
(i) Maintain a ballast water management plan that addresses both the uptake and discharge of ballast water. The plan must describe the vessel-specific BWMSs and practices necessary to comply with the requirements in this section.
(ii) Minimize the use of gravity to drain ballast tanks in port.
(iii) Use high sea suction in port or where clearance to the bottom of the waterbody is less than 5 meters to the lower edge of the sea chest, as practicable.
(iv) Avoid the discharge or uptake of ballast water in areas with coral reefs. Discharge and uptake should be conducted as far from coral reefs as practicable.
(v) Periodically clean ballast tanks to remove sediment. Discharge of sediment from ballast tank cleaning is prohibited.
(vi) Maintain, and keep fully intact, sea chest screens.
(2) Any new Laker equipped with ballast tanks must install, operate, and maintain a BWMS that has been type-approved by the USCG.
(d) Ballast Water Discharge Standard. Unless exempted in paragraph (d)(3) of this section, any ballast water discharge must meet the following numeric discharge standard:
(1) Biological parameters (expressed as instantaneous maximums).
(i) Organisms greater than or equal to 50 micrometers in minimum dimension: less than 10 living organisms per cubic meter.
(ii) Organisms less than 50 micrometers and greater than or equal to 10 micrometers: less than 10 living organisms per milliliter (mL).
(iii) Toxicogenic Vibrio cholerae (serotypes O1 and O139): less than 1 colony-forming unit (cfu) per 100 mL.
(iv) Escherichia coli: a concentration of less than 250 cfu, or Most Probable Number (MPN), per 100 mL.
(v) Intestinal enterococci: a concentration of less than 100 cfu, or MPN, per 100 mL.
(2) Biocide parameters (expressed as instantaneous maximums).
(i) Chlorine dioxide: for any discharge from a BWMS using chlorine dioxide, chlorine dioxide must not exceed 200 µg/L.
(ii) Total residual oxidizers: for any discharge from a BWMS using chlorine or ozone, total residual oxidizers must not exceed 100 µg/L.
(iii) Peracetic acid: for any discharge from a BWMS using peracetic acid, peracetic acid must not exceed 500 µg/L.
(iv) Hydrogen peroxide: for any discharge from a BWMS using peracetic acid, hydrogen peroxide must not exceed 1,000 µg/L.
(3) Exemptions: The ballast water discharge standards in paragraphs (d)(1) and (2) of this section do not apply to any vessel that:
(i) Is less than or equal to 3,000 GT (1,600 GRT if GT is not assigned), and does not operate outside of the EEZ;
(ii) Is a non-seagoing, unmanned, unpowered barge, except any barge that is part of a dedicated vessel combination such as an integrated or articulated tug and barge unit;
(iii) Takes on and discharges ballast water exclusively in the contiguous portions of a single COTP Zone;
(iv) Does not travel more than 10 NM and passes through no locks;
(v) Discharges ballast water at the same location where that ballast water originated, provided that no mixing with unmanaged ballast water or sediment from other areas has occurred;
(vi) Operates exclusively in the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River west of a rhumb line drawn from Cap des Rosiers to Pointe-de-l'Ouest (West Point), Anticosti Island, and west of a line along 63° W. longitude from Anticosti Island to the north shore of the St. Lawrence River;
(vii) Is enrolled in the USCG Shipboard Technology Evaluation Program (STEP); or
(viii) Discharges ballast water prior to an applicable ballast water discharge standard compliance date established in regulations promulgated by the Secretary as described in 139.1(d).
(e) Ballast Water Exchange and Saltwater Flush. Except for any vessel identified in paragraph (f) or (g) of this section, prior to an applicable ballast water discharge standard compliance date established in regulations promulgated by the Secretary as described in § 139.1(d), any vessel must meet the requirements in paragraphs (e)(1) and (2) of this section unless excluded under paragraph (e)(3) of this section.
(1) Any vessel that carries ballast water taken on in areas less than 200 NM from any shore that will subsequently operate outside the EEZ and more than 200 NM from any shore must:
(i) Conduct ballast water exchange in waters not less than 200 NM from any shore prior to discharging that ballast water; and
(ii) Commence ballast water exchange not less than 200 NM from any shore and as early in the vessel voyage as practicable.
(2) For any ballast tank that is empty or contains unpumpable residual water on a vessel bound for a port or place of destination subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, the master must, prior to arriving at that port or place of destination, either:
(i) Seal the tank so that there is no discharge or uptake and subsequent discharge of ballast water, or
(ii) Conduct a ballast water exchange or saltwater flush:
(A) Not less than 200 NM from any shore for a voyage originating outside the United States or Canadian EEZ; or
(B) Not less than 50 NM from any shore for a voyage originating within the United States or Canadian EEZ.
(3) Exceptions: Paragraphs (e)(1) and (2), do not apply under any of the following circumstances:
(i) If the unpumpable residual waters and sediments of an empty ballast tank were subject to treatment, in compliance with applicable requirements, through a BWMS approved or accepted by the Secretary;
(ii) Except as otherwise required under this part, if the unpumpable residual waters and sediments of an empty ballast tank were sourced solely within:
(A) The same port or place of destination; or
(B) Contiguous portions of a single COTP Zone;
(iii) If complying with an applicable requirement of this paragraph (e):
(A) Would compromise the safety of the vessel; or
(B) Is otherwise prohibited by any Federal, Canadian, or international law (including regulations) pertaining to vessel safety;
(iv) If design limitations of an existing vessel prevent a ballast water exchange or saltwater flush from being conducted in accordance with this paragraph (e); or
(v) If the vessel is operating exclusively within the internal waters of the United States and Canada.
(f) Vessels entering the Great Lakes. (1) Ballast Water Exchange: Except as provided in paragraph (f)(2) of this section, any vessel entering the St. Lawrence Seaway through the mouth of the St. Lawrence River must conduct a complete ballast water exchange or saltwater flush:
(i) Not less than 200 NM from any shore for a voyage originating outside the EEZ; or
(ii) Not less than 50 NM from any shore for a voyage originating within the EEZ.
(2) Exceptions: The requirements of paragraph (f)(1) of this section do not apply to any vessel if:
(i) Complying with paragraph (f)(1) of this section:
(A) Would compromise the safety of the vessel; or
(B) Is otherwise prohibited by any Federal, Canadian, or international law (including regulations) pertaining to vessel safety.
(ii) Design limitations of an existing vessel prevent a ballast water exchange from being conducted in accordance with an applicable requirement of paragraph (f)(1) of this section.
(iii) The vessel has no residual ballast water or sediments onboard.
(iv) The vessel retains all ballast water while in waters subject to the requirement.
(v) The empty ballast tanks on the vessel are sealed in a manner that ensures that no discharge or uptake occurs, and any subsequent discharge of ballast water is subject to the requirement.
(g) Pacific Region. (1) Ballast Water Exchange:
(i) Except as provided in paragraphs (g)(1)(ii) and (g)(3) of this section, any vessel that operates either between two ports or places of destination within the Pacific Region; or a port or place of destination within the Pacific Region and a port or place of destination on the Pacific Coast of Canada or Mexico north of parallel 20 degrees north latitude, inclusive of the Gulf of California, must conduct a complete ballast water exchange in waters more than 50 NM from shore.
(ii) Exemptions: The requirements of paragraph (g)(1)(i) of this section do not apply to any vessel:
(A) Using, in compliance with applicable requirements, a type-approved BWMS approved or accepted by the Secretary.
(B) Voyaging:
( 1 ) Between or to a port or place of destination in the State of Washington, if the ballast water to be discharged from the commercial vessel originated solely from waters located between the parallel 46 degrees north latitude, including the internal waters of the Columbia River, and the internal waters of Canada south of parallel 50 degrees north latitude, including the waters of the Strait of Georgia and the Strait of Juan de Fuca;
( 2 ) Between ports or places of destination in the State of Oregon, if the ballast water to be discharged from the commercial vessel originated solely from waters located between the parallel 40 degrees north latitude and the parallel 50 degrees north latitude;
( 3 ) Between ports or places of destination in the State of California within the San Francisco Bay area east of the Golden Gate Bridge, including the Port of Stockton and the Port of Sacramento, if the ballast water to be discharged from the commercial vessel originated solely from ports or places within that area;
( 4 ) Between the Port of Los Angeles, the Port of Long Beach, and the El Segundo offshore marine oil terminal, if the ballast water to be discharged from the commercial vessel originated solely from the Port of Los Angeles, the Port of Long Beach, or the El Segundo offshore marine oil terminal;
( 5 ) Between a port or place of destination in the State of Alaska within a single COTP Zone;
( 6 ) Between ports or places of destination in different counties of the State of Hawaii, if the vessel conducts a complete ballast water exchange in waters that are more than 10 NM from shore and at least 200 meters deep; or
( 7 ) Between ports or places of destination within the same county of the State of Hawaii, if the vessel does not transit outside State marine waters during the voyage.
(2) Low-Salinity Ballast Water:
(i) Except as provided in paragraphs (g)(2)(ii) and (g)(3) of this section, a complete ballast water exchange must be conducted for any commercial vessel that transports ballast water sourced from waters with a measured salinity of less than 18 parts per thousand and voyages to a Pacific Region port or place of destination with a measured salinity of less than 18 parts per thousand:
(A) Not less than 50 NM from shore, if the ballast water was sourced from a Pacific Region port or place of destination.
(B) More than 200 NM from shore, if the ballast water was not sourced from a Pacific Region port or place of destination.
(ii) Exception: The requirements of paragraph (g)(2)(i) of this section do not apply to any vessel voyaging to a port or place of destination in the Pacific Region that is using, in compliance with applicable requirements, a type-approved BWMS accepted by the Secretary, or a type-approved BWMS approved by the Secretary to achieve the following numeric discharge standard for biological parameters (expressed as instantaneous maximums):
(A) Organisms greater than or equal to 50 micrometers in minimum dimension: less than 1 living organism per 10 cubic meters.
(B) Organisms less than 50 micrometers and greater than or equal to 10 micrometers: Less than 1 living organisms per 10 milliliters (mL).
(C) Toxicogenic Vibrio cholerae (serotypes O1 and O139): less than 1 colony-forming unit (cfu) per 100 mL or less than 1 cfu per gram of wet weight of zoological samples.
(D) Escherichia coli: less than 126 cfu, or MPN, per 100 mL.
(E) Intestinal enterococci: less than 33 cfu, or MPN, per 100 mL.
(3) General Exceptions: The requirements of paragraphs (g)(1) and (2) of this section do not apply to a commercial vessel if:
(i) Complying with the requirement would compromise the safety of the commercial vessel.
(ii) If design limitations of an existing vessel, prevent a ballast water exchange from being conducted in accordance with paragraphs (g)(1) and (2) of this section, as applicable.
(iii) The commercial vessel:
(A) Has no residual ballast water or sediments onboard; or
(B) Retains all ballast water while in waters subject to those requirements.
(iv) Empty ballast tanks on the commercial vessel are sealed in a manner that ensures that:
(A) No discharge or uptake occurs; and
(B) Any subsequent discharge of ballast water is subject to those requirements.
(h) Federally-protected waters. Additional standards applicable to discharges from ballast tanks when a vessel is operating in federally-protected waters are contained in § 139.40(b).
§ 139.11   Bilges.
(a) The requirements in paragraphs (b) through (d) of this section applies to bilgewater, which is the discharge of wastewater from the bilge consisting of water and residue that accumulates in a lower compartment of the vessel's hull below the waterline. This includes, but is not limited to, any water and residue from a cargo area that comes into contact with oily materials or a below-deck parking area or other storage area for motor vehicles or other motorized equipment.
(b) The discharge of bilgewater from any vessel must not contain any flocculants or other additives except when used with an oily water separator or to maintain or clean equipment. The use of any additives to remove the appearance of a visible sheen is prohibited.
(c) For any vessel of 400 GT and above, the discharge of bilgewater must:
(1) Occur when the vessel is underway;
(2) Not have an oil content that exceeds 15 ppm; and
(3) If technologically feasible, occur at least 1 NM from shore.
(d) Additional standards applicable to discharges from bilges when a vessel is operating in federally-protected waters are contained in § 139.40(c).
§ 139.12   Boilers.
(a) The requirements in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section apply to discharges resulting from boiler blowdown.
(b) The discharge from boiler blowdown must be minimized in port.
(c) Additional standards applicable to discharges from boilers when a vessel is operating in federally-protected waters are contained in § 139.40(d).
§ 139.13   Cathodic protection.
(a) The requirements in paragraph (b) of this section apply to discharges resulting from a vessel's cathodic corrosion control protection device, including but not limited to sacrificial anodes and impressed current cathodic protection (ICCP) systems.
(b) Spaces between any flush-fit anode and backing must be filled to remove potential hotspots for biofouling organisms.
(c) The vessel operator must consider using, but is not required to use, less toxic metals when selecting sacrificial anodes.
§ 139.14   Chain lockers.
(a) The requirements in paragraphs (b) through (e) of this section apply to accumulated biological organisms, sediment, precipitation, and seawater that is emptied from the compartment used to store the anchor chain on a vessel and are intended to prevent the discharge of accumulated biological organisms, sediment, precipitation, and seawater when deploying the anchor in a new port or place of destination.
(b) Anchors and anchor chains must be rinsed of biofouling organisms and sediment when the anchor is retrieved.
(c) The discharge of biological organisms, sediment, precipitation, and seawater from any chain locker is prohibited in port.
(d) Anchors and anchor chains used beyond waters of the contiguous zone must be rinsed of biofouling organisms and sediment prior to entering the waters of the contiguous zone. This requirement may be satisfied by rinsing when the anchor is retrieved at the commencement of the voyage or when the anchor was last retrieved on a previous voyage, so long as the rinsing occurs after the last use of the anchor beyond waters of the contiguous zone.
(e) Additional standards applicable to a discharge from chain lockers when a vessel is operating in federally-protected waters are contained in § 139.40(e).
§ 139.15   Decks.
(a) The requirements in paragraphs (b) through (i) of this section apply to the discharge of washdown and runoff from decks, well decks, and bulkhead areas, including but not limited to precipitation, condensation, seawater spray and wash over, and flooding, as well as waters pumped from below deck on a barge.
(b) Coamings or drip pans must be used for machinery that is expected to leak or otherwise release oil on the deck; accumulated oil must be collected.
(c) Where required by an applicable international treaty or convention or the Secretary, the vessel must be fitted with and use physical barriers (e.g., spill rails, scuppers and scupper plugs) during any washdown.
(d) Control measures must be used to minimize the introduction of on-deck debris, garbage, residue, spills, floating solids, visible foam, halogenated phenolic compounds, dispersants, and surfactants into deck washdown and runoff.
(e) Vessel decks must be kept in broom clean condition whenever the vessel is underway and prior to any deck washdown.
(f) Discharges from deck washdowns must be minimized in port.
(g) Any soap, cleaner, or detergent used for deck washdown must be minimally-toxic, phosphate-free, and biodegradable.
(h) Barges that discharge water pumped from below deck must minimize the contact of below deck condensation with oily or toxic materials and any materials containing hydrocarbons.
(i) Additional standards applicable to discharges from decks when a vessel is operating in federally-protected waters are contained in § 139.40(f).
§ 139.16   Desalination and purification systems.
(a) The requirements in paragraph (b) of this section apply to discharges from onboard desalination and purification systems used to generate freshwater from seawater or otherwise purify water.
(b) The discharge resulting from the cleaning of desalination and purification systems with toxic or hazardous materials is prohibited.
§ 139.17   Elevator pits.
(a) The requirements in paragraph (b) of this section apply to the liquid that accumulates in, and is discharged from, the sumps of elevator wells.
(b) The discharge of untreated accumulated water and sediment from any elevator pit is prohibited.
§ 139.18   Exhaust gas emission control systems.
(a) Applicability. The requirements in paragraphs (b) through (d) of this section apply to discharges from the operation and cleaning of any exhaust gas cleaning system (EGCS) and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system.
(b) Discharge requirements. Unless excluded in paragraph (c) of this section, any discharge identified in paragraph (a) of this section must meet the following discharge requirements.
(1) pH. (i) The discharge must meet one of the following requirements:
(A) The discharge must have a pH of no less than 6.5 as measured at the vessel's overboard discharge point with the exception that during maneuvering and transit, the maximum difference of two pH units is allowed between inlet water and overboard discharge values; or
(B) The pH discharge limit is the value that will achieve a minimum pH of 6.5 at 4 meters from the overboard discharge point with the vessel stationary. This overboard pH discharge limit is to be determined at the overboard discharge monitoring point and is to be recorded as the vessel's discharge limit. The overboard pH limit can be determined either by means of direct measurement, or by using a calculation-based methodology (computational fluid dynamics or other equally scientifically established empirical formulas).
(ii) The pH numeric discharge standard may be exceeded for up to 15 minutes in any 12-hour period.
(2) PAHs (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons). (i) The maximum continuous PAH concentration in the discharge must be no greater than 50 µg/L PAHphe (phenanthrene equivalents) above the inlet water PAH concentration. This standard applies downstream of any washwater treatment equipment including any reactant dosing unit but upstream of any seawater addition for control of pH prior to discharge.
(ii) The 50 µg/L numeric discharge standard is normalized for a discharge flow rate, before any seawater neutralization for pH control, of 45 tons (t)/megawatt-hour (MWh) where the mega-watt (MW) refers to the Maximum Continuous Rating (MCR) or 80% of the power rating of the fuel oil combustion units whose EGCS discharge water PAH is being monitored at that point. In cases where sensors are installed in a separate measurement cell, the PAH limit applies to the flow in the main discharge pipe from which the water is bypassed. This numeric discharge standard is adjusted upward or downward for different discharge flow rates, pursuant to table 1 to paragraph (b)(2)(ii) of this section.
Table 1 to Paragraph (b)(2)(ii)
a For any Flow Rate greater than 2.5 t/MWh, Fluorescence technology must be used.
(iii) The continuous PAHphe numeric discharge standard may be exceeded by 100% for up to 15 minutes in any 12-hour period.
(3) Turbidity/suspended particulate matter. (i) The washwater treatment system must be designed to minimize suspended particulate matter, including but not limited to heavy metals and ash.
(ii) The maximum continuous turbidity in the discharge must be no greater than 25 FNU (formazin nephlometric units) or 25 NTU (nephlometric turbidity units) or equivalent units above the inlet water turbidity. However, to account for periods of high inlet turbidity, readings must be a rolling average over a 15-minute period to a maximum of 25 FNU or NTU. This standard applies downstream of any washwater treatment equipment including any reactant dosing unit but upstream of any seawater addition for control of pH prior to discharge.
(iii) For an aggregated 15-minute period in any rolling 12-hour period, the continuous turbidity discharge limit may be exceeded by 20%.
(4) Nitrates plus nitrites:
(i) The washwater treatment system must prevent the discharge of nitrates plus nitrites beyond that associated with a 12% removal of NO X from the exhaust, or beyond 60 mg/L normalized for a discharge rate of 45 tons/MWh, whichever is greater, where the MW refers to the MCR or 80% of the power rating of all those fuel oil combustion units whose EGCS discharge water nitrates plus nitrites are being monitored at that point. This standard applies downstream of any washwater treatment equipment including any reactant dosing unit but upstream of any seawater addition for control of pH prior to discharge. The 60-mg/L limit is adjusted upward for lower washwater flow rates per MWh, and vice-versa, and the applicable permit limits are contained in table 2 to paragraph (b)(4)(i) of this section.
Table 2 to Paragraph (b)(4)(i)
(5) Discharge water from temporary storage:
(i) pH. See § 139.18(b)(1).
(ii) PAH. Maximum of 50 µg/L PAHphe before any addition of seawater (or similar) for control of pH.
(iii) Turbidity. Not greater than 25 FNU or 25 NTU or equivalent units, before any addition of seawater (or similar) for pH control.
(6) Treatment Residuals: Discharges of sludge or residues generated from treatment of EGCS or EGR washwater or bleed-off water are prohibited.
(c) Exclusion. For a vessel operating on fuel that meets the sulfur content limits specified in Regulation 14 of MARPOL Annex VI, discharge of EGR bleed-off water is excluded from paragraph (b) of this section if the vessel:
(1) Does not retain the EGR bleed-off onboard in a holding tank prior to discharge, and
(2) Is underway, and
(3) Not in port.
(d) Prohibition. For a vessel not operating on fuel that meets the sulfur content limits specified in Regulation 14 of MARPOL Annex VI, discharge of EGR bleed-off water which is retained in a holding tank is prohibited unless the vessel:
(1) Is underway;
(2) Not in port; and
(3) In compliance with the discharge standard in paragraph (b) of this section.
§ 139.19   Fire protection equipment.
(a) The requirements in paragraphs (b) through (e) of this section apply to the discharge from fire protection equipment, including discharges for secondary purposes (e.g., anchor and anchor chain rinsing and deck washdown). As specified in § 139.1(b)(3), these requirements do not apply to discharges from fire protection equipment when used for emergencies or when compliance with such requirements would compromise the safety of the vessel or life at sea.
(b) The discharge of fluorinated firefighting foam is prohibited unless required for certification or inspection under 46 CFR 31.10 through 31.18(c), 46 CFR 107.235(b)(4), or by the marine inspector to ensure vessel safety and seaworthiness.
(c) The discharge from fire protection equipment to ensure operability (e.g., during testing, training, maintenance, inspection, or certification) is prohibited in port unless:
(1) The intake is drawn from surrounding waters or a potable water supply and contains no additives (e.g., firefighting foam); or
(2) Required in port by the Secretary for certification or inspection under 46 CFR 31.10 through 31.18(c), 46 CFR 107.235(b)(4), or by the marine inspector to ensure vessel safety.
(d) The discharge from fire protection equipment for secondary uses is prohibited in port unless:
(1) The intake is drawn from surrounding waters or a potable water supply and contains no additives (e.g., firefighting foam); and
(2) The discharge meets applicable requirements under this part for the secondary use.
(e) Additional requirements applicable to discharges from fire protection equipment when a vessel is operating in federally-protected waters are contained in § 139.40(g).
§ 139.20   Gas turbines.
(a) The requirements in paragraph (b) of this section apply to discharges from the washing of gas turbine components.
(b) The discharge of untreated gas turbine washwater is prohibited unless infeasible.
§ 139.21   Graywater systems.
(a) The requirements in paragraphs (b) through (g) of this section apply to discharges of graywater except for graywater from any commercial vessel on the Great Lakes that is subject to the requirements in 40 CFR part 140 and 33 CFR part 159.
(b) The introduction of kitchen waste, food, oils, and oily residues to the graywater system must be minimized.
(c) Any soaps, cleaners, detergents, and other substances used by vessel operators or provided by vessel operators to persons onboard and discharged in graywater must be minimally-toxic, phosphate-free, and biodegradable.
(d) The discharge of graywater is prohibited from any vessel:
(1) Within 3 NM from shore that voyages at least 3 NM from shore and has remaining available graywater storage capacity, unless the discharge meets the standards in paragraph (f) of this section; and
(2) Within 1 NM from shore that voyages at least 1 NM from shore but not beyond 3 NM from shore and has remaining available graywater storage capacity, unless the discharge meets the standards in paragraph (f) of this section.
(e) The discharge of graywater from the following vessels must meet the numeric discharge standard established in paragraph (f) of this section:
(1) Any new vessel of 400 GT (400 GRT if GT is not assigned) and above that is certificated to carry 15 or more persons and provides overnight accommodations to those persons;
(2) Any passenger vessel, excluding any ferry, with overnight accommodations for 500 or more persons;
(3) Any passenger vessel, excluding any ferry, with overnight accommodations for 100-499 persons unless the vessel was constructed before December 19, 2008, and does not voyage beyond 1 NM from shore; and
(4) Any new ferry authorized by the Secretary to carry 250 or more persons.
(f) A vessel identified in paragraph (d) or (e) of this section that is discharging graywater must meet the following numeric discharge standard:
(1) Fecal coliform. (i) The 30-day geometric mean must not exceed 20 cfu, or MPN, per 100 mL.
(ii) Greater than 90% of samples must not exceed 40 cfu, or MPN, per 100 mL during any 30-day period.
(2) BOD5. (i) The 30-day average must not exceed 30 mg/L.
(ii) The 7-day average must not exceed 45 mg/L.
(3) Suspended solids. (i) The 30-day average must not exceed 30 mg/L.
(ii) The 7-day average must not exceed 45 mg/L.
(4) pH. (i) Must be maintained between 6.0 and 9.0.
(ii) [Reserved]
(5) Total residual oxidizers. (i) For any discharge from a graywater system using chlorine, total residual oxidizers must not exceed 10.0 µg/L.
(ii) [Reserved]
(g) Unless from a vessel subject to paragraph (e) of this section, the discharge of graywater from any vessel operating on the Great Lakes that is not a commercial vessel must not exceed 200 fecal coliform forming units per 100 milliliters and contain no more than 150 milligrams per liter of suspended solids.
(h) Additional standards applicable to discharges from graywater systems when a vessel is operating in federally-protected waters are contained in § 139.40(h).
§ 139.22   Hulls and associated niche areas.
(a) Applicability. The requirements in paragraphs (b) through (d) of this section apply to the discharge of anti-fouling coatings, biofouling organisms, and other materials from vessel hull and niche areas.
(b) Transport and passive discharge. The transport of attached living organisms and passive discharge of biofouling must be minimized when traveling into U.S. waters from outside the EEZ or between COTP Zones. Management measures to minimize the transport of attached living organisms and the passive discharge of biofouling are described in paragraphs (c) and (d) of this section.
(c) Anti-fouling coatings. (1) Anti-fouling coatings applied to the vessel must be specific to the operational profile of the vessel and the equipment to which it is applied, including, for biocidal coatings, having appropriate biocide release rates and components that are biodegradable once separated from the vessel surface.
(2) Anti-fouling coatings must be applied, maintained, and reapplied consistent with manufacturer specifications, including but not limited to the thickness, the method of application, and the lifespan of the coating.
(3) Anti-fouling coatings must not contain tributyltin (TBT) or any other organotin compound used as a biocide.
(i) Any vessel hull previously covered with an anti-fouling coating containing TBT (whether or not used as a biocide) or any other organotin compound (if used as a biocide) must:
(A) Maintain an effective overcoat that forms a barrier so that no TBT or other organotin leaches from the underlying anti-fouling coating; or
(B) Remove any TBT or other organotin compound from the vessel hull.
(4) When an organotin compound other than TBT is used as a catalyst in the anti-fouling coating (e.g., dibutyltin), the anti-fouling coating must:
(i) Contain less than 2,500 mg total tin per kilogram of dry paint; and
(ii) Not be designed to slough or otherwise peel from the vessel hull, noting that incidental amounts of anti-fouling coating discharged by abrasion during cleaning or after contact with other hard surfaces (e.g., moorings) are acceptable.
(5) Anti-fouling coatings must not contain cybutryne.
(i) Any vessel that has previously applied an anti-fouling coating that contains cybutryne in the external coating layer of their hulls or external parts or surfaces must:
(A) Apply and maintain an effective overcoat that forms a barrier so that no cybutryne leaches from the underlying anti-fouling coating, noting that incidental amounts of anti-fouling coating discharged by abrasion during cleaning or after contact with other hard surfaces (e.g., moorings) are acceptable; or
(B) Remove any cybutryne coating.
(6) As appropriate based on vessel class and operations, alternatives to copper-based anti-fouling coatings (e.g., non-biocidal anti-fouling coatings) or coating with lower biocidal release rates must be considered for vessels spending 30 or more days per year in a copper-impaired waterbody or using these waters as their home port.
(d) Cleaning. (1) Cleanings should take place in drydock when practicable.
(2) Hulls and niche areas must be managed to minimize biofouling such as through preventative cleaning of microfouling.
(3) Hull and niche area cleanings must minimize damage to the anti-fouling coating, minimize release of biocides, and follow applicable cleaning requirements found on the coating manufacturers' instructions and any applicable FIFRA label.
(4) Any discharge from in-water cleaning without capture of macrofouling is prohibited.
(5) Any discharge from in-water cleaning without capture of any copper-based hull coating in a copper-impaired water body within the first 365 days after application of that coating is prohibited.
(6) In-water cleaning must not be conducted on any section of an anti-fouling coating that shows excessive cleaning actions (e.g., brush marks) or blistering due to the internal failure of the paint system.
(7) Any soap, cleaner, or detergent used on vessel surfaces, including but not limited to a scum line of the hull, must be minimally toxic, phosphate-free, and biodegradable.
(8) Additional standards applicable to discharges from hulls and associated niche areas when a vessel is operating in federally-protected waters are contained in § 139.40(i).
§ 139.23   Inert gas systems.
There are no additional discharge-specific requirements that apply to the discharge of washwater from an inert gas system and deck seal water when used as an integral part of that system.
§ 139.24   Motor gasoline and compensating systems.
(a) The requirements in paragraph (b) of this section apply to the discharge of motor gasoline and compensating ambient water added to keep gasoline tanks full to prevent potentially explosive gasoline vapors from forming.
(b) Additional standards applicable to discharges from motor gasoline and compensating systems when a vessel is operating in federally-protected waters are contained in § 139.40(j).
§ 139.25   Non-oily machinery.
(a) The requirements in paragraph (b) of this section apply to discharges from machinery that contains no oil, including but not limited to discharges from the operation of desalination systems, water chillers, valve packings, water piping, low- and high-pressure air compressors, propulsion engine jacket coolers, fire pumps, and seawater and potable water pumps.
(b) The discharge of untreated non-oily machinery wastewater and packing gland or stuffing box effluent containing toxic or bioaccumulative additives, or the discharge of oil in such quantities as may be harmful, is prohibited.
§ 139.26   Pools and spas.
(a) The requirements in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section apply to discharges from pools and spas.
(b) Except for unintentional or inadvertent releases from overflows across the decks and into overboard drains caused by, but not limited to, weather, vessel traffic, marine wildlife avoidance or navigational maneuvering, discharge of pool and spa water must:
(1) Occur only while the vessel is underway, unless determined to be infeasible; and
(2) Meet the following numeric discharge standard:
(i) For chlorine disinfection: total residual chlorine less than 100 µg/L; and
(ii) For bromine disinfection: total residual oxidant less than 25 µg/L.
(c) Additional standards applicable to discharges from pools and spas when a vessel is operating in federally-protected waters are contained in § 139.40(k).
§ 139.27   Refrigeration and air conditioning.
(a) The requirements in paragraph (b) of this section apply to discharges of condensation from refrigeration, air conditioning, and similar chilling equipment.
(b) The direct overboard discharge of any condensate that contacts toxic or hazardous materials is prohibited.
§ 139.28   Seawater piping.
(a) The requirements in paragraphs (b) through (d) of this section apply to discharges from seawater piping systems, including while a vessel is in port or in layup.
(b) Seawater piping systems must be inspected, maintained, and cleaned as necessary to minimize the accumulation and discharge of biofouling organisms.
(c) Seawater piping systems that accumulate macrofouling must be fitted with a Marine Growth Prevention System (MGPS).
(1) An MGPS must be selected to address:
(i) The level, frequency, and type of expected biofouling; and
(ii) The design, location, and area in which the system will be used.
(2) An MGPS must include one, or some combination of the following:
(i) Chemical injection;
(ii) Electrolysis, ultrasound, ultraviolet radiation, or electrochlorination;
(iii) Application of an antifouling coating;
(iv) Use of cupro-nickel piping; or
(v) Use of glass-reinforced/filament-wound epoxy-based composite piping.
(3) Upon identification of macrofouling in a seawater piping system, reactive measures to manage the macrofouling must be used. Discharges resulting from reactive measures to remove macrofouling are prohibited in port.
(d) Additional standards applicable to discharges from seawater piping systems when a vessel is operating in federally-protected waters are contained in § 139.40(l).
§ 139.29   Sonar domes.
(a) The requirements in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section apply to discharges from sonar domes.
(b) The discharge of water from inside the sonar dome is prohibited during maintenance or repair.
(c) Any discharge from the use of bioaccumulative biocides on the exterior of the sonar dome is prohibited when non-bioaccumulative alternatives are available.
§ 139.40   Federally-protected waters.
(a) Applicability. The requirements in paragraphs (b) through (l) of this section are in addition to applicable standards in subparts B and C of this part and apply when a vessel is operating in federally-protected waters.
(b) Ballast tanks. The discharge or uptake of ballast water in federally-protected waters must be avoided except for vessels:
(1) Operating within the boundaries of any national marine sanctuary that preserves shipwrecks or maritime heritage in the Great Lakes, unless the designation documents for such sanctuary do not allow taking up or discharging ballast water in such sanctuary, pursuant to 16 U.S.C. 1431 note (Pub. L. 113-281, title VI, § 610, Dec. 18, 2014, 128 Stat. 3064, as amended by Pub. L. 114-120, title VI, § 602(1), Feb. 8, 2016, 130 Stat. 79); or
(2) That operate solely within federally-protected waters and take on and discharge ballast water exclusively in the contiguous portions of a single COTP Zone.
(c) Bilges. For any vessel of 400 GT and above, the discharge of bilgewater into federally-protected waters is prohibited.
(d) Boilers. The discharge of boiler blowdown into federally-protected waters is prohibited.
(e) Chain lockers. The discharge of accumulated water and sediment from any chain locker into federally-protected waters is prohibited.
(f) Decks. The discharge of deck washdown into federally-protected waters is prohibited except for those vessels operating exclusively within these protected waters provided the discharge is in compliance with all other requirements in § 139.15.
(g) Fire protection equipment. The discharge from fire protection equipment into federally-protected water is prohibited except to comply with USCG fire drill requirements or anchor and anchor chain requirements in § 139.14. When USCG fire drills are conducted, the discharge of any firefighting foam into federally-protected waters is prohibited except by any vessel owned or under contract with the United States, State, or local government to do business exclusively in any federally-protected waters.
(h) Graywater systems. The discharge of graywater into federally-protected waters from any vessel with remaining available graywater storage capacity is prohibited.
(i) Hulls and associated niche areas. The discharge from in-water cleaning of vessel hulls and niche areas into federally-protected waters is prohibited except by any vessel owned or under contract with the United States, State, or local government to do business exclusively in any federally-protected waters.
(j) Motor gasoline and compensating systems. The discharge of motor gasoline and compensating discharges into federally-protected waters is prohibited.
(k) Pools and spas. The discharge of pool or spa water into federally-protected waters is prohibited.
(l) Seawater piping systems. The discharge of chemical dosing, as described in § 139.28, into federally-protected waters is prohibited.
§ 139.50   Petition by a Governor for the Administrator to establish an emergency order or review a standard, regulation, or policy.
(a) The Governor of a State (or a designee) may submit a petition to the Administrator:
(1) To issue an emergency order under CWA section 312(p)(4)(E); or
(2) To review any standard of performance, regulation, or policy promulgated by the Administrator under CWA section 312(p)(4) or (6), if there exists new information that could reasonably result in a change to:
(i) The standard of performance, regulation, or policy; or
(ii) A determination on which the standard of performance, regulation, or policy was based.
(b) A petition under paragraph (a) of this section shall be signed by the Governor (or a designee) and must include:
(1) The purpose of the petition (request for emergency order or a review of a standard, regulation, or policy);
(2) Any applicable scientific or technical information that forms the basis of the petition;
(3) The direct and indirect benefits if the requested petition were to be granted by the Administrator; and
(4) For a petition under paragraph (a)(2) of this section, the costs to the affected classes, types, and/or sizes of vessels if the requested petition were to be granted by the Administrator.
(c) The Administrator shall grant or deny:
(1) A petition under paragraph (a)(1) of this section by not later than the date that is 180 days after the date on which the petition is submitted; and
(2) A petition under paragraph (a)(2) of this section by not later than the date that is one year after the date on which the petition is submitted.
(d) If the Administrator determines to grant a petition:
(1) In the case of a petition under paragraph (a)(1) of this section, the Administrator shall immediately issue the relevant emergency order under CWA section 312(p)(4)(E); or
(2) In the case of a petition under paragraph (a)(2) of this section, the Administrator shall sign a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for publication in the Federal Register to revise the relevant standard, requirement, regulation, or policy under CWA section 312(p)(4) or (6), as applicable, as soon as possible and not later than 30 days after the date of the determination.
(e) If the Administrator determines to deny a petition, the Administrator shall sign a notice of the determination for publication in the Federal Register that includes a detailed explanation of the scientific, technical, or operational factors that form the basis of the determination, as soon as possible and not later than 30 days after the date of the determination.
§ 139.51   Petition by a Governor for the Administrator to establish enhanced Great Lakes System requirements.
(a) The Governors endorsing a proposed standard or requirement under CWA section 312(p)(10)(B)(ii)(III)(bb) may jointly submit to the Administrator and the Secretary for approval each proposed standard of performance or other requirement developed and endorsed pursuant to CWA section 312(p)(10)(B)(ii) with respect to any discharge that is subject to regulation under this part and occurs within the Great Lakes System.
(b) A petition under paragraph (a) of this section must include:
(1) An explanation regarding why the applicable standard of performance or other requirement is at least as stringent as a comparable standard of performance or other requirement under this part;
(2) An explanation regarding why the standard of performance or other requirement is in accordance with maritime safety; and
(3) An explanation regarding why the standard of performance or other requirement is in accordance with applicable maritime and navigation laws and regulations.
(c) On receipt of a proposed standard of performance or other requirement under paragraph (b) of this section, the Administrator and the Secretary shall sign and transmit to the Office of Federal Register for publication a joint notice that, at minimum:
(1) States that the proposed standard or requirement is publicly available; and
(2) Provides an opportunity for public comment regarding the proposed standard or requirement during the 90-day period beginning on the date of receipt by the Administrator of the proposed standard or requirement.
(d) The Administrator shall commence a review of each proposed standard of performance or other requirement covered by the notice to determine whether that standard or requirement is at least as stringent as comparable standards and requirements under this part.
(e) In carrying out paragraph (d) of this section, the Administrator:
(1) Shall consult with the Secretary,
(2) Shall consult with the Governor of each Great Lakes State and representatives from the Federal and provincial governments of Canada;
(3) Shall take into consideration any relevant data or public comments received under paragraph (c)(2) of this section; and
(4) Shall not take into consideration any preliminary assessment by the Great Lakes Commission or any dissenting opinion by a Governor of a Great Lakes State, except to the extent that such an assessment or opinion is relevant to the criteria for the applicable determination under paragraph (d) of this section.
(f) If a Governor of a Great Lakes State withdraws the endorsement by not later than 90 days after the Administrator receives the proposed standard or requirement, and the withdrawal results in the proposed standard or requirement not having the applicable number of endorsements, the Administrator shall terminate review.
(g) Upon review and determination, the Administrator and the Secretary shall approve each proposed standard or other requirement, unless the Administrator determines that the proposed standard or other requirement is not at least as stringent as comparable standards and requirements under this part or the Secretary determines that the proposed standard or requirement is not in accordance with maritime safety or is not in accordance with applicable maritime and navigation laws and regulations.
(h) If the Administrator and the Secretary approve a proposed standard or other requirement, the Administrator and the Secretary shall sign a notice of the determination and transmit the notice to the Governor of each Great Lakes State and to the Office of Federal Register for publication.
(i) If the Administrator and the Secretary disapprove a proposed standard or other requirement, the Administrator and the Secretary shall sign a notice of the determination and transmit it to the Governor of each Great Lakes State and to the Office of Federal Register for publication. The notice must include:
(1) A description of the reasons why the standard or requirement is, as applicable, less stringent than a comparable standard or requirement under this part, and
(2) Any recommendations regarding changes the Governors of the Great Lakes states could make to conform the disapproved portion of the standard or requirement to the requirements of this section.
(j) The Administrator and the Secretary shall make an approval or disapproval determination under this section and transmit a notice of such determination to the Governor of each Great Lakes State and the Office of Federal Register not later than 180 days after the date of receipt of the proposed standard or regulation.
(k) On approval by the Administrator and the Secretary of a proposed standard of performance or other requirement, the Administrator shall establish, by regulation, the proposed standard or requirement within the Great Lakes System in lieu of any comparable standard or other requirement promulgated under CWA section 312(p)(4). A requirement to prohibit one or more types of discharge, whether treated or not treated, into waters within the Great Lakes System shall not apply outside the waters of the Great Lakes states of the Governors endorsing the requirement.
§ 139.52   Application by a State for the Administrator to establish a State no-discharge zone.
(a) If any State determines that the protection and enhancement of the quality of some or all of the waters within the State require greater environmental protection, the Governor of a State (or a designee) may submit an application to the Administrator to establish a regulation prohibiting one or more discharges, whether treated or not treated, into such waters subject to the application.
(b) A prohibition by the Administrator under paragraph (a) of this section shall not apply until the Administrator, in concurrence with the Secretary, reviews the State application and makes the applicable determinations described in paragraph (d) of this section and publishes a regulation establishing the prohibition.
(c) An application submitted by the State under paragraph (a) of this section shall be signed by the Governor (or a designee) and must include:
(1) A narrative explanation of the location of the proposed waters and a map delineating the boundaries of the requested prohibition using geographic coordinates;
(2) A certification that a prohibition of the discharge(s) would protect and enhance the quality of the specific waters within the State to a greater extent than the applicable Federal standard provides;
(3) A detailed analysis of the direct and indirect benefits of the requested prohibition for each individual discharge for which the State is seeking a prohibition;
(4) A table identifying the types and number of vessels operating in the waterbody and a table identifying the types and number of vessels that would be subject to the prohibition;
(5) A table identifying the location, operating schedule, draft requirements, pumpout capacity, pumpout flow rate, connections, and fee structure of each existing facility capable of servicing the vessels that would be subject to the prohibition and available to receive the prohibited discharge;
(6) A description of the wastewater handling procedures of each facility identified in paragraph (c)(5) of this section, including information on how wastewater is stored, transported, treated, and/or disposed by each facility;
(7) A map indicating the location of each stationary facility, and the coverage area of each mobile facility, identified in paragraph (c)(5) of this section within the proposed waters;
(8) A detailed analysis of the impacts to vessels subject to the prohibition, including a discussion of how these vessels may feasibly collect and store the discharge, the extent to which retrofitting may be required, costs that are incurred as a result of the discharge prohibition, and any safety implications.
(d) On application of a State, the Administrator, in concurrence with the Secretary, shall, by regulation, prohibit the discharge from a vessel of one or more discharges subject to regulation under this part, whether treated or not treated, into the waters covered by the application if the Administrator determines that:
(1) The prohibition of the discharge(s) would protect and enhance the quality of the specified waters within the State;
(2) Adequate facilities for the safe and sanitary removal and treatment of the prohibited discharge(s) are reasonably available, including taking costs into consideration, for the water and all vessels to which the prohibition would apply. A determination of adequacy shall consider, at a minimum, water depth, dock size, pumpout facility capacity and flow rate, availability of year-round operations, proximity to navigation routes, the availability of operational changes as a means to reduce the discharge, and the ratio of pumpout facilities to the population and discharge capacity of vessels operating in those waters;
(3) The discharge(s) can be safely collected and stored until a vessel reaches an appropriate facility or location for discharge;
(4) In the case of an application for the prohibition of the discharge of ballast water in port (or in any other location where cargo, passengers, or fuel are loaded and unloaded):
(i) The considerations for adequate facilities described in paragraph (d)(2) of this section apply; and
(ii) The prohibition will not unreasonably interfere with the safe loading and unloading of cargo, passengers, or fuel.
(e) The Administrator shall submit to the Secretary a request for written concurrence on a determination made to establish a prohibition.
(1) A failure by the Secretary to concur with the Administrator 60 days after the date on which the Administrator submits a request for concurrence shall not prevent the Administrator from prohibiting the discharge or discharges, subject to the condition that the Administrator shall include in the administrative record of the promulgation:
(i) Documentation of the request for concurrence; and
(ii) The response of the Administrator to any written objections received from the Secretary relating to the prohibition during the 60-day period beginning on the date of the request for concurrence.
(f) If the Administrator determines that an application meets the criteria in paragraph (c) of this section and approves the application, the Administrator shall notify the State of the tentative approval and develop a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for transmittal to the Office of the Federal Register.