Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)

VESSEL GENERAL PERMIT FOR DISCHARG ES INCIDENTAL TO THE NORMAL OPERATION OF VESSELS (VGP)

AUTHORIZATION TO DI SCHARGE UNDER THE NATIONAL POLLUTANT DISCHARGE ELIMINATION SYSTEM

In compliance with the provi sions of the Clean Water Act (CWA), as amended (33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq. ), any owner or operator of a vessel being operated in a capacity as a means of transportation who:

• Is eligible for permit coverage under Part 1.2;

• If required by Part 1.5.1, submits a complete and accurate Noti ce of Intent (NOI)

is authorized to discharge in accordance with the requirements of this permit.

General effluent limits for all eligible vessels are given in Part 2. Further vessel class or type specific requirements are given in Part 5 for select vessels and a pply in addition to any general effluent limits in Part 2. Specific require ments that apply in indivi dual States and Indian Country Lands are found in Part 6. Definitions of permit-specific terms used in this permit are provided in Appendix A.

This permit becomes effective on December 19, 2008 for all jurisdictions except Alaska and Hawaii.

This permit and the authoriz ation to discharge expire at midnight, December 19, 2013

iVessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

Signed and issued this 18 th day of December, 2008 Robert W. Varney, Regional Administrator, EPA Region 1

Signed and issued this 18 th day of December, 2008 Barbara A. Finazzo, Director Division of Environmental Planning, and Protection, EPA Region 2

Signed and issued this 18 th day of December, 2008 Carl-Axel P. Soderberg, Director Caribbean Environmental Protection Division, EPA Region 2

Signed and issued this 18 th day of December, 2008 Jon M. Capacasa, Director Water Protection Division, EPA Region 3

Signed and issued this 18 th day of December, 2008 James D. Giattina, Director Water Protection Division, EPA Region 4

Signed and issued this 18 th day of December, 2008 Peter Swenson, Acting Director Water Division, EPA Region 5 Signed and issued this 18 th day of December, 2008 William K. Honker, Acting Director Water Quality Protection Division, EPA Region 6

Signed and issued this 18 th day of December, 2008 William A. Spratlin, Director Water, Wetlands and Pesticides Division, EPA Region 7

Signed and issued this 18 th day of December, 2008 Eddie A. Sierra, Acting Assistant Regional Administrator Office of Partnerships and Regulatory Assistance, EPA Region 8

Signed and issued this 18 th day of December, 2008 Nancy Woo, Associate Director Water Division, EPA Region 9

Signed and issued this 18 th day of December, 2008 Michael Gearheard, Director Office of Water and Wate rsheds, EPA Region 10

This permit becomes effective on February 6, 2009 for Alaska and Hawaii.

Signed and issued this 2 nd day of February, 2009 Alexis Strauss, Director Water Division, EPA Region 9

Signed and issued this 2 nd day of February, 2009 Michael A. Bussell, Director Office of Water and Wa tersheds, EPA Region 10

iiVessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

Table of Contents:

1. Coverage under this Permit

..................................................................................................... 1 1.1 Permit Structure

........................................................................................................... ....... 1 1.2 Eligibility

................................................................................................................ ............ 1 1.2.1 General Scope of this Permit

.................................................................................. 2 1.2.2 Vessel Discharges Eligible for Coverage

............................................................... 2 1.2.3 Limitations on Coverage

......................................................................................... 3 1.3 Reserved

................................................................................................................... ........... 5 1.4 Permit Compliance

.......................................................................................................... .... 5 1.5 Authorization under this Permit

.......................................................................................... 6 1.5.1 How to Obtain Authorization

.................................................................................. 6 1.5.2 Continuation of this Permit

..................................................................................... 7 1.6 Terminating Coverage

....................................................................................................... . 8 1.6.1 Terminating coverage for vessels required to submit a Notice of Intent (NOI)

..... 8 1.6.2 Terminating coverage for vessels not requi red to submit a Notice of Intent (NOI)8 1.7 Certification

.............................................................................................................. .......... 9 1.8 Alternative Permits

........................................................................................................ ..... 9 1.8.1 EPA Requiring Coverage under an Alternative Permit

.......................................... 9 1.8.2 Permittee Requesting Coverage under an Alternative Permit

.............................. 10 1.9 Permit Reopener Clause

.................................................................................................... 1 0 1.9.1 Procedures for Modification or Revocation

.......................................................... 10 1.9.2 Water Quality Protection

...................................................................................... 10 1.9.3 Timing of Permit Modification

............................................................................. 10 1.10 Severability

....................................................................................................................... 11 1.11 State Laws

......................................................................................................................... 11 1.12 Federal Laws

.............................................................................................................. ....... 11 1.13 Standard Permit Conditions

.............................................................................................. 11

2. Effluent Limits and Related Requirements

........................................................................... 12 2.1 Technology-based Effluent Limits and Relate d Requirements Applicable to all Vessels 12 2.1.1 Material Storage

.................................................................................................... 12 2.1.2 Toxic and Hazardous Materials

............................................................................ 12 2.1.3 Fuel Spills/Overflows

........................................................................................... 13 2.1.4 Discharges of Oil Including Oily Mixtures

.......................................................... 13 2.1.5 Compliance with other st atutes and regulations

................................................... 14 2.2 Technology-based Effluent Limits and Related Requirements for Specific Discharge Categories

......................................................................................................................... 14 2.2.1 Deck Washdown and Runoff and A bove Water Line Hull Cleaning

................... 14 2.2.2 Bilgewater

............................................................................................................. 15 2.2.3 Discharges of Ballast Water

.................................................................................. 16 2.2.4 Anti-Fouling Hull Coatings

.................................................................................. 21 2.2.5 Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF)

.................................................................. 22 2.2.6 Boiler/Economizer Blowdown

.............................................................................. 23 2.2.7 Cathodic Protection

............................................................................................... 23 2.2.8 Chain Locker Effluent

........................................................................................... 23

iiiVessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

2.2.9 Controllable Pitch Propeller and Thruster Hydraulic Fluid and other Oil to Sea Interfaces including Lubric ation discharges from Pa ddle Wheel Propulsion, Stern Tubes, Thruster Bearings, Stabilizers, Rudder Bearings, Azimuth Thrusters, Propulsion Pod Lubrication, and Wire Rope and Mechanical Equipment Subject to Immersion.

........................................................................................................ 24 2.2.10 Distillation and Reverse Osmosis Brine

............................................................... 24 2.2.11 Elevator Pit Effluent

............................................................................................. 24 2.2.12 Firemain Systems

.................................................................................................. 25 2.2.13 Freshwater Layup

.................................................................................................. 25 2.2.14 Gas Turbine Wash Water

...................................................................................... 25 2.2.15 Graywater

.............................................................................................................. 2 5 2.2.16 Motor Gasoline and Compensating Discharge

..................................................... 26 2.2.17 Non-Oily Machinery Wastewater

......................................................................... 27 2.2.18 Refrigeration and Air Condensate Discharge

....................................................... 27 2.2.19 Seawater Cooling Overboard Discharge (including non-contact engine cooling water; hydraulic system cooling wa ter, refrigeration cooling water)

................... 27 2.2.20 Seawater Piping Biofouling Prevention

................................................................ 27 2.2.21 Boat Engine Wet Exhaust

..................................................................................... 28 2.2.22 Sonar Dome Discharge

......................................................................................... 28 2.2.23 Underwater Ship Husbandry Discharges

.............................................................. 28 2.2.24 Welldeck Discharges

............................................................................................ 29 2.2.25 Graywater Mixed with Sewage from Vessels

....................................................... 29 2.2.26 Exhaust Gas Scrubber Washwater Discharge

....................................................... 29 2.3 Water Quality Based Effluent Limits

............................................................................... 29 2.3.1 Water Quality-Based Effluent Limitations

........................................................... 29 2.3.2 Dischargers to Water Qu ality Impaired Waters

.................................................... 30

3. Corrective Actions

.......................................................................................................... ...... 32 3.1 Problems Triggering the Need for Corrective Action

....................................................... 32 3.2 Corrective Action Assessment

.......................................................................................... 32 3.3 Deadlines for Eliminating Problem

.................................................................................. 33 3.4 Effect of Corrective Action

............................................................................................... 33

4. Inspections, Monitoring, Reporting, and Recordkeeping

..................................................... 35 4.1 Self Inspections and Monitoring

....................................................................................... 35 4.1.1 Routine Visual Inspections

................................................................................... 35 4.1.2 Analytical Monitoring

........................................................................................... 36 4.1.3 Comprehensive Annual Vessel Inspections

.......................................................... 36 4.1.4 Drydock Inspection Reports

................................................................................. 37 4.2 Recordkeeping

.............................................................................................................. .... 37 4.3 Additional Recordkeeping for Vesse ls Equipped with Ballast Tanks

.............................. 40 4.4 Reporting

.................................................................................................................. ......... 41 4.4.1 Reporting noncompliance

..................................................................................... 41 4.4.2 Reportable Quantities of Hazardous Substances or Oil

........................................ 41 4.4.3 Additional Reporting

............................................................................................ 41 4.4.4 One-Time Permit Report

....................................................................................... 41

5. Vessel Class Specific Requirements

..................................................................................... 43

ivVessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

5.1 Large Cruise Ships (authorized to ca rry 500 people or more for hire)

............................. 43 5.1.1 Additional Effluent Limits

.................................................................................... 43 5.1.2 Monitoring Requirements

..................................................................................... 45 5.1.3 Educational and Trai ning Requirements

............................................................... 47 5.2 Medium Cruise Ships (authorized to carry 100 to 499 people for hire)

........................... 48 5.2.1 Additional Effluent Limits

.................................................................................... 48 5.2.2 Monitoring Requirements

..................................................................................... 50 5.2.3 Educational and Trai ning Requirements

............................................................... 52 5.3 Large Ferries

.............................................................................................................. ....... 53 5.3.1 Additional Authorized Discharges

........................................................................ 53 5.3.2 Additional Effluent Limits

.................................................................................... 53 5.3.3 Educational and Trai ning Requirements

............................................................... 55 5.4 Barges (such as hopper barges, chemical barg es, tank barges, fuel barges, crane barges, dry bulk cargo barges)

...................................................................................................... 55 5.4.1 Additional Effluent Limits

.................................................................................... 55 5.4.2 Supplemental Inspection Requirements

................................................................ 56 5.5 Oil Tankers or Petroleum Tankers

.................................................................................... 56 5.5.1 Additional Authorized Discharges

........................................................................ 56 5.5.2 Additional Effluent Limits

.................................................................................... 56 5.5.3 Supplemental Inspection Requirements

................................................................ 56 5.5.4 Educational and Trai ning Requirements

............................................................... 57 5.6 Research Vessels

........................................................................................................... .... 57 5.6.1 Supplemental Authorized Discharges

................................................................... 57 5.6.2 Additional Effluent Limits

.................................................................................... 57 5.7 Emergency Vessels (Fire Boats, Police Boats)

................................................................. 57 5.7.1 Supplemental Authorized Discharges

................................................................... 58 5.7.2 Additional Effluent Limits

.................................................................................... 58 5.8 Vessels Employing Experimental Ba llast Water Treatment Systems

.............................. 58 5.8.1 Authorization of Residual Biocides Asso ciated with Experimental Ballast Water Treatment Systems

................................................................................................ 58 5.8.2 Monitoring Requirements

..................................................................................... 59 5.8.3 Recordkeeping and Reporting Requirements

....................................................... 60

6. Specific requirements for individual States or Indian Country Lands

.................................. 62 6.1 Bishop Paiute Tribe:

......................................................................................................... 62 6.2 California:

................................................................................................................ ......... 62 6.3 Connecticut:

............................................................................................................... ....... 64 6.4 Florida:

................................................................................................................... ........... 65 6.5 Georgia:

................................................................................................................... .......... 66 6.6 Guam:

...................................................................................................................... .......... 66 6.7 Hawaii

..................................................................................................................... .......... 66 6.8 Hualapai Tribe:

............................................................................................................ ..... 70 6.9 Idaho:

..................................................................................................................... ........... 71 6.10 Illinois:

.............................................................................................................................. 71 6.11 Indiana:

............................................................................................................................. 73 6.12 Iowa:

................................................................................................................................. 74 6.13 Kansas:

.............................................................................................................................. 75 6.14 Maine:

.................................................................................................................... ........... 76

vVessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

6.15 Massachusetts:

.................................................................................................................. 76 6.16 Michigan:

.......................................................................................................................... 78 6.17 Minnesota:

......................................................................................................................... 80 6.18 Missouri:

........................................................................................................................... 81 6.19 Nebraska:

.......................................................................................................................... 81 6.20 Nevada:

............................................................................................................................. 82 6.21 New Hampshire:

............................................................................................................ ... 82 6.22 New York:

......................................................................................................................... 82 6.23 Ohio:

..................................................................................................................... ............ 95 6.24 Pennsylvania:

.................................................................................................................... 99 6.25 Rhode Island:

.................................................................................................................. 103 6.26 Utah:

................................................................................................................................ 103 6.27 Vermont:

......................................................................................................................... 104 6.28 Wyoming:

.................................................................................................................. ..... 105

7. Appendix A definitions:

...................................................................................................... 107

8. Appendix B – EPA Regional Contacts

............................................................................... 114

9. Appendix C – Areas Covered

............................................................................................. 116 9.1 Appendix D Reserved

..................................................................................................... 116

10. Appendix E – Notice of Intent (NOI)

................................................................................. 117 10.1 Draft NOI Instructions

.................................................................................................... 117

11. Appendix F – Notice of Termination (NOT)

...................................................................... 124 11.1 NOT Instructions

............................................................................................................ 124

12. Appendix G – Waters Federally Protected who lly or in part for Conservation Purposes

.. 127 12.1 Waters federally protected wholly or in part for conservation purposes

........................ 127 12.1.1 Marine Sanctuaries under the National Ma rine Sanctuaries Act (16 U.S.C. 1431 et seq.) and National Marine Monuments De signated under the Antiquities Act of 1906

..................................................................................................................... 127 12.1.2 National Parks and Refuges: National Park Service, Department of the Interior128 12.1.3 National Wildlife Refuges (including, but not limited to Wetlands Management Districts, Waterfowl Production Areas, National Game Preserves, Wildlife Management Areas, and National Fi sh and Wildlife Refuges)

.......................... 134 12.1.4 National Wilderness Areas

................................................................................. 139 12.1.5 National Wild and Scenic Rivers

........................................................................ 146 12.1.6 Outstanding National Resource Water (ONRW) designated by a State or Tribe148

13. Appendix H – One Time Report

......................................................................................... 150

14. Appendix I– Discharge Monitoring Report.

....................................................................... 152

15. Appendix J - Procedure for Whole Effluent Toxicity Testing of Ballast Water

................ 153 15.1 Required Toxicity Testing

.............................................................................................. 153 15.2 Testing and reporting instructions:

................................................................................. 154 15.3 Ballast Water Treatm ent System Options

....................................................................... 156

viVessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

15.4 Approval and Exceptions................................................................................................ 158

viiVessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009



### 1. Coverage under this Permit

1.1 Permit Structure

This permit is structured as follows:

• General requirements that apply to all elig ible vessel discharges are found in Parts 1 through 4;

• Specific additional requirements that apply to particular vessel classes are found in Part 5; and

• Specific additional requirements that apply in individual States or Indian Country Lands are found in Part 6.

The Appendices, listed here as Parts 7 thr ough 15, include definitions, the Notice of Intent form, the Notice of Termination form, additional permit requirements, and supplemental information.

Additionally, note that:

• All requirements in this permit to comply w ith statutes and regulations, other than Clean Water Act section 402 and its implementing re gulations, refer to those authorities as codified as of the date of Federal Register notice announcing availability of draft permit on June 17, 2008. Furthermore, with respect to re ferences to class so ciety or flag State requirements, all references to require ments are to those as of June 17, 2008.

• All requirements to comply with specified statutes include the requirement to comply with any applicable im plementing regulations.

• Provisions stating that "EPA recommends" certain actions , or that you "should" take certain actions, constitute recommendations by the Agency and thus are not mandatory requirements of this permit.

• EPA intends to implement the VGP in accordance with the Clean Water Act as well as U.S. international legal obligations, including th ose obligations associated with a vessel's right to innocent passage as provided for under customary international law.

• Notwithstanding any other requirement of this permit, with the exception of any condition imposed by Section 1.13 (Standard Permit Conditions), requirements for inspections, training, recordkeeping and repor ting, imposed by EPA in today’s permit are required to be met as of February 19, 2009.

1.2 Eligibility

You must meet the follo wing provisions to be eligible for coverage under this permit.

1Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

1.2.1 General Scope of this Permit

This permit is applicable to discharges in cidental to the normal operation of a vessel identified in Part 1.2.2 into waters subject to this permit. These waters are “waters of the United States” as defined in 40 CFR 122.2 (e xtending to the outer reach of the 3 mile territorial sea as defined in section 502(8) of the CWA.) This in cludes all navigable waters of the Great Lakes subject to the jurisdictio n of the United States. Recreational vessels as defined in section 502(25) of the Clean Water Act are not subject to this permit. Such vessels are not subject to NPDES permitting under Section 402 of the Clean Water Ac t, and are instead subject to regulation under Section 312(o) of the Clean Water Act. In addition, with the exception of ballast water discharges, non-recreational ve ssels less than 79 feet (24.08 meters) in length, and all commercial fishing vessels, rega rdless of length, are not subject to this permit. See P.L. 110-299. Commercial fishing vessels and other non-recreational vessels less than 79 feet are eligible for permit coverage under this permit for their ballast wa ter discharges. If auxiliary vessels or craft, such as lifeboats, rescue boats, or barges onboard larger vessels require pe rmit coverage (i.e. they are greater than 79 feet in length), they are eligible for coverage under this permit and are covered by submission of the Notice of Intent for the larger vessels. Nothing in this permit shall be interpreted to apply to a vessel of the Armed Forces as defined in § 312(a)(14) of the Clean Water Act.

1.2.2 Vessel Discharges Eligible for Coverage

Unless otherwise made ineligible under Part 1.2.3, the following discharge types are eligible for coverage under this permit:

1.2.2.1 Deck Runoff and Above Water Line Hull Cleaning

1.2.2.2 Bilgewater/Oily Water Separator Effluent

1.2.2.3 Ballast Water

1.2.2.4 Anti-fouling Leachate from Anti-Fouling Hull Coatings/Hull Coating Leachate,

1.2.2.5 Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF)

1.2.2.6 Boiler/Economizer Blowdown

1.2.2.7 Cathodic Protection

1.2.2.8 Chain Locker Effluent

1.2.2.9 Controllable Pitch Propeller and Thruster Hydraulic Fluid and other Oil Sea Interfaces including Lubrication dischar ges from Paddle Wheel Propulsion, Stern Tubes, Thruster Bearings, Stabilizers, Rudder Bearings, Azimuth Thrusters, and Propulsion Pod Lubrication

1.2.2.10 Distillation and Reverse Osmosis Brine

2Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

1.2.2.11 Elevator Pit Effluent

1.2.2.12 Firemain Systems

1.2.2.13 Freshwater Layup

1.2.2.14 Gas Turbine Wash Water

1.2.2.15 Graywater

Except that Graywater from commercial vessel s operating in the Great Lakes within the meaning of CWA section 312 is ex cluded from the requirement to obtain an NPDES permit (see CWA section 502(6)), and thus is not within the scope of this permit.

1.2.2.16 Motor Gasoline and Compensating Discharge

1.2.2.17 Non-Oily Machinery Wastewater

1.2.2.18 Refrigeration and Air Condensate Discharge

1.2.2.19 Seawater Cooling Overboard Discharge (I ncluding Non-Contact Engine Cooling Water; Hydraulic System Cooling Wa ter, Refrigeration Cooling Water)

1.2.2.20 Seawater Piping Biofouling Prevention

1.2.2.21 Boat Engine Wet Exhaust

1.2.2.22 Sonar Dome Discharge

1.2.2.23 Underwater Ship Husbandry

1.2.2.24 Welldeck Discharges

1.2.2.25 Graywater Mixed with Sewage from Vessels

1.2.2.26 Exhaust Gas Scrubber Washwater Discharge

1.2.3 Limitations on Coverage

1.2.3.1 Discharges not subject to former NPDE S permit exclusion and vessel discharges generated from vessels when they are operate d in a capacity other than as a means of transportation

Discharges that are outside the scope of the exclusion from NPDES permitting for discharges incidental to the normal operation of a vessel as set out in 40 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 122.3(a), as in effect on Dece mber 18, 2008, are ineligible for coverage under this permit. This permit does not apply to any vess el when it is operating in a capacity other than as a means of transportation. For any discharges identified in this permit, discharges are not

3Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

eligible if they contain materi als resulting from industrial or ma nufacturing processes onboard or other materials not derived from the normal operations of a vessel.

Vessels when they are being used as an en ergy or mining facility, a storage facility, a seafood processing facility, or when secured to the bed of waters subject to this permit or to a buoy for the purpose of mineral or oil exploration or development are not eligible for coverage under this permit. Furthermore, “floating” craft th at are permanently moored to piers, such as “floating” casinos, hotels, restaurants, bars et c. are not covered by the current vessel exclusion and thus would not be covered by this draft vessel permit.

1.2.3.2 Sewage

Discharges of sewage from vessels, as defi ned in the Clean Water Act section 502(6) and 40 C.F.R. 122.2, are not required to obtain NP DES permits. Instead, these discharges are regulated under section 312 of the Clean Wate r Act and 40 CFR Part 140 and 33 CFR Part 159.

1.2.3.3 Used or Spent Oil

Discharges of used or spent oil no longer be ing used for their intended purposes are not eligible for coverage under this permit.

1.2.3.4 Garbage or Trash

Discharges of rubbish, trash, garbage, or ot her such materials disc harged overboard are not eligible for coverage under this permit. “Gar bage” discharges include discharges of bulk dry cargo residues as defined at 33 CFR 151.66(b) (73 Fed. Reg. 56492 (September 29, 2008)) and agricultural cargo residues. Discharges of garbage continue to be subject to regulation under 33 CFR Part 151, Subpart A.

1.2.3.5 Photo processing effluent

Discharges from photo-processing operations are not eligible for coverage under this permit.

1.2.3.6 Effluent from dry cleaning operations

Discharges of spent or unused effluent from dry cleaning operations are not eligible for coverage. This includes any spent or unused tetrachloroethylene from these operations.

1.2.3.7 Discharges of medical wa ste and related materials

Discharges of medical waste as defined in 33 U.S.C. 1362(20) are not eligible for coverage under this permit. Discharges of spent or unused pharmaceuticals, formaldehyde or other biohazards no longer being used for their intended purposes are not eligible for coverage under this permit.

For purposes of the VGP, the liquid produced by dialysis treatment of humans is not deemed to be “medical waste,” and, like othe r human body waste, is su bject to regulation under

4Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

CWA § 312 if introduced into marine sanitation devices, or under VGP Part 2.2.25 if added to a blackwater system combined with a graywater system. The directoverboard discharge of such liquid without treatment is not authorized by the VGP.

1.2.3.8 Discharges of Noxious Liquid Substance Residues

Discharges of noxious liquid substance resi dues subject to 33 CFR Part 151, Subpart A are not eligible for coverage under this permit.

1.2.3.9 Tetrachloroethylene (perchloroethylene) degreasers

Discharges of tetrachloroethylene de greasers or other products containing tetrachloroethylene are not eligible for coverage under this permit.

1.2.3.10 Discharges currently or previously covered by NPDES permits

The following discharges are not elig ible for coverage under this permit:

• Vessel discharges covered, as of the effectiv e date of this perm it, under an individual NPDES permit or another NPDES general permit, unless EPA specifically allows coverage under Part 1.8.2; or

• Discharges from vessels covered by any NPDES permit that has been or is in the process of being denied, terminated, or revoked by EP A or state permitting authorities (this does not apply to the routine reissuance of permits every five years).

1.3 Reserved

1.4 Permit Compliance

The CWA provides that any person who falsif ies, tampers with, or knowingly renders inaccurate any monitoring device or method required to be maintained under this permit shall, upon conviction, be punished by a fine of not more than $10,000, or by imprisonment for not more than 2 years, or both. If a conviction of a person is for a violati on committed after a first conviction of such person under this paragraph, punishment is a fine of not more than $20,000 per day of violation, or by imprisonment of not more than 4 years, or both. The Act further provides that any person who knowingly make s any false statement, representation, or certification in any record or other document s ubmitted or required to be maintained under this permit, including monitoring reports or repor ts of compliance or non-compliance shall, upon conviction, be punished by a fine of not more than $10,000 per viol ation, or by imprisonment for not more than 6 months per violation, or by both. In addition, false statemen ts or representations, as well as alterations or false entries in docum ents, may be punishable by more severe criminal penalties pursuant to 18 U. S.C. §1001 or 18 U.S.C. §1519.

Any noncompliance with the requirements of this permit constitutes a violation of the Clean Water Act. Each day a violation continues is a separate violation of this permit. Where requirements and schedules for taking corrective actions are included in this permit, the time intervals provided are not grace periods, but sc hedules considered reas onable for making repairs

5Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

and improvements. They are included in this perm it to ensure that the conditions prompting the need for these corrective actions are not allowed to persist indefinitely. You must return to compliance as promptly as possible, but no later th an the time period specified in this permit. For provisions specifying a time period to remedy nonc ompliance, the initial and continuing failure, such as a violation of numeric or non-numeric effl uent limit, constitutes a vi olation of this permit and the Clean Water Act. As such, any time pe riods specified for remedying noncompliance do not relieve parties of the in itial underlying noncompliance.

To provide clarity for the permittee, there are additional reminders in certain sections of this permit about what constitutes a permit viol ation. The absence of such a reminder in a particular section does not mean that failure to meet that requirement is not a permit violation.

1.5 Authorization under this Permit

1.5.1 How to Obtain Authorization

To obtain authorization unde r this permit, you must meet the Part 1.2 eligibility requirements. If your vessel meets the require ments under Part 1.5.1.1, you must submit a Notice of Intent (NOI) to receive permit coverage beginning on June 19, 2009. Prior to NOI submission, owner/operators of these vessels are authorized to discharge under this permit. This automatic authorization extends until owner/operators of vessels that meet the requirements under Part 1.5.1.1 submit NOIs, but shall not extend beyo nd 9 months after permit issuance. Owner/operators of vessels that meet the requirements under Part 1.5.1.2 are automatically authorized to discharge under this permit and are not required to submit NOIs.

1.5.1.1 Vessels Required to Submit Notices of Intent (NOIs)

If your vessel is greater than or equal to 300 gross tons or the vessel has the capacity to hold or discharge more than 8 cubic meters ( 2113 gallons) of ballast wa ter, you must submit a complete and accurate NOI in accordance with th e requirements of Part 10 of this permit beginning on June 19, 2009 if you seek coverage under this permit. Submission must be in accordance with the deadlines in Table 1.

If you submit an NOI, EPA strongly encour ages you to prepare and submit your NOI using EPA’s Electronic Notice of Intent (eNOI) system ( www.epa.gov/npdes/vessels/eNOI ). EPA will post on the Internet, at www.epa.gov/npdes/noisearch , all NOIs received. Late NOIs will be accepted, but authorization to discharge will not be retroactive.

6Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

Table 1: NOI Submission Deadlines /Discharge Authorization Dates

Category NOI Deadline Discharge Authorization Date*
Vessels delivered to owner or operator on or before September 19, 2009 No later than September 19, 2009 Authorization granted until September 19, 2009. If EPA receives an NOI on or before September 19, 2009, uninterrupted coverage continues. New Owner/Operator of Vessel – transfer of ownership and/or operation of a vessel whose discharge is previously authorized under this permit By date of transfer of ownership and/or operation Date of transfer or date EPA receives NOI, whichever is later

New vessels delivered to owner or operator after September 19, 2009 30 days prior to discharge into waters subject to this permit 30 days after complete NOI received by EPA

Existing vessels delivered to owner or operator after September 19, 2009 that were not previously authorized under this permit 30 days prior to discharge into waters subject to this permit 30 days after complete NOI received by EPA

* Based on a review of your NOI or other information, EPA may delay the discharge authorization date for further review, or may deny coverage under this permit and require submission of an application for an individual NPDES permit, as detailed in Part 1.8. In these instances, EPA will notify you in writing of the delay or the request for submission of an individual NPDES permit application. If EPA requires an individual permit for an existing vessel previously covered by this general permit, EPA will allow the permittee a reasonable amount of time to obtain individual permit coverage before thei r general permit coverage terminates.

1.5.1.2 Vessels Not Required to Submit Notices of Intent (NOIs)

If your vessel is less than 300 gross tons and your vessel does not have the capacity to hold or discharge more than 8 cubic meters ( 2113 gallons) of ballast water, you do not need to submit an NOI; you automatically receive covera ge under this permit and are authorized to discharge in accordance with th e conditions set forth within.

1.5.2 Continuation of this Permit

If this permit is not reissued or replaced prior to the expiration date, it will be administratively continued in accordance with se ction 558(c) of the Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. 558(c)) and EPA’s implementing regulations at 40 CFR 122. 6 and remain in force and effect for discharges that were covered prior to expiration. If you were granted permit coverage prior to the expiration date, you will au tomatically remain covered by this permit until the earliest of:

• Your authorization for coverage under a re issuance or replacement of this permit, following your timely and appropriate s ubmittal of a complete NOI requesting authorization to discharge under the new perm it and compliance with the requirements of the new permit; or

• Your submittal of a Notice of Termination; or

7Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

• Issuance of a new general permit that covers your vessel discharges or vessel type and provides you coverage without requiring you to submit a No tice of Intent to obtain
coverage; or

• Issuance or denial of an individual permit for the vessel’s discharges; or

• A formal permit decision by EPA not to reissue this general permit, at which time EPA will identify a reasonable time period for cove red dischargers to seek coverage under an alternative general permit or an individual permit. Coverage under this permit will cease at the end of this time period.

1.6 Terminating Coverage

1.6.1 Terminating coverage for vessels required to submit a Notice of Intent (NOI)

1.6.1.1 Submitting a Notice of Termination (NOT)

If you wish to terminate covera ge under this permit, and you were required to file an NOI, you must submit your Notice of Termination in accordance with Part 11. If you were required to file an NOI by section 1.5.1, you may use the eNOI system to file your Notice of Termination, available at www.epa.gov/npdes/vessels/eNOI . Your authorization to discharge under this permit terminates at 11:59 pm on the day that a complete No tice of Termination is processed and posted on EPA’s website ( www.epa.gov/npdes/vessels/eNOI ). If you submit a Notice of Termination without meeting at leas t one of the conditions identified in Part 1.6.1.2, then your Notice of Termination is not valid. You will continue to be responsible for discharges from your vessel until you have submitted a valid Notice of Termination and it is posted on EPA’s website, unless permit coverage is term inated without a NOT pursuant to Part 1.8.

1.6.1.2 When to Submit a Notice of Termination

If you were required to submit an NOI by sec tion 1.5.1, in order to be released from the requirements of this permit, you must submit a NOT within 30 days after one or more of the following conditions have been met:

• A new owner or operator has taken over responsibility for the vessel; or

• You have permanently ceased operating the vess el in waters subject to this permit and there are no longer vess el discharges; or

• You have obtained coverage under an individu al or alternative general permit for all discharges required to be covered by an NPDES permit, unless you were directed to obtain this coverage by EPA in accordance with Part 1.8.

1.6.2 Terminating coverage for vessels not requir ed to submit a Notice of Intent (NOI)

For vessels that are not required to su bmit an NOI under Part 1.5.1.2, termination of coverage is automatic if any of the following conditions are met:

• A new owner or operator has taken over responsibility for the vessel; or

8Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

• You have permanently ceased operating the vess el in waters subject to this permit and there are no longer vess el discharges; or

• You have obtained coverage under an individu al or alternative general permit for all discharges required to be covered by an NPDES permit.

1.7 Certification

The NOI, NOT, and any reports (including any monitoring data) submitted to EPA, must include the following certification:

“I certify under penalty of law that this document and all attachments were prepared under my direction or supervision in accordan ce with a system designed to assure that qualified personnel properly gathered and ev aluated the information contained therein. Based on my inquiry of the person or persons who manage the system, or those persons directly responsible for gath ering the information, the information contained is, to the best of my knowledge and belief, true, accurate, and complete. I have no personal knowledge that the information submitted is ot her than true, accurate, and complete. I am aware that there are significant penalties for submitting false information, including the possibility of fine and impris onment for knowing violations.”

All other documentation requi red under this permit must be signed and dated by the person preparing the documentation.

1.8 Alternative Permits

1.8.1 EPA Requiring Coverage under an Alternative Permit

Pursuant to 40 CFR section 122.28(b)(3), EPA ma y require you to apply for an individual NPDES permit or an alternative NPDES general permit. Any interested person may petition EPA to take action under this para graph. If EPA requires you to apply for an individual NPDES permit, EPA will notify you in writing that a permit application is required. This notification will include a brief statement of the reasons fo r this decision and will provide application information. In addition, if you are an existing permittee authorized to discharge under this permit, the notice will set a deadline to file th e permit application, and will include a statement that on the effective date of the individual NPDES permit, or the alternative general permit as it applies to you, coverage under this general perm it will terminate. EPA may grant additional time to submit the application if you request it. If yo u are covered under this permit and fail to submit an individual NPDES permit application as requ ired by EPA, then your coverage under this permit is terminated at midnight on the day specified by EPA as the deadline for application submittal. In addition, if EPA denies your appl ication for an individual NPDES permit, you are also not authorized to discharg e under this general permit. EPA may take enforcement action for any unpermitted discharge.

When an individual NPDES permit is issued to you or you are authorized to discharge under an alternative NPDES general permit, your c overage under this permit is terminated on the effective date of the individua l permit or the date of author ization of coverage under the

9Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

alternative general permit. In this case (where EPA requires you to obtain coverage under an individual or alternative genera l permit), you are not required to file a Notice of Termination as discussed above.

1.8.2 Permittee Requesting Coverage under an Alternative Permit

You may request to be excluded from covera ge under this general permit by applying for an individual permit. In such a case, you mu st submit an individual permit application in accordance with the requirements of 40 CFR 122.21 with reasons supporting the request, to EPA at the appropriate EPA Regional Office(s) listed in Part 13 of this permit, no later than 90 days after March 31, 2009. The request may be grante d by issuance of an individual permit or authorizing coverage under an a lternative general permit if your reasons are adequate to support the request. A source excluded from this gene ral permit solely becau se it already has an individual permit may request th at the individual permit be revoke d, and that it be covered by this general permit. Upon revocation of the indi vidual permit, the genera l permit shall apply to the source.

When an individual NPDES permit is issued to you or you are authorized to discharge under an alternative NPDES general permit, your au thorization to discharge under this permit is terminated on the effective date of the individual permit or the date of au thorization of coverage under the alternative general permit.

1.9 Permit Reopener Clause

1.9.1 Procedures for Modification or Revocation

Permit modification or revocation will be conducted according to 40 CFR 122.62, 122.63, 122.64, and 124.5.

1.9.2 Water Quality Protection

EPA may require you to obtain an individual permit in accordance with Part 1.8 of this permit for cause. This may happen, for example, if there is evidence that the discharges authorized by this permit cause, have the reas onable potential to cause or contribute to an excursion above any applicable water quality standard. Similarl y, EPA may modify this permit to include different limitations and/or requirements for cause.

1.9.3 Timing of Permit Modification

EPA may elect to modify the permit prior to its expiration (rather than waiting for a new permit cycle) to comply with any new statutory or regulatory requirements, such as for effluent limitation guidelines, that may be promulgated in the course of the current permit cycle. Furthermore, EPA may modify the permit if new pollution control technologies for vessels or discharge types become available.

10Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

1.10 Severability

Invalidation of a portion of this permit doe s not necessarily render the whole permit invalid. EPA’s intent is that the permit remains in effect to the extent possible; in the event that any part of this permit is invalidated, EPA will advise the regulated community as to the effect of such invalidation.

1.11 State Laws

Nothing in this permit shall be construed to preclude the institution of any legal action or relieve the Permittee from any res ponsibilities, liabilities, or pena lties established pursuant to any applicable state law or regulation under authorit y preserved by section 510 of the Clean Water Act.

1.12 Federal Laws

Nothing in this permit shall be construed to affect, supersede, or relieve the vessel owner or operator of any otherwise appl icable requirements or prohib itions under other provisions of Federal law or regulations.

1.13 Standard Permit Conditions

As provided by the introducto ry text of 40 CFR 122.41 a nd the regulation at 40 CFR 122.43(c), all of the standard permit conditions published in federal regulations at 40 CFR 122.41 (2008) are hereby incorporated by reference.

11Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009



### 2. Effluent Limits and Related Requirements

In the limits below and throughout this permit, the term “minimize” means reduce and/or eliminate to the extent achievable using contro l measures (including best management practices) that are technologically availabl e and economically practicable a nd achievable in light of best marine practice.

You may not add any constituents to any discha rge that are not incidental to the normal operation of a vessel.

You may not dilute discharges eligible for coverage under this permit prior to their discharge in order to meet limits set forth in this permit.

2.1 Technology-based Effluent Limits and Re lated Requirements Applicable to all Vessels

You are required to meet the following efflue nt limits, regardless of the type of vessel you own or operate:

2.1.1 Material Storage

For cargoes or other onboard materials whic h might wash overboard or dissolve as a result of contact with precipitation or surface water spray, or which may be blown overboard by air currents, minimize the amount of time these items are exposed to such conditions. Locate storage areas on the vessel for such items in cove red areas where feasible and consistent with any applicable regulations promulgated by the Secretar y of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating that establish specifi cations for safe transportation, ha ndling, carriage, and storage of pollutants (see Part 2.1.5). If water draining fr om storage areas comes in contact with oily materials, you must:

• Use dry cleanup methods or absorben ts to clean up the wastewater;

• Store the water for onshore disposal;

• Run the water through an oily water sepa rator when so required by Coast Guard regulations, or if not subject to such requirement, use other effective methods to comply with Part 2.1.4 of this permit to prevent the di scharge into waters subject to this permit of any oils, including oily materials, in quanti ties which may be harmful as defined in 40 CFR Part 110.

2.1.2 Toxic and Hazardous Materials

Where consistent with vessel design and construction, you must locate toxic and hazardous materials in protected areas of the ve ssel unless the master determines this would interfere with essential vessel ope rations or safety of the vesse l or doing so would violate any applicable regulations promulgated by the Secretar y of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating that establish specifi cations for safe transportation, ha ndling, carriage, and storage of pollutants (see Part 2.1.5). Any disc harge which is made for safety reasons must be documented

12Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

as part of the requirements in Part 4.2. This in cludes ensuring that toxic and hazardous materials are in appropriate sealed cont ainers constructed of a suitabl e material, labeled, and secured. Containers must not be overfilled and incompa tible wastes should not be mixed. Exposure of containers to ocean spray or precipitation must be minimized. Jettisoning of containers holding toxic or hazardous material is not authorized by this permit.

2.1.3 Fuel Spills/Overflows

Fuel spills or overflows must not result in a discharge of oil in quantities that may be harmful, pursuant to 40 CFR Part 110. You must conduct all fueling ope rations using control measures and practices designed to minimize spills and overflows and ensure prompt containment and cleanup if they occur. Vessel op erators must not overfill fuel tanks. For vessels with interconnected fuel tanks, fueling must be conducted in a manner that prevents overfilling and release from the system to the environment.

Vessels with air vents from fuel tanks must use spill containment or other methods to prevent or contain any fuel or o il spills. Large scale fuel spills or overflows are not incidental to the normal operation of the vessel and are not authorized by this permit.

The following requirements apply to fueling of auxiliary vessels such as life-boats, tenders or rescue boats deployed from “host” vessels subject to this permit:

• While fueling, examine the surrounding water fo r the presence of a visible sheen. If a visible sheen is observed, as a result of your fueling, it must be cleaned up immediately.

• It is important to know the capacity of the fu el tanks before you begin fueling in order to prevent unintentionall y overfilling the tank.

• Prevent overfilling and do not top off your fuel tanks.

• When possible, fill fuel tanks while boat is on shore or recovered from the water.

• When possible, fill portable tanks on shore or on the host vessel, not on the auxiliary vessel.

• Use an oil absorbent material or other a ppropriate device while fueling the auxiliary vessel to catch drips from the ve nt overflow and fuel intake.

• Regularly inspect the fuel and hydraulic systems for any damage or leaks.

Owner/operators shall ensure that any crew responsible for conducting fueling operations are trained in methods to minimize spills cause d by human error and/or the improper use of equipment.

2.1.4 Discharges of Oil Including Oily Mixtures

All discharges of oil, including oily mixtur es, from ships subject to Annex I of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships as implemented by the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships and U.S. Coast Guard regulations found in 33 CFR 151.09 (hereinafter referred to as “MAR POL vessels”) must have concentr ations of oil less than 15 parts

13Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

per million (ppm) (as measured by EPA Method 1664 or other appropriate method for determination of oil content as accepted by th e International Maritime Organization (IMO) (e.g. ISO Method 9377) or U.S. Coast Guard) before discharge. All MARPOL vessels must have a current International Oil Pollution Prevention Ce rtificate (IOPP) issued in accordance with 33 CFR 151.19 or 151.21. All other discharges of oil in cluding oily mixtures must not contain oil in quantities that may be harmful, pursuant to 40 CFR Part 110.

2.1.5 Compliance with other statutes and regulations

As required by 40 C.F.R 122.44(p), you must comp ly with any applicable regulations promulgated by the Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating, that establish specifications for safe transportation, handli ng, carriage, and storage of pollutants.

Any discharge from your vessel must comply with sections 311 (33 U.S.C. 1321) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (the Clean Wa ter Act), the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships (APPS 33 USC §§ 190-1915), the National Marine Sanctuaries Act, (16 U.S.C. 1431 et
seq. ) and implementing regulations found at 15 CF R Part 922 and 50 CFR Part 404, the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Roden ticide Act (FIFRA, 7 U.S.C. § 136 et seq .), and the Oil Pollution Control Act (OPA ’90, 33 U.S.C. § 2701-2720).

The US Code of Federal Regulations c ontaining these provisions can be found at: www.gpoaccess.gov/ECFR

.

2.2 Technology-based Effluent Limits and Re lated Requirements for Specific Discharge Categories

2.2.1 Deck Washdown and Runoff and Above Water Line Hull Cleaning

Vessel owner/operators must minimize the introduction of on-deck debris, garbage, residue and spill into deck washdown and runof f discharges. When required by their class societies (e.g., oil tankers), thei r flag Administrations, or the U. S. Coast Guard, vessels must be fitted with and use perimeter sp ill rails and scuppers to collect the runoff for treatment. Where feasible, machinery on deck must have coamings or drip pans to collect any oily water from machinery and prevent spills. The drip pans must be drained to a waste container for proper disposal and/or periodically wi ped and cleaned. The presence of floating solids, visible foam, halogenated phenol compounds, and dispersants, or surfactants in deck washdowns must be minimized. Vessel operators must minimize deck washdowns while in port.

Vessel operators must maintain their topsid e surface and other above water line portions of the vessel to minimize the discharge of rust (and other corrosion by-products), cleaning compounds, paint chips, non-skid material fragme nts, and other materials associated with exterior topside surface preservation. Furtherm ore, vessel owner/operators must minimize residual paint droplets from entering waters subj ect to this permit whenever they are conducting maintenance painting. Possible minimization tec hniques include, but are not limited to, avoiding paint spraying in windy conditions or avoiding ov erapplication of paint. This permit does not authorize the disposal of unused paint into waters subject to this permit.

14Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

If deck washdowns or above water line hull cl eaning will result in a discharge, they must be conducted with non-toxic and phosphate free cl eaners and detergents. Furthermore, cleaners and detergents should not be caustic or only mi nimally caustic and should be biodegradable.

2.2.2 Bilgewater

All bilgewater discharges must be in comp liance with the regulations in 40 CFR Parts 110 (Discharge of Oil), 116 (Designation of Haza rdous Substances), and 117 (Determination of Reportable Quantities for Hazardous Subs tances) and 33 CFR §151.10 (Control of Oil Discharges). In addition:

• Vessel operators may not use dispersants, de tergents, emulsifiers, chemicals or other substances to remove the appearance of a vi sible sheen in their bilgewater discharges.

• Except in the case of flocculants or other re quired additives (excludi ng any dispersants or surfactants) used to enhance oil/water separation during pro cessing (after bilgewater has been removed from the bilge), vessel operators may not add substances that drain to the bilgewater that are not produced in the nor mal operation of a vessel. The use of oil solidifiers, flocculants, or other required additi ves are allowed only as part of an oil water separation system provided they do not alter the chemical make-up of the oils being discharged and they are not discharged into waters subject to this permit. Routine cleaning and maintenance activit ies associated with vessel eq uipment and structures are considered to be normal operation of a vessel if those practices fall within normal marine practice.

• All vessels must minimize the discharge of bilg ewater into waters subject to this permit. This can be done by minimizing the production of bilgewater, disposing of bilgewater on shore where adequate facilities ex ist, or discharging into waters not subject to this permit (i.e., more than 3 nautical miles (nm) from s hore) for vessels that regularly travel into such waters. Though not regulated under this permit, EPA notes that discharges of bilgewater outside waters subject to this pe rmit (i.e. more than 3 nm from shore) are regulated under Annex I of th e International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships as implemented by the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships and U.S. Coast Guard regulations found in 33 CFR 151.09.

• Vessels greater than 400 gross tons shall not discharge untre ated oily bilgewater into waters subject to this permit.

• Vessels greater than 400 gross t ons that regularly sa il outside the territorial sea (at least once per month) shall not discharge treated bilgewater within 1 nm of shore if technologically feasible (e .g. holding would not impact safe ty and stability, would not contaminate other holds or cargo, would not in terfere with essential operations of the vessel). Any discharge which is not tec hnologically feasible to avoid must be documented as part of the requirements in Part 4.2.

• Vessels greater than 400 gross tons shall not discharge trea ted bilgewater into waters referenced in Part 12.1 unless the discharge is necessary to maintain the safety and stability of the ship. Any discharge of bilgew ater into these waters must be documented as part of the recordkeeping requirements in Part 4.2 and vessel operators must document whether this bilgewater discharge was made for safety reasons.

15Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

• For vessels greater than 400 gross tons that regularly sail outside th e territorial sea (at least once per month), if treate d bilgewater is discharged in to waters subject to this permit, it must be discharged when vessels ar e underway (sailing at speeds greater than 6 knots), unless doing so would threaten the safety and stability of the ship. EPA notes that vessel operators may also choose to dispos e of bilgewater on shore where adequate facilities exist. Any discharge which is made for safety reasons must be documented as part of the requirements in Part 4.2.

2.2.3 Discharges of Ballast Water

All discharges of ballast water must comply with the Coast Guard regulations found in 33 CFR Part 151. Vessels that operate solely within one Captain of the Port (COTP) zone are exempt from certain requirements, as described in 33 CFR 151.2010(b). Additionally, owner/operators of all vessels subject to cove rage under this permit which are equipped with Ballast Tanks must comply with any additional BMPs in this section.

All discharges of ballast water may not cont ain oil, noxious liquid s ubstances (NLSs), or hazardous substances in a manner prohibited by U.S. laws, including section 311 of the Clean Water Act.

2.2.3.1 Training

All owner/operators of vessels equipped with ballast water tanks must train the master, operator, person-in-charge, and crew members who actively take part in the management of the discharge or who may affect th e discharge, on the a pplication of ballast water and sediment management and treatment procedures.

2.2.3.2 Ballast Water Management Plans

All owner/operators of vessels equipped with ballast water tanks must maintain a ballast water management plan that has been developed specifically for the vessel that will allow those responsible for the plan’s implementation to understand and follow the vessel’s ballast water management strategy. Owner/operators must make that plan available up on request to any EPA representative. Vessel owner/operators must a ssure that the master and crew members who actively take part in the mana gement of the discharge or who may affect the discharge understand and follow the management strategy laid out in the plan.

EPA notes that these plans are being imposed as “conditions to assure compliance” with effluent limitations under CWA 402( a)(2) and 40 CFR 122.43(a).

2.2.3.3 Mandatory and Suggested Ballast Water Management Practices

Masters, owners, operators, or persons-in-c harge of all vessels equipped with ballast water tanks that operate in waters of the U.S. must:

16Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

• Avoid the discharge of ballast water into waters subject to this permit that are within or that may directly affect marine sanctuaries, marine preserves, marine parks, shellfish beds, or coral reefs or othe r waters listed in Part 12.1.

• Minimize or avoid uptake of ballast water in the following areas and situations:

– Areas known to have infestations or populat ions of harmful organisms and pathogens (e.g., algal blooms).

– Areas near sewage outfalls.

– Areas near dredging operations.

– Areas where tidal flushing is poor or when a tidal stream is known to be more turbid.

– In darkness when bottom dwelling organi sms may rise up in the water column.

– In shallow water or where propellers may stir up the sediment.

– Areas with pods of whales, convergence zones and boundaries of major currents

• Clean ballast tanks regularly to remove sediments in mid-ocean or under controlled arrangements in port, or at dry dock.

• No discharge of sediments from cleaning of ba llast tanks is authorized in waters subject to this permit.

• Discharge only the minimal amount of ballast water essential for ve ssel operations while in the waters subject to this permit.

Suggested control measures to minimize the discharge of ballast water include, but are not limited to, transferring ballast water between ta nks within the vessel in lieu of ballast water discharge. Another optio n for minimizing the potential for sp read of aquatic nuisance species (ANS) via ballast water discharges might be using treated graywater (only in areas where treated graywater may be discharged) for those vessels th at generate substantial quantities of graywater (e.g. cruise ships). Yet another option is to use potable water for ballast.

2.2.3.4 On-shore Treatment of Ballast Water

For those vessels whose design and construction safely allows for the transfer of ballast water to shore, if compatible onshore treatment for ballast water is available and economically practicable and achievable, the vessel owner/operator must use this treatment for any ballast water discharges, unless they use an onboard ba llast water treatment system approved by the Commandant of the Coast Guard. If vessels use on -shore treatment at one port, and they will not discharge ballast water into any other waters subject to this pe rmit for their entire duration in waters subject to this permit, then it is not necessary to meet the requirements of 2.2.3.5, 2.2.3.6, 2.2.3.7, and 2.2.3.8.

2.2.3.5 Requirements for Ocean Going Voyage s While Carrying Ballast Water

Any vessels that carry ballast water that wa s taken on in areas less than 200 nautical miles from any shore that will subsequently operate beyond the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and more than 200 nm from any shore must carry out an exchange of ballast water for any tanks that will discharge ballast water into waters subj ect to this permit unless the vessel meets one of the exemptions in Part 2.2.3.11.

17Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

This exchange must be conducted in complia nce with the following standards prior to discharging ballast water into waters subject to this permit:

• The exchange must occur in waters beyond the U.S. EEZ;

• The exchange must occur in an area more than 200 nautical miles from any shore;

• The exchange must be commenced as early in the vessel voyage as possible, as long as the vessel is more than 200 nm from any shore.

2.2.3.6 Vessels Carrying Ballast Water Engaged in Pacific Nearshore Voyages

Unless the vessel meets one of the exempti ons in Part 2.2.3.11, any vessel engaged in Pacific nearshore voyages that carry ballast water that was taken on in areas less than 50 nautical miles from any shore must carry out an exchange of ballast water in accordance with this Part before discharging from any tanks that carry ballast water into waters subject to this permit if the vessel travels through more than on e COTP zone as listed in 33 CFR Part 3 or the vessel crosses international boundaries.

Vessels engaged in Pacific nearshore voyages are:

• Vessels engaged in the Pacific coastwise tr ade and vessels transiting between Pacific ports that travel between more than one Captain of the Port Zone, and

• All other vessels that sail from forei gn, non-U.S Pacific, Atlantic (including the Caribbean Sea), or Gulf of Mexico ports, whic h do not sail further than 200 nm from any shore, and that discharge or will discharge ba llast water into the territorial sea or inland waters of Alaska or off the west coast of the continental United States.

Ballast water exchange for vessels subject to this Part must occur in waters more than 50 nautical miles from any shore (US or otherwise), and in waters more than 200 meters deep, prior to discharging ballast water into waters subject to this permit. Ex change should occur as far from the shore, major estuary and oceanic river plum es, subsurface physical f eatures (e.g. seamounts), and known fishery habitats as practicable. Vessel s engaged in voyages that take them further than 200 nm from any shore and who will remain outside 200 nm from for a sufficient period to conduct exchange, are not allowed to exchange ballast water between 50 and 200 nm from shore to meet the requirements of Part 2.2.3.5 (unless the master determines that flushing farther than 200 nm from shore would interfere with essential vessel operations or safety of the vessel but the master determines that the vessel is able to safe ly flush more than 50 nm from shore) and instead, must conduct exchange more than 200 nm from shore in accordance with Part 2.2.3.5 of this permit. For vessels engaged in the coastwise tr ade who are not outside 200 nm for a sufficient period to conduct exchange, they may conduct exchange outside 50 nm (even if they voyage beyond 200 nm) to meet the requirements of this permit.

18Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

2.2.3.7 Vessels with any Ballast Water Tanks t hat are Empty or have Unpumpable Residual Water

For vessels that travel between more th an one COTP Zone while undertaking voyages described in Part 2.2.3.5 and which either repor ted No Ballast on Board (NOBOB) in accordance with Coast Guard regulations or which have any ballast water tank that is empty or contains unpumpable residual water, you must follow the a pplicable requirements in Part 2.2.3.5 for those tanks with ballast water. For those tanks which are empty or contain unpumpable residual water, you must either seal the tank so that there is no discharge or uptake and subsequent discharge of ballast water within waters subj ect to this permit or conduct salt water flushing of such tanks in an area 200 nautical miles from any shore prio r to the discharge or uptake and subsequent discharge of any ballast water to any U.S. waters subject to this permit, unless you meet one of the exemptions in Part 2.2.3.11. For the purposes of Part 2.2.3.7, saltwater flushing means the addition of mid-ocean water to empty ballast wa ter tanks; the mixing of the added water with residual ballast water an d sediment through the motion of the vessel; and the discharge of the mixed water until loss of suction, such that the re sulting residual water remaining in the tank has either a salinity greater than or equal to 30 parts per thousand ( ppt) or a salinity concentration equal to the ambient salinity of the location wher e the uptake of the added water took place. In order to conduct saltwater flushi ng, the vessel should take on as mu ch mid-ocean water into each tank as is safe (for the vessel and crew).

For all vessel owner/operators subject to this section that contain some empty ballast water tanks and some full ballast water tanks, if you elect to seal those empty tanks, you must not allow water that will be discharged into waters subject to this permit to commingle with waters from the empty tanks if you have not conducte d saltwater flushing as specified above.

2.2.3.8 Vessels Engaged in Pacific Nearshore Voyages with Unpumpable Ballast Water and Residual Sediment (including NOBOBs)

Unless the vessel meets one of the exemptions in Part 2.2.3.11, any vessel engaged in Pacific Nearshore Voyages as defined in Part 2.2.3.6 which the owner/oper ator has reported as having No Ballast on Board in accordance with Coast Guard regulations, or which have any ballast water tank that is empty or contains unpumpable residual water, must follow the applicable requirements in Part 2.2.3.6 for thos e tanks with ballast water and Part 2.2.3.8.1 for those tanks which are empty or c ontain unpumpable residual water.

2.2.3.8.1 Nearshore saltwater flushing requirements

For those tanks which are empty or contain unpumpable residual water, you must either seal the tank so that there is no discharge or uptake and subsequent di scharge of ballast water within waters subject to this permit or conduct saltwater flushi ng of such tanks in an area 50 nautical miles from any shore and in waters at least 200 meters deep prior to the discharge or uptake and subsequent discharge of any ballast wa ter to or from any waters subject to this permit. For purposes of Part 2.2.3.8, saltwater fl ushing means the addition of water from the “coastal exchange zone” to empty ballast water tanks; the mixing of the flush water with residual water and sediment through the motion of the vesse l; and the discharge of the mixed water, such that the resulting residual water remaining in the ta nk has either a salinity gr eater than or equal to

19Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

30 parts per thousand (ppt) or a salinity concentration equal to the ambient salinity of the location where the uptake of the added water took place. In order to con duct saltwater flushing, the vessel should take on as much coastal exchange zone water into each tank as is safe (for the vessel and crew). These requirements apply to al l vessels carrying ballast water that will enter any US port in the states of Alaska, Californi a, Oregon, or Washington and that travels through more than one COTP zone.

Vessels engaged in voyages that take them further than 200 nm from any shore and who will remain outside 200 nm from for a sufficient pe riod to flush ballast water, are not allowed to exchange ballast water between 50 and 200 nm fro m shore to meet the requirements of Part 2.2.3.7 (unless the master determines that flus hing farther than 200 nm from shore would interfere with essential vessel operations or safety of the vessel but the mast er determines that the vessel is able to safely flush more than 50 nm from shore) and instead, must conduct flushing more than 200 nm from shore in accordance with Part 2.2.3.7 of this permit. For vessels engaged in the coastwise trade who are not outside 200 nm for a sufficient period to conduct flushing, they may flush outside 50 nm (even if they voyage beyond 200 nm) to meet the requirements of this permit.

For all vessel owner/operators subject to this section that contain some empty ballast water tanks and some full ballast water tanks, if you elect to seal those empty tanks, you must not allow water from the full tanks to commingle w ith waters from the empty tanks if it will subsequently be discharged into waters subject to this permit.

2.2.3.9 Vessels Entering the Great Lakes

In addition to complying with the requirements of this permit, all vessels that are equipped to carry ballast water and enter the Great Lakes must comply with 33 CFR Part 151, Subpart C titled: “Ballast Water Management fo r Control of Nonindigenou s Species in the Great Lakes and Hudson River.” Vessels that operate outside the EEZ and more than 200 nm from any shore and then enter the Great Lakes via the Sa int Lawrence Seaway System must also comply with 33 CFR Part 401.30, which requires oceangoi ng vessels to conduct sa ltwater flushing of ballast water tanks 200 nautical miles from any shor e before entering either the U.S. or Canadian waters of the Seaway System.

2.2.3.10 Discharge Prohibitions

Vessels referenced in Parts 2.2.3.5, 2.2.3.6, 2.2.3.7, and 2.2.3.8 may not discharge unexchanged or untreated ballast wate r or sediment in waters subject to this permit referenced in Part 12.1.

2.2.3.11 Exemptions:

The operator or master of a vessel may elect not to exchange ballast water (or not conduct saltwater flushing if applicable) if the vessel meets one of the following conditions:

20Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

• The master of the vessel determines, and justif ies in writing, and documents in the log or record book, that it is unsafe to do so, in acco rdance with the Coast Guard Regulations at 33 CFR 151.2030. If this exemption is claimed, the vessel operator must record the date, location, and reason for the claim in its recordkeeping documentation.

• The master uses an alternative, envi ronmentally sound method of ballast water management that has been approved by the Co mmandant of the Coast Guard prior to the vessel's voyage in accordance with 33 C.F.R. Part 151.

• The vessel is accepted by the U.S. Coast Guard into the Shipboard Technology Evaluation Program (STEP), the technology is operated in accordance with requirements of that program, and the acceptance has not been withdrawn.

• The master retains all ballast water on board the vessel for the duration of the vessel’s voyage in waters subject to this permit.

• The vessel is not engaged in an internationa l voyage and does not traverse more than one COTP zone.

• In the case of Pacific Nearshore Voyages, the vessel need not comply with Parts 2.2.3.6 or 2.2.3.8 of this permit if the ballast water consists of wa ter drawn exclusively from treated municipal or similar water supplies (e.g. potable water), provided that such ballast water is not mixed with any ballast wate r or sediments from other sources.

Additionally, except for vessels entering the Great Lakes, a vessel is not required to deviate from its voyage, or delay the voyage to conduct Ballast Water Exchange or Saltwater Flushing.

2.2.4 Anti-Fouling Hull Coatings

• All anti-fouling hull coatings subject to registration under FIFRA (see 40 CFR 152.15) must be registered, sold or distributed, applied, maintain ed, and removed in a manner consistent with applicable requireme nts on the coatings’ FIFRA label.

• For anti-fouling hull coatings not subject to FIFRA registration (i.e. not produced for sale and distribution in the United St ates), hull coatings must not contain any biocides or toxic materials banned for use in the United Stat es (including those on EPA’s List of Banned or Severely Restricted Pesticides). This requ irement applies to all vessels, including those registered and painted outside the United States.

At the time of initial application or scheduled reapplication of anti-fouling coatings, you must give consideration, as appr opriate for vessel class and vessel operations, to the use of hull coatings with the lowest effective biocide rele ase rates, rapidly biodegr adable components (once separated from the hull surface), or non-biocidal alternatives, such as silicone coatings.

Some ports and harbors are impaired by c opper. These waters include Shelter Island Yacht Basin in San Diego, California and waters in and around the ports of Los Angeles/Long Beach. A complete list of su ch waters may be found at www.epa.gov/npdes/vessels . When vessels spend considerable time in these waters (defined as spending more than 30 days per

21Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

year), or use these waters as their home port (i .e. house boats, ferries or rescue vessels), vessel owner/operators shall consider using antifouling coatings that rely on a rapidly biodegradable biocide or another alternative rather than copper based coatin gs. If after consideration of alternative biocides, vessel opera tors continue to use copper base d antifoulant paints, they must document in their recordk eeping documentation how this decision was reached.

The discharge of Tributyltin (TBT) or any other organotin compound is prohibited by this permit. Therefore, vessel operators covered by this permit have a zero discharge standard for TBT or any other organotin compound. You may not use an antifoulant coating containing TBT or any other organotin compound. If the vessel has previously been covered with a hull coating containing TBT or any other organotin compound, ve ssels must be effectively overcoated so that no TBT or other organotin leaches from the vessel hull or the TBT or other organotin coating must have been removed from the vessel’s hull.

2.2.5 Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF)

Discharges of AFFF are authorized for emer gency purposes when needed to ensure the safety and security of the vessel and her crew.

For all vessels that sail outside of the territorial sea more than once per month, maintenance and training discharges of fluorin ated AFFF are not authorized within waters subject to this permit (Any such discharges shou ld be collected and stored for onshore disposal or scheduled when the vessel is outside such waters). Discharge volumes associated with regulatory certification and insp ection must be minimized and a substitute foaming agent (i.e. non-fluorinated) must be used if possible within waters subject to this permit.

For vessels that do not leave th e territorial sea more than on ce per month, if maintenance and training discharges are requir ed, AFFF must be collected and stored for onshore disposal if technologically feasible unless the vessel uses non-fluorinated or alternative foaming agent. For those vessels for which it is not technologically feasible to colle ct and store the fluorinated AFFF foam, vessel owner/operators must limit the di scharge to that amount necessary to conduct legally required tests. Training should be c onducted as far from shore as is practicable. Maintenance and training discharg es are not allowed in port.

For all vessels, AFFF discharges may not occur in or within 1 nm of a water referenced in Part 12.1 unless they are discharged:

• For emergency purposes,

• By rescue vessels such as fire boats for firefighting purposes,

• By vessels owned or under contract to do business exclusively in or w ithin 1 nm of those protected areas by the United States govern ment or state or local governments.

If AFFF discharge occurs in waters in Part 12.1 for emergency purposes, a written explanation must be kept in the ship’s l og or other vessel recordkeeping documentation consistent with Part 4.2 of this permit.

22Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

2.2.6 Boiler/Economizer Blowdown

Minimize the discharge of bo iler/economizer blowdown in port if chemicals or other additives are used to reduce impurities or prev ent scale formation. For vessels greater than 400 gross tons which leave the territorial sea at least once per week, bo iler/economizer blowdown may not be discharged in waters subject to this permit, unless:

• The vessel remains within waters subject to this permit for a longer period than the necessary duration between blowdown cycles,

• The vessel needs to conduct blowdown im mediately before en tering drydock, or

• For safety purposes.

For all vessels, boiler/economizer blowdown may not be discharged in waters referenced in Part 12.1 except for safety purposes. Furthe rmore, boiler/economizer blowdown should be discharged as far from shore as practical.

2.2.7 Cathodic Protection

Cathodic protection must be maintained to pr event the corrosion of the ship’s hull. The discharge of zinc, magnesium, and aluminum ar e expected from properly functioning cathodic protection sacrificial electrodes. However, vessel operators must minimize the flaking of large, corroded portions of these anodes. Sacrificial anodes must not be used more than necessary to adequately prevent corrosion of the vessel’s hull, sea chest, rudder, and other exposed areas of the vessel. Vessel operators must appropriately clean and/or re place these anodes in periods of maintenance (such as drydocking), so that rele ase of these metals to waters is minimized.

Vessel operators should be cognizant that ma gnesium is less toxic than aluminum, which is less toxic than zinc. If vessel operators use sacrificial electrodes, they must use the metals that are less toxic to the extent technologically feas ible and economically practicable and achievable.

EPA recommends the use of Impressed Current Cathodic Protection (I CCP) in place of or to reduce the use of s acrificial electrodes when technologically feasible (e.g. adequate power sources, appropriate for vessel hull size and desi gn), safe, and adequate to protect against corrosion, particularly for new vessels. If ve ssel operators use ICCP, they must maintain dielectric shields to prevent flaking.

2.2.8 Chain Locker Effluent

The anchor chain must be careful ly and thoroughly washed down ( i.e. , more than a cursory rinse) as it is being hauled out of the wa ter to remove sediment and marine organisms. In addition, chain lockers must be cleaned thoroughly during dry doc king to eliminate accumulated sediments and any potential accompanying pollutants. For vessels that regularly sail outside waters subject to this permit, if technically f easible, periodically clean, rinse, and/or pump out the space beneath the chain locker prior to entering waters subject to this permit (preferably mid ocean) if the anchor has been lowered into any nearshore waters. Furthermore, for vessels that leave waters subject to this permit at least on ce per month, chain lockers may not be rinsed or

23Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

pumped out in waters subject to this permit, unless not emptying them would compromise safety. Such a safety claim must be documented in the vessel’s recordkeeping documentation consistent with Part 4.2.

2.2.9 Controllable Pitch Propeller and Thruster Hydraulic Fluid and other Oil to Sea Interfaces including Lubrication discharg es from Paddle Wheel Propulsion, Stern Tubes, Thruster Bearings, Stabilizers , Rudder Bearings, Azimuth Thrusters, Propulsion Pod Lubrication, and Wire Rope and Mechanical Equipment Subject to Immersion.

The protective seals on controllable pitch pr opellers, azimuth thrusters, propulsion pods, rudder bearings, or any other oil to sea interfaces must be maintained in good operating order to minimize the leaking of hydraulic oil or other oi ls. The vessel owner/opera tor must not discharge oil in quantities that may be harmful as defined in 40 CFR Part 110 from a ny oil to sea interface. If possible, maintenance activitie s on controllable pitch propellers, thrusters and other oil-to-sea interfaces should be conducted when a vessel is in drydock.

Minimize maintenance activities on stern tube seals when a vessel is outside of drydock. If maintenance or emergency repa ir must occur on stern tubes or other oil-to sea interfaces which have a potential to releas e oil in quantities that may be ha rmful as defined in 40 CFR Part 110, appropriate spill response resources (e.g. oil booms) must be used to contain any oil leakage. Operators of the vessel must have ready access to any spill response resources to clean any potential oil spills.

After applying lubrication to wire rope and mechanical e quipment subject to immersion, wire ropes and other equipment must be thorough ly wiped-down to remove excess lubricant.

Owner/operators should use an environmentally preferable lubrican t, including vegetable oil, synthetic ester, or polyalkyle ne glycol as a base for these a pplications when feasible. Use of an environmentally preferable l ubricant does not authorize the di scharge of any lubricant in a quantity that may be harmful as defined in 40 CFR Part 110.

2.2.10 Distillation and Reverse Osmosis Brine

Brine from the distillation system and revers e osmosis reject water shall not contain or come in contact with machinery or industrial equipment (other than that necessary for the production of potable water), toxic or hazardous materials, or wastes.

2.2.11 Elevator Pit Effluent

Discharges of untreated elevator pit effluent are not authoriz ed within waters subject to this permit except in cases of emergency. Elevator pit effluent may be discharged into waters subject to this permit if it is managed with the vessel’s bilgewater and me ets all the requirements of Part 2.2.2 of this permit or it must otherwise be treated with an o ily-water se parator and discharged with an oil cont ent below 15 ppm as measured by EPA Method 1664 or other appropriate method for determination of oil c ontent as accepted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) (e.g. ISO Me thod 9377) or U.S. Coast Guard. Emergency discharges must

24Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

be documented in the ship’s l og or other vessel recordkeepin g documentation consistent with Part 4.2.

2.2.12 Firemain Systems

Discharges from firemain systems are aut horized for emergency purposes when needed to ensure the safety and security of the vessel and her crew, other emerge ncy situations, and for testing and inspection purposes as may be require d to assure its operability in an emergency. Firemain systems may be discharged in port for certification, maintenance, and training requirements if the intake comes directly from the surrounding waters or potable water supplies and there are no additions to the discharge. Furthe rmore, firemain discharges may be discharged for deck washdown or other secondary uses if the intake comes direc tly from the surrounding waters or potable water supplies and the disc harge meets all relevant effluent limitation associated with that activity. When feasible , maintenance and training should be conducted outside port and/or outside wate rs subject to this permit.

Do not discharge firemain systems in waters listed in Part 12.1 except in emergency situations or when washing down the anchor chain to comply with anchor wash down requirements in Part 2.2.8.

2.2.13 Freshwater Layup

Minimize the amount of disinf ection agents used in fres hwater layup to the minimum required to prevent aquatic growth.

2.2.14 Gas Turbine Wash Water

Gas turbine wash water must not be directly discharged within waters subject to this permit. Where feasible, such washwater must be prevented from commingling with bilge water that will be discharged in waters subject to th is permit, for example by collecting it separately and properly disposing of it on-shore. Under no ci rcumstances may oils, including oily mixtures, from gas turbine wash water be discharged in wate rs subject to this permit in quantities that may be harmful as determined in accordance with 40 CFR Part 110.

2.2.15 Graywater

All vessels must minimize the discharge of gray water while in port. For those vessels that cannot store graywater, the owner or operator and their crews should minimize the production of graywater in port. All vessels that have the capacity to store graywater shall not discharge that graywater in waters listed in Part 12.1. For vesse ls that cannot store gray water, vessel operators must minimize the production of graywater while in waters listed in Part 12.1.

For vessels greater than 400 gro ss tons that regularly travel more than 1 nm from shore that have the capacity to store graywater for a sufficient period, graywate r must be discharged greater than 1 nm from shore wh ile the vessel is underway, unless the vessel meets the treatment standards and other requirements contained under Parts 5.1.1 and 5.1.2 or 5.2.1 and 5.2.2 of this permit. Additional specific requirements for Graywater apply to Cruise Vessels (Parts 5.1 and 5.2) and Large Ferries (Part 5.3).

25Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

Vessels that do not travel more than 1 nm from shore shall minimize the discharge of graywater and, provided the vessel has available graywater storage capacity, must dispose of graywater on shore if appropria te facilities are ava ilable and such disposal is economically practicable and achievable unless the vessel meets the treatment standards and other requirements contained under Parts 5.1.1 and 5.1.2 or 5.2.1 and 5.2.2 of this permit. Minimize the discharge of graywater when the vessel is not underway.

If graywater will be discharged in waters subject to this permit, the introduction of kitchen oils must be minimized to the gray water system. When cleaning dishes, you must remove as much food and oil resi due as practicable before rinsi ng dishes. Oils used in cooking shall not be added to the graywater system. O il from the galley and scullery shall not be discharged in quantities that may be harmful as defined in 40 CFR Part 110.

Vessel owner/operators must use phosphate fr ee and non-toxic soaps and detergents for any purpose if they will be discharged into waters subject to this permit. These detergents must be free from toxic or bioaccumulative compounds a nd not lead to extreme shifts in receiving water pH.

If you are underway in a nutrient impaired water, or a water that is impaired as a result of nutrient enrichment (such as waters listed as impaired for phosphorus, nitrogen, or for hypoxia or anoxia (low dissolved oxygen concentrations )) you must follow thes e additional steps:

When the vessel has adequate graywater stor age capacity, the vessel owner/operator shall not discharge graywater into nutri ent impaired waters subject to this permit (e.g., the Chesapeake Bay). A complete list of such waters can be found at www.epa.gov/npdes/vessels . Where the vessel does not have adequate storage capacity to eliminate such discharges, graywater production and discharge must be minimized in such waters. Any such discharge must be conducted while the vessel is underway in areas with significant circulation and depth to the extent feasible. Graywater stored while in such waters can later be disposed of on shore or discharged in accordance with the other requirements of this permit.

2.2.16 Motor Gasoline and Compensating Discharge

The discharge of motor gasoline and compen sating effluent must not have oil in quantities that may be harmful as defined in 40 CFR 110.3, which includes discharges resulting in a visible sheen, or an oil concentrati on that exceeds 15 ppm. Determination of oil concentration may be meas ured by EPA Method 1664 or other appropriate method for determination of oil content as accepted by th e International Maritime Organization (IMO) (e.g. ISO Method 9377) or U.S. Coast Guard. Comp liance with the 15 ppm oil concentration limitation may be established with visual monitoring for an oily sheen. Minimize discharge of motor gasoline and compensating discharge in po rt. If an oily sheen is observed, the vessel operator must deploy appropriate oil containment practices. Vesse ls shall not discharge motor gasoline and compensating discharge in waters subject to this perm it listed in Part 12.1.

26Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

2.2.17 Non-Oily Machinery Wastewater

If discharged directly overboa rd, non-oily machinery wastewater must be free from oils (in quantities that may be harmful pursuant to 40 CFR Part 110) and any additives that are toxic or bioaccumulative in nature. Non-oily machiner y wastewater may also be drained to the bilge.

2.2.18 Refrigeration and Air Condensate Discharge

You must not allow refrigeration and air condensate discharge to come into contact with oily or toxic materials if it is discharged di rectly overboard. Refrigeration and air conditioning condensate that is collected and plumbed for in ternal recycling (e.g. re cycled as “technical water”) is allowed to commingle with oily water; however, the commingled discharge must meet all requirements of Part 2.1.4 of this permit and Part 2.2.2 of this permit if applicable.

2.2.19 Seawater Cooling Overboard Discharge (i ncluding non-contact engine cooling water; hydraulic system cooling water, refrigeration cooling water)

When possible, seawater cooling overboard should be discharged when the vessel is underway so that any thermal impacts are dispersed.

To reduce the production and discharge of s eawater cooling overboard discharge, EPA recommends that vessel owner/operators use shor e based power when the vessel is in port if:

• Shore power is readily available for vesse l owner/operators from utilities or port authorities,

• Shore based power supply systems are capab le of providing all needed electricity required for vessel operations; and

• The vessel is equipped to conn ect to shore-based power and such systems are compatible with the available shore power.

Maintenance of all piping and seawater coo ling systems must meet the requirements of Part 2.2.20 (Seawater-Piping Biofouling Prevention).

2.2.20 Seawater Piping Biofouling Prevention

Seawater piping biofouling chemicals subjec t to FIFRA registra tion (see 40 CFR 152.15) must be used in accordance with their FIFRA label. No pesticides or chemicals banned for use in the United States may be discharged in to waters subject to this permit.

Vessel owner/operators must us e the minimum amount of biofouling chemicals needed to keep fouling under control. Discharges containing ac tive agents must contain as little chlorine as possible.

Vessel owner/operators must remove fou ling organisms from seawater piping on a regular basis and dispose of removed substances in accordance with local, State, and federal regulations. Removed fouling orga nisms shall not be discharged into waters subject to this permit and EPA recommends that if discharged in to waters, should be discharged more than 50

27Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

nm from shore. Vessel owner/operators should re move any organisms while at sea to reduce the risk of invasive spec ies introduction in ports.

2.2.21 Boat Engine Wet Exhaust

Vessels generating wet exhaust must be ma intained in good operating order, well tuned, and functioning according to manufac turer specifications if ava ilable to decrease pollutant contributions to wet exhaust. Vessel owner/operato rs should use low sulfur or alternative fuels for their vessels to reduce the concentra tion of pollutants in their discharge.

EPA encourages vessel operators to consider four stroke versus two stroke engines for vessels generating wet exhaust that are covered u nder this permit. Use of a four stroke engine may minimize the discharge of pollutants to US waters.

2.2.22 Sonar Dome Discharge

The water inside the sonar dome shall not be discharged within waters subject to this permit for maintenance purposes. Vessel operators should not use biofouli ng chemicals that are bioaccumulative for the exterior of sonar domes when other viable altern atives are available.

2.2.23 Underwater Ship Husbandry Discharges

Vessel owner/operators must mi nimize the transport of att ached living organisms when they travel into U.S. waters from outside th e U.S. economic zone or when traveling between COTP zones.

Whenever possible, rigorous hull-cleaning activities should take place in drydock, or another land-based facility wher e the removal of fouling organism s or spent antifouling coatings paint can be contained. If water-pressure based sy stems are used to clean the hull and remove old paint, use facilities which treat the washwater prior to discharge to remove the antifouling compound(s) and fouling growth from the washwater.

Vessel owner/operators who remove fouling organisms from hulls while the vessel is waterborne must employ methods that minimize the discharge of fouling organisms and antifouling hull coatings. These shall include:

• Selection of appropriate cl eaning brush or sponge rigid ity to minimize removal of antifouling coatings and biocide re leases into the water column.

• Limiting use of hard brushes and surfaces to the removal of hard growth.

• When available and feasible, use of vacuum c ontrol technologies to minimize the release or dispersion of antifouling hull coatings a nd fouling organisms into the water column.

Vessel owner/operators must mi nimize the release of copper ba sed antifoulant paint into the water column when they clean their vessel. Cleaning of coppe r based antifoulant paints must not result in any visible cloud or pl ume of paint in the water: if a visible cloud or plume of paint develops, shift to a softer brush or less abrasi ve cleaning technique. A plume or cloud of paint

28Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

can be noted by the presence of discoloration or other visible indication th at is distinguishable from hull growth or sediment removal. Produc tion of a plume or cloud of sediment or hull growth is normal in some cases during vessel hull cleaning, but this pl ume or cloud should be substantially paint free (e .g. paint should not be clearly iden tifiable in the plume or cloud).

Vessels that use copper based anti-fouling paint must not clean the hull in copper impaired waters within the first 365 days after paint application unless there is a significant visible indication of hull fouling.

2.2.24 Welldeck Discharges

Welldeck discharges that contain graywate r from smaller vessels should not be discharged within waters subject to this permit except in cases of emergency. Welldeck discharges from washdown of gas turbine engines may not be discharged within waters subject to this permit. Welldeck discharges from equi pment and vehicle washdowns must be free from garbage and must not contain oil in quantities that may be harmful as defined in 40 CFR Part 110.

2.2.25 Graywater Mixed with Sewage from Vessels

The commingled discharge of graywater mixe d with sewage from vessels must comply with the effluent limits for graywater discharge in Part 2 or Part 5 of this permit if applicable. Though not a requirement of this permit, vessel ow ner/operators are advise d that all discharges commingled with sewage must meet the requirem ents set forth in secti on 312 of the Clean Water Act and its implementing regulations found at 40 CFR Part 140 and 33 CFR Part 159. Hence, discharges of graywater mixed with sewage must meet both standards to be in compliance with the Clean Water Act.

2.2.26 Exhaust Gas Scrubber Washwater Discharge

Exhaust gas scrubber washwater discharge must not contain oil, including oily mixtures, in quantities that may be harmful as determ ined in accordance with 40 CFR Part 110. Sludge generated from exhaust gas scrubbe r washwater discharge must not be discharged in waters subject to this permit. In addition, EPA recomm ends that owner/operato rs of vessels with exhaust gas cleaning systems that result in washwa ter discharges follow the guidelines set out in section 10 for Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems (resolution MEPC.170(57)).

2.3 Water Quality Based Effluent Limits

The requirements in Part 2.3 constitute the wate r quality-based effluent limitations in this permit. These water quality-based effluent limita tions supplement this permit’s technology-based limitations in Parts 2.1, 2.2, 2.3.2 and 5 of this permit.

2.3.1 Water Quality-Based Effluent Limitations

Your discharge must be controlled as nece ssary to meet applicable water quality standards in the receiving waterbody or another waterbody impacted by your discharges.

29Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

EPA generally expects that compliance with the other conditions in this permit, including Parts 2.1, 2.2, and 5, will control discharges as necessary to meet applicable water quality standards. If at any time you b ecome aware, or EPA determines, that your discharge causes or contributes to an exceedance of applicable wate r quality standards, you must take corrective actions as required in Part 3; you must also re port the exceedance(s) to EPA as required in Parts 1.13 and 4.4.1.

Additionally, EPA may impose additional wa ter quality-based limitations on a sitespecific basis, or require you to obtain coverage under an indivi dual permit, if information in your NOI (if applicable), required reports, or from other sources indicates that, after meeting the water quality-based limitations in this section, your discharges are not cont rolled as necessary to meet applicable water quality standards, either in the receiving water body or another waterbody impacted by your discharges. EPA or an author ized representative of EPA may inform vessel owner/operators of specific requirements via doc k side postings at marinas and ports or by specifically contacting the ow ner/operator of a vessel.

2.3.2 Dischargers to Water Quality Impaired Waters

Impaired waters or “water quality limite d segment[s]” are those which have been identified by a State or EPA pursuant to Secti on 303(d) of the CWA as not meeting applicable State water quality standards. Impaired waters may include both waters with EPA-approved or EPA-established Total Maximum Daily Loads (T MDLs), and those for which EPA has not yet approved or established a TMDL.

2.3.2.1 Discharges to Impaired Waters without an EPA-Approved or Established TMDL

If you discharge to an impaired water wit hout an EPA-approved or established TMDL, you are required to comply with the requireme nts in Part 2.3.1, incl uding any additional requirements that EPA may impose pursuant to that section. Note that this provision also applies to situations where EPA determines that your di scharge is not controlled as necessary to meet water quality standards in another waterbody, even if your discharge is to a receiving water that is not specifically identifi ed on a Section 303(d) list.

2.3.2.2 Discharges to Impaired Waters with an EPA-Approved or Established TMDL

If you discharge to an impaired water with an EPA-approved or established TMDL and EPA or state TMDL authorities have informed you that a Waste Load Allocation (WLA) has been established that applies specifically to your vessel’s discharges, to discharges from vessels in your vessel class or type, or to discharges from vessels in gene ral if applicable , your discharge must be consistent with the assumptions and re quirements of that WLA. If such a WLA exists, EPA will inform you if any additional limits or cont rols are necessary for your discharge to be consistent with the assumptions of any availa ble WLA in the TMDL, or whether an individual permit application is necessary in accordance with Part 1.8.1. Note that this provision also applies to situations where EPA determines that your discharges are c overed by the WLA in an EPA approved or established TMDL for anothe r waterbody, even if your discharge is to a receiving water that is not specifically identifie d on a Section 303(d) list.

30Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

If an applicable TMDL exists either indivi dually or categorically for your vessel or vessel class (including disallowing discharges from your vessel), EPA and/or state TMDL agencies will inform vessel owner/operators of specific requi rements via dock side postings, or by specifically contacting the owner/operator of a vessel.

31Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009



### 3. Corrective Actions

This corrective action section in no way impair s EPA’s or an author ized representative acting on EPA’s behalf ability to require reme dies to bring vessel owner/operators into compliance. EPA may take enforcement action to require any remedy necessary to achieve compliance as quickly as possible, including more st ringent time tables than those listed in this section.

3.1 Problems Triggering the Need for Corrective Action

If any of the following problems are identifie d, you must take action to ensure that the problem is eliminated and will not be repeated in the future:

• You violate one or more effluent limits in Part 2 or Part 5 or any other requirement of this permit, or an inspection or evaluation of your vessel by an EPA offici al or an official agent acting on EPA’s behalf determines that modifications to the control measures are necessary to meet the effluent limit;

• You become aware, or EPA determines, that your measures do not control discharges as stringently as necessary to meet a pplicable water quality standards; or

• You find, or EPA determines, that your pollution control measures or best management practices are not being properl y operated and maintained, or are not having the intended effect in minimizing pollutant discharges.

Problems might be identified through: the routine visual in spections or comprehensive annual inspections required by this permit under Pa rt 4; any other inspection or evaluation of your operations by you, a government official, or anyone else; or through any other means.

3.2 Corrective Action Assessment

Following the identification of any of the pr oblems listed in Part 3.1, you must conduct a corrective action assessment into the nature, cause, and potential options for eliminating these problems. The assessment must include the following:

• A description of the problem(s) discovered (e.g., the release of untreat ed ballast water not meeting the effluent limit, spilling oil in quantities that may be harmful as defined in 40 CFR Part 110), including the date, time and locations on the vessel where it occurred, the types of impacts observed, and the name, title and signature of the person who identified the problem and of the pers on who recorded the problem;

• An explanation of the cause of the problem (s), if known. If unknown at the time of the assessment, provide an indication of what st eps will be taken to determine the cause;

• A description of the corrective actions to be taken necessary to eliminate the problem(s), and a schedule of activities for completing such actions within the timeframes established in Part 3.3;

• An indication whether the corr ective action requires the vessel to be in dry dock and, if so, the next planned date the vessel will be drydocked; and

32Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

• Once the corrective action is implemented, record the date(s) and time(s) of the action, a description of the corrective action implement ed, and the name, title and signature of the person recording this information.

You must retain the findings of your correc tive action assessment in your recordkeeping documentation or in your ship’s log (pursuant to Part 4.2.3), signed and ce rtified in accordance with Part 1.7 of this permit.

3.3 Deadlines for Eliminating Problem

Compliance with many permit requirements can be accomplished immediately. These requirements include, but are no t limited to housekeeping and cer tain operation and maintenance requirements. In these situations, you must return to compliance immediately.

Compliance with some permit requirements ma y require additional time for the vessel owner/operator to reasonably co rrect the problem. The following deadlines apply for eliminating the problem identified in Part 3.1 depending on the type of corrective action that must be taken:

• Corrective actions that can be accomplished wi th relatively simple adjustments to your control measures, using existing personnel and resources, and not requ iring the vessel to be in dry dock: as soon as possible but no la ter than 2 weeks after the discovery of the problem, or, if leaving waters subject to th is permit, before the expiration of the twoweek period or before re-entering waters su bject to this permit, whichever is later;

• Corrective actions that require new parts or the installa tion of new equipment, not requiring the vessel to be in dry dock: you must address the underlying cause of the noncompliance and return to compliance and/or complete necessary repairs no later than 3 months after the discovery of the problem, or , if leaving waters subject to this permit, before the expiration of the three-month peri od or before re-entering waters subject to this permit, whichever is later. However, if completing repairs within 3 months is impracticable, you must complete repairs as soon as possible after 3 months and document the reason why more time is need ed as part of your corrective action assessment;

• For corrective actions that require large or comprehensive renovations, alterations, or repairs to the vessel that can only be achieve d while the vessel is in dry dock: you must address the underlying cause of the noncomp liance and return to compliance and/or complete necessary renovations or repairs pr ior to re-launching the vessel from dry dock.

3.4 Effect of Corrective Action

The initial occurrence of the problem in Pa rt 3.1 constitutes a viol ation of the permit. Conducting the Part 3.2 assessment and correcting the problem according to Part 3.3 does not absolve you of liability for this original violat ion. However, failure to comply with Parts 3.2 and/or 3.3 constitutes an additional permit viola tion. EPA will consider the appropriateness and promptness of corrective action in determining enforcement responses to permit violations.

33Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

EPA may impose additional requirements a nd schedules of compliance, including requirements to submit additional information c oncerning the condition(s) triggering corrective action or schedules and requireme nts more stringent than specified in this permit. Those requirements and schedules will supersede those of Part 3.3 if such requirements conflict. EPA may also notify you that an individual permit appl ication is necessary in accordance with Part 1.8.1.

34Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009



### 4. Inspections, Monitoring, Repo rting, and Recordkeeping

4.1 Self Inspections and Monitoring

You must conduct the following inspections of your vessel.

4.1.1 Routine Visual Inspections

Conduct routine visual inspections of all area s addressed in this pe rmit, including, but not limited to cargo holds, boiler areas, machinery st orage areas, welldecks, and other deck areas. Ensure these areas are clear of garbage, exposed raw materials, oil, a ny visible pollutant or constituent of concern that could be discharg ed in any waste stream, and that pollution prevention mechanisms are in proper working orde r. At a minimum, the routine inspection must verify that requirements of Part 2.1 are be ing met and document any instances of noncompliance. Routine inspections should be c onducted on a schedule that coincides with other routine vessel inspections if f easible. At least once per week or per voyage, whichever is more frequent, you must conduct a visual inspection of safely accessible deck and cargo areas and all accessible areas where chemicals, oils, dry cargo or other materials are stored, mixed, and used, whether or not the areas have been used since th e last inspection. If opera tors engage in multiple voyages per day, they need not conduct in spections on every voya ge, but must conduct inspections at least once per day. Furthermore, the inspection should verify whether all monitoring, training, and inspecti ons are logged according to permit requirements. A ship’s watch must include visual monitoring of th e water around and behind the vessel for visible sheens, dust, chemicals, abnormal discoloration or foaming, and other indi cators of pollutants or constituents of concern origina ting from the vessel. Particular a ttention should be paid to deck runoff, ballast water, and bilgewater. If you id entify or are made aw are that pollutants or constituents of concern are orig inating from your vessel, you must initiate corrective actions in Part 3. Vessel owner/operators may conduct these inspections as part of meeting their existing (or updated) international safety management code (ISM) safety management system (SMS) plan obligations, provided that those inspections m eet the minimum requirements discussed above.

At least once per quarter, you mu st sample any discharge stre am such as bilgewater or graywater if accessible that is not readily visually inspected, such as effluent streams discharged below the water line. Inspect the sample for any signs of visible pollutants or constituents of concern, including discoloration, visible sheens, suspended solid s, floating solids, foam, or changes to clarity. If you discover signs of oil, other pollutants, or other constituents of concern exceeding the applicable effluent limit, you must record the steps you have taken to prevent the continued discharge of these pollutants or consti tuents of concern and what corrective actions were taken to remediate the problem(s). Sampling of readily visible discharges is not required, but is recommended if the inspector cannot easily view their discharge ch aracteristics (such as clarity or discoloration, presence of oily sheens, presence of foams, etc.). The vessel owner/operator and master are responsible for as suring that all discharges comply with the effluent limits in Part 2 of this permit and these visible inspections are one such tool a Master or owner/operator may use.

35Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

4.1.1.1 Documentation of the Routine Vessel Inspection

You must document the findings of each routin e vessel inspection in the official ship logbook or as a component of other recordkeepin g documentation referenced in Part 4.2. You must document the date and time of inspecti on, ship locations insp ected, personnel conducting the inspection, location of any vi sual sampling and observations, note any potential problems and sources of contamination found, and it must be signed by the person conduc ting the inspection, if not the Master. The person conducting the inspection must be a signatory under 40 Part 122.22. A signatory includes the person in charge (e.g. the Master), or his duly authorized representative. The records of routine visual in spections must be made available to EPA or its authorized representative upon request. Vesse l operators must initiate corre ctive actions, as required under Part 3 of this permit, for probl ems noted in their inspections.

4.1.2 Analytical Monitoring

Analytical monitoring requirements are identified in Part 5 of this permit.

4.1.3 Comprehensive Annual Vessel Inspections

Comprehensive vessel inspections must be c onducted by qualified pe rsonnel at least once every 12 months. Qualified personnel include the master or owner/operator of the vessel, if appropriately trained, or appropriately trained marine or envi ronmental engineers or technicians or an appropriately trained repr esentative of a vessel’s class society acting on behalf of the owner/operator.

Comprehensive annual inspections must cove r all areas of the ve ssel affected by the requirements in this permit that can be inspecte d without forcing a vessel into drydock. Special attention should be paid to thos e areas most likely to result in a discharge likely to cause or contribute to exceedances of water quality standards or violate effluent limits established in this permit. Areas that inspectors must examine include, but are not limited to:

• Vessel hull for attached living organisms, flak ing antifoulant paint, exposed TBT or other organotin surfaces,

• Ballast water tanks, as applicable,

• Bilges, pumps, and oily water separa tor (OWS) sensors, as applicable,

• Protective seals for lubricati on and hydraulic oil leaks,

• Oil and chemical storage areas, cargo areas, and waste storage areas, and

• All visible pollution control measures to ensure that they are functioning properly.

If any of these portions of the vessel are not inspectable without the vessel entering drydock, the vessel owner/operator must inspect these areas during their drydock inspection and their results must be documented in their dr ydock inspection reports. Furthermore, vessel owner/operators must document which portions of the vessel are not inspectable for the annual inspection in their recor dkeeping documentation.

36Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

The annual inspections must also include a review of monitoring data collected in accordance with Part 5 if applicable, and routin e maintenance records to ensure that required maintenance is being performed (e.g., annual tune-ups for small boats that have wet exhaust). Inspectors must also consider the results of the past year’s visual and analytical monitoring when planning and conducting inspections.

When comprehensive vessel insp ection schedules overlap with routine vessel inspections required under Part 4.1.1, your annual comprehensive vessel inspection may also be used as one of the routine inspections, as long as component s of both types of inspections are included.

If inspections revealed flaws th at would result in a violation of the effluent limits in Parts 2 and 5, or that indicated that control measures are not functioning as anticipated or are in need of repair or upgrade, you must take corrective action to resolve such flaws in accordance with Part 3. You must record all re sults from your annual inspection in your vessel’s recordkeeping documentation or logbook.

4.1.4 Drydock Inspection Reports

Vessel owner/operators must make any drydock reports prepared by the class society or their flag administrations available to EPA or an authorized representati ve of EPA upon request. If you do not have a drydock report from either of these entities, you must prepare your own drydock report and it must be made available to EPA or an authorized representative of EPA upon request. The drydock report must note that:

• The chain locker has been cleaned for both sediment and living organisms,

• The vessel hull, propeller, rudder, thruster gr atings, sea chest, and other surface areas of the vessel have been inspected for attached living organisms and those organisms have been removed or neutralized,

• Any antifoulant hull coatings have been applie d, maintained and removed consistent with the FIFRA label if applicable; any exposed ex isting or any new coating does not contain biocides or toxics that are ba nned for use in the United States,

• For all cathodic protection, a nodes or dialectic coatings have been cleaned and/or replaced to reduce flaking, and

• All pollution control equipment is properly functioning.

4.2 Recordkeeping

For all vessels covered by this permit, you must keep written records on the vessel or accompanying tug that include the following information:

1) Owner/Vessel information i) Name, ii) International Maritime Organization (I MO) Number (official number if IMO number not issued), iii) Vessel type,

37Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

iv) v) vi) vii) viii) ix) Owner or operator company name, Owner or operator certifying official’s name, Address of owner/operator, Gross tonnage, Call sign, and Port of Registry (Flag).

2) Voyage Log. Include the dates and ports of arrival, vessel agent(s), last port and country of call, and next port and country of call (when known).

3) If you have any violation of any effluent limit, you must document the violation. You must also record: i) ii) iii) iv)

v)

vi) A description of the violation, Date of the violation, Name, title and signature of the pe rson who identified the violation, Name, title and signature of the person who is recording the violation (if different from person who id entified the violation), If a Corrective Action Assessment pursuan t to Part 3.2 is needed, attach a copy or indicate where the corrective action assessment is stored, and If a Corrective Action Assessment wa s previously conducted pursuant to Part 3.2 (and revisions are not needed for this violation of the effluent limit), a reference to that previ ous corrective action assessment.

4) Log of deficiencies and problems found during routine inspections conducted under Part 4.1.1, including a discussion of any corrective actions required by Part 3 if applicable. Include date, inspecto r’s name, findings, and corrective actions planned or taken. If no deficiencies or problems are found during a routine inspection, record that the inspection was completed with the inspector’s name and date. Routine visual inspections must be recorded as completed according to Part 4.1.1.

5) Analytical results of all monitoring conducted under Pa rt 4.1.2, including sample documentation, results, and laboratory QA documentation.

6) Log of findings from annual inspecti ons conducted under Part 4.1.3, including a discussion of any corrective actions pla nned or taken required by Part 3. Include date, inspector’s name, findings, and corrective actions taken.

7) Record of any specific requirements in Part 2.3 given to your vessel by EPA, or clearly posted by state ag encies and how you have met those requirements.

8) Additional maintenance and discharge information to be recorded and kept in a log on the vessel. i) Deck maintenance. Record dates, mate rials used, applica tion process, etc. for any significant maintenance of th e deck surface(s) (e.g. more than routine, daily cleaning activ ities, such as sweeping).

38Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

ii) Bilgewater. Record date s, location, oil concen tration (for MARPOL vessels) or visible sheen observa tion (non-MARPOL vessels), and estimated volume of bilgewater discharges. Record the same information for bilgewater disposed at onshore locations. iii) Paint application. Record dates, materi als used, application process, etc. for any antifouling paint a pplied to the vessel. iv) AFFF. Record dates, estimated volumes, and constituents of any discharges of AFFF. v) Chain locker inspections. Dates of inspections and any rinsing conducted within waters subject to this permit. vi) Controllable pitch propeller, stern tube, and other oil-to-sea interface maintenance. Record dates and locations of any maintenance of controllable pitch propellers that occurs while the vessel is in waters subject to this permit. vii) Any emergencies requiring discharges otherwise prohibited to waters listed in Part 12.1. viii) Gas Turbine Water Wash. Record da tes and estimated volume of any discharge of gas turbine wa sh water within waters subject to this permit. If hauled or disposed onshore, re cord log hauler and volume. ix) Estimated volume and location of graywater discharged while in waters subject to this permit.

9) All other documentation require ments stated in the permit.

10) Record of training completed as required by this permit.

It is not the intention of this permit to re quire separate records for the Coast Guard and EPA. Rather, vessels can harmonize their record keeping practices, where appropriate, so that records are not unnecessarily dupl icative. For example, information can be logged with maintenance records, the ship’s log, in exis ting ISM/SMS plans or r ecordkeeping, or other additional recordkeeping documentation as approp riate but must be provided to EPA or its authorized representative if requested. Oper ators may choose how these records will be maintained, but must retain these record s on the vessel for a period of 3 years.

Certification of accurate information is required, pursuant to the certification and signatory requirements referenced in Part s 1.7 of this permit and 40 CFR 122.22. You must retain copies of all reports, certifications, records, monitoring data , and other information required by this permit, and records of all data us ed to complete the NOI to be covered by this permit, for a period of at least 3 years from the date that your coverage under this permit expires or is terminated.

The vessel master, owner/operator, or person in charge shall ma ke available to EPA or an authorized representative from EPA all r ecords kept under this section upon request.

39Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

4.3 Additional Recordkeeping for Vess els Equipped with Ballast Tanks

For vessels equipped with ballast tanks that are bound for a port or place in the United States, you must meet the recordkeepi ng requirements of 33 CFR Part 151.

The master, owner, operator, or person in ch arge of a vessel bound for a port or place in the United States must keep written records that include the following information:

1) Total ballast water information. Include the total ballast wa ter capacity, total volume of ballast water on board, total number of balla st water tanks, and total number of ballast water tanks in ballast. Us e units of measurements such as metric tons (MT), cubic meters (m3), long tons (LT), and short tons (ST).

2) Ballast water management. Include the tota l number of ballast tanks/holds that are to be discharged into the waters of the United States or to a reception facility. If an alternative ballast water management method is used, please note the number of tanks that were managed using an a lternative method, as we ll as the type of method used. Indicate whether the vessel has a ballast water management plan and IMO guidelines on board, and whether th e ballast water management plan is used.

3) Information on ballast water ta nks that are to be discharg ed into waters subject to this permit or to a reception f acility. Include the following: i) The origin of ballast water. This in cludes date(s), locations(s) (including latitude and longitude and port (if relevant)), volume(s), and temperatures(s). If a tank has been exchanged, list the loading port of the ballast water that was discharged during the exchange. ii) The date(s), location(s) (including latitude and long itude), volume(s), method, thoroughness (percentage exchange d if exchange conducted), sea height at time of exchange if exchange conducted, of any ballast water exchanged or otherwise managed. iii) The expected date, location, volume, and salinity of any ballast water to be discharged into the waters of the Un ited States or a reception facility.

4) Discharge of sediment. If sediment is to be discharged into a facility within the jurisdiction of the United States include the location of the facility where the disposal will take place.

The ballast water reporting forms must be kept on board the vessel and must be submitted to the National Ballast Information Clearinghouse before arriving to US por ts if required by the US Coast Guard. In addition, all vessels which conduct saltwater flushi ng as required by Part 2.2.3.7 and Part 2.2.3.8 of the permit, but do not repor t saltwater flushing to the NBIC, must instead keep a record of saltwater flushing to meet the requirements of this permit.

40Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

4.4 Reporting

4.4.1 Reporting noncompliance

You must report all instances of noncompliance with this permit at least once per year to the regional offices listed in Part 8. Vessel ope rators must report the noncompliance to the regional office responsible for th e waters in which the noncomplia nce occurred. If vessels have multiple occurrences of non compliance, they must report all noncompliance to the regional office where either: 1) the greatest number of non compliance events occurred, or 2) if the same number of noncompliance events occurred, to th e regional office responsible for waters where the vessel spent the most time.

4.4.2 Reportable Quantities of Hazardous Substances or Oil

Although not a requirement of this permit, if a discharge contains a hazardous substance or oil in an amount equal to or in excess of a reportable quantity established under 40 CFR 110, 40 CFR 117, or 40 CFR 302, during a 24-hour period, the National Re sponse Center (NRC) must be notified (dial 800-424-8802 or 202-426-2675 in the Washingt on, DC area). Also, within 14 calendar days of knowledge of th e release, the date and desc ription of the release, the circumstances leading to the rel ease, responses to be employed fo r such releases, and measures to prevent reoccurrence of such releases must be recorded in your recordk eeping documentation consistent with Part 4.2 of this permit.

Where a discharge of hazardous substances or oil in excess of reportable quantities occurs, such discharge is not au thorized by this permit and may al so be a violation of Section 311 of the CWA, 33 USC § 1321. Note that these sp ills must be reported as described above. Also applicable are Section 311 of the CWA and certain provisions of Sections 301 and 402 of the CWA.

4.4.3 Additional Reporting

In addition to the reporting requirements stipul ated in Part 4, you are also subject to the standard permit reporting provisi ons referenced in Part 1.13.

Where applicable, you must submit the follo wing reports to the appropriate EPA Regional Office listed in Pa rt 8 as applicable.

• 24-hour reporting – You must report any nonc ompliance which may endanger health or the environment. Any information must be pr ovided orally within 24 hours from the time you become aware of the circumstances;

• 5-day follow-up reporting to the 24-hour repor ting – A written submission must also be provided within five days of the time you become aware of the circumstances.

4.4.4 One-Time Permit Report

For each vessel, owner/operators are requi red to submit a one-time report between 30 months and 36 months after obtaining permit c overage. This report should take less than 30

41Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

minutes to complete and will assist EPA in deve loping the next round of general permits covering vessel discharges. The report form, included in Part 13 of this Permit, will be available for printing as a file on EPA’s website ( www.epa.gov/npdes/vessels within two years of finalization of this permit, or through EPA’s eNOI system ( www.epa.gov/npdes/vessels/eNOI ). Please respond to the questions and submit any n ecessary data that suppo rt your responses. EPA encourages all owner/operators to submit their reports electronical ly. If you print out a hard copy of the report, you may send your completed repor t to EPA HQ (Attn: Vessel One Time Report, Mail Code 4203M, 1200 Pennsylvania Av e. NW, Washington, DC 20460)

42Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009



### 5. Vessel Class Specific Requirements

You must comply with Part 5 vessel-specifi c requirements associated with your vessel class in addition to any requirements specified elsewhere in this permit.

5.1 Large Cruise Ships (authorized to ca rry 500 people or more for hire).

The requirements in Part 5.1 apply to vesse l discharges from cr uise ships providing overnight accommodations (has onboard sleeping f acilities) to passengers authorized to carry 500 people or more for hire.

5.1.1 Additional Effluent Limits

5.1.1.1 Graywater Management

5.1.1.1.1 Graywater Discharge Location and Rate

Pierside Limits – While pierside, appropriate reception facilities for graywater must be used, if reasonably available unless the vessel treats graywater with a device to meet the standards in Part 5.1.1.1.2. If such facilities are not reasonab ly available, you must treat graywater with a device to meet the standa rds in Part 5.1.1.1.2 or hold the graywater for discharge while the vessel is und erway and discharge according to the operational limits below. Appropriate reception facilities ar e those authorized for use by the port authority or municipality and that treat the discharge in accordance with its NPDES permit.

Operational Limits – You must meet the following restrictions:

• While operating within 1 nm from shore, di scharges of graywater are prohibited unless they meet the effluent standards in Part 5.1.1.1.2.

• If you operate between 1 nm and 3 nm from shor e, discharges of graywater must either: (1) meet the effluent standards in Part 5.1.1.1.2, or (2) be released while the Cruise Ship is sailing at a speed of at least 6 knots in a water that is not listed in Part 12.1.

Limits Applicable to Operation in Nutrient Impaired Waters – If you operate in nutrient impaired waters including the Chesapeake Bay or the territorial Sea surr ounding the mouth of the Mississippi River in the Gu lf of Mexico, you must:

• Not discharge any graywater in nutrient impaired waters subject to this permit unless the length of voyage in that water exceeds the vessel’s holding capacity for graywater; and

• Minimize the discharge of any gr aywater into nutrient impaired waters subject to this permit, which may require minimizi ng the production of graywater; and

• If your vessel’s holding capacity for graywa ter is exceeded, treat such excess graywater (above the vessel holding cap acity) by a device meeting th e standards in Part 5.1.1.1.2 prior to discharge into nutrient impair ed waters subject to this permit or

• Dispose of the graywater properly on shore.

43Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

A list of nutrient impaired waters is available at www.epa.gov/npdes/vessels

.

5.1.1.1.2 Graywater Treatment Standards

The discharge of treated graywater mu st meet the following standards:

1) The discharge must satisfy the minimum leve l of effluent quality specified in 40 CFR 133.102,

2) The geometric mean of the samples from the discharge during any 30-day period may not exceed 20 fecal coliform/100 milliliters (ml) and not more than 10 percent of the samples exceed 40 fecal coliform/100 ml, and

3) Concentrations of total residual chlorine ma y not exceed 10.0 micrograms per liter (μg/l).

5.1.1.1.3 Sculleries and Galleys

Cruise ship owner/operators must use deterg ents that are phosphate free. Degreasers must be non-toxic if they will be discharg ed as part of any waste stream.

5.1.1.1.4 Other Materials

Waste from mercury containing products, dry cleaners or dry clean er condensate, photo processing labs, medical sinks or floor drains, chemical storage areas, and print shops using traditional or non-soy based inks and chlorinated solvents must be prevented from entering the ship’s graywater, blackwater, or bilgewater syst ems if water from these systems will ever be discharged into waters subject to this permit. Preventing these wastes from entering these systems can be accomplished by plugging all drains that flow to the graywater, blackwater, or bilge systems in areas where these wastes are pr oduced and creating alternate waste receptacles or replumbing drains to a ppropriate holding tanks.

Vessel owner/operators must not discharge a ny toxic or hazardous materials, including products containing acetone, benzene, or formal dehyde into salon and day spa sinks or floor drains if those sinks or floor drains lead to any system which will ever be discharged into waters subject to this permit. This includes using thes e materials on passengers (or crew) and rinsing residuals into these sinks. Alternate waste recept acles or holding tanks must be used for these materials. Additions of these materials to any systems which will discharge into waters subject to this permit is a permit violation.

5.1.1.2 Pool and Spa discharges

Discharges of pool or spa water are not authorized into waters listed in Part 12.1 of this permit. Discharges from pools and spas are authori zed into other waters su bject to this permit, provided they are dechlorinate d and/or debrominated, and discharged while the vessel is underway. To be considered dechlo rinated, the total residu al chlorine in the pool or spa effluent must be less than 100μg/l if the pool or spa wa ter is discharged without treatment through an advanced wastewater treatment system. To be considered debrominated, the total residual

44Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

oxidant in the pool or spa efflue nt must be below 25μg/l if the pool or spa water is discharged without going through an advanced wastewater treatment system. Pool and spa water may be added to the graywater treatment systems, ho wever any resultant discharge must meet all standards and requirements found in Pa rt 5.1.1.1 and must be debrominated.

5.1.2 Monitoring Requirements

5.1.2.1 Untreated Graywater

The owner/operator must maintain records estimating all discha rges of untreated graywater into waters subject to this permit, in cluding date, location and volume discharged and speed of the vessel at the time of discharge in their recordkeeping doc umentation. These records can be maintained as part of the vessel’s se wage and graywater disc harge record book required under 33 CFR §159.315.

5.1.2.2 Treated Graywater

Prior to entering waters of th e U.S., vessel operators must de monstrate that they have an effective treatment system that complies with the standards in Part 5.1.1.1.2 if they will discharge graywater:

1) Within 1 nm of shore, or 2) Within 3 nm of shore and sailing less than 6 knots.

5.1.2.2.1 Initial Monitoring

In order to demonstrate the effectiveness of the treatment system, the vessel operator must take at least five (5) samples taken from the vessel on different days over a 30-day period that are representative of the treated effluent to be discharged. Initial monitoring must be done within the first 90 days of permit coverage, wi thin 90 days of AWTS installation onboard the vessel, or before vessels discharg e into waters subject to this permit, whichever is later. Samples must be taken for biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) , fecal coliform, suspended solids, pH, and total residual chlorine. Sampling and testing sh all be conducted according to 40 CFR Part 136. If the measured samples meet the standards specified in Part 5.1.1.1.2, then the owner/operator has demonstrated the effectiveness of their trea tment system for controlling their graywater discharge. Records of the sampli ng and testing results must be retained onboard for a period of 3 years in the vessel’s recordkeeping documentation.

Records of monitoring information shall include:

• The date, exact place, and time of sampling or measurements,

• The individual(s) who performed the sampling or measurements,

• The date(s) analyses were performed,

• The individual(s) who performed the analyses;

45Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

• The analytical techniques or methods used; and

• The results of such analyses.

Analytical results for total residual chlorine below the method detection limit shall be deemed compliant with the effluent limits, provi ded the permittee uses a testing method with a detection limit no higher than 10.0 μg/L unde r ideal conditions. EPA recommends method SM4500-CL G (DPD Colorimetric Method) for these purposes as it is able to reach 10 μg/L under ideal conditions and so meets these requi rements. SM4500-Cl G is typically the method that ADEC/USCG uses for compliance monitoring.

Testing and reporting for total resi dual chlorine is not required if chlorine is not used as disinfectant in the wastewater tr eatment works process and no wate r is drained to the graywater system from water with onboard chlorine additions (e.g. swimming pools, spas. . .).

If a permittee has already rece ived certification for conti nuous discharges from AWTS by the United States Coast Guard to meet the require ments of Section 1411(b) of Title XIV, Pub. L. 106-554 (Dec. 31, 2000, 114 Stat. 2763) [Certain Alaska Cruise Ship Operations] (codified at 33 U.S.C. 1901 note), the vessel need not conduct in itial monitoring and may commence conducting maintenance monitoring.

5.1.2.2.2 Maintenance Monitoring

After demonstrating the effectiveness of their system, vessel owner/operators must collect and analyze one sample per quarter for each of the constituents analyzed in Part 5.1.2.2.1 to demonstrate treatment equipment maintenance and compliance with this permit. Records of the sampling and testing results must be retained onboard for a period of 3 years in the vessel’s recordkeeping documentation.

5.1.2.2.3 Monitoring Reporting

Unless the vessel meets the conditions in the following paragraph, the operator must submit data showing that the graywater standa rds are achieved by their treatment system to EPA’s e-reporting system or to EPA, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., MC 4203M, Washington, DC 20460. Initial sampling data must be submitted at l east 7 days before entering waters subject to this permit, within 90 days of obtaining permit coverage, or within 90 days of AWTS installation onboard the vessel, whichever is la ter. Maintenance monitoring data must be submitted at least once per year within 30 days of the fourth sample collection. Data must be submitted on Discharge Monitoring Reports available in Appe ndix I of this permit or submitted to EPA’s ereporting system available at www.epa.gov/npdes/vessels/eNOI , which will be available within two years of finalization of this permit.

If the vessel operates in Alaskan waters and submits or has already submitted the above information to the COTP to meet the requireme nts of Section 1411(b) of Title XIV, Pub. L. 106­ 554 (Dec. 31, 2000, 114 Stat. 2763) [Certain Alaska Cruise Ship Operations] (codified at 33 U.S.C. 1901 note), that submission will serve to satisfy these requirements. EPA will obtain the data from the COTP in order to minimize duplicative requirements.

46Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

5.1.2.2.4 Reserved Authority

Even if owner/operators have demonstrated their system meets the standards in Part 5.1.1.1.2, if EPA, its authorized representative, or the Coast Guard sample their graywater effluent and find that they are not meeting these standards, the cruise ship owner/operators are liable for violating their effluent limits.

5.1.2.2.5 Treated Graywater Records

The owner/operator must maintain records estimating all discharges of treated graywater into waters subject to this permit, including date, location and volume discharged in their recordkeeping documentation. These r ecords can be maintained as part of or in combination with the vessel’s sewage and graywater discha rge record book requir ed under 33 CFR 159.315.

5.1.2.3 Treated Pool and Spa Discharges

Vessel owner/operators must monitor chlorine or bromine concentrations (as applicable) in pool or spa water before every discharge even t using Part 136 methods if they will discharge these streams directly into waters subject to this permit to assure that the dechlorination process is complete. If vessel owner/operators are mon itoring bromine concentrations, they may use a field test kit which uses the colorimetric met hod in lieu of Part 136 methods to assure waters have been debrominated, provided that test kit has method detecti on limit no higher than 50 μg/L. You must record the location of the discha rge, the estimated volume of the discharge, and the concentration of chlorine or bromine (as applicable). Records of this monitoring must be kept with other graywater monitoring records.

For Chlorine, analytical results below the method detection limit shall be deemed compliant with the effluent limits, provided the permittee uses a testing method with a detection limit no higher than 10.0 μg/L under ideal c onditions. EPA recommends method SM4500-CL G (DPD Colorimetric Method) for these purposes as it is able to reach 10 μg/L under ideal conditions and so meets these requirements. SM4500-Cl G is typically the method that ADEC/USCG uses for compliance monitoring. For br omine, analytical results below the method detection limit shall be deemed compliant with th e effluent limits, provided the permittee uses a testing method with a detection limit no higher than 50.0 μg/L.

5.1.3 Educational and Training Requirements

The crews of cruise ships play a key role in minimizing the discharge of pollutants from cruise ship operations and passengers. Therefor e cruise ship operators are subject to the following requirements:

• The ship’s crew members who actively take pa rt in the management of a discharge or who may affect any discharge must receive training regarding shipboard environmental procedures and must be able to demons trate proficiency in implementing these procedures.

• Advanced training in shipboard environmental management procedures must be provided for those directly involved in managing specific discharge types or areas of the ship and

47Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

these crew members must be able to dem onstrate proficiency in implementing these procedures.

• Appropriate reprimand procedures must be developed for crew whose actions lead to violations of any effluent limit set forth in this permit or procedures established by the cruise ship operator to minimi ze the discharge of pollutants.

Cruise ships must also edu cate passengers on their potential environmental impacts. The goals of these education efforts should include preventing trash from entering any waste stream, eliminating the addition of unused soaps, dete rgents, and pharmaceuticals to the graywater or blackwater systems and minimizing production of graywater. This can be accomplished in a variety of ways including, but not limited to posting signage and informational material in guestrooms and common areas, inco rporating environmental info rmation passenger orientation presentations or packages at the start of cruises, incorporating this information into additional lectures and seminars, or broadcas ting information via loudspeakers.

5.2 Medium Cruise Ships (authorized to carry 100 to 499 people for hire)

The requirements in Part 5.2 apply to vesse l discharges from cr uise ships providing overnight accommodations (has onboard sleeping f acilities) to passengers authorized to carry between 100 and 499 people for hire.

5.2.1 Additional Effluent Limits

5.2.1.1 Graywater Management

5.2.1.1.1 Graywater Discharge Location and Rate

All medium cruise ships must meet the requirements of Parts 5.2.1.1.1 unless they are a vessel unable to voyage more than 1 nm from shor e. Vessels unable to voyage 1 nm from shore must meet the requirements of Part 5.2.1.1.1 if they are constructed on or after the issuance date of this permit.

Pierside Limits – While pierside, appropriate reception facilities for graywater must be used, if reasonably available unless the vessel treats graywater with a device to meet the standards in Part 5.2.1.1.2. If such facilities are not reasonab ly available, you must treat graywater with a device to meet the standa rds in Part 5.2.1.1.2 or hold the graywater for discharge while the vessel is und erway and discharge according to the Operational Limits below. Appropriate reception facilities ar e those authorized for use by the port authority or municipality and that treat the discharge in accordance with its NPDES permit.

Operational Limits – You must meet the following restrictions:

• While operating within 1 nm from shore, di scharges of graywater are prohibited unless they meet the effluent standards in Part 5.2.1.1.2.

48Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

• If you operate between 1 nm and 3 nm from shor e, discharges of graywater must either: (1) meet the effluent standards in Part 5.2.1.1.2, or (2) be released while the cruise ship is sailing at a speed of at least 6 knots in a water that is not listed in Part 12.1.

Limits Applicable to Operation in Nutrient Impaired Waters – If you operate in nutrient impaired waters including the Chesapeake Bay or the territorial sea surrounding the mouth of the Mississippi River in the Gulf of Mexico, you must:

• Not discharge any graywater in nutrient impaired waters subject to this permit unless the length of voyage in that water exceeds the vessel’s holding capacity for graywater, and

• Minimize the discharge of any gr aywater into nutrient impaired waters subject to this permit, which may require minimizing the production of graywater, and

• If your vessel’s holding capacity for graywa ter is exceeded, treat such excess graywater (above the vessel holding cap acity) by a device meeting th e standards in Part 5.2.1.1.2 prior to discharge into nutrient impaired waters subject to this permit, or

• Dispose of the graywater properly on shore, or

• Discharge the graywater while th e cruise ship is sailing at a speed of at least 6 knots.

A list of nutrient impaired waters is available at www.epa.gov/npdes/vessels

.

5.2.1.1.2 Graywater Treatment Standards

The discharge of treated graywater mu st meet the following standards:

1) The discharge must satisfy the minimum leve l of effluent quality specified in 40 CFR 133.102,

2) The geometric mean of the samples from the discharge during any 30-day period may not exceed 20 fecal coliform/100 milliliters (ml) and not more than 10 percent of the samples exceed 40 fecal coliform/100 ml, and

3) Concentrations of total residual chlorine ma y not exceed 10.0 micrograms per liter (μg/l).

5.2.1.1.3 Sculleries and Galleys

Cruise ship owner/operators must use deterg ents that are phosphate free. Degreasers must be non-toxic if they will be discharg ed as part of any waste stream.

5.2.1.1.4 Other Materials

Waste from mercury containing products, dry cleaners or dry clean er condensate, photo processing labs, medical sinks or floor drains, chemical storage areas, and print shops using traditional or non-soy based inks and chlorinated solvents must be prevented from entering the ship’s graywater, blackwater, or bilgewater syst ems if water from these systems will ever be discharged into waters subject to this permit. Preventing these wastes from entering these

49Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

systems can be accomplished by plugging all drains that flow to the graywater, blackwater, or bilge systems in areas where these wastes are pr oduced and creating alternate waste receptacles or replumbing drains to a ppropriate holding tanks.

Vessel owner/operators must not discharge a ny toxic or hazardous materials, including products containing acetone, benzene, or formal dehyde into salon and day spa sinks or floor drains if those sinks or floor drains lead to any system which will ever be discharged into waters subject to this permit. This includes using thes e materials on passengers (or crew) and rinsing residuals into these sinks. Alternate waste recept acles or holding tanks must be used for these materials. Additions of these materials to any systems which will discharge into waters subject to this permit is a permit violation.

5.2.1.2 Pool and Spa Discharges

Discharges of pool or spa water are not authorized into waters listed in Part 12.1 of this permit. Discharges from pools and spas are authori zed into other waters su bject to this permit, provided they are de-chlorinated and/or debrominated, and disc harged while the vessel is underway. To be considered dechlo rinated, the total residu al chlorine in the pool or spa effluent must be less than 100μg/l if the pool or spa wa ter is discharged without treatment through an advanced wastewater treatment system. To be considered debrominated, the total residual oxidant in the pool or spa efflue nt must be below 25μg/l if the pool or spa water is discharged without going through an advanced wastewater treatment system. Pool and spa water may be added to the graywater treatment systems, ho wever any resultant discharge must meet all standards and requirements found in Pa rt 5.2.1.1 and must be debrominated.

5.2.2 Monitoring Requirements

5.2.2.1 Untreated Graywater

The owner/operator must maintain records estimating all discha rges of untreated graywater into waters subject to this permit, in cluding date, location and volume discharged in their recordkeeping documentation. These records can be ma intained as part of the vessel’s sewage and graywater discharge r ecord book required under 33 CFR 159.315.

5.2.2.2 Treated Graywater

Prior to entering waters of th e U.S., vessel operators must de monstrate that they have an effective treatment system that complies with the standards in Part 5.1.1.1.2 if they will discharge graywater:

1) Within 1 nm of shore, or 2) Within 3 nm of shore and sailing less than 6 knots.

5.2.2.2.1 Initial Monitoring

In order to demonstrate the effectiveness of the treatment system, the vessel operator must take at least five (5) samples taken from the vessel on different days over a 30-day period that are representative of the treated effluent to be discharged. Initial monitoring must be done

50Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

within the first 90 days of permit coverage, wi thin 90 days of AWTS installation onboard the vessel, or before vessels discharg e into waters subject to this permit, whichever is later. Samples must be taken for BOD, fecal coliform, susp ended solids, pH, and to tal residual chlorine. Sampling and testing shall be conducted accordin g to 40 CFR Part 136. If the measured samples meet the standards specified in Part 5.1.1.1.2., th en the owner/operator has demonstrated the effectiveness of their treatment system for cont rolling their graywater disc harge. Records of the sampling and testing results must be retained onb oard for a period of 3 years in the vessel’s recordkeeping documentation.

Records of monitoring information shall include:

• The date, exact place, and time of sampling or measurements,

• The individual(s) who performed the sampling or measurements,

• The date(s) analyses were performed,

• The individual(s) who performed the analyses,

• The analytical techniques or methods used, and

• The results of such analyses.

Analytical results for total residual chlorine below the method detection limit shall be deemed compliant with the effluent limits, provi ded the permittee uses a testing method with a detection limit no higher than 10.0 μg/L unde r ideal conditions. EPA recommends method SM4500-CL G (DPD Colorimetric Method) for these purposes as it is able to reach 10 μg/L under ideal conditions and so meets these requi rements. SM4500-Cl G is typically the method that ADEC/USCG uses for compliance monitoring.

Testing and reporting for total resi dual chlorine is not required if chlorine is not used as disinfectant in the wastewater tr eatment works process and no wate r is drained to the graywater system from water with on board chlorine additions (e.g. swimming pools, spas. . .).

5.2.2.2.2 Maintenance Monitoring

After demonstrating the effectiveness of their system, vessel owner/operators must collect and analyze one sample per quarter for each of the constituents analyzed in Part 5.1.2.2.1 to demonstrate treatment equipment maintenance and compliance with this permit. Records of the sampling and testing results must be retained onboard for a period of 3 years in the vessel’s recordkeeping documentation.

5.2.2.2.3 Monitoring Reporting

Unless the vessel meets the conditions in the following paragraph, the operator must submit data showing that the graywater standa rds are achieved by their treatment system to EPA’s e-reporting system or to EPA, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., MC 4203M, Washington, DC 20460. Initial sampling data must be submitted at l east 7 days before entering waters subject to this permit, within 90 days of obtaining permit coverage, or within 90 days of AWTS installation onboard the vessel, whichever is la ter. Maintenance monitoring data must be submitted at least

51Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

once per year within 30 days of the fourth sample collection. Data must be submitted on Discharge Monitoring Reports available in Appe ndix I of this permit or submitted to EPA’s ereporting system available at www.epa.gov/npdes/vessels/eNOI , which will be available within two years of finalization of this permit.

5.2.2.2.4 Reserved Authority

Even if owner/operators have demonstrated their system meets the standards in Part 5.1.1.1.2, if EPA, its authorized representative, or the Coast Guard sample their graywater effluent and find that they are not meeting these standards, the Cruise Ship owner/operators are liable for violating their effluent limits.

5.2.2.2.5 Treated Graywater Records

The owner/operator must maintain records estimating all discharges of treated graywater into waters subject to this permit, including date, location and volume discharged in their recordkeeping documentation.

5.2.2.3 Treated Pool and Spa Discharges

Vessel owner/operators must monitor chlorine or bromine concentrations (as applicable) in pool or spa water before every discharge even t using Part 136 methods if they will discharge these streams directly into waters subject to this permit to assure that the dechlorination process is complete. If vessel owner/operators are mon itoring bromine concentrations, they may use a field test kit which uses the colorimetric met hod in lieu of Part 136 methods to assure waters have been debrominated, provided that test kit has method detecti on limit no higher than 50 μg/L. You must record the location of the discha rge, the estimated volume of the discharge, and the concentration of chlorine or bromine (as applicable). Records of this monitoring must be kept with other graywater monitoring records.

For Chlorine, analytical results below the method detection limit shall be deemed compliant with the effluent limits, provided the permittee uses a testing method with a detection limit no higher than 10.0 μg/L under ideal c onditions. EPA recommends method SM4500-CL G (DPD Colorimetric Method) for these purposes as it is able to reach 10 μg/L under ideal conditions and so meets these requirements. SM4500-Cl G is typically the method that ADEC/USCG uses for compliance monitoring. For br omine, analytical results below the method detection limit shall be deemed compliant with th e effluent limits, provided the permittee uses a testing method with a detecti on limit no higher than 50.0 μg/L.

5.2.3 Educational and Training Requirements

The crews of cruise ships play a key role in minimizing the discharge of pollutants from cruise ship operations and passengers. Therefor e cruise ship operators are subject to the following requirements:

• The ship’s crew members who actively take pa rt in the management of the discharge or who may affect the discharge must receive training regarding shipboard environmental

52Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

procedures and must be able to demons trate proficiency in implementing these procedures.

• Advanced training in shipboard environmental management procedures must be provided for those directly involved in managing specific discharge types or areas of the ship and these crew members must be able to dem onstrate proficiency in implementing these procedures.

• Appropriate reprimand procedures must be developed for crew whose actions lead to violations of any effluent limit set forth in this permit or procedures established by the cruise ship operator to minimi ze the discharge of pollutants.

Cruise ships must also edu cate passengers on their potential environmental impacts. The goals of these education efforts should include preventing trash from entering any waste stream, eliminating the addition of unused soaps, dete rgents, and pharmaceuticals to the graywater or blackwater systems, and minimizing production of graywater. This can be accomplished in a variety of ways including, but not limited to posting signage and informational material in guestrooms and common areas, inco rporating environmental info rmation passenger orientation presentations or packages at the start of cruises, incorporating this information into additional lectures and seminars, or broadcas ting information via loudspeakers.

5.3 Large Ferries

Ferries are vessels for hire that are designed to carry passengers and/ or vehicles between two ports, usually in inland, coasta l, or near-shore waters. “Large Ferry” means a “ferry” that: a) has a capacity greater than or e qual to 100 tons of cargo, e.g., for cars, trucks, trains, or other land-based transportation or b) is authorized by the Coast Guard to carry 250 or more people. All large ferries authorized to carry more than 100 to ns of cars, trucks, trai ns, or other land-based transportation must meet th e requirements in section 5.3.1.1 (Deck Water) and section 5.3.2 (Education and Training). Large ferries author ized by the Coast Guard to carry 250 or more people must meet the requirements of secti on 5.3.1.2 (Graywater management) and section 5.3.2 (Education and Training).

5.3.1 Additional Authorized Discharges

5.3.1.1 Coal Ash from Coal Fired Pr opulsion Systems on Ferries

The discharge of coal ash slurry from coal fired propulsion systems on a ferry is authorized in waters subject to this pe rmit until December 19, 2012. All coal ash slurry discharges must comply with effluent limits in Part 5.3.2.3 of this permit.

5.3.2 Additional Effluent Limits

5.3.2.1 Deck Water

Large ferries may not discharg e untreated below deck water from parking areas or other storage areas for motor vehicles or other motorize d equipment into waters subject to this permit without first treating the effluent with an oily water separato r or other appropriate device. Large

53Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

ferry operators must use oil absorbent cloths or other appropriate spi ll response resources to clean oily spills or substances from deck surf aces. Any effluent created by washing the decks may not be discharged into the waters s ubject to this permit listed in Part 12.1.

5.3.2.2 Graywater Management

5.3.2.2.1 Graywater Discharge Location and Rate

Pierside Limits – While pierside, appropriate reception facilities for Graywater must be used, if reasonably available. If such facilities are not reasonably available, you must hold the graywater if the vessel has the holding capacity and discharge th e effluent while the vessel is underway. Appropriate reception faci lities are those authorized fo r use by the port authority or municipality and that treat the discharg e in accordance with its NPDES permit.

Operational Limits – You must also meet the following restrictions:

• If you operate within 3 nm from shore, discha rges of graywater must be released while the ferry is sailing at a speed of at least 6 knots if feasible.

5.3.2.3 Coal Ash Effluent Limits and Related Requirements

5.3.2.3.1 Minimization of coal ash slurry discharge

Vessel owner/operators must minimize the disc harge of coal ash slurry into waters subject to this permit. Minimi zation techniques shall include:

• Efficient combustion of coal,

• Minimize the ash content of th e coal used onboard, but in no event may the ash content exceed 9.5 % (by weight and as received), and

• Limiting discharge quantities to those necessary for the safe and efficient operation of the vessel.

5.3.2.3.2 Coal Sulfur Content

Vessel owner/operators must mini mize the sulfur content of all coal ash slurry discharged into waters subject to this permit by using coal with the lowest sulfur concentration technologically feasible and economically practicable and ac hievable, but in no event may the sulfur content of the coal exceed 1.023% (by weight and as received).

5.3.2.3.3 Limitations on Coal Ash Discharge Locations

Except in emergency situations, as determin ed and documented in the ship’s log by the vessel’s master, coal ash discharge may only occur when the vessel is:

• If in waters subject to this permit, more th an 5 nm from any shore and in waters over 100 feet in depth, and

54Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

• Underway at a speed of at least 6 knots.

5.3.3 Educational and Training Requirements

The crews of ferries play a key role in mini mizing the discharge of pollutants from ferry operations and its passengers. Therefore fe rry operators are subject to the following requirements:

• The ship’s crew members who actively take pa rt in the management of the discharge or who may affect the discharge must receive training regarding shipboard environmental procedures and must be able to demons trate proficiency in implementing these procedures.

• Advanced training in shipboard environmental management procedures must be provided for those directly involved in managing specific discharge types or areas of the ship and these crew must be able to demonstrate pr oficiency in implementing these procedures.

• Appropriate reprimand procedures must be developed for crew whose actions lead to violations of any effluent limit set forth in this permit or procedures established by the Cruise Ship operator to minimize the discharge of pollutants.

Ferry operators must also educate passengers on their potential e nvironmental impacts. The goals of these education efforts should includ e eliminating the discharge of trash overboard, minimizing the production of trash from parking areas or other storage areas, eliminating the addition of unused soaps, detergents, and pha rmaceuticals to the graywater or blackwater systems, and minimizing production of graywater. This can be accomplished in a variety of ways including, but not limited to posting signage and informational material in common areas, incorporating environmental information into orientation presentations, or broadcasting information via loudspeakers.

5.4 Barges (such as hopper barges, chemical barges, tank barges, fuel barges, crane barges, dry bulk cargo barges)

You must comply with Part 5 vessel-specifi c requirements associated with your vessel class in addition to any requirements specified elsewhere in this permit.

The requirements in Part 5.4 apply to vessel discharges from barges.

5.4.1 Additional Effluent Limits

Barges must minimize the contact of belo w deck condensation with oily or toxic materials, and any materials containing hydrocar bon. Whenever barges are pumping water from below deck, the discharge shall not contain oil in quanti ties that may be harmful as defined in 40 CFR Part 110. If a visible sheen is noted, vessel operators must initiate corrective action in accordance with Part 3 and meet recordkeeping requirements in Part 4.2 of this permit.

All tank barges must have spill rails and must plug their scuppers before any cargo operations if required by the vessel class society. If any spills result during loading or unloading

55Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

of cargo, vessel owner/operators must completely clean up spills or residue before scuppers are unplugged. Once all spills and re sidue have been cleaned, scuppers may be unplugged.

Vessel owner/operators must clean out cargo re sidues such that any remaining residue is minimized before washing the cargo compar tment or tank and discharging wash water overboard.

5.4.2 Supplemental Inspection Requirements

After every instance of pumping water from areas below decks, or immediately following washing down the decks, you must conduct a visual sh een test. The visual sh een test is used to detect free oil by observing the surface of the receiving water for the presence of an oily sheen. The operator should focus the inspection on the area surrounding the vessel where discharges from below deck or deck washings are discharged into the receiving water. A visible sheen is defined in Part 7 of this permit. If a visible sh een is observed, you must in itiate corrective actions required in Part 3 of this permit and meet recordkeeping requirements in Part 4.2 of this permit.

5.5 Oil Tankers or Petroleum Tankers

The requirements in Part 5.5 apply to vessel discharges from Oil Tankers or Petroleum Tankers.

5.5.1 Additional Authorized Discharges

For vessels which have an inert gas system , the effluent produced from inert gas scrubbers (IGS) may be discharged into waters subject to this permit.

The discharges of water from deck seals are authorized when such seals are installed as an integral part of an IGS system.

5.5.2 Additional Effluent Limits

Owner/operators of oil tankers must plug scuppers during cargo loading and unloading operations to prevent the discharge of oil into waters subject to th is permit. Any oil spilled must be cleaned with oil absorbent cloths or another appropriate approach. Additionally, owner/operators of oil tankers must comply with applicab le requirements of 33 CFR 155.310.

Vessel owner/operators must minimize the disc harge of effluent produced from inert gas scrubbers if feasible for their vessel design.

5.5.3 Supplemental Inspection Requirements

After every instance of loading or unlo ading operations or immediately following washing down the decks, you must conduct a visual sh een test. The visual sh een test is used to detect free oil by observing the surface of the receiving water for the presence of an oily sheen. The owner/operator should focus the insp ection on the area surr ounding the vessel where effluent from loading operations or deck washings discharge into the receiving water. A sheen is defined in Part 7 of this permit. If a visi ble sheen is observed, you must comply with all

56Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

requirements contained in Part 4.4 of this permit a nd initiate corrective acti ons required in Part 3 of this permit.

5.5.4 Educational and Training Requirements

The crews of oil tankers play a key role in minimizing the discharge of pollutants from vessel operations. Therefore oil tanker operators are subject to the following requirements:

• The ship’s crew members who actively take pa rt in the management of the discharge or who may affect the discharge must receive training regarding shipboard environmental procedures and must be able to demons trate proficiency in implementing these procedures.

• Advanced training in shipboard environmental management procedures must be provided for those directly involved in managing specific discharge types or areas of the ship and these crew must be able to demonstrate pr oficiency in implementing these procedures.

• Appropriate reprimand procedures must be developed for crew ac tions that lead to violations of any effluent limit set forth in this permit or procedures established by the vessel operator to minimize th e discharge of pollutants.

5.6 Research Vessels

The requirements in Part 5.6 apply to vessel di scharges from research vessels. Research vessels are those that are engage d in investigation or experime ntation aimed at discovery and interpretation of facts, revision of accepted theories or laws in the light of new facts, or practical application of such new or revised theories or laws.

5.6.1 Supplemental Authorized Discharges

In addition to the discharges incidental to the normal operation of a vessel authorized elsewhere in this permit, owner/ope rators of research vessels are authorized to discharge tracers (dyes, fluorescent beads, SF6), drifters, tr acking devices and the like, and expendable bathythermograph (XBT) probes, into waters subject to this permit, provided such discharges are for the sole purpose of conducting re search on the aquatic environmen t or its natural resources in accordance with generally recognized scien tific methods, principles, or techniques.

5.6.2 Additional Effluent Limits

Owner/operators of research vessels mu st discharge only the minimal amount of materials referenced in Part 5.6.1 necessary to co nduct research on the aqua tic environment or its natural resources in acc ordance with generally recognized sc ientific methods, principles, or techniques.

5.7 Emergency Vessels (Fire Boats, Police Boats)

The requirements in Part 5.7 apply to vesse l discharges from emergency and rescue boats.

57Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

5.7.1 Supplemental Authorized Discharges

In addition to the discharges incidental to the normal operation of a vessel authorized elsewhere in this permit, vesse l owner/operators of emergenc y vessels are authorized to discharge waste streams in c onjunction with training, testi ng, and maintenance operations, provided that they comply with all additional re quirements of the Clean Water Act (e.g. section 311) and the National Contingency Plan (40 CF R 300). This section does not relieve vessel operators of any additional re sponsibilities under the CWA and the National Contingency Plan which prohibits the discharge of oil for research or dem onstration purposes without Administrator approval. The use of foaming agents for oil or chemical fire response must be implemented in accordance with the National Contingency Plan (40 CFR 300).

5.7.2 Additional Effluent Limits

Owner/Operators are strongly encouraged to se ek alternative formulations of AFFF that are less harmful to the aquatic environment, su ch as non-fluorinated foam, while maintaining their effectiveness in emergency operations. Furt hermore, operators are encouraged to not use AFFF or discharge toxic substances in areas near active commerci al or recreational fisheries, near swimmable waters, or in high traffic areas for maintenan ce or training purposes. Emergency vessel owner/operators are also encouraged to perform trai ning, testing, and maintenance operations outside of port and as far from shore as possible. The use of foaming agents for oil or chemical fire response, and the control of their discharge from a vessel, must be implemented in accordance with the National Contingency Plan (40 CFR 300).

5.8 Vessels Employing Experimental Ballast Water Treatment Systems

For the purposes of this first-iteratio n permit only, any vessel employing a ballast treatment system which uses biocides to treat organisms in the ballast water is considered experimental.

The requirements in Part 5.8 apply to ballast water discharges from vessels employing experimental ballast water treatment systems that make use of biocides.

5.8.1 Authorization of Residual Biocides Asso ciated with Experimental Ballast Water Treatment Systems

Some experimental ballast water treatment syst ems produce or use biocides as an agent to reduce living organisms present in the ballast water tank. In order to be eligible for coverage under this permit, any ballast wa ter technology must not use any bi ocide that is a “pesticide” within the meaning of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, Ro denticide Act (7 U.S.C § 136 et
seq .) unless that biocide has been registered for use in ballast water treatment under such Act. The requirement in the preceding sentence does not apply if such biocide is generated solely by the use of a “device,” as that term is defi ned in the Federal Ins ecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, on board the same vessel as the ballast water to be treated by the biocide. In addition, if the ballast water treatment system us es or generates biocid es and you will discharge ballast water treated with biocides into waters subject to this permit, you must meet one of the following conditions to be eligible for permit coverage:

58Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

5.8.1.1 Analytical Monitoring

The discharge of Total Residual Chlorine (TRC) as a biocide or derivative may not exceed 100 micrograms per liter (μg/ l) as an instantaneous maximum. Any other biocides or derivatives may not exceed acute water quality cr iteria listed in EPA’s 1986 Quality Criteria for Water [the Gold Book], and any subsequent revisi on, at the point of ballast water discharge. The Gold Book can be found at: www.epa.gov/waterscience/criteria/library/goldbook.pdf . Tables summarizing the subsequent revisions can be found at: http://www.epa.gov/waterscience /criteria/wqctable/index.html . Discharges of biocide residuals or derivatives must also meet monitoring requirements under Part 5.8.2.1, and reporting and recordkeeping requirements in Part 5.8.3.

5.8.1.2 WET testing

The permittee shall conduct whole effluent toxicity (WET) testing on samples of the discharges from shipboard ballast water treatmen t systems to establish and annually verify the appropriateness of methods for treating ballast wa ter with biocides lacking EPA Water Quality Criteria or known to produce chemical biocides or derivatives lack ing EPA Water Quality Criteria.

The procedures for such WET testing are set fo rth in Part 15 (Appendix J) of this permit. The annual verification testing must demonstrate, for each organism tested, that the WET in the ballast water discharges, without allowance for mixing, does not exceed a ch ronic toxicity of 1.6 TUc as a daily maximum or 1.0 TUc as a monthly median.

If the toxicity of the treatment system resu lts in a discharge whic h exceeds 1.0 TUc as a monthly median or 1.6 TUc as a daily maximum, EPA may require the owner/operator to cease discharging from the treatment system until th ey obtain coverage under an individual NPDES permit.

5.8.2 Monitoring Requirements

5.8.2.1 Residual Biocide or Derivative Monitoring

For vessels subject to Part 5.8.1.1, above: you must conduct monitoring of the vessel ballast water discharge for any residual biocides or derivatives used in the treatment process to demonstrate compliance with the conditions in Part 5.8.1.1. For instance, if chlorine is the biocide used in the ballast water treatment, you mu st test for chlorine in the vessel ballast water discharge to see if it complies wi th the standards in Part 5.8.1.1. If there are no Part 136 test methods for the residual biocide or derivatives of the residual biocide, you must comply with Part 5.8.1.2 or seek coverage under an individual NPDES permit pursuant to Part 1.8 of this permit. In order to demonstrate that residual bioc ides or derivatives are in compliance with this permit, the vessel operator initially must take at least five (5) samples on different days over a 90-day period that are representati ve of the treated ballast water di scharge. Each sample must be tested independently and the individual results mu st be reported and not averaged. Samples must be tested as soon as possible after sampling, a nd may not be held longer than recommended for each tested constituent as given in 40 CFR Part 136. Sampling and testing shall be conducted according to 40 CFR Part 136.

59Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

Records of monitoring information shall include:

• The date, exact place, and time of sampling or measurements,

• The individual(s) who performed the sampling or measurements,

• The date(s) analyses were performed,

• The individual(s) who performed the analyses,

• The analytical techniques or methods used, and

• The results of such analyses.

Thereafter, you must conduct maintenance samp ling and analysis at least quarterly (4 times per year) of the vessel ballast water discharge in or der to demonstrate continued compliance with the standards in Part 5.8.1.1. If any of the initial or maintenance samples exceed the standards specified in Part 5.8.1.1, then the owner/operator must imme diately undertake steps necessary to achieve compliance and take and submit samples demonstrating such compliance.

5.8.2.2 Whole Effluent Toxicity (WET) monitoring

For vessels subject to 5.8.1.2, above: you must in itially conduct whole effluent toxicity (WET) testing consistent with Part 15 (Appendix J) of this permit using samples from the ballast water treatment system at the end of pipe for a ssessing the environmental sa fety of the resulting ballast water discharges. Two sets of WET tests must be done as set forth in Part 15 of this permit (Appendix E) using different ballast water discharge events separated by at least no less than 14 days, for initial testing followed by a nnual verification testing for each year of permit coverage. Initial WET testing must be done in the first 90 days of permit coverage or the first 90 days of using the ballast water trea tment system after permit issuance.

Thereafter, you must conduct maintenance sampli ng and analysis at l east once per year of the vessel ballast water discharge in order to demonstrate continued compliance with the standards in Part 5.8.1.2. If any of the initial or maintenance samples exceed the standards specified in Part 5.8.1.2, then the owner/operator must immediately undertake steps necessary to achieve compliance and take and submit samples demonstrating such compliance.

5.8.3 Recordkeeping and Reporting Requirements

Records of the sampling and testing results must be retained onboard for a period of 3 years in the vessel’s recordkeeping documentation.

You must submit your monitoring data to EPA HQ, Attn: Ballast Water Treatment System Test Results -Mail Code 4203M, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., Washington DC 20460 at least once per year. For systems already in use as of the effective date of this permit, initial sampling data must be submitted within 6 months of this permit’s effective date. For systems which are not already in use as of the effective date of this permit, initial sampling data must be submitted within 6 months of the system’s first use. Maintenance monitoring data must be submitted at least once per year within 30 days of the final sample collection. Data must be submitted on Discharge Monitoring Reports availabl e in Appendix I of this permit or submitted

60Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

to EPA’s e-reporting system available at www.epa.gov/npdes/vessels/eNOI , which will be available within two years of finalization of this permit.

61Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009



### 6. Specific requirements for individual States or Indian Country Lands

Section 401(d) of the CWA provides that any ce rtification under the Act "shall set forth any effluent limitations and othe r limitations, and monitoring require ments" necessary to assure that any applicant for a federal license or pe rmit will comply with any applicable CWA-based effluent limitations and other limitations, standa rds of performance, prohibitions, effluent standards, or pretreatment standards, and with any other appropriate requ irements of State and Tribal law. Section 401(d) furt her provides that such additional limitations and monitoring requirements "shall become a condition on any Federal license or permit subject to the provisions of this section." Pursuant to sec tion 401(d), EPA has attach ed provisions provided by States and Tribes in their CWA § 401 certifications; those that constitute effluent or other limitations or monitoring requirements are enforceable conditions of this permit.

The VGP is effective in every State and I ndian Country Land except in Taos Pueblo Tribal Lands (New Mexico). States and Indian Tribes which are not lis ted below have either certified without conditions or waived.

The following States or Tribes included addi tional permit requirements in their CWA § 401 certification:

6.1 Bishop Paiute Tribe:

The Bishop Paiute Tribe certified the VGP with the following additional permit condition:

Copies of Notice of Intents for proposed VGP and RGP must be submitted to the Bishop Paiute Tribe’s Environmental Manage ment office for review and comment.

6.2 California:

California certified the VGP with the following additional permit conditions:

1. Deleted.

2. Deleted.

3. Vessel discharges must be in accordance w ith the requirements of PRC section 72400 et seq. None of the 26 discharges covere d by the VGP may contain hazardous waste as defined under California law, as well as hazardous substances listed in Attachment 2 of this document. The following other wastes are prohib ited from discharge: sewage sludge, used or spent oil, garbage or trash (i ncluding plastic), photo-developing wastes, dry cleaning wastes, noxious liquid substance residue s, and medical wastes. The vessel owner or operator must submit a certification stating that hazardous wa stes as defined under California law, and prohibited wastes, will not be discharged.

62Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

4. Vessel discharges must comply with Califor nia State Lands Commission (SLC) requirements for ballast water discharges and hull fouli ng to control and prev ent the introduction of nonindigenous species, found in PRC section 71200 et seq. and in the CCR sections 2270 through 2291, inclusive (See Attachment 3 of this document).

5. Deleted.

6. Propeller cleaning is allowed until January 1, 201 2, after which, propeller cleaning is allowed as specified in regulations a dopted by SLC. All other in-w ater hull cleaning is prohibited unless conducted using the best available tec hnologies economically feasible, as determined by both SLC and the State Water Board. Th is prohibition includes underwater ship husbandry discharges (Discharge #25).

7. Deleted.

8. Deleted.

9. Deleted.

10. Deleted.

11. There must be no oily sheen from any disc harge, and oil and grease must not exceed 15 milligrams per liter (mg/L) from any discharge.

12. Detergents must not be used to disperse hydrocarbon sheens in any waste streams. To ensure this practice is implemented fo r all state waters, and additiona lly to protect drinking water sources in the Sacramento and San Joaquin Delt a, methylene blue active substances (MBAS) should not exceed 0.5 mg/L in all waterbodies.

13. Deleted.

14. Deleted.

15. Deleted.

16. All monitoring and reporting information shall be submitted to USEPA. Vessels entering the State of California shall also s ubmit reports using the following forms:

• 7.1 - Deleted.

• 7.2 - Deleted.

• 7.3 – SLC Marine Invasive Species Program Hull Husbandry Reporting Form Submit annually within 60 days of receiving a written or electronic request from the California State Lands Commission.

63Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

• 7.4 – SLC Ballast Water Reporting Form Upon departure from each port or place in California waters.

California State Lands Commission Marine Facilities Division 200 Oceangate, Suite 900 Long Beach, CA 90802

17. This Certification includes Attachments 1-7 1 . Following is a description of these attachments:

• Attachment 1 – Signatory Requirements;

• Attachment 2 – List of Chemical Name s and Common Names for Hazardous Wastes and Hazardous Materials, Title 22, Chapter 11, Appendix X, California Code of Regulations

• Attachment 3 – California State Lands Commission’s Ballast Water Performance Standards; and

• Attachment 4 – Deleted;

• Attachment 5 –Deleted;

• Attachment 6 – Deleted;

• Attachment 7 – Vessel Discharge Reporting Forms.

6.3 Connecticut:

Connecticut certified the VGP with th e following additional permit conditions:

1. Rights. This certificate is subject to and does not derogate any pr esent or future property rights or other rights or power s of the State of Connecticut, and conveys no property rights in real estate or material nor any exclusive privileges, and is furt her subject to any and all public and private rights and to any federa l, state, or local laws or regu lations pertinent to the property or activity affected hereby. This certification doe s not comprise the permits or approvals as may be required by Chapters 440, 446i, 446j and 446 k of the Connecticut General Statutes.

2. Expiration of Certificate. This Section 401 Water Quality Certif ication shall be valid for five (5) years or until such time as the VGP issued by EPA on or about December 19, 2008 expires or is modified, suspended, revoked or reissued.

3. Compliance with Certificate. All work and all activities authorized herein conducted by the permittees in accordance with the VGP shall be c onsistent with the terms and conditions of this certificate. Any regulated activ ities carried out in a manner inconsistent with the Best Management Practices identified in the VGP constitute a violation of this certificate.

4. Reliance on Application. In evaluating the EPA’s applicat ion for this certificate, the Commissioner has relied on inform ation provided by the EPA. If such information subsequently

1 These attachments are available as a PD F file with California’s full 401 certif ication letter. This information is available by linking to EPA’s website at: www.epa.gov/npdes/vessels

.

64Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

proves to be false, deceptive, incomplete or inaccurate, this certif icate may be modified, suspended or revoked.

5. Best Management Practices. In conducting the activities au thorized by the VGP, the permittees shall employ all applicable best manage ment practices, consistent with the terms and conditions of the VGP and this certificate as applicable.

6. Ballast Water Management Requirements. The ballast water management requirements in the Draft VGP section 2.2.3 shall be the minimu m standard for covered vessels operating in Connecticut waters. All vessels covered by the VG P that have a ballast water treatment system installed for any reason, including but not limited to compliance with the conditions of any VGP 401 Water Quality Certificate issued by any other jurisdiction, or compliance with International Marine Organization (IMO) standard s, shall utilize such treatment system to treat ballast water to the highest level afforded by such installed treatm ent system prior to disc harge into Connecticut
waters.

7. Effective upon issuance of the VGP, graywater as defined in 33 USC § 1322 (a)(11) shall not be discharged into Connecticut waters from a vessel covered under the VGP unless such vessel is not equipped to hold such graywater for processi ng ashore or for discharge outside Connecticut
waters.

Effective January 1, 2012, graywater from a ny vessel covered under the VGP operating in Connecticut waters shall not be discharged into such waters unless such discharge is granted an extension under the limited circumstances described herein. This prohibition shall be in effect regardless of a vessel’s traveling speed.

No extensions will be made to the above implementation date, unless an entity covered under the VGP makes a request for an extension to the Commissioner and can provide sufficient justification for such a request. Any such extension re quest shall state and demonstrate that: (1) there is a shortage in supply of the technology n ecessary to meet the lim its set forth in this certification, or a vessel-specific en gineering constraint or other factor related to the availability and installation of technology beyond the vessel owner/operator’s contro l, that delays the technology being available and in stalled in time to comply wi th this standard; (2) the unavailability of supply or installation constrai nt is the only reason the January 1, 2012 date cannot be met; and (3) the vessel has exhausted all other options to comply with this standard. Any extension request must be made no later th an June 30, 2010, and the extension request shall indicate when the vessel will come in to compliance with this deadline.

6.4 Florida:

Florida certified VGP with the fo llowing additional permit conditions:

“Effluent limitations established in Section 2.1.4 Discharges of Oil Incl uding Oily Mixtures, and Section 2.2.16 Motor Gasoline and Co mpensating Discharge of the VG P, are not as stringent as the State of Florida Requirements. Florida’s surf ace water quality standard for oil and grease in

65Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

Rule 62-302-.530(50) F.A.C., state that dissolved or emulsified oils and greases shall not exceed 5.0 mg/L.”

6.5 Georgia:

Georgia certified the VGP with the following additional permit conditions:

Except for ocean going vessels of 20 tons displacement or more, the discharge of graywater shall be through a marine sanitation de vice that is in compliance w ith the Federal standards of performance and regulations for marine sanitati on devices promulgated pursuant to Section 312 of the Clean Water Act.

6.6 Guam:

Guam certified the VGP with the fo llowing additional permit condition:

We note that discharges to coral spawning area s during coral mass spawning shall be avoided.

In regards to the Clean Water Act Section 401 Water Quality Certification (WQC) for this activity, we find these proposed NPDES permits tent atively to be acceptable, in accordance with the Guam Water Quality Standards, as ame nded in 2001. Based on the proposed numerical criteria, permit narrative, monitoring requireme nts, and the current Guam Water Quality Standards, Guam Environmental Protection Agency believes that there is reasonable assurance that the NPDES permitted discharg e activity will not violate applic able water quality standards. Therefore, we hereby issue Sect ion 401 Water Quality Certificat ion for the proposed NPDES for VGP.

6.7 Hawaii:

Hawaii certified the VGP with the following additional permit conditions:

This conditional Section 401 WQC covers effluent discharges into waters of the State of Hawaii incidental to the normal operation of a pplicable commercial vessels (operated in a capacity as a means of transportation) and commercial fishing vessels that are eligible for permit coverage under Part 1.2 of the proposed VGP and to be authorized under the provisions of Section 402 of the CWA (33 U.S.C. 1342).

Effluent discharges evaluated under this c onditional Sect ion 401 WQC are limited to the following that are currently excluded from obtaining the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit under 40 CFR §122.3 requirements:

(1) Ballast water discharges incidental to normal operations of all commercial vessels including commerci al fishing vessels; and

(2) Twenty-seven (27) types of effluent discharges incidental to commercial vessels 79-ft or longer, but not in cluding commercial fishing vessels:

66Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

(A) Deck Runoff (B) Bilgewater Oily Water Separator Effluent (C) Anti-fouling Leachate from Anti-Fouling Hull Coatings/Hull Coating Leachate (D) Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) (E) Boiler/Economizer Blowdown (F) Cathodic Protection (G) Chain Locker Effluent (H) Controllable Pitch Pr opeller Hydraulic Fluid (I) Distillation and Reverse Osmosis Brine (J) Elevator Pit Effluent (K) Firemain Systems (L) Freshwater Layup (M) Gas Turbine Wash Water (N) Graywater Except that Graywater from commercial vessels operating in the Great Lakes within the mean ing of CWA section 312 is excluded from the requirement to obtain an NPDES permit (see CWA Section 502(6), and thus is not within the scope of this permit. (O) Motor Gasoline and Compensating Discharge (P) Non-Oily Machinery Wastewater (Q) Refrigeration and Air Condensate Discharge (R) Rudder Bearing Lubrication Discharge (S) Seawater Cooling Overboard Discharge (Including Non-Contact Engine Cooling Water; Hydraulic Sy stem Cooling Water, Refrigeration Cooling Water) (T) Seawater Piping Biofouling Prevention (U) Small Boat Engine Wet Exhaust (V) Sonar Dome Discharge (W) Sterntube Oily Discharge (X) Underwater Ship Husbandry (Y) Welldeck Discharges (Z) Graywater Mixed with Sewage from Vessels (AA) Exhaust Gas Scrubber Washwater Discharge

Geographical Area Exclusions:

(1) There shall be no waste discharges into natural freshwater lakes, saline lakes and anchialine pools. Waste means sewage, industrial and agri cultural matter, and all other liquid, gaseous, or solid substa nce, including radioactive substance, whether treated or not, which may pollute or tend to pollute the waters of the State.

(2) Sewage, whether commingled with graywa ter or not, shall be disposed at pier side collection or treatment system or outside of estuaries or embayments. No new treated sewage discharges shall be permitted within estuaries. [HAR,

67Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

Paragraph 11-54-3(b)(2)] No new sewage discharges will be permitted within embayments. [HAR, Paragraph 11-54-3(c)(2)]

Limitations on Coverage

This conditional Section 401 WQC does not apply to any of the following: (1) The discharge(s) that is regulated under CWA, Section 404.

(2) Discharge activity (ies), to be authorized under the EPA proposed VGP, which is inconsistent with criteria es tablished in HAR, Subsection 11-54-1.1.

(3) When the Director finds that it is mo re appropriate to ev aluate the project impacts under an individual application for a Section 401 WQC.

Discharge Limitations

a. All waters shall be free of substances attr ibutable to the activities authorized under this conditional Section 401 WQC and EPA VGP, including:

(1) Materials that will settle to form objectionable sludge or bottom deposits.

(2) Floating debris, oil, grease, sc um, or other floating materials.

(3) Substances in amounts sufficient to pr oduce taste in the water or detectable off-flavor in the flesh of fish, or in amounts sufficient to produce objectionable color, turbidity or other condi tions in the receiving waters.

(4) High or low temperatures; biocides; pa thogenic organisms; toxic, radioactive, corrosive, or other deleterious substances at levels or in combinations sufficient to be toxic or harmful to human, animal, plant, or aquatic life, or in amounts sufficient to interfere with any beneficial use of the water.

(5) Substances or conditions or combinat ions thereof in concentrations which produce undesirable aquatic life.

(6) Soil particles resulting from erosion on land involved in earthwork, such as the construction of public works; highways; subdivisions; recreational, commercial, or industrial developments; or the cultiv ation and management of agricultural lands.

b. The following conditions as proposed in the letter of September 12, 2008, are hereby incorporated into this conditional Section 401 WQC and shall also be incorporated into Part 6 of the Final Region 9 VGP for discha rges into Waters of the State of Hawaii "incidental to the normal operation of commercial vessels":

68Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

(1) Any discharge which would be unl awful under HRS, Section 342D-51 (or Section 30l(a) of the Clea n Water Act) must be repor ted to the Director, Water Division, EPA Region 9, 75 Hawthorne Stre et, San Francisco, CA 94105, and to the Director of Health, Hawaii Depart ment of Health, 919 Ala Moana Blvd., Rm. 301, Honolulu, Hawaii 96814-4920 within 24 hours of the discharge, unless a valid NPDES permit issued under HRS, Section 342D-6 (or Section 402 of the Clean Water Act) specifies another repor ting period for the specific discharge.

(2) Enterococcus shall be added to the list of analytes for which samples shall be taken in accordance with Parts 5.1.2.2.1, 5.1.2.2.2, 5.2.2.2.1 and 5.2.2.2.2 of the VGP. Monitoring results shall be reported to the Director of Health, Hawaii Department of Hea1th, 919 Ala Mo ana Blvd, Rm. 301, Honolulu, Hawaii 96814­ 4920 in addition to EPA's Washington DC office.

(3) Receiving waters of the State of Hawaii shall be free of substances attributable to the discharges including high or lo w temperatures; biocides; pathogenic organisms; toxic, radioactive, corrosive, or other deleterious s ubstances at levels or in combinations sufficient to be toxic or harmful to humans, animal, plant, or aquatic life, or in amounts sufficient to in terfere with any bene ficial use of the
water.

(4) Receiving waters of the State of Hawaii shall be free of substances attributable to the discharges including floating debris , oil, grease, scum, or other floating materials.

c. Ballast water discharges from "Qualifying Vessels" shall also comply with the provisions of HAR, Chapter 13-76.

The term "Qualifying Vessels", as defined in HAR, Section 13-76-12, means all vessels, United States or foreign fla gged, carrying ballast water into state marine waters after operating outside the EEZ.

The term "EEZ", as defined in HAR, Sec tion 13-76-12, means the United States exclusive economic zone established by Presidential Proclamation No. 5030, dated March 10, 1983, which extends from the baseline of the territorial sea of the United States seaward 200 nautical miles, substa ntially as defined in federal law 33 CFR 151.2025, dated July 1, 2005.

d. Discharges from "Commercial Passenger Ve ssels" shall comply with requirements specified in HRS, Sections 342D-I0 2, 342D-I03, 342D-I04, 342D-105 and 342-106 of PART VI of HRS, Chapter 342D ti tled "DISCHARGES FROM COMMERCIAL PASSENGER VESSELS." "Commercial passenger vessel," as defined in HRS, Section 342D-I 0I, means a vessel that carries passengers for hire. The term does not include a vessel:

(1) Authorized to carry fewer than fifty passengers;

69Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

(2) That does not provide overnight accomm odations for at least fifty passengers for hire, determined with reference to th e number of lower berths and based on an average of two persons per cabin; or

(3) Operated by the United Stat es or a foreign government.

e. Concentration of Total Residual Chlorine (TRC) in et11uent discharges shall not exceed an acute concentration of 13.0 ug/I in salt water or an acute concentration of 19.0 mcg/l in fresh water

g. State waters affected by the applicable di scharge activities are subject to monitoring and to the standards for acute and chronic toxicity and the pr otection of human health as specified in HAR, S ubsection 11-54-4(b).

h. The discharge incidental to normal opera tion of commercial vessels and commercial fishing vessels permitted under the authorizatio n of EPA VGP shall not interfere with or become injurious to any assigned uses made of (designated uses, as defined in BAR, Section 11-54-1, and specified in BAR, Secti on 11-54-3), or presentl y in (existing uses, as defined in BAR, Section 11-54-1, and speci fied in BAR, Subsection 11-54-1.1), those
waters.

It shall constitute a violation under HRS, Chap ter 342D; HAR, Chapter 11- 54; and this WQC if any discharges resulti ng from the activities authorized unde r the EPA VGP, resulting in any noncompliance to terms, requirements, restrictions , or limitations as specified in this WQC. The DOH reserves the right to take enforcement actions authorized by law.

After consideration of the expres sed views of all inte rested persons and agencies and pertinent State statutes and rules, the DOH hereby issues this conditional Section 401 WQC to the EPA, Region 9, for the proposed VGP for listed discharg es incidental to the normal operation of commercial vessels.

6.8 Hualapai Tribe:

Hualapai Tribe certified with the following conditions:

In response to the U.S. Environmental Protecti on Agency (EPA) request for certification of two National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) general permits: The Vessel General Permit (VGP) and Recreational Vessel General Pe rmit (RGP) for Discharges Incidental to the Normal Operation of Commercial and Large Re creational Vessels. Wate r bodies within the jurisdiction of the Hualapai Trib e, the Hualapai Tribes water qua lity standards and corresponding mitigation measures will be adhered to in acco rdance with all rights and obligations stemming from tribal sovereignty and Treatment as a Stat e under the Clean Water Act. The Tribe requires that all permits issued in close proximity to Hual apai waters, be consistent with the Tribes’ water quality standards set forth in the Hualapai E nvironmental Review Code, Subtitle I. Water Resources and Wetlands, Part 1. Water Resources Ordinance; 401 certifica tion is hereby given.

70Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

6.9 Idaho:

Idaho certified the VGP with the fo llowing additional permit conditions:

Reporting of Discharges Containi ng Hazardous Substances or Oil Any discharges containing hazardous substances or oil must be reported to the Idaho State Communications Center (1-800-632 -8000) or to the appropriate DEQ Regional Office (IDAPA 58.01.02.850).

Regional Office Phone Number Regional Office Phone Number Boise (208) 373-0550 Lewiston (208) 799-4370 Coeur d’Alene (208) 769-1422 Pocatello (208) 236-6168 Idaho Falls (208) 528-2650 Twin Falls (208) 736-2190

Regulations Prohibiting Discharg es on Certain Water Bodies Owners or operators of vessels covered by this ge neral permit must be aware of and comply with applicable Idaho Administrati ve Code provisions governing di scharges from vessels. The discharge of graywater or a se wage/graywater mixture otherwis e authorized under this general permit is prohibited in certain regions of the state pursuant to IDAPA 41.01.01.200.01(c). Those areas include Boundary, Bonner, Kootenai, Bene wah, and Shoshone counties in northern Idaho. (IDAPA 41.01.01.200.01 et seq. )

6.10 Illinois:

Illinois certified the VGP with the following additional permit conditions:

1. Discharges of wastestreams containing Bioaccumulative Chemicals of Concern (BCCs) from vessels covered by the Vessel General Perm it shall be consistent with the provisions of 35 Ill. Adm. Code 302.520, 302,521, and 302.530.

2. All discharges to Waters of the State from vessels covered by the Vessel General Permit shall not cause a violation of Illinois Water Quality Standards, as found at 35 Ill. Adm. Code Part 302 or effluent standards, as found at 35 Ill. Adm. Code Part 304.

3. No effluent from any vessel covered by the Ve ssel General Permit shall contain settleable solids, floating debris, visible oil, grease, scum or sludge solids. Color, odor and turbidity must be reduced to below obvious leve ls, pursuant to 35 Ill. Adm. Code 304.106.

4. Any vessel covered by the Vessel General Permit discharging ballast water employing ballast water treatment systems using chlorine shall not exceed a maximum total residual chlorine limit of 0.05 mg/l. The usage of othe r biocides shall not cause a violation of applicable water quality sta ndards and shall not be disc harged in concentrations considered to be toxic or harmful to a quatic life, pursuant to 35 Ill Adm. Code 302.210, 302.410, and 302.540.

5. The discharge from any vessel covered by the Vessel General Permit shall be free from any substances or combination of substances in concentrations toxic or harmful to human

71Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

health, or to animal, plant or aquatic life, pursuant to 35 Ill Adm. Code 302.210, 302.410, and 302.540.

6. No bilge or ballast water from vessels covered by the Vessel General Permit which fails to meet the effluent standards of Part 304 sh all be discharged to waters of the State pursuant to 35 Ill. Adm. Code 308.103.

7. Except as provided in Condition No. 8, discharg es of ballast water from vessels covered by the Vessel General Permit to the Illinois po rtion of Lake Michigan must meet the International Maritime Organization certifi ed treatment standard according to the following schedule:

a. For vessels constructed prior to Ja nuary 1, 2012, meeting the applicability criteria in the federal NPDES permit, treatment shall be installed an operational to meet the performance standards for organisms included in Table A by January 1, 2016. b. For vessels constructed after Janua ry 1, 2012, meeting th e applicability criteria in the federal NPDES permit, treatment stall be installed and operational to meet the performance standards for organisms included in Table A prior to commen cement of vessel operation.

Table A. Biological Performance Standards for Ballast Water Treatment Technology Parameter Limit Limit Type Sample Type Organisms > 50um in minimum dimension <10 viable/m 3 Daily Average Composite

Organisms 10-50 um in minimum dimension <10 viable/ml Daily Average Composite

Escherichia coliform <250 cfu/100 ml Daily Average Composite Intestinal enterococci <100 cfu/ 100 ml Daily Average Composite Analysis required by the above table shall be performed consistent with current protocols.

8. If ballast water treatment t echnologies, standards or limita tions are adopted or approved by the USEPA, the U.S. Coast Guard, or ot her duly authorized Federal Agency and incorporated into the Vessel General Permit, the Agency will review the new or modified Vessel General Permit to ensure compliance with applicable Illinois laws and regulations. Based on that review, the Agency will waive, modify the existing certification or issue a new certification pursuant to Section 401 of the Clean Water Act.

9. If the IEPA determines that vessel disc harges covered by the Vessel General Permit cannot comply with the conditions of this certification or the Illinois Water Quality Standards, then this certification may be amended to include different limitations, conditions, or requirements which are consiste nt with applicable laws, regulations, or judicial orders. The Agency will public notice any proposed amendments to the certification.

72Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

10. The issuance or this certifi cation pursuant to Section 401 of the Clean Water Act does not release any dischargers from res ponsibilities or liabilities for pa st or future violations of federal, state, or local laws or regulations , nor does it release a ny potential dischargers from the responsibility of obtaining permits , including any from the IEPA, or other approvals from other units of govern ment as may be required by law.

6.11 Indiana:

Indiana certified the VGP with the following additional permit conditions:

The following conditions shall apply to any activ ity that qualifies under this general permit.

1. Permittee shall allow the commissioner or an authorized representative of the commissioner (including an authorized contr actor), upon the presentati on of credentials:

a. to enter and inspec t covered vessels; b. to have access to and copy at reasonable times any records that must be kept under the conditions of this certifications;

c. to inspect, at reasonable times, any monitoring or operational equipment or method; collections, treatment, pollution management or discharge facility or device; practices required by this certification; and d. to sample or monitor any discharge of pollutants from covered vessels. 2. This granting of WQC does not relieve perm ittee from the responsibility of obtaining any other permits or authorizations that may be required for the project or related activities from the IDEM or any other agency or person. 3. This certification does not:

a. Authorize impacts or activities outside the scope of this certification; b. Authorize any injury to permittees or priv ate property or inva sion of other private rights, or any infringement of federal, state, or local la ws or regulations;

c. Convey any property rights of any sort , or any exclusiv e privileges; or d. Preempt any duty to obtain federal, stat e or local permits or authorizations required by law. 4. The IDEM, for any vessel that qualifies under the terms and conditions of this certifications, may choose to re quire an individual WQC if it determines that the vessel would have more than minimal impacts to wa ter quality, either vi ewed individually or collectively with other activities that may affect the same waterbody. 5. Activities authorized by the general permit shall not violate or exceed Indiana’s Water Quality Standards at 327 IAC 2. 6. Discharges of ballast water to the Indiana portio n of Lake Michigan must meet the International Maritime Organization certifi ed treatment standard according to the following schedule:

a. For ocean-going vessels constructed pr ior to January 1, 2012, and meeting the applicability criteria in the federal NPDE S permit, treatment shall be installed and operational to meet the performance sta ndards for organisms included in Table 1 by January 1, 2016. b. For ocean-going vessels constructed after January 1, 2012, and meeting the applicability criteria in the federal NPDE S permit, treatment shall be installed and

73Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

operational to meet the performance sta ndards for organisms included in Table 1 prior to commencement of vessel op eration in Indiana State waters.

Analysis required by Table 1 shall be pe rformed consistent with the protocols currently being validated by the EPA Environmental Technology Verification Program (EPA/U.S. Coast Guard/Naval Research Laborator y) and/or the following Great Ships Initiative protocols: The Procedure for Algae/Small Protozoan Sample Analysis, the Procedur e for Zooplankton Sample Analysis, the Procedure for the Detection and Enumeration of E. coli by Membrane Filtration available online at http://www.nemw.org/GSI/protocols.htm

c. If the federal government adopts treatment standards more stringent than IMO, then those standards shall replace those in Table 1 for new treatment systems installed after the date those federal standards go into effect.

Table 1. Biological performance standards for ballast water treatment technology Parameter Limit Limit Type Sample Type Organisms > 50um in minimum dimension <10 viable 2 /m 3 Daily Average Composite 3

Organisms 10-50 um in minimum dimension <10 viable/ml Daily Average Composite

Escherichia coliform <250 cfu/100 ml Daily Average Composite Intestinal enterococci <100 cfu/ 100 ml Daily Average Composite

7. Any ocean-going vessel discharging ballast water employing ballast water treatment systems using chlorine, shall not exceed a maximum total residual chlorine limit of .02 mg/l. The usage of other biocides shall not be discharged in concentrations considered to be toxic or harmful to aquatic life or in concentrations that would violate applicable water quality standards.

6.12 Iowa:

Iowa certified the VGP with the fo llowing additional permit conditions:

Conditions:

1. Permittee is responsible for securing and fo r compliance with such other permits or approvals as may be required by the IDNR, federal, state, or local governmental agencies for the project activities described.

2 “Viable organism” means organisms that are living and able to reproduce.
3 “Composite” sample type is a combination of individual grab samples taken at periodic intervals over the specified time period. Either samples taken at equal time intervals shall be combined using a volume of each sample that is proportional to the flow that sample represents, or equa l volume samples shall be combined that are taken at intervals of equal flow volumes.

74Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

2. If the vessel discharges oil or hazardous substances in the water, immediately call the U.S. Coast Guard at 1-800-424-8802 and the IDNR Emergency Response Unit at 1-515-281-8694. 3. Discharge of ballast water into Iowa’s waters is authorized only if there has been an open sea exchange or if the vessel has treated its ballast water to meet water quality standards set by the IDNR in 567~ 61.3 (455B). See www.iowadnr.com/water/standards/files/chapter61.pdf

. 4. It is illegal for anglers to po ssess, introduce, purchase, sell, or transport aquatic invasive species in Iowa except when a species is bei ng removed from watercraft or equipment, is caught and immediately killed or returned to the water from which it came, or is being transported in a sealed containe r for identification purposes. It is also illegal to introduce any live fish, except for hooked bait, into public waters. 5. It is illegal to dump trash into federally controlled or state waters. 6. It is illegal to discharge oil or h azardous substances into the water. 7. Oil may not be dumped into the bilge of th e vessel without means for proper disposal. 8. Oil waste must be disposed of at an approve d reception facility. On recreational vessels, a bucket or bailer is adequate for temporary storage. 9. Recreational vessels with installed toilets must have an operable marine sanitation device on board. All installed devices must be U.S. Coast Guard-certified. 10. The United States Coast Guard’s Mandatory Prac tices for all vessels with ballast tanks on all waters of the United States, regardless of Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) Entry (33 CFR 151.2035(a)) must be followed. 11. The United States Coast Guard’s Additional Ma ndatory Practices for all vessels transiting to U.S. waters with ballast water that was taken on within 200 nautical miles of any coast after operating beyond the U.S. EEZ ( 33 CFR 151.2035(b)) must be followed.

6.13 Kansas:

Kansas certified the VGP with the following conditions:

The permittee shall not cause or contribute to a violation of the following narrative Kansas Surface Water Quality Standards [KAR 28-16-28e(B)]: (1) Surface waters shall be free, at all times, fr om the harmful effects of substances that originate from artificial sources of polluti on and that produce any public health hazard, nuisance condition, or impairment of a designated use. (2) Hazardous materials derived from artificia l sources, including toxic substances, radioactive isotopes, and infectious microorga nisms derived directly or indirectly from point or nonpoint sources, sha ll not occur in surface waters at concentrations or in combinations that jeopardize the public health or the survival or well-being of livestock, domestic animals, terrestrial wildlife , or aquatic or semiaquatic life. (3) Surface waters shall be free of all discarde d solid materials, including trash, garbage, rubbish, offal, grass clippings , discarded building or constr uction materials, car bodies, tires, wire, and other unwanted or discarde d materials. The placement of stone and concrete rubble for bank stabilization shall be acceptable to the department, if all other required permits are obtained before placement. (4) Surface waters shall be free of floating de bris, scum, foam, froth, and other floating materials directly or indirectly attribut able to artificial sources of pollution.

75Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

(5) Oil and grease from artificial sources shall no t cause any visible film or sheen to form upon the surface of the water or upon submerged substrate or adjoining shorelines, nor shall these materials cause a sludge or emulsi on to be deposited beneath the surface of the water or upon the adjoining shorelines. (6) Surface waters shall be free of deposits of sludge or fine solids attributable to artificial sources of pollution. (7) Taste-producing and odor-producin g substances of artificial origin shall not occur in surface waters at concentrations that inte rfere with the production of potable water by conventional water treatment processes, that impart an unpalatable flavor to edible aquatic or semiaquatic life or terrestrial wildlife, or that result in noticeable odors in the vicinity of surface waters. (8) The natural appearance of surface waters shall not be altered by the addition of colorproducing or turbidity-producing substa nces of artificial origin.

6.14 Maine:

Maine certified the VGP with the following additional permit conditions:

1. Large Commercial Passenger Vessels that pr ovide overnight accommodations for 250 or more overnight passengers are prohibited from discharging graywater or a mixture of graywater and blackwater to the coastal waters unless they first obtain authorization to discharge through Maine Department of Environmental Protection General Permit #W008222-5Y-A-N dated December 22, 2005. 4
2. Large Commercial Passenger Vessels are prohi bited from discharging graywater into No Discharge Areas designated pursuant to Sect ion 312 of the Act, 33 CFR Part 159 and 40 CFR Part 140. 3. Large Commercial Passenger Vessels must re port discharges of blackwater or graywater not authorized through Permit #W008222-5Y-A-N, or discharges to No Discharge Areas, to the Department. 5
4. No vessel covered by the VGP may discharg e pollutants to Class GPA or class SA
waters. 6
5. No vessel covered by the VGP may conduct underw ater hull cleaning except as part of emergency hull repairs necessary to secure th e vessel or saving a life at sea. The Maine Department of Environmental Protection has determined that removal of biological growth, debris, or scrubbing the hull to reveal fresh antifouling coatings will invariable release pollutants at levels potential toxic to the marine environment.

6.15 Massachusetts:

Massachusetts certified the VGP subj ect to the following conditions:

Unnumbered section

4 38 MRSA §423-D
5 38 MRSA §423-D
6 38 MRSA §465-A (1) and 38 MRSA §465-B(1)

76Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

The discharge of tetrachloroethylene (TCE) from all activities (not just drycleaning) is prohibited.

Section 2.2.3.8 Vessels Engaged in Pacific Ne arshore Voyages with Unpumpable Ballast Water and Residual Sediment (including NOBOBs) Ballast water exchange requirements similar to those proposed for Pacific near- shore voyages (section 2.2.3.8) are required for vessels engaged in coastwise tr ade on the Atlantic or Gulf Coasts that will discharge to waters subject to this permit.

Section 2.2.15 Graywater Vessels that have the capacity to store graywater are prohibited from discha rging it in areas listed in Part 12.1. In Massachusetts these areas include: the Bo ston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area, the Cape Cod National Seashore, and the E ssex National Heritage Area.

Section 2.2.15 Graywater The discharge of untreated graywater within 3 nautical miles (nm) for vessels greater than 400 gross tons is prohibited, regardle ss of the speed of the vessel. Treated graywater must meet the graywater treatment standards incl uded in Section 5.1.1.1.2 of the VGP.

Section 2.2.21 Seawater Piping Biofouling Prevention All seawater piping biofouling disc harges shall meet the same ch lorine discharge limit of 10 μg/l as is proposed in the graywater treatment standards (e.g., Section 5.1.1.1.2).

Section 2.2.25 Underwater Ship Husbandry Discharges Discharges associated with Underwater Ship Hu sbandry are prohibited in waters within 3 nm. Specifically, the removal of fouling organisms is prohibited within 3 nm in order to prevent the spread of invasive species. In addition, all hu ll cleaning shall occur while a vessel is in drydock or at another landside facility so that wash water and hull cleani ng residuals can be collected and disposed of properly.

Section 2.2.27 Graywater Mixed with Sewage from Vessels Graywater commingled with sewage is not allowed to be discharged in No Discharge Areas. As of December 2008, three quarters of Massachusetts ’ coastal waters have been designated as NDAs. A map of No Discharge Areas in Massachusetts can be found at http://www.epa.gov/region01/eco/nodiscrg/index.html

. Section 5.1.1.1.1 Graywater Discharge Location and Rate (for large cruise ships) The discharge of all (treated and untreated) graywa ter from large cruise ships is prohibited within 3 nm of shore unless the disc harge meets the graywater trea tment standards in Section 5.1.1.1.2.

Sections 5.1.1.1.2 Graywater Treatment Standards (for large cruise ships) All discharges of graywater for la rge cruise ships shall meet the state water quality standard for fecal coliform of 14 fecal coliform colony formi ng units (cfu) per 100 ml with not more than 10 percent of the samples exceeding 28 fecal coliform cfu per 100 ml.

Section 5.2.1.1.1 Graywater Discharge Location and Rate (for medium cruise ships)

77Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

The discharge of all (treated and untreated) gr aywater from medium-sized cruise ships (those authorized to carry 100-499 passeng ers) is prohibited within 3 nm of shore unless the discharge meets the graywater treatmen t standards in Section 5.2.1.1.2.

Sections 5.2.1.1.2 Graywater Treatment Standards (for medium cruise ships) All discharges of graywater from medium cruise ships shall meet the state water quality standard for fecal coliform of 14 fecal coliform cfu per 100 ml with not more than 10 percent of the samples exceeding 28 fecal coliform cfu per 100 ml.

Section 5.3.1.2.1 Graywater Discharge Location and Rate (for large ferries) The discharge of all (treated and untreated) gray water from large ferries (those authorized to carry more than 100 tons of land transportation vehi cles or greater than 2 50 people) is prohibited with 3 nm of shore unless the discharge meets the graywater treatments standards in Section 5.2.1.1.2.

Section 5.8.1 Authorization of Residual Biocid es Associated with Experimental Ballast Water Treatment Systems All discharges from experimental ballast water treatment systems shall contain no more than 10 ug/l total residual chlorine (TRC, as is propos ed in the graywater treatment standards (e.g., Sections 5.1.1.1.2 and 5.2.1.1.2).

6.16 Michigan:

Michigan certified the VGP with the following additional permit conditions:

1. Discharges of blackwater and graywater fr om vessels covered by the USEPA’s VGP are prohibited in Michigan waters. (Part 95, Wate rcraft Pollution Control, of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, 1994 PA 451, as amended, [NREPA]) 2. Oceangoing vessels covered by the USEPA’s VGP are prohibited from discharging ballast water in Michigan waters, unless the ve ssel has obtained a Certificate of Coverage under the Ballast Water Control Genera l Permit (Permit No. MIG140000) or an Individual Permit from the MDEQ and is in full compliance with the discharge limitations, monitoring requirements, and othe r conditions set forth in that General Permit or Individual Permit. (Section 3112[6]of Part 31, Water Resources Protection, of the NREPA) 3. Non-oceangoing vessels covered by the USEPA’ s VGP that operate experimental ballast water treatment systems are prohibited from di scharging ballast water in Michigan waters with total residual chlorine concentrations above 38 micrograms per liter (μg/l) when the ballast water discharge duration exceeds 160 mi nutes, or above 200 μg/l when the ballast water discharge duration is less than or equal to 160 minutes. Non-oceangoing vessels covered by the USEPA’s VGP that operate expe rimental ballast water treatment systems are prohibited from discharging ballast wa ter in Michigan waters with chlorite concentrations above 13 μg /l. (R 323.1057 of the MWQS) 4. Each vessel required to operate a ballast wa ter treatment system pursuant to Condition No. 2 of the Certification shall allow th e MDEQ reasonable entry onto the vessel for inspection, access to records, and collection of a ballast water di scharge sample(s) for determining compliance with this Certificati on and applicable laws. In the event ballast

78Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

water monitoring results indicate the discharg e of aquatic nuisance species to Michigan waters is not being effectively prevented as determined by the MDEQ, the vessel operator shall cease any further discharges of ballast water until an aquatic nuisance species discharge prevention plan, submitted to, and approved by the MDEQ, is implemented. (R 323.2149 of the Part 21 rules, Wastewater Di scharge Permits, promulgated under Part 31 of the NREPA) 5. All vessels covered by the US EPA’s VGP are prohibited from lowering the water quality of Michigan’s Outstanding St ate Resource Waters or thei r tributaries. The following water bodies in Michigan are designated as Outstanding State Resource Waters: (R 323.1098 of the MWQS)

• The Carp River (Mackinac County) – The 7.5 mile segment from Michigan State Highway 123, T42N, R5W, Section 2, to one -quarter mile upstream from Forest Development Road 3119, T42N, R4W, Section 4.

• The Carp River (Mackinac County)- the 4.9- mile segment from one-quarter mile downstream of Forest Development Road 3119, T42N, R4W, Section 3 to McDonald Rapids.

• The east branch of the Ontonagon River (Houghton and Ontonagon Counties) – the 25.5 mile segment from the east bran ch of the Ontonagon River’s confluence with and unnamed stream in T48N, R3 7W, Section 30, to the Ottawa National Forest boundary, T50W, R38W, Section 33.

• The middle branch of the Ontonagon Ri ver (Ontonagon County)- the 17.4 mile segment from Trout Creek, T48N, R38W, Section 20, to the northern boundary of the Ottawa National Forest, T48N, R39W, Section 12.

• The Sturgeon River (Baraga and Hought on Counties) – The 16.5 mile segment from the Sturgeon River’s entry into th e Ottawa National Forest, T48N, R35W, Section 12, to Prickett Lake.

• The east branch of the Tahquamenon Ri ver (Chippewa County) – the 3.2 mile segment from the center of T46, R6W, Sections 20, to the boundary of the Hiawatha National Forest, T46N, R6W, Section 19.

• The Yellow Dog River (Marquette County) – the 4 mile segment from the Yellow Dog River’s origin at th e outlet of Bulldog Lake Dam, T50N, R29W, Section 31, to the boundary of the Ottawa Natio nal Forest. T50N, R29W, Section 17.

• The main, north, south, east, and west br anches of the Two Hearted River and Dawson Creek from their headwaters to th e mouth of the river at Lake Superior.

• Water bodies within the designated boundari es of the following national parks or lakeshores: Sleeping Bear Dunes Nationa l Lakeshore, Picture Rocks National Lakeshore, and Isle Royale National Park. 6. All Discharges in Michigan waters from vessels covered by the USEPA’s VGP are prohibited from causing or cont ributing to exceedances of the MWQS. (Part 4 rules) 7. No condition in the USEPA’s VGP may be made less restrictive because such action may violate the requirements of Michig an state law, including the MWQS. 8. Nothing in this Certification diminishes, negate s, or precludes the st ate of Michigan from bringing civil and/or criminal actions for vi olations of state law and/or state issued permits. (Part 31 of the NREPA)

79Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

9. If the MDEQ determines that vessel discha rges covered by this Certification can no longer comply with this Certif ication, the MDEQ may revoke or modify the Certification after appropriate public no tice. (CWA, Section 401) 10. The MDEQ reserves the right to modify this Certificati on, after appropriate public notice, to require non-oceangoing ve ssels covered by the USEPA’s VGP to install and operate ballast water treatment systems to prevent the discharge of aquatic nuisance species to Michigan waters, if a determination is made by the MDEQ’s Director that such ballast water treatment systems are necessar y, available, and cost effective. 11. All conditions of this Certif ication apply in a ll Michigan waters regardless of their distance from shore. (Part 4 rules) 12. The issuance of this Certification does not au thorize violation of any Federal, state, or local laws or regulations, nor does it obviat e the necessity of obtaining such permits, including any other MDEQ permits, or approva ls from other units of government as may be required by law. (Part 31 of the NREPA) 13. The contact point for consultation, submittals, an approvals as referred to in this Certification is: MDEQ Chief, Surface Water Assessment Section P.O Box 30273 Lansing, Michigan 48909-7773 Phone: 517-335-4121

6.17 Minnesota:

Minnesota certified the VGP with the following additional permit conditions:

1. Vessels covered by the EPA's VGP must obt ain any permits required by the state of Minnesota for vessel discharges. (Minn. St at. § 115.07). The MPCA's ballast water discharge general permit MNG300000 requires ve ssels meeting the permit's applicability criteria to comply with the followi ng biological performa nce standards and implementation schedule:

a. Table A Biological Performance Standards for Ballast Water Treatment Technology Parameter Limit Limit Type Sample Type Organisms >50um in minimum dimension <10 viable /m 3 Daily average Composite

Organisms 10-50 um in minimum dimension <10 viable / ml Daily average Composite

Escherichia coliform <250 cfu / 100 ml Daily average Composite Intestinal enterococci <100 cfu / 100 ml Daily average Composite

b. For vessels constructed prior to January 1, 2012, and meeting the applicability criteria in the permit, treatment shall be installe d and operational to meet the performance standards for organisms included in Table A by January 1, 2016.

c. For vessels constructed after January 1, 2012, and meeting the applicability criteria in the permit, treatment shall be installed and operational to meet the performance standards for organisms included in Table A prior to commencement of vesse l operation in the Minnesota state waters of Lake Superior.

80Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

2. Vessels covered by the EPA's VGP must comp ly with a ballast water and sediment management plan approved by the MPCA and maintain a ballast record book meeting the requirements prescribed by the MPCA. (Minn. Stat. § 115.0306, 115.0307).

3. Discharge of ballast water from vessels em ploying ballast water treatment systems using chlorine must meet a maximum total residual oxidants limit, measured as total residual chlorine, of 0.038 mg/L. (Minn. R. 7050.0220). 4. Each condition in the proposed permit cannot be made less stringent without potentially violating the requirements of Minnesota State law, including water quality standards. 5. If the MPCA determines that vessel discha rges covered by this Certification can no longer comply with Section 401 of the Clean Water Act or Minnesota laws and regulations, then this Ce rtification may be revoked or modified. (Minn. R. 7001.1450, Minn. R. ch. 7050, 7052, and 7053).

6.18 Missouri:

Missouri certified the VGP with the following additional permit conditions:

1. The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit is written such that limitations do not cause the general or numeric criteria to be exceeded nor impair beneficial uses established in the Water Quality Standards, 10 CSR 20-7.031. 2. Representatives from the department shall be allowed to inspect the authorized activity at any time deemed necessary to ensure that it is being or has been accomplished in accordance with the letters a nd conditions of the permit. 3. This Water Quality Certification shall not be construed or interpreted to imply the requirements for other permits are replaced or superceded. Any NPDES Permits, Land Disturbance General Permits, or other requirements shall be complied with.

6.19 Nebraska:

Nebraska certified the VGP with the following permit conditions:

Chapter 6, § 004 of Title 117 – Nebraska’s Surface Water Quality Standards, states that:

“No discharge of wastewater from domestic, muni cipal, or industrial so urces shall be allowed directly into lakes or impounded waters except:

“004.01 Wastewater from sources authorized by NPDES permits to discharge to these waters prior to May 10, 1982 which have operated under active NPDES permits since then.

“004.02 Noncontact cooling waters from sour ces authorized by NPDES permits to discharge to these waters.

“004.03 Stormwater from sources authorized by NPDES permits to discharge to these waters.”

81Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

This precludes allowing discharges into lakes and reservoirs of greywater, bilge water, or any sewage commingled with any other discharge as described in the permits and in Federal Register Vol. 73, No. 117, pp 34296 through 34304. Ve ssels on these waters will need to discharge to these wastewaters into sanitary dum p stations that do not result in discharge to lakes or impounded waters. Coo ling water discharges are al lowed. Use of these General Permits for vessels operating on streams of the State of Nebraska is acceptable.

With that condition observed, use of these General Permits for vessels operating on streams of the State of Nebraska is acceptable.

We therefore, by this letter, pr ovide Section 401 Water Quality Ce rtification. This certification does not constitute authorization to conduct your proj ect. It is a statement of compliance with the Surface Water Quality Standards only, which is one requirement to gain authorization from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the form of a Section 404 permit.

6.20 Nevada:

Nevada certified the VGP with the following additional permit conditions:

1. The proposed discharges permitted by th e VGP will comply with all applicable State, Local, Interstate Agency and Federal laws, policies and regulations governing the protection of the benefici al uses of the State’s Waters.

2. If in the opinion of the State the Fi nal VGP does not adequately protect the Waters of the State or does not achie ve compliance with the Nevada Water Quality Standards and other applicable pr ovisions of state law, the 401 WQC may be modified or revoked.

3. This 401 WQC is valid until the VGP is modified, reissued, suspended or revoked. EPA must reapply for a new 401 WQC if any of these actions occur.

6.21 New Hampshire:

New Hampshire certified the VGP with th e following additional permit conditions:

Upon final issuance by the federal EPA, the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services assumes EPA will include the followi ng provision: “On September 30, 2005, the State of New Hampshire was granted permission by EPA for a No Disc harge Area. The No Discharge Area consists of all tidal and estuarine waters, in cluding all bays and rivers to the tidal dams, and all ocean waters within three miles of the New Hampshire shoreline and Isles of Shoals. In the No Discharge Area, all boat sewage discharge, whether treated or untre ated, is prohibited.”

6.22 New York:

New York certified the VGP with the following additional permit conditions:

82Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

DEC certifies there is a reasonabl e assurance that discharges fr om vessels covered by the United States Environmental Protection Agency General Permit for discharges incidental to the normal operation of commercial vessels and large recr eational vessels (VGP) will comply with the applicable provisions of 33 U.S. C §§ 1311, 1312, 1313, 1316, 1317 and 1341, (CWA §§ 301, 302, 303, 306, 307 and 401), and that permittees and their activities will not contravene applicable limitations, standards and other approp riate requirements of State law, provided the following conditions set forth in the Certification are met.

The CWA’s “objective . . . is to restore and ma intain the chemical, physical and biological integrity of the Nation’s waters (and) [i ]n order to achieve this objective . . .

(1) it is the national goal that the discharge of pollutants into the navigable waters be eliminated by 1985; (2) it is the national goal that wherever atta inable, an interim goal of water quality which provides for the protection and propagation of fish, shellfish, and wildlife and provides for recreation in and on the wa ter be achieved by July 1, 1983; (3) it is the national policy that the discharge of toxic pollutants in toxic amount be prohibited.

33 U.S.C. § 1251 (a). In addition, the Act requires that “[i]n order to carry out (its) objective . . . there shall be achieved

–

not later than July 1, 1977, any more stri ngent limitation, including those necessary to meet water quality standards, treatment standards, or schedules of compliance, established pursuant to any State law or regul ations (under authorit y preserved by section 1370 of this title) or any other Federal law or regulation, or required to implement any applicable water quality standard esta blished pursuant to this chapter.

33 U.S.C. § 1311 (b)(1)(C). The CWA further requi res that “water qualit y standard(s) shall consist of the designated uses of the navigable waters involved a nd the water quality criteria for such waters based on such uses.” 33 U.S.C. § 1313(c)(2)(A). More over, EPA regulations implementing the Act’s requirements to “maint ain” the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the nation’s waters require States to include in their water quality standards an antidegradation policy. 40 C.F.R. 131.6(d); 40 C.F.R. 131.12. Among other aspects of the required antidegradation policy is the protection of existing uses, 40 C.F.R. 131.12(a)(1), defined as “those uses actually attained in the water body on or after November 28, 1975, whether or not they are included in the water qua lity standards.” 40 C.F.R. 131.3(e).

New York Environmental Conservation Law (ECL) Article 17 is entitled “Water Pollution Control.” Its declaration of policy states:

It is declared to be the p ublic policy of the st ate of New York to maintain reasonable standards of purity of waters of the stat e consistent with public health and public enjoyment thereof, the propagation and protectio n of fish and wild life, including birds, mammals and other terrestrial and aquatic lif e, and the industrial development of the

83Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

state, and to that end requires the use of all known available and reasonable methods to prevent and control the pollution of the waters of the state of New York.

ECL § 17-0101. Department regulations adopted pur suant to ECL Article 17 define “pollution” as follows:

Pollution means the presence in the environmen t of conditions and/or contaminants in quantities of characteristics that are or may be injurious to human, plant or animal life or to property or that unreasona bly interfere with the comfortable enjoyment of life and property throughout such areas of the St ate as shall be affected thereby.

6 NYCRR § 700.1(a)(47). Both the CWA and the ECL define “pollutant” to include “biological materials”. 33 U.S.C. § 1362 (6); ECL § 17-0105 (17). The ECL further defines “pollutant” to include “ballast”. Id.

Pursuant to ECL Section 17-0301, DEC has develope d water quality standards for the waters of New York State. Title 5 of ECL Article 17 make s unlawful any discharges that violate those water quality standard s, providing that:

[i]t shall be unlawful for any person, directly or indirectly, to th row, drain, run or otherwise discharge into such waters organi c or inorganic matter that shall cause or contribute to a condition in c ontravention of the standard s adopted by the department pursuant to section 17-0301.

ECL § 17-0501. Department regulations adopted pursuant to ECL Article 17 broadly define effluent limitations that serve to, inter alia, control the discharges prohibited under ECL § 17- 0501.

Effluent limitations mean any restriction on qua ntities, qualities, rates and concentrations of chemical, physical, biological, and other c onstituents of effluents that are discharged into or allowed to run from an outlet or poi nt source or any other discharge within the meaning of section 17-0501 of the Environm ental Conservation Law into surface waters, groundwater or unsaturated zones.

6 NYCRR § 700.1(a)(15).

New York’s water quality standard s establish classifications and designated uses of New York waters. 6 NYCRR Part 701. New York’s water quali ty standards also include the water quality criteria set forth at 6 NYCRR Part 703. Included therein is the criteria, that, for numerous identified classes of waters, limits the discharg e of “toxic or other dele terious substances” to “none in amounts that will . . . impair the wate rs for their best usages.” 6 NYCRR § 703.2. The best usages of the classes of waters specifi ed in 6 NYCRR § 703.2 include fish, shellfish and wildlife propogation and survival, fishing, drin king water supply, and primary and secondary contact recreation. Further, consistent with th e requirements of the CWA, New York’s Water Quality Antidegradation Policy, implemented thr ough State laws including ECL Article 17 and Department regulations adopted pur suant thereto, operates to ensure existing instream water uses

84Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

and the level of water quality necessary to ma intain and protect those existing uses. See DEC Organization and Delegation Memorandum No. 85-40, Water Quality Antidegradation Policy, September 9, 1985.

As further explained herein, Conditions #1-6 of this Certification are needed to assure compliance with the CWA and the provisions of New York State law set forth above. In accordance with 40 CFR § 124.53(e)(2), the CWA and State law provisions cited above form the basis for each of Conditions #1-6 of this Certification. In accord ance with 40 CFR § 124.53 (e)(3) these conditions cannot be ma de less stringent and still comply with the requirements of State law, including State water quality standards. Since the re quirements of New York State law, including water quality standards, are more stringent than the pr otections the VGP would provide, this water quality certification is necessary.

This certification shall expire five years after the date of issuance of the EPA’s VGP.

Note that all studies, reports, au thorities and other documents cite d herein are incorporated into this Certification by reference.

Certification Conditions for the VGP

1. The operator of any vessel covered under the VGP whose voyage originates from within the exclusive economic zone 7 and enters New York waters w ith ballast on bo ard, shall conduct ballast water exchange at least 50 nautical miles from shore and in water at least 200 meters in depth. Such vessels that carry only residual am ounts of ballast water and/or sediments shall conduct saltwater flushing of their ballast water tanks, at least 50 nautical miles from shore and in water at least 200 meters in depth.

Ballast water exchange is defined as at least 1 empty and refill cycle of each ballast tank that contains ballast water, resulting in a salinity level of at least 30 parts per thousand (ppt). If the master of a vesse l determines that such exchange is impracticable, a sufficient number of flow-through exchanges of ballast wa ter may be conducted to achieve replacement of at least 95 percent of ballast water in ballast tanks of the vessel, re sulting in a salinity level of at least 30 ppt.

Saltwater flushing is defined as the addition of ocean water to ballast wa ter tanks, the mixing of the flushwater with residual water and sedi ment through the motion of the vessel, and the discharge of the mixed water, such that the resulting residual water has a salinity level of at least 30 ppt.

All vessels entering New York waters must maintain the ability to measure salinity levels in each tank onboard the vessel so that salinities of at least 30 ppt can be ensured.

7 “Exclusive Economic Zone” (EEZ) means the area established by Presidential Proclamation Number 5030, dated March 10, 1983 (48 FR 10605, 3 CFR, 1983 Comp., p. 22) which extends from the base line of the territorial sea of the United States seaward 200 miles, and the equivalent zone of Canada. [source: 33 C.F.R. 151.2025]

85Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

This condition does not apply to vessel(s): (i) that operate exclusively in the Great Lakes - St. Lawrence Seaway System upstream of a line drawn from Cap-de-Rosiers to West Point, Anticos ti Island and then to the north shore of the St. Lawrence River along a meridian of longitude 63 degrees West, or (ii) operating exclusively within waters of New York Harbor and Long Island Sound, or (iii) entering New York waters from ports of call within New Jersey and Connecticut waters which are included in the definition of "waters of New York Harbor and Long Island Sound," provided that the vessel has me t the requirements of this condition prior to entering the waters of New York Harbor and Long Island Sound, or (iv) that have met the requirement s of Condition #2 or Condition #3, or (v) that carry only permanent ballast water, all of which is in sealed tanks that are not subject to discharge, or (vi) of the National Defense Reserve Fleet that are scheduled to be disposed of through scrapping or sinking.

This condition does not apply to the discharge of balla st water if the master of the vessel determines that compliance with this condition w ould threaten the safety or stability of the vessel, its crew, or its passengers because of adverse weather, equipment failure, or any other relevant condition. If a vessel is unable to c onduct ballast water exch ange, or flushing, as specified, due to serious safety concerns as specified above, the opera tor of any vessel with ballast on board shall take reason able measures to avoid discharg e of organisms in ballast water and shall inform the Department in writing of the measures taken.

For purposes of this condition, “waters of Ne w York Harbor and Long Island Sound” means waters in and around New York Cit y, consisting of the waters, tribut aries, bays, harbors, inlets, coves, channels, and other waterways within Lower and Upper New York Bay, Jamaica Bay, Raritan Bay, Newark Ba y, Hudson River south of the Tappan Zee Bridge, Harlem River, East River, Grav esend Bay, Flushing Bay, Eastchester Bay, the Kills, and Long Island Sound.

2. By not later than January 1, 2012, each vessel covered under the VGP that operates in New York waters, shall have a ballast water treatment system that meets the following standards, subject to the exceptions listed below.

(A) Standard for organisms 50 or more micrometers in minimum dimension : Any ballast water discharged shall contain less than 1 living organism per 10 cubic meters.

(B) Standard for organisms less than 50 micromete rs in minimum dimension and more than 10 micrometers in minimum dimension : Any ballast water discharged shall contain less th an 1 living organism per 10 milliliters.

(C) Standards for indicator microbes : (i) Any ballast water discharged shall c ontain less than 1 colony-forming unit of toxicogenic Vibrio cholera (serotypes O1 and O139) per 100 milliliters or less than 1 colonyforming unit of that microbe per gram of wet weight of zoological samples; (ii) Any ballast water discharged shall c ontain less than 126 colony-forming units of

86Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

escherichia coli per 100 milliliters; and (iii) Any ballast water discharged shall contain less than 33 colony-forming units of intestinal enterococci per 100 milliliters.

(D) This condition does not apply to vessel(s): (i) operating exclusively within waters of New York Harbor and Long Island Sound. For purposes of this condition, “wat ers of New York Harbor and Long Island Sound” has the same meaning as in Condition #1, or (ii) that carry only permanent ballast water, all of which is in sealed tanks that are not subject to discharge, or (iii) of the National Defense Reserve Fleet th at are scheduled to be disposed of through scrapping or sinking.

No extensions will be made to this implementation date, unless an entity covered under the permit makes a request for an extension to the Department and can provide sufficient justification for such a request. Any such extension re quest shall state and demonstrate that: (1) there is a shortage in supply of the technology n ecessary to meet the lim its set forth in this certification, or a vessel-specific en gineering constraint, or other factor related to the availability and installation of technology beyond the vessel owner/operator’s contro l, that delays the technology being available and in stalled in time to comply wi th this standard; (2) the unavailability of supply or installation constrai nt is the only reason the January 1, 2012 date cannot be met; and (3) the vessel has exhausted all other options to comply with this standard. Any extension request must be made no later th an June 30, 2010, and the extension request shall indicate when the vessel will come in to compliance with this deadline.

3. Each vessel constructed on or after Janua ry 1, 2013 that is covered under the VGP and operates in New York waters, shall have a ba llast water treatment system that meets the following standards, subject to the exceptions listed below.

(A) Standard for organisms 50 or more micrometers in minimum dimension : Any ballast water discharged shall contain no de tectable living organisms.

(B) Standard for organisms less than 50 micromete rs in minimum dimension and more than 10 micrometers in minimum dimension : Any ballast water discharged shall contain less than 0.01 living organism per milliliter.

(C) Standards for indicator microbes : (i) Any ballast water discharged shall c ontain less than 1 colony-forming unit of toxicogenic Vibrio cholera (serotypes O1 and O139) per 100 milliliters or less than 1 colonyforming unit of that microbe per gram of wet weight of zoological samples, (ii) Any ballast water discharged shall c ontain less than 126 colony-forming units of escherichia coli per 100 milliliters, and (iii) Any ballast water discharged shall contain less than 33 colony-forming units of intestinal enterococci per 100 milliliters.

87Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

(D) Standard for bacteria : Any ballast water discharged sha ll contain less than 1,000 bacteria per 100 milliliters.

(E) Standard for viruses : Any ballast water discharged sha ll contain less than 10,000 viruses per 100 milliliters.

(F) For purposes of this condition, “Constructed” means a stage of vessel construction where: (i) the keel is laid; or (ii) construction identifiable w ith a specific vessel begins; or (iii) assembly of the vessel has commenced co mprising at least 50 tonne s or 1 percent of the estimated mass of all structural material, whichever is less; or (iv) the vessel undergoes a major conversion.

(G) In the context of this condition, “Major Conversion” means a conversion of a vessel; (i) which changes its ballast water carryi ng capacity by 15 percent or greater; or (ii) which changes the vessel type; or (iii) which, in the opinion of the Department, is projected to prolong its life by ten years or more;

or (iv) which results in modifications to its ballast water system other than component replacementin-kind.

(H) This condition does not apply to vessel(s): (i) operating exclusively within waters of New York Harbor and Long Island Sound. For purposes of this condition, “wat ers of New York Harbor and Long Island Sound” has the same meaning as in Condition #1, or (ii) that carry only permanent ballast water, all of which is in sealed tanks that are not subject to discharge, or (iii) of the National Defense Reserve Fleet th at are scheduled to be disposed of through scrapping or sinking.

No extensions will be made to this implementation date, unless an entity covered under the permit makes a request for an extension to the Department and can provide sufficient justification for such a request. Any such extension re quest shall state and demonstrate that: (1) there is a shortage in supply of the technology n ecessary to meet the lim its set forth in this certification or other factor rela ted to the availability and in stallation of technology beyond the vessel owner/operator’s cont rol, that delays the technology bei ng available and installed in time to comply with this standard; (2) the unavailab ility of supply is the only reason the January 1, 2013 date cannot be met; and (3) th e vessel has exhausted all other options to comply with this standard. Any extension request must be made no later than June 30, 2011, and the extension request shall indicate when the vessel will come into compliance with this deadline.

4. Effective January 1, 2012, any vessel covere d under the VGP that operates in New York waters may not discharge treated or untreated graywater into New York waters within 3 nautical miles of shoreline, or within Long Island Sound or New York Harbor. This limit is in effect regardless of a vessel’s traveling speed.

88Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

No extensions will be made to this implementation date, unless an entity covered under the permit makes a request for an extension to the Department and can provide sufficient justification for such a request. Any such extension re quest shall state and demonstrate that: (1) there is a shortage in supply of the technology n ecessary to meet the lim its set forth in this certification, or a vessel-specific en gineering constraint or other factor related to the availability and installation of technology beyond the vessel owner/operator’s contro l, that delays the technology being available and in stalled in time to comply wi th this standard; (2) the unavailability of supply or installation constrai nt is the only reason the January 1, 2012 date cannot be met; and (3) the vessel has exhausted all other options to comply with this standard. Any extension request must be made no later th an June 30, 2010, and the extension request shall indicate when the vessel will come in to compliance with this deadline.

5. Effective January 1, 2012, any vessel covere d under the VGP that operates in New York waters may not discharge treated or untre ated bilge water into New York Waters.

This condition does not apply to the discharge of bilge water if the master of the vessel determines that compliance with this condition w ould threaten the safety or stability of the vessel, its crew, or its passengers because of adverse weather, equipment failure, or any other relevant condition.

No extensions will be made to this implementation date, unless an entity covered under the permit makes a request for an extension to the Department and can provide sufficient justification for such a request. Any such extension re quest shall state and demonstrate that: (1) there is a shortage in supply of the t echnology necessary to meet the limits set forth in this certification, or a vessel-specific engi neering constraint or other factor related to the availability and installation of technology beyond the vessel owner/ope rator’s control, that delays the technology being available a nd installed in time to comply with this standard; (2) the unavailability of supply or installation constrai nt is the only reason the January 1, 2012 date cannot be met; and (3) the vessel has exhausted all other options to comply with this standard. Any extension request must be made no later th an June 30, 2010, and the extension request shall indicate when the vessel will come in to compliance with this deadline.

6. Pursuant to the Clean Water Act, the incl usion of a state water quality certification requirement in the draft VGP appr opriately preserves the lawful au thority of the individual States to implement more protective ballast water polluti on controls as part of the EPA general permit within their respective waters. Pursuant to the Clea n Water Act, the States also have the authority to adopt more stringent ballast water requirements than curren tly proposed under the draft VGP.

As part of New York’s certification of the dr aft VGP, DEC finds that the additional discharge standards set forth as conditi ons in this certification letter are necessary to reduce the unintentional discharge of invasive species, disease organisms and other pollutants that have the potential to disrupt the ecological balance of New York’s wate rs and negatively impact the fish and wildlife resources of the State, as well as other states, and to comply with the requirements of federal and State law, includi ng State water quality standards.

89Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

The additional discharge standard s set forth as conditions in this certification letter are necessary for the following reasons. First, there is ove rwhelming evidence that water quality, including fish, shellfish, and wildlife propagation and survival, has been impaired in recent decades in New York’s waters by invasive species. Second, there is evidence that direct discharge of invasive species into New York waters is not a necessa ry condition for impairment by invasive species; discharges into adjacent, connected waters have severely impaired New York waters for their best usage such as fish, she llfish, and wildlif e propagation and survival . Third, the above points provide a reasonable basis for infe rring that water quality will be further impaired by additional, future introductions of invasive species and that impairments to New York’s water quality will be caused by discharges of such sp ecies to adjacent, connected waters.

The ability of various invasive species to spre ad into adjacent, connected waters is well known. The zebra mussel is a prime example. This mussel, introduced in or near Lake St. Clair where it was discovered in 1988, 8 quickly spread into New York waters and throughout the Great Lakes and beyond. The rapid spread of the zebra mussel dur ing the past twenty ye ars can be seen, for example, on a series of maps available on the we bsite of Sea Grant’s National Aquatic Nuisance Species Clearinghouse. 9 As another example, the round goby was introduced into the St. Clair River in 1990, “probably via contaminated ballast water of transoceanic ships.” 10 Following this discharge in adjacent, connected waters, the round goby has moved into New York waters and contributed to the impairment of these waters fo r their best usage such as fish, shellfish, and wildlife propagation and survival. 11 Round gobies “have shown a rapid range of expansion through the Great Lakes” 12 and have been found in the upper St. Lawrence River and the lower Genesee River, among other New York waters. 13 Yet another example is the spiny water flea, “first found in Lake Huron in 1984 – probably impor ted in the ballast wate r of a trans-oceanic freighter. Since then, populations have explode d and the animal can now be found throughout the Great Lakes and in some inland lakes,” 14 including New York waters.

As recognized by EPA, 15 the predominant pathway for aqua tic invasive species entry into

8 NOAA, National Center for Research on Aquatic Invasive Species, Great Lakes Aquatic Nonindigenous Species List ( www.glerl.noaa.gov/res/Programs/ncrais/great_lakes_list.html ).
9 New York Sea Grant, National Aqua tic Nuisance Species Clearinghouse ( www.aquaticinvaders.org ).
10 Great Lakes Information Network, “Goby in the Great Lakes Region” ( www.great-lakes.net/envt/flora-fauna/ invasive/goby.html ).
11 U.S. Geological Survey, Nonindigenous Aquatic Species (NAS) Program, Species Fact Sheet, “Apollonia (Neogobius) melanostomus (Pallas 1814); Common Name: round goby,” ( http://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/FactSheet.asp?speciesID=713 ); M. Walsh et al., Occurrence and Food Habits of the Round Goby in the Profundal Zone of Southwestern Lake Ontario, 33 J. of Great Lakes Research 83 (2007).
12 U.S. Geological Survey, Species Fact Sheet, op. cit.

. 13 U.S. Geological Survey, Nonindigenous Aquatic Species (NAS) Program ( http://nas.er.usgs.gov/AlertSystem/default.asp ), NAS Alert System results for New York.
14 Great Lakes Information Network, “Spiny Water Flea in the Great Lakes Region” ( www.greatlakes.net/envt/flora-fauna/invasive/spinyflea.html ). ; DEC, Spiny Flea Confirmed in First “Inland” Water (October 30, 2008).
15 EPA, Aquatic Nuisance Species in Ballast Water Di scharges: Issues and Optio ns, 4, 6 (September 10, 2001), identified at 66 Fed. Reg. 49381 (September 27, 2001). 10 E. Mills, et al., Exotic Species in the Great Lakes: A History of Biotic Crises and Anthropogenic Introductions, 19 J. of Great Lakes Research 1 (1993).

90Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

the Great Lakes is the ballast water of oceangoing ships. 16 Invasive species introduced into the Great Lakes from vessels’ untreated ballast wa ter discharges have cr eated serious, damaging impacts that threaten the resource ’s ecological and economic health. 17
Because the Great Lakes contain fresh water, some of the most damaging ballast water- induced species are native to other fresh or brack ish waters, particularly those in the Ponto-Caspian region (the Bl ack, Caspian and Azov Seas). 18 These Ponto-Caspian invaders are now abundant in European waters used extensively by ships destined for the Great Lakes, and their conti nued invasion into the Lakes is considered highly probable. 19

Such invasive species have competed with, preyed upon and otherw ise altered the Great Lakes’ environment, resulting in population dec lines and compromised species viability of the region’s native plants, fish and wildlife. 20 They have harmed the region’s commercial and recreational fishing industri es and damaged its public water and energy generating infrastructure. 21 The insidious effects of these species have been costly to de al with and show no signs of dissipating. The harm caused by exotic nuisance species such as the zebra mussel, round goby, and spiny water flea in th e Great Lakes is widespread.

For example, large zebra mussel populations re duce food and oxygen for native fauna, and have been observed completely covering native musse ls and snails, threatening their survival. 22 The zebra mussel readily attaches to submerged hard surfaces including rocky shoals, water intake pipes and docks, forming dense layered colonies that have approached one million mussels per square meter. 23 Power companies and others must repeated ly remove mats of these mussels from their infrastructure. In addition, selective feed ing by zebra mussels has been implicated in recurring nuisance algae blooms in the Great Lakes, causing taste and odor problems and increased treatment costs for municipal water supplies. 24 Congress estimates that the economic disruption to communities, just from the zebra mussel, has already cost billions of dollars. 25 The round goby, an invader from the Black and Caspian Seas, feeds on mollusks, crustaceans, and lake trout eggs and fry, injuring Great Lakes native species through co mpetition for food and predation. 26

16 E. Mills, et al., Exotic Species in the Great Lakes: A Hi story of Biotic Crises and Anthropogenic Introductions, 10 J. of Great Lakes Research 1 (1993).
17 16 U.S.C. §4701(a)
18 A. Ricciardi and H. MacIsaac, Recen t Mass Invasion of the North Amer ican Great Lakes by Ponto-Caspian Species, 15 Trends in Ecology and Evolution 62 (2000).
19 Id.
20 16 U.S.C. §4701(a).
21 Id.
22 U.S. Dept. of the Interior, National Biological Survey, A. Benson, et al., “Invasion of the Zebra Mussel into the United States,” Our Living Resources: A Report to the Nation on the Distribution, Abundance, and Health of U.S. Plants, Animals and Ecosystems, 445-46 (1995).

23 Id.; D. Pimentel, et al., Environmental and Economic Costs of Non-Indigenous Species in the United States, 50 Bioscience 53, 58 (2000).
24 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory, Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) and the Great Lakes: Simple Questions, Complex Answers, (September 2002).
25 16 U.S.C. §4701(a)(4).
26 M.L. Corn et al., “Invasive Non-Native Species: B ackground and Issues for Congress,” Congressional Research Service, Report for Congress, RL30123 ( updated November 25, 2002 ); Michigan Dept. of

91Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

Another exotic invader from the Black and Caspian Seas, the spiny water flea, rarely more than a centimeter in length, competes with newly ha tched Great Lakes native fish populations by feeding on zooplankton. The sharp spines characte ristic of the spiny water flea prevent most small fish from swallowing it, thereby allowi ng this invader to reach a disproportionate population abundance. 27

Since 2000, significant mortality of lake sturgeon, Common Loon, Red-breasted Merganser, and other fish and waterbirds have been documented on Lake Erie. More recently, since 2002, similar mortality events have been noted, with increasing regularity, di stribution and magnitude on Lake Ontario. Over the last three years Casp ian Tern, and several ot her waterbird species, have been impacted. Nonnativ e invasive species, the quagga mussel and round goby, appear to be the biological transport mechanism bringing deadly Type E botulism toxin from the benthic environment to within foraging range of nesting and migrating waterbirds. 28

Aquatic invasive species also pose a serious thre at to the ecological heal th and biodiversity of native ecosystems of Long Island Sound and can affect the economi c interests and public health of residents. To date, more than 50 non-native and 40 cryptogenic species have been identified in Long Island Sound. 29 The Asian shore crab, believed to ha ve been introduced via ballast water discharge, was first found in the U.S. in 1988 in southern New Jersey and is now found from Maine to North Carolina. 30 The Asian shore crab arrived in New York Harbor and Long Island Sound in 1994 or 1995, and has since become the dominant crab in the intertidal zone in these areas, reaching densities greater than 300 per s quare meter in western Long Island Sound and causing population declines of native crabs such as common mud crab, green crab, and Atlantic rock crab. Atlantic rock crab has not been found since 1998, green crab densities have decreased 50% from 1998 to 2001, and common mud crab densities are down 96%. Overall, the diversity of the intertidal crab community in portions of western Long Island Sound have dropped greatly since 1998. 31

In the Hudson River basin, at least 113 nonindigenous species have established populations. 32 Most came from Eurasia or the Mississippi-Great Lakes basin, and some are ballast-water invaders, many of which cause large economic dama ge and irreversible ecological changes. The best-known of these is the zebra mussel, wh ich appeared in the Hudson in 1991 following

Natural Resources, Annual Report, Stat e of the Great Lakes, 32 (1993).
27 Corn et al., op. cit.; Michigan Dept. of Natural Resources, op. cit.
28 K. Roblee, W. Stone and D. Adams, “Waterbird Mort ality as a Result of Type E Botulism in Lake Erie and Lake Ontario,” Northeast Natural History Co nference IX, New York State Museum, Albany, NY (2006).
29 Balcom, Nancy. 2007. Long Island Sound Interstate Aquatic Invasive Species Management Plan. New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission, US Environmental Protection Agency, Long Island Sound Study, State of Connecticut and New York State.
30 Science Daily, Japanese Shore Crabs Invade Penobscot Bay, Maine, http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2002/07/020719073146.htm (July 19, 2002).
31 Long Island Sound Study, 2001 Fall Update, http://www.longislandsoundstudy .net/pubs/news/fall01txt.htm

. 32 Mills, E., M. Scheuerell, D. Strayer and J. Carlton. 1996. Exotic Species in the Hudson River Basin: A History of Invasions and Introductions. 18 Estuaries 814-823.

92Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

introduction to the Great Lakes via ballast water. Zebra mussels now constitute more than half of consumer biomass in the river, and have comple tely altered the river’s ecosystem by consuming 80% of the plankton in the river, 33 causing large declines in valu able open-water fish species such as American shad 34 and the destruction of hundreds of millions of native bivalves. 35
Economic costs of the zebra mussel invasion to wa ter intakes alone have been estimated at $267 million in North America 36 and in the range of $100,000- $1,000,000 per year in the Hudson River alone. 37

Other invaders that are thought to have arrived in ballast water have caused large ecological changes in the Hudson River; these include th e Asian shore crab, now very common along the lower Hudson, where it displaces native crabs, the wedge rangia (Rangia cuneata), which dominates the waters of the lower Hudson, and the Chinese mitten crab, which appeared in numbers in the Hudson for the first time in 2008, and which has the potential to damage infrastructure (levees and embankments) as we ll as harm native populations of plants and shellfish. 38 Many other species now trav eling around the world in ba llast water (e.g., the golden mussel Limnoperna fortunei, the amphipod Corophium curvispinum, and the ruffe Gymnocephalus cernuus) would be able to survive and prosper in the Hudson, where they could contribute to further econo mic and ecological damage. 39

Less stringent conditions than t hose set forth in this certification letter are not sufficient to prevent the impairment of New York’s waters for their best usage such as fish, shellfish, and wildlife propagation and survival for the followi ng reasons. As stated in a recent California report on ballast water standards, “Re ports submitted as part of the IMO Convention suggest that the sta ndards adopted by IMO would only be a marginal improvement on current management practices of ballast wa ter exchange for the largest organisms (>50 μ m) and may be similar to unmanaged ballast water for the smaller organisms (<50 μ m) (Table V-1, MEPC 49/2/12003) (Section VII ‘S cientific Cons iderations’).” 40 These IMO standards –

33 Strayer, D.L., N.F. Caraco, J.J. Cole, S. Findlay, and M.L. Pace. 1999. Tran sformation of freshwater ecosystems by bivalves: a case study of zebra musse ls in the Hudson River. 49 BioScience 19-27.
34 Strayer, D.L., K. Hattala, and A. Kahnle. 2004. Effects of an invasive bivalve (Dreissena polymorpha) on fish populations in the Hudson River estuary. 61 Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 924-941.
35 Strayer, D.L., and H.M. Malcom. 2007. Effects of zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) on native bivalves: the beginning of the end or the end of the beginning? Journal of the North American Benthological Society 26: 111-122.
36 Connelly, N.A.; O’Neill, C.R.; Knuth, B.A. and Brown, T.L. 2007. Economic impacts of zebra mussels on drinking water treatment and electric powe r generation facilities. 40 Environ. Mgmt. 105-112.
37 Strayer, D.L. 2006. Alien species in the Hudson River, pp. 296-310 in: J.S. Levinton and J.R. Waldman (eds.). The Hudson River estu ary. Cambridge University Press.
38 Id.; MacDonald, J.A., R. Roudez, T. Glover, and J.S. Weis, 2007, The invasive green crab and Japanese shore crab: behavioral interactions with a native crab species, the blue crab. 9 Biological Invasions 837­ 848; NOBANIS, 2008, Invasive species fact sheet. Eriocheir sinensis. http://www.nobanis.org/files/factsheets/Eriocheir_sinensis.pdf

. 39 Ricciardi, A., 1998, Global range expansion of the Asian mussel Limnoperna fortunei (Dunker, 1857) (Bivalvia: Mytilidae): another fouling threat to fres hwater systems, 13 Biofouling 97-106; Ricciardi, A., and J.B. Rasmussen, 1998, Predicting the identity of future biological invaders: a priority for aquatic resource management, 55 Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 1759-1765.
40 M. Falkner et al., “California State Lands Commi ssion Report on Performance Standards for Ballast Water Discharges in California Waters,” California State Lands Commission, Marine Facilities Division,

93Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

considered to be no more than a marginal im provement over the practice of ballast water exchange – are not included in this certifi cation. The IMO standards are concentration-based, which is beneficial, yet they are not sufficiently protective. More stringe nt concentration-based standards are needed to protect New York’s wa ters and are specified as conditions in this certification.

In general, concentration-based numerical discha rge standards are needed as a replacement for ballast water exchange because the results of ballast water exchange are so highly variable 41 and therefore unprotective as an ongoing permit condition. As stat ed in the California report, “Concentration based standards...would specify a sp ecific concentration of organisms that could be discharged following treatment, regardless of source port concentrations.... Concentration based standards allow for the consideration of bot h a protection level to reduce risk, as well as technical consistency, such as detection limits.” 42 Both New York and California routinely use concentration-based standards for pr otection of water and air quality.

The State of California recently promulgated rela tively stringent concentration-based standards 43 that “encompass several...desirable characteristics: they are signifi cantly better than ballast water exchange, they are in-l ine with the best professional j udgment from the scientific experts participating in the IMO Convention, and they do approach a prot ective zero discharge standard.” 44 These standards are based primarily on recommendations made by U.S. government representatives participa ting in the IMO Convention 45 and were subsequently recommended by the California Performance Standards Advisory Panel in its Majority Report. 46 The standards, considered to be approximately a 1000-fold improvement over ballast water exchange, 47 provide a reasonable basis for protection of New York waters and are adopted as a condition (Condition #3) for new ships constructed after January 1, 20 13 that operate in New York waters. New York finds that the standards set forth in Condition #3 ar e needed to prevent impairment of waters for their best usage and are thus needed to comply with the New York State statutes and regulations set forth above. In accordance with 40 CFR 124.53 (e)(3), this condition cannot be made less stringent and still comply with State water qua lity standards.

New York has set a reasonable compliance schedul e for ships operating in New York waters and has allowed an additional year or more beyond the California implemen tation schedule. This additional time is intended to alleviate possibl e congestion problems for shipyards or possible supply problems for equipment vendors that mi ght occur if simultaneous compliance were required in New York and California.

January 2006, at 34.
41 Id., esp. Fig. VII-1 at 18.
42 Id. at 16.
43 California Title 2, Division 3, Chapter 1, Article 4.7, Performance Standards for the Discharge of Ballast Water For Vessels Operating in California Waters (2007).
44 M. Falkner et al., op. cit., at 36-37.
45 Id. at 19; Submission by the United States to IM O on Ballast Water Discharge Standards, Regulation D-2, document BWM/CONF/14 (2004).
46 M. Falkner et al., op. cit., at 32; Report and Recommendations of the California Advisory Panel on Ballast Water Performance Standards, October 2005.
47 M. Falkner et al., op. cit., at 19.

94Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

Other standards, considered to be approxima tely a 100-fold improvement over ballast water exchange, are adopted as a condition that must be met by all ships covered by the VGP that operate in New York waters after January 1, 2012. These standards are based partly on recommendations made by the International Study Group on Ballast Water and Other Ship Vectors 48 and partly on the widely discussed numeric limits proposed in the recent House of Representatives bill #H.R. 2830. The standards, which provide a reasonable basis for protection of New York waters and are implemented on a reasonable compliance schedule, are adopted as Condition #2 in this certification. New York finds that the standa rds set forth in Condition #2 are needed to prevent impairment of waters for their best usage and are thus needed to comply with the New York State statutes and regulations set forth above. In accordance with 40 CFR 124.53 (e)(3), this condition can not be made less stringent and stil l comply with State water quality standards.

It should be noted that this cer tification is only effective for th e next five years. Since some period of time is required to allow vessels to in stall the technology needed to meet the conditions of this certification, the Department has sought to provide reasonable notice and time allowance. It is the Department’s intention to apply the relatively stringent standards set forth in Condition #3 to all ships operating in New York waters in the next water quality ce rtification to be filed after the expiration of this one.

Ballast water exchange or flushing, as already required by the VGP for many vessels, is widely recognized as a beneficial but imperfect way to reduce invasive species introductions in ballast water discharges. Condition #1 extends the requirement of exchange or flushing to certain other vessels that enter New York waters on coasta l voyages, thereby reduc ing the likelihood of invasions from other coastal waters such as Chesapeake Bay. New York finds that the standards set forth in Condition #1 are need ed to prevent impairment of waters for their best usage and are thus needed to comply with the New York Stat e statutes and regulations set forth above. In accordance with 40 CFR 124.53 (e)(3), this conditi on cannot be made less stringent and still comply with State water quality standards.

Condition #4 and Condition #5 restrict discharges of bilge water and graywater in order to protect New York’s coastal waters from contamin ants, nutrients, and bacterial and viral agents. New York finds that the standards set forth in Condition #4 and Condition #5 are needed to prevent impairment of waters fo r their best usage and are thus needed to comply with the New York State statutes and regulations set forth above. In accordance with 40 CFR 124.53 (e)(3), these conditions cannot be made less stringen t and still comply w ith State water quality standards. It should be noted that the discha rge of sewage is not covered by either this certification or the VGP because sewage discharg e is governed by the Marine Sanitation Devices requirements of the Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. 1322.

6.23 Ohio:

Ohio certified the VGP with the fo llowing additional permit conditions:

I. WATER QUALITY STANDARDS AND IMPACTS

48 Id.

95Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

a. Ohio Narrative Water Quality Standards and Nuisance Species : Ohio Water Quality Standards (WQS) contai n narrative conditions to prohibit nuisance conditions in waters of the state. The speci fic standard states th at “To every extent practical and possible as determined by the di rector, these waters shall be ... Free from materials entering the waters as a result of human activity producing color, odor or other conditions in such a degree as to create a nuisance;” [Ohio Admi nistrative Code 3745-1­ 04(C)].

In this rule, the term materials is not define d or limited; Ohio considers that this condition applies to non-indigenous nuisance speci es. The federal NPDES permit does not adequately prevent the introducti on of new non-indigenous species.

b. Ohio Narrative Water Quality Standards for Toxicity: The narrative WQS also contain a provision prohibiting toxicity: “To every extent practical and possible as defined by the di rector, these waters shall be....Free from substances entering the waters as a result of human activity in concentrations that are toxic or harmful to human, animal or aquatic life and/or are rapidl y lethal in the mixing zone;” [Ohio Administra tive Code 3745-1-04(D)].

The Federal NPDES permit requirement for salt water ballast exchange means that ballast water discharges to fresh water will contai n large concentrations of dissolved solids; these solids have the potential to be toxic to fresh water aquatic life , and discharges must meet the narrative toxicity standard.

c. Chlorine Limits, Biocides and Experimental Ballast Water Treatment : The discharge limits for residual chlorine do not meet Ohio WQS for continuous discharges. The federal NPDES permit’s total residual chlorine discharge standard is 100 ug/l for discharges from experimental ballst water treatment systems. This limit meets Ohio WQS for 2 hour/day discharges, but does not meet WQS for con tinuous discharges.

Ohio has used its authority to establish site -specific WQS to establish a separate insidemixing-zone maximum criterion for short-te rm exposures to chlorine (less than 2 hours/day). This criterion for exposures le ss than 2 hours/day is 200 ug/l; the otherwise applicable criterion is 38 ug/l. [OAC 3745-1-35 and -36]

Discharges of other biocides must meet the narrative water quality standard for toxicity noted above. [OAC 3745-1-04(D)].

II. SPECIFIC CONDITIONS

a. Ballast Water Controls Given the number of invasive species already in the Great Lakes, th e number of recent introductions, and the likelihood of increased ship traffic, th e existing program of ballast water control is not effective in preventi ng the introduction of invasive non-native organisms, and therefore does not meet Ohio’s narrative WQS. A system of ballast water

96Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

treatment would reduce the number of live orga nisms in ballast water, and is the most effective approach to meeting th e nuisance WQS. [OAC 3745-1-04(C)]

Treatment systems to reduce the number of live organisms discharged in ballast water exist and are continuing to be deve loped. These treatment systems are intended to kill and/or filter all organisms from ballast water so that they are not discharged. Several of the treatment systems being designed to meet th e discharge standards of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) can remove a large percentage, if not all, organisms. Ohio EPA is certifying IMO standards because they are the most widely accepted and tested standards in the world. These treatment systems shall be operated to maximize the destruction and/or removal of organisms in the ballast water, with the object of discharging no viable organisms.

Ohio EPA believes that the IMO certificati on is sufficient demonstration that these treatment standards are “practical and po ssible” methods for meeting ballast water treatment standards for ocean-going ships. More restrictive standards proposed or adopted by certain other states (such as California and New York) have not been demonstrated to be “practical and possible”, and can not be applied at this time.

Ohio EPA also believes that there are reas ons to treat existing vessels that operate exclusively within the Great Lakes differently than those that operate outside the Lakes. The effluent flows of ballast water are larger than ocean-going vessels, are discharged more rapidly than the ballast water of ocean-going ve ssels, and space for treatment equipment is limited on existing lake vessels. These factors a ffect the practicability of treatment. Ohio EPA believes that IMO treatment standards is no t “practical and possibl e” at this time for existing vessels operating exclus ively within the Great Lakes;

These factors may or may not apply to new vessels in the Great Lakes. Ohio EPA is extending the schedule for treatment on new Great Lakes-only vessels to gain extra time to evaluate these discharges for treatment. The schedule for these new vessels is given below.

The treatment standards in Table A apply to vessels operating exclusively in the Great Lakes, launched after January 1, 2016.

Discharges of ballast water from vessels that operate outside of the Great Lakes must meet an International Maritime Or ganization-certified treatment standard according to the following schedule:

For vessels launched prior to January 1, 2012, and meeting the applicability criteria in the federal NPDES permit, treatment shall be inst alled and operational to meet the performance standards for organisms include d in Table A by January 1, 2016.

For vessels launched after January 1, 2012, and meeting the applicabil ity criteria in the federal NPDES permit, treatment shall be inst alled and operational to meet the performance standards for organisms include d in Table A prior to commen cement of vessel operation in Ohio State waters of Lake Erie.

97Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

Table A Biological Performance Standards for Ballast Water Treatment Technology Parameter Limit Limit Type Sample Type Organisms >50 microns in minimum dimension <10 viable /m 3 Daily average Composite

Organisms 10-50 microns in minimum dimension <10 viable / ml Daily average Composite

Escherichia coliform <250 cfu / 100 ml Daily average Composite Intestinal enterococci <100 cfu / 100 ml Daily average Composite

Note 1- Analysis required by the above tabl e shall be performed consistent with the protocols currently being va lidated by the EPA Environmen tal Technology Verification Program (EPA/U.S. Coast Guard/Naval Resear ch Laboratory) and/or the following Great Ships Initiative protocols:

• Procedure for Algae/Small Protozoan Sample Analysis, Procedure for Zooplankton Sample Analysis, Pr ocedure for the Detection and

• Enumeration of Enterococci by Membrane Filtration, Procedure for Microbial Analysis using the Heterotrophic Plate Count Method, and

• Procedure for the Detection and Enumeration of E. coli by Membrane Filtration available online at http://www.nemw.org/GSI/protocols.htm

“Composite” sample type is a combination of individual grab samples taken at periodic intervals over the specified time period. Either samples taken at equa l time intervals shall be combined using a volume of each sample th at is proportional to the flow that sample represents, or equal volume samp les shall be combined that are taken at intervals of equal flow volumes.

“Viable organism” means organisms that are living and ab le to reproduce.

Until these standards are effective, all vessels shall meet the Best Management Practices (BMP) requirements of the federal NPDES Permit, including the salt water ballast exchange or salt water flushing requirements for ocean-going vessels.

In addition to the discharge standards in Ta ble A, discharges of any biocide or toxic chemical shall not be toxic to organisms in ambient waters, or rapidly lethal within the mixing zone [OAC 3745-1-04(D)]:

If the federal government adopts treatment sta ndards more stringent than IMO, then those standards shall replace the a bove treatment standards for new treatment systems installed after the date those Federal standards go into effect.

The Director will evaluate treatment standard s equivalent to IMO or more restrictive standards for all vessel classes covered by the federal general permit (including both ocean-going vessels and vessels that operate onl y in the Great Lakes) when he issues the

98Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

next certification on this permit. The decision to require IMO or more restrictive treatment standards will be based on treatment system availability and costs, and other considerations required by law.

b. Salt Water Discharges It is likely that discharges of ballasted sea water will not meet the toxicity narrative water quality standard if discharge in the relatively shallow water of Ohio’s Lake Erie ports, due to the dissolved solids levels in sea water. Discharges in the open waters of the Lake minimize the risk of toxicity, and will allow th e standard to be met. In order to prevent toxicity to ambient organisms or rapidly lethal conditions, disc harges of ballasted sea water within the breakwalls of Ohio’s Lake Erie Ports is prohibited.

c. Ballast Treatment - Chlorine Discharge Limits For experimental ballast water treatment syst ems using chlorine, disc harges must meet a maximum chlorine limit of 38 micrograms per lit er (ug/l) if the discharge lasts for more than 2 hours/day; the limit is 200 ug/l if the discharge is 2 hours/day or less. [OAC 3745-1­ 07 (inside-mixing-zone maximum water quality standards, definition and applicability), OAC 3745-1-35, (site-specific WQS, exposur e time-based criteria), OAC 3745-1-36 (aquatic life criteria calculation procedures, equivalency of IMZM with FAV criteria), OAC 3745-2-05(B)(3) (maximum limits for discharg es to lakes)] These standards apply to all ballast water treatments – both experimental and those treatments installed to meet IMO standards.

Ohio EPA acknowledges that the limit of 38 ug /l is less than the Ohio EPA practical quantification level for residual chlorine analys is (50 ug/l). Analyses less than or equal to 50 ug/l are judged to be in comp liance with this certification.

d. Ballast Treatment- Other Biocides Biocides other than chlorine used in ballast water treatment must meet Ohio’s narrative toxicity water quality standard. To meet th e ‘no rapidly lethal conditions’ narrative, discharges of all biocides must meet inside -mixing zone water quality standards (Final Acute Values) as determined by the OAC Ru le 3745-1-36 [Great Lakes Initiative rule procedures]. The discharge of organic qua ternary ammonium compounds is prohibited.

6.24 Pennsylvania:

Pennsylvania certified the VGP with the following additional permit conditions:

This certification shall expire five years after th e date of issuance of the EPA’s VGP. However, the Department reserves the right to amend, modify or withdraw certification of the VGP in order to protect the waters of the Commonwealth or if for any reason further changes to the draft VGP are made upon issuance of the final VGP. Furt hermore, the Department reserves the right to modify this Certification to require vessels covered by the VGP to inst all and operate ballast water treatment systems to prevent the discharg e of aquatic nuisance sp ecies to Pennsylvania waters provided a determination is made by the Department that such ballast water treatment systems are necessary, available and cost effective.

99Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

The issuance of the Certification does not authori ze violation of any federa l, state and local laws or regulations, nor does it rule out the necessity of obtaining applicable permits, including any other Department permits, or approvals from ot her units of government as may be required by law.

Certification Conditions for the VGP

1. The operator of any vessel c overed under the VGP whose voyage originates from within the United States exclusive economic zone a nd enters Pennsylvania waters with ballast on board, shall conduct ballast water exchange at least 50 nautical miles from shore and in water of at least 200 meters in depth. Su ch vessels that carry only residual amounts of ballast water and/or sediments shall conduct sa ltwater flushing of their ballast tanks at least 50 nautical miles from shore and in water of at least 200 meters in depth.

Ballast water exchange is defined as at le ast one empty and refill cycle of each ballast tank of a vessel that contains ballast water, resulting in a salinity level or at least 30 parts per thousand (ppt). If the master of a vessel determines that such exchange is impracticable, a sufficient number of flow-t hrough exchanges of ballast water may be conducted to achieve replacement of at least 95 percent ballast water in ballast tanks of the vessel, resulting in a salinity level of at least 30 ppt.

All vessels entering Pennsylvania waters must maintain a salinity level in each tank onboard the vessel of at least 30 ppt.

This condition does not apply to vessels:

(i) that operate exclusive in the Great Lakes, or (ii) operate exclusively within wa ters of Pennsylvania, or (iii) enter Pennsylvania waters from ports of call on the Delaware River within the States of New Jersey and Delaware, provided that the vessel has met the requirements of this condition prior to entering waters of Pennsylvania, or (iv) have met the requirements of Condition No. 2, or (v) that carry only permanent ballast water, all of which is in sealed tanks that are not subject to discharge, (vi) of the Armed Forces, or (vii) of the National Defense Reserve Fleet.

This condition does not apply to the discharge of balla st water if the master of the vessel reasonably determines that compliance with th is condition would thr eaten the safety or stability of the vessel, its crew, or its passe ngers because of adverse weather, equipment failure, or any other relevant condition. If the operator of a vessel is unable to conduct ballast water exchange or flus hing as specified due to serious safety concerns as stated above, the operator of any such vessel w ith ballast on board shall take reasonable measures to avoid discharge of organism s in ballast water and shall inform the Department and EPA in writing of the measures taken

100Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

2. By no later than January 1, 2016, each vessel covered under the VGP that operates in Pennsylvania waters and is cons tructed prior to January 1, 2012 shall have a ballast water treatment system that meets the following IMO standards, subject to the exceptions listed below.

(A) Standard for organisms 50 or more mi crometers in minimum dimension: Any ballast water discharged sh all contain less than 10 vi able organisms per cubic
meter. (B) Standard for organisms less than 50 microm eters in minimum dimension and 10 or more micrometers in minimum dimension: Any ballast water discharged shall contain less than 10 viable organisms per milliliter. (C) Standards for indicator microbes: i. Any ballast water discharged shall co ntain less than 1 colony-forming unit (cfu) of toxicogenic Vibrio cholera (serotypes O1 and O139) per 100 milliliters or less than 1 colony-forming unit of that microbe per gram of wet weight of zoological samples; ii. Any ballast water discharged shall contain less than 250 colony-forming units of Escherichia coli per 100 milliliters; and iii. Any ballast water discharged shall contain less than 100 colony-forming units of intestinal enterococci per 100 milliliters. (D) This condition does not apply to vessels: i. Operating exclusively within wa ters of Pennsylvania, or ii. That carry only permanent ballast water, all of which is in sealed thanks that are not subject to discharge, or iii. Of the Armed Forces, or iv. Of the national Defense Reserve Fleet, or

v. Operating exclusively within Lake Erie.

If compliance with this condition can’t be achieved immediately, the permittee may request an extension from the Department and EPA within six months of the issuance of the VGP to comply with this condition. The request shall provide wr itten justification for an extension and shall demonstr ate there is a shortage in supply of technology necessary to meet the limits set forth in this certificat ion, or indicate a vesse l specific engineering constraint that must be addre ssed, or demonstrate another factor related to the availability and installation of technology and parts is be yond the vessel owner/ope rator’s control, or provide reasoning for a delay in the technology being available and in stalled in time to comply with this condition.

3. Each vessel covered under the VGP that operates in Pennsylvania waters and is constructed after January 1, 2012 shall have a ballast water treatment system that meets the following standards, subject to the exceptions listed below.

(A) Standard for organisms 50 or more mi crometers in minimum dimension: Any ballast water discharged shall no detectable living organisms.

101Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

(B) Standard for organisms less than 50 microm eters in minimum dimension and 10 or more micrometers in minimum dimension: Any ballast water discharged shall contain less than .01 viable organisms per milliliter. (C) Standards for indicator microbes: i. Any ballast water discharged shall co ntain less than 1 colony-forming unit (cfu) of toxicogenic Vibrio cholera (serotypes O1 and O139) per 100 milliliters or less than 1 colony-forming unit of that microbe per gram of wet weight of zoological samples; ii. Any ballast water discharged shall contain less than 126 colony-forming units of Escherichia coli per 100 milliliters; and iii. Any ballast water discharged shall contain less than 33 colony-forming units of intestinal enterococci per 100 milliliters. (D) Standards for bacteria: Any ballast water discharged shall contai n less than 1,000 bacteria per 100 milliliters. (E) Standards for viruses: Any ballast water discharged shall contai n less than 10,000 viruses per 100 milliliters. (F) This condition does not apply to vessels: i. Operating exclusively within wa ters of Pennsylvania, or ii. That carry only permanent ballast water, all of which is in sealed thanks that are not subject to discharge, or iii. Of the Armed Forces, or iv. Of the national Defense Reserve Fleet, or

v. Operating exclusively within Lake Erie.

If compliance with this condition can’t be achieved immediately, the permittee may request an extension from the Department and EPA within six months of the issuance of the VGP to comply with this condition. The request shall provide written justifica tion for an extension and shall demonstrate there is a shortage in supply of technology necessary to meet the limits set forth in this certification, or indicate a vessel specific engineering constrai nt that must be addressed, or demonstrate another factor relate d to the availability and insta llation of technology and parts is beyond the vessel owner/operator’s control, or provide reasoni ng for a delay in the technology being available and inst alled in time to comply with this condition.

4. The permittee may not discharge floating materi als, oil, grease, scum, foam, sheen and substances which produce color, taste, tu rbidity or settle to form deposits in concentrations or amounts sufficient to be, or creating a danger of being, inimical to the water uses to be protected or to hum an, animal, plant or aquatic life.

The conditions set forth in this certification letter are necessary to ensure compliance with the requirements of the Pennsylvania Clean Stream s Law (35 P.S. §§ 691.1 – 691.1011) as well as to reduce water degradation, unintentional discharge of invasive species, nutrient loading, disease organisms and other pollutants discharged fr om vessels covered by the VGP that have the potential to disrupt the ecologi cal balance of Pennsylvania’s waters and the Great Lakes and negatively impact the fish and wildli fe resources of this Commonwealth.

102Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

6.25 Rhode Island:

Rhode Island certified the VGP with th e following additional permit conditions:

1. In accordance with the Rhode Island Water Qual ity Regulations (including but not limited to Rule 17) and all other applicable laws and re gulations, the Director may modify, suspend, or revoke, in whole or in part this water quality certificati on for a specific vessel that is authorized or is seeking authorization to discharge under the VGP.

2. In accordance with the Rhode Island Water Qual ity Regulations (including but not limited to Rule 17) and all other applicable laws and re gulations, the Director may modify, suspend, or revoke, in whole or in part this wa ter quality certification for the VGP.

3. Nutrient impaired waters shall be those refe renced in the State's most current 303D list.

4. A map identifying all nutrient im paired waters and biodiversity -impaired waters within the State of Rhode Island shall be included in all permits issu ed under this general permit.

5. This Water Quality Certificate shall expire five (5) years from the date of issuance.

6.26 Utah:

Utah certified the VGP subject to the following additional permit conditions:

The 2008 Utah Legislature passed the Aquatic Invasive Species Interdiction Act (S.B. 238) and subsequently the Utah Wildlife Board passed associated rule (R657-60, Aquatic Invasive Species Interdiction), both with a purpose to define procedures and regulations designed to prevent and control the spread of aquatic inva sive species, particularly Dreissena mussels, within the State of Utah. The af orementioned act and rule establis h a situation in Utah that is more restrictive than the Vessel General Permits. It is unlawful to possess or transport Dreissena mussels within the State of Utah. Additionally, al l boats having been used anywhere within the last 30 days on a Dreissena mussel infested wate r, either marine or fresh, and subsequently launching on any waters in Utah must certify pr ior to launch that they have been properly decontaminated. Launch is denied until certif ication can be met. The only two accepted decontamination protocols in Utah as per Rule R657-60 are as follows:

Do-it-yourself Decontamination

• Clean all plants, fish, mussels and mud from boat or equipment before leaving water body area (discard unused bait in the trash where you fished);

• Drain all water from boat (equipment storage areas, ballast tanks, bilge, livewells and motor) before leaving water body area;

• Dry boat and equipment at home or at suitable storage area (7 days summer, 18 days spring and fall, and 30 days winter or expose boat and equipment to freezing conditions for a continuous 72 hour period) prior to another launch.

103Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

Professional Decontamination
0
• Use a professional to apply scalding water (140 Fahrenheit )to wash equipment, boat

and trailer and to flush equipment storage areas, ballast tanks, bilge, livewells and motor or other raw water circulation systems.

Either of the aforementioned decontamination prot ocols will kill aquatic invasive species either already inhabiting Utah or threatening to arrive, including adult, juvenile and microscopic life forms.

In the State of Utah it is unlawfu l to discharge any volume of wate r, which is laden with viable aquatic invasive species, into any waters within the State of Utah. Thus, any discharge for any volume of ballast, bilge or other raw water suspected of harboring aquatic invasive species must
0 not occur unless it has been heated to at least 140 Fahrenheit. Since ballast and bilge waters frequently contain other undesirable materials (e.g. oil and grease, so lvents and soaps, etc.), it is preferable that such water disc harges be made onshore into an appropriate, approved wastewater treatment system. If there are any questions regard ing these procedures rela ted to the control of invasive aquatic species please contact th e Utah Division of Wildlife Resources.
Lake Powell has been designated as a "no disc harge" waterbody by the National Park Service. As such, there will be no discharge of wastewat er, treated or untreated, within the legal boundary of Lake Powell.

6.27 Vermont:

Vermont certified the VGP subject to th e following additional permit conditions:

1. This Certification is valid only for those ac tivities that fully comply with all terms and conditions of the Vessel General Permit and a ll other state laws applicable to such discharges. The Department reserves the au thority to enforce a ny violation of the Vermont Water Quality Standards that results from any discharge and to enforce all other state laws applicable to such discharges.

2. Discharges that are not eligible for covera ge under the Vessel Ge neral Permit and that require an individual permit must obtain an individual Water Quality Certification or waiver from the Department.

3. This Water Quality Certification shall be valid until such time as the Vessel General Permit is modified, suspended, revoked or reissued.

4. The issuance of this Certification does not au thorize violation of a ny federal, state or local laws or regulations, nor does it obviat e the necessity of obtaining such permits, including any Department permits, or appr ovals from other governmental entities.

5. This Water Quality Certification may be revoked or modified if it is found, in the opinion of the Department, that the process and conditions of the Vessel General Permit

104Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

do not achieve compliance with the Vermont Water Quality Standards and other applicable provisions of state law.

6.28 Wyoming:

Wyoming certified the VGP subject to the following additional conditions:

In accordance with the provisions of the state certification program fo r boating activities and discharges incidental to the normal operation of vessels, this office has reviewed the proposed nationwide permits and had made the following determinations:

In view of the current state water quality standards and regulations, we have found that the nationwide permits are acceptable as written with th e stipulation that certif ication of permits for eligible large (over 79 feet in length) and comm ercial vessels operating within Class 1 waters must be deferred for agency review and public noti ce. For all eligible small recreational vessels and those large and commercial vessels operating outside of Class 1 wate rs, we waive our right to individually certify.

DEFERAL OF CERIFICATION ON CLASS 1 WATERS

Class 1 waters are defined in Chapter 1 of the Wyoming Water Quality Rules and Regulations as those in which no further water quality degradat ion by point source discharges other than from dams will be allowed. Nonpoint source discharges will be controlled by the implementation of the best management practices designed to ma intain existing water quality. Because of the high level of protection afforded to these waters by the regulations, authorization of the activities covered by the above Nation Wide Permits (NWPs) requires individual departmental review.

Therefore, 401 certification for NWP, Vessel Ge neral Permit Discharges Incidental to the Normal Operation of Commercial Vessels and Large Recreational Vessels (VGP) is deferred when operation occurs on Wyoming Class 1 waters . This nationwide permit is certified for use on Wyoming class 2, 3, and 4 waters (all other waters) provided that the general conditions, management practices, and other provisions of the nationwide program ar e strictly followed.

The following is a listing of curre nt class 1 waters in Wyoming:

1. All surface waters located w ithin the boundaries of nationa l parks and congressionally designated wilderness areas as of January 1, 1999; 2. The main stem of the Snake River through its entire length about U.S. Highway 22 Bridge (Wilson Bridge); 3. The main stem of the Green River, includi ng the Green River Lakes from the mouth of the New Fork River upstream to the wilderness boundary; 4. The main stem of the Wind River from the Wedding of the Waters upstream to Boysen Dam; 5. The main stem of the North Platte River fr om the mouth of Sage Creek (approximately 15 stream miles downstream of Saratoga, Wyoming) upstream to the Colorado state line; 6. The main stem of the North Platte River from the headwaters of Pathfinder Reservoir upstream to Kortes Dam (Miracle Mile segment);

105Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

7. The main stem of the North Platte River from the Natrona County Road 309 bridge (Goose Egg bridge) upstream to Alcova Reservoir; 8. The main stem of Sand Creek above the U.S. Highway 14 bridge; 9. The main stem of the Middle Fork of the Po wder River through its entire length above the mouth of Buffalo Creek; 10. The main stem of the Tongue River, the ma in stem of the North Fork of the Tongue River, and the main stem of the South Fork of the Tongue River above the U.S. Forest Service Boundary; 11. The main stem of the Sweetwater Ri ver above the mouth of Alkali Creek; 12. The main stem of the Encampment River from the northern U.S. Forest Service boundary upstream to the Colorado state line; 13. The main stem of the Clarks Fork River from the U.S. Forest Service Boundary upstream to the Montana state line; 14. All waters within the Fish Creek (near Wilson, Wyoming) drainage; 15. The main stem of Granite Creek (tributary to the Hoback River) through its entire length; 16. Fremont Lake; 17. Wetlands adjacent to the above listed Class 1 waters.

WAIVED 401 CERTIFICATION

State Certification of General Permit for Discha rges Associated with Recreational Vessels is waived. The Wyoming Department of Environmen tal Quality certifies that these permits are acceptable as described above. The Department also reserves the right to amend, modify, suspend or revoke this certification or any of its terms or conditions as may be appropriate or necessary to protect water qual ity and associated beneficial uses. Upon adoption of updated standards, this certific ation may be revoked and modified appropriately.

Please be aware that this letter constitutes st ate certification of thes e permits as required by Section 401 of the federal Clean Water Act. It does not provide an exemption from any other federal, state or local laws or regulations, nor does it provide exemp tion from legal action by private citizens for damage to prop erty which the activity may cause.

106Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009



### 7. Appendix A definitions:

The following definitions apply to this permit. Terms not defined in this Appendix have the meaning given by 40 CFR Part 122.2. When a defined term appears in a definition, the defined term is placed in quotat ion marks as an aid to readers.

“Appropriate Regional Office” means the regional office listed in Part 8 of the Permit responsible for the waters where the vessel spends the most time or is based in a home port.

“Aqueous Film-Forming Foam” means the firefigh ting foam and seawater mixture discharged during training, testing, or maintenance operations. [source: 40 C.F.R 1700.4]

“Atlantic or Gulf Coastwise Tr ade” means vessels engaged in co astwise trade along the Atlantic coast or Gulf of Mexico coast of the United Stat es, or in between those coasts, operating in and between ports on these coasts.

“Atlantic or Gulf Nearshore Voyages” means voyag es by any vessels engaged in the Atlantic or Gulf Coastwise trade and vessels transiting be tween Atlantic ports (i ncluding those in the Caribbean Sea) or Gulf of Mexico ports that travel between more than one Captain of the Port Zone, and all other vessels that sail from foreign, Atlantic, or Gulf of Mexico ports, which do not sail further than 200 nm from any shore, and that discharge or will discharge ballast water into ports on the Atlantic or Gulf coasts.

“Ballast Tank” means any tank or hold on a vessel used for carrying “ballast water”, whether or not the tank or hold was de signed for that purpose. [source: 33 C.F.R. 151.2025]
“Ballast Water Exchange” see “Exchange”.

“Ballast Water” means any water and suspende d matter taken on board a vessel to control or maintain, trim, draught, stability, or stresses of the vessel, re gardless of how it is carried. [source: 33 C.F.R 151.1504]

“Ballast Water Capacity” means the total vol umetric capacity of any tanks, spaces, or compartments for carrying, loading, or discharg ing “ballast water”, including any multi-use tanks, space or compartment designed to allow carriage of “ballast water”.

“Bilgewater means the wastewater from a variety of sources that accumulates in the lowest part of the vessel (the bilge).

“Biocide” means a substance or organism, including a virus or a fungus, that is introduced into, or produced by, ballast water treatment systems to kill or eliminate organisms as part of the ballast water treatment process.

“Boat Engine Wet Exhaust” means the seawater that is mixed and discharged with small boat propulsion engine exhaust to cool the exhaust and qui et the engine. [source: 40 C.F.R 1700.4]

107Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

“Captain of the Port” (COTP) means the Coast Guard officer designated as the COTP, or a person designated by that officer, for the COTP z one covering the U.S. port of destination. These COTP zones are listed in 33 C.F.R. part 3. [source: 33 C.F.R. 151.2025]

“Chain Locker Effluent” means the accumulated pr ecipitation and seawater that is emptied from the compartment used to store the vessel's anchor chain. [source: 40 C.F.R 1700.4]

“Coastal Exchange Zone” means an area greater than 50 nm from shore and greater than 200 meters in depth.

“Commercial fishing vessel” means any vessel wh ich is documented under the laws of the United States or, if under five net tons, register ed under the laws of any State, and used for commercial fishing or activities dire ctly related to commercial fishing. (source: modified from 50 CFR 296.2)
“Commercial vessel” means any “vessel” other than a “recreational vessel” or a vessel of the U.S. armed forces.

“Constructed’ means a state of c onstruction of a vessel at which— “(A) the keel is laid; “(B) construction identifiable with the specific vessel begins; “(C) assembly of the vessel has begun comp rising at least 50 tons or 1 percent of the estimated mass of all structural material of the vessel, whichever is less; or “(D) the vessel undergoes a major conversion;” [patterned after the February 2004 Ballast Water Treaty, regulation A1(4)]

"Control measure" means any BMP or other met hod (including effluent limitations) used to prevent or reduce the discharge of pollu tants to waters of the United States.

“Controllable Pitch Propeller Hydraulic Fluid” means the hydraulic fluid that discharges into the surrounding seawater from propelle r seals as part of normal ope ration, and the hydraulic fluid released during routine main tenance of the propellers. [source: 40 C.F.R 1700.4]

“Cruise ship” means a passenger ship used commercially for pleasure cruises that provides overnight accommodations to passengers.

“Darkness” means sunset to sunrise.

“Deck” means a horizontal surface or part thereof se rving as a floor or stru ctural support over the upper section of the hull and wh ich is exposed to weather a nd sea such as freeboard and superstructure decks from which runoff may originate.

“Deck Runoff” means the precipit ation, washdowns, and seawater falling on the weather deck of a vessel and discharged over board through deck openings. [source: 40 C.F.R 1700.4]

108Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

“Delivered” means the date of the owner/operato r’s formal acceptance of the ship from the builder or another seller or th e point in time when custody or ow nership of the vessel officially transfers from the shipbuilder or ot her seller to the owner/operator.

“Discharge incidental to the normal operation of a vessel” means those discharges that were excluded from the NPDES permitting program by ope ration of 40 C.F.R. 122.3(a) as in effect on September 29, 2008.

“Distillation and Reverse Osmosis Brine” means the concentrated seawater (brine) produced as a byproduct of the processes used to generate freshwater from seawater. [source: 40 C.F.R 1700.4]

“Elevator Pit Effluent” means the liquid that accum ulates in, and is discharged from, the sumps of elevator wells on vessels. [source: 40 C.F.R 1700.4]

“Exchange” means to replace the water in a ba llast tank using one of the following methods:

“Ferry” means a vessel having provisions for deck passengers and/or vehicles operating between two points over the most direct water route, operating on a frequent schedule, and offering a public service of a type normally at tributed to a bridge or tunnel. [modified from: 46 C.F.R. §70.10-1]

“Flow through exchange” means to flush out “balla st water” by pumping in water from the “midocean” or “coastal exchange z one” (as applicable) into the bottom of the tank and continuously overflowing the tank from the top until three full volumes of water has been changed to minimize the number of original organisms remaining in the tank.

“Empty/refill exchange” means to pump out the “ballast water” taken on in ports, estuarine, or territorial waters until the tank is empty, then refilling it with water from the “mid-ocean” or “coastal exchange zone” (as applicable); mast ers/operators should pump out as close to 100 percent of the “ballast water” as is safe to do so. [modified from: 33 C.F.R. 151.2025]

“Exclusive Economic Zone” (EEZ) means the area established by Presidential Proclamation Number 5030, dated March 10, 1983 ( 48 FR 10605 , 3 CFR, 1983 Comp., p. 22) which extends from the base line of the territorial sea of the United States seaward 200 miles, and the equivalent zone of Canada. [source: 33 C.F.R. 151.2025]

“Firemain Systems” means the seawater pumpe d through the firemain system for firemain testing, maintenance, and training, and to s upply water for the opera tion of certain vessel systems. [source: 40 C.F.R 1700.4]

“Fouling organisms” means any aqua tic flora and/or fauna which att ach to, associate with, and/or grow on or in the vessel.

“Freshwater Layup” means the pota ble water or freshwater taken from surrounding waters that is discharged from the water cooling system while the vessel is in port, and the cooling system is in

109Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

lay-up mode (a standby mode where seawater in th e system is replaced with potable water for corrosion protection). [modified from: 40 C.F.R 1700.5(d)]

“Gas Turbine Water Wash” means the water rel eased from washing gas turbine components. [source: 40 C.F.R 1700.4]

“Graywater” means galley, bath, a nd shower water, as well as wa stewater from lavatory sinks, laundry, and water fountains. [modified from 40 C.F.R 1700.4 but removed shop sinks]

“Gross Ton” means the size of th e vessel as calculated using the formula set by the International Convention on Tonnage Measurement of Ships, 1969. GT = K * V where V = total volume in m3 and K = a figure from 0.22 up to 0.32, depending on th e ship’s size (calculated by : K = 0.2 +.02

* log 10 V).

“Hull Coating Leachate” the constituents that le ach, dissolve, ablate, or erode from the paint on the hull into the su rrounding seawater. [source: 40 C.F.R 1700.4]

“IMO Guidelines” mean the Guidel ines for the Control and Manage ment of Ships’ Ballast Water to Minimize the Transfer of Harmful Aquatic Organisms and Pathogens (IMO Resolution A.868 (20), adopted November 1997). [source: 33 C.F.R. 151.2025]

“In Port” means, for the purposes of this permit, anchored, moored, or otherwise secured while located in waters subject to this permit which ar e inside the baseline of the US territorial sea.

“Large cruise ship” means a passenger ship, used commercially for pleasure cruises, that provides overnight accommodations to passengers, a nd is authorized by the Coast Guard to carry 500 or more passengers.

“Large Ferry” means a “ferry” tha t: a) has a capacity greater than or equal to 100 tons of cargo, e.g., for cars, trucks, trains, or other land-based transportation or b) is authorized by the Coast Guard to carry 250 or more people.

“Major conversion” means a c onversion of a vessel, that— (A) substantially alters the dimensi ons or carrying capacity of the vessel; (B) changes the type of the vessel; or (C) the intent of which, in the opinion of th e director, is substan tially to prolong its life [modified from 33 CFR 151.05 w ith the exception language spec ific to MARPOL is removed].

“MARPOL 73/78” means the Intern ational Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973, as modified by the Pr otocol of 1978 relating thereto. [ [source: modified from 40 C.F.R 110.1]
“MARPOL vessel” means a ship subject to Anne x I of the Internati onal Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships as implemen ted by the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships and the oil pollution provisions of U.S. Coast Guard regulations in 33 CFR Part 151, Subpart A.

“Master” means captain, person-in-c harge, or other party responsible for operation of the vessel.

110Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

“Medium Cruise Ship” means a passenger ship, us ed commercially for pleasure cruises, that provides overnight accommodations to passengers, a nd is authorized by the Coast Guard to carry 100 to 499 passengers.

“Mid-Ocean” means waters greate r than 200 nm from any shore.

“Mile” means nautical mile as used in this permit, or 6076.1 feet or 1.852 kilometers.

“Motor Gasoline and Compensating Discharge” means the seawater taken into, and discharged from, motor gasoline tanks to eliminate free space where vapors could accumulate. [source: 40 C.F.R 1700.4]

“NANPCA” means the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990. [source: 33 C.F.R. 151.2025]

“NBIC” means the National Ballast Water In formation Clearinghouse operated by the Coast Guard and the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center as mandated under NISA. [source: 33 C.F.R. 151.2025]

“NISA” means the National Invasive Species Act of 1996, which reauthorized and amended NANPCA. [source: 33 C.F.R. 151.2025]

“Non-Oily machinery wastewater” means the co mbined wastewater from the operation of distilling plants, water chiller s, valve packings, water pipi ng, low- and high-pressure air compressors, propulsion engine jacket coolers, fire pumps, and seawat er and potable water
pumps. [modified from: 40 C.F.R 1700.4]
“Non-toxic” soaps, cleaners, and detergents means these materials which do not exhibit potentially harmful characteri stics as defined by the Consum er Product Safety Commission regulations found at 16 CFR Chapte r II, Subchapter C, Part 1500.

“Noxious Liquid Substance” (“NLS”) has the same meaning given that term by 33 CFR Part 151, Subpart A.

“Oil” means oil of any kind or in any form, incl uding but not limited to, petroleum, fuel oil, sludge, oil refuse, and oil mixed with wastes other than dredged spoil. [source: 33 CFR 154.105]
“Oil in quantities that may be harmful” means any discharge of oil having the effects identified in 40 CFR 110.3, provided that this term does not include those di scharges specified in 40 CFR 110.5(a) – (c).

“Oily mixture” means a mixture, in any form, with any oil content, includ ing, 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. [source: 33 CFR 151.05]

111Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

"Owner or operator" and "Owner/Operator" m ean the owner or operator of any facility or activity subject to regulation under the NPDES program. For pur poses of this permit, an "operator" means a party, includi ng a charterer by demise, who: (1) has operational control over vessel activitie s, including the ability to modify those activities; or (2) has day-to-day operational control of thos e activities that are necessary to ensure compliance with the permit or to direct worker s to carry out activities required to comply with the permit.

“Pacific Coastwise Trade” means vessels engaged in coastwise trade along the Pacific Coast of the United States, operating in and between ports in Alaska, California, Oregon, and Washington.

“Pacific Nearshore Voyages” means voyages by a ny vessels engaged in the Pacific Coastwise trade and vessels transiting between Pacific Ports that travel betw een more than one Captain of the Port Zone, and all other vessels that sail from foreign, non U.S. Pacific, Atlantic, or Gulf of Mexico ports, which do not sail further than 200 nm from any shore, and th at discharge or will discharge ballast water into the territorial sea or inland waters of Alaska or of the West Coast of the continental United States.

“Person” means an individual, association, pa rtnership, corporation, m unicipality, State or Federal agency, or an agent or employee thereof. [source – 40 CFR Part 122.2]

“Phosphate Free” soaps, cleaners, and detergents means these materials which contain, by weight, 0.5% or less of phosphates or derivatives of phosphates.

“Photographic Laboratory Drains” means the drains containing laboratory wastewater resulting from processing of photographic film. [adapted from: 40 C.F.R 1700.4]

“Port” see “In Port”

“Port or place of departure” means any port or pl ace in which a vessel is anchored or moored. [source: 33 C.F.R. 151.2025]

“Port or place of destination” means any port or place to which a vessel is bound to anchor or

moor. [source: 33 C.F.R. 151.2025]

“Recreational vessel” means a “vessel” being manuf actured or operated primarily for pleasure or leased, rented, or chartered to a nother for the latter's pleasure. [source: 46 USC 2101(25)]

“Saltwater flushing” means the addition of “m id-ocean” (in the case of 2.2.3.7) or “coastal exchange zone” (in Part 2.2.3.8) water to empty ballast water tanks; the mixing of the added water with residual ballast water and sedime nt through the motion of the vessel; and the discharge of the mixed water until loss of suction, such that the resulting residual water remaining in the tank has either a salinity greater than or equal to 30 parts per thousand (ppt) or a salinity concentration equal to the ambient salinity of the location where the uptake of the added water took place.

112Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

“Seawater Cooling Overboard Discharge” means the discharge of seawater from a dedicated system that provides noncontact coo ling water for other vessel systems. [source: 40 C.F.R 1700.4]

“Seawater Piping Biofouling Prevention” means th e discharge of seawater containing additives used to prevent the growth and attachment of bi ofouling organisms in dedicated seawater cooling systems on selected vessels. [source: 40 C.F.R 1700.4]

“Sewage” means human body wastes and the wastes from toilets and other receptacles intended to receive or retain body wastes that are discha rged from vessels, except that with respect to commercial vessels on the Great Lakes, this te rm includes galley, bath, and shower water.

“Sonar Dome Discharge” means the leaching of antifoulant materials into the surrounding seawater and the release of seawater or fr eshwater retained within the sonar dome. [source: 40 C.F.R 1700.4]

“Surface Vessel Bilgewater/Oily Wa ter Separator Effluent” means th e wastewater from a variety of sources that accumulates in the lowest part of the vessel (the bilge), and the effluent produced when the wastewater is proce ssed by an oil water separator. [source: 40 C.F.R 1700.4]

“Technical Water” means water that is collected, generated or managed on board for uses other than potable water.

“Territorial sea” has the meaning assigned by section 502(8) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1362(8)).

“Treated Bilgewater” means bilg ewater treated with an oily water separator and having oil concentrations less than 15 ppm and that does not result in a discha rge of oil in quantities that may be harmful, pursuant to 40 CFR Part 110.

“Toxic and hazardous materials” means, for purpo ses of the VGP: any substance identified in 40 CFR 116.4; any toxic pollutant identified in 40 CFR 401.15; and any hazardous material as defined in 49 CFR 171.8””

“United States” means the States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the Virgin Islands, a nd the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands. [source: 33 C.F.R. 151.2025]

“Underwater Ship Husbandry Discharges” means the materials discharged during the inspection, maintenance, cleaning, and repair of hulls or hull appendages performe d while the vessel is waterborne. [modified from: 40 C.F.R 1700.4 ]

“Untreated Bilgewater” means b ilgewater that is not treated.

“Vessel” means every description of watercraft or other artificial contri vance being used as a means of transportation on “waters subject to this permit.” [modified from CWA § 312(a)]

113Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

“Vessels unable to voyage more than 1 mile from shore” means vessels operating in waters which do not physically allow them to voyage more than 1 nm from shore (e.g. underway on inland river systems) or vessels which do not possess required certifications from the Coast Guard to operate more than 1 nm from shore.

“Visible Sheen” means a “silvery” or “metallic” sheen, gloss, or increased reflectivity; visual color; iridescence, or oil slick on the surface

. [Source: 58 FR 12507].

“Waters subject to this permit” means “waters of the US” as defined in as 40 CFR 122.2 and extends to the outer reach of the 3 mile territorial sea as define d in section 502(8) of the CWA, unless otherwise excluded from coverage by Part 6 of the permit.

“Welldeck Discharges” means the water that accumulates from seawater flooding of the docking well (welldeck) of a vessel us ed to transport, load, and unl oad amphibious vessels, and from maintenance and freshwater washings of the we lldeck and equipment and vessels stored in the welldeck. [source: 40 C.F.R 1700.4]

“You” means the “owner” or “operator ” of a permitted vessel



### 8. Appendix B – EPA Regional Phone: (404) 562-9390 Phone: (404) 562-9900 

### Contacts Toll Free: 1-800-241-1754 Region 1 – CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, VT, and 10 Tribal Nations Region 5 – IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI, 1 Congress St, Suite 1100 and 35 Tribes Boston, MA 02114-2023 Ralph Metcalfe Federal Building New England States: (888) 372-7341 77 W Jackson Blvd Outside New England: (617) 918-1111 Chicago, IL 60604-3507 Phone: (312) 353-2000 Region 2 – NJ, NY, PR, VI, and 7 Tribal Nations Region 6 – LA, AR, OK, NM, TX, and 290 Broadway, 24th Floor 65 Tribes New York, NY 10007-1866 1445 Ross Ave Phone: (212) 637-3660 Dallas, TX 75202-2733 Phone: (214) 665-6444 Region 3 – DE, DC, MD, PA, VA, WV 1650 Arch St Region 7 – IA, KS, MO, NE, and 9 Philadelphia, PA 19103 Tribes 901 N 5th St Phone: 215-814-5000 Toll Free w/in Region 3: (800) 438-2474 Kansas City, KS 66101 Phone: (913) 551-7003 Region 4 – AL, FL, GA, KY, MS, NC, Toll-Free: 1-800-223-0425 SC, TN, and 2 Tribes Atlanta Federal Center 61 Forsyth St SW Atlanta, GA 30303-3104

114Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

Region 8 - CO, MT, ND, SD, UT, WY, and 27 Tribal Nations 1595 Wynkoop St Denver, CO 80202-1129 Phone: (303) 312-6312 Toll Free w/in Region 8: (800) 227-8917

Region 9 – AZ, CA, HI, NV, and Pacific Islands 75 Hawthorne St San Francisco, CA 94105-3901 Phone: (415) 947-8000 Toll Free: (866) EPA-WEST

Region 10 – AK, ID, OR, WA, and Native Tribes 1200 6th Ave, Suite 900 Seattle, WA 98101-1128 Phone: (206) 553-1200 Toll Free: (800) 424-4EPA

115Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009



### 9. Appendix C – Areas Covered

This permit is effective in Waters of the Un ited States for any State, Territory, Indian Country, or the District of Columbia listed as covered under Part 6 of this permit. As states or tribes seek authorization to issue vessel pe rmits, areas covered by this permit could change.

9.1 Appendix D Reserved

Reserved.

116Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009



### 10. Appendix E – Notice of Intent (NOI)

10.1 Draft NOI Instructions

Who Must File an NOI Form

Under the provisions of the Clean Water Ac t, as amended (33 U.S.C. 1251 et. seq.), federal law prohibits discharges incidental to the normal ope ration of a vessel unless that discharge is covered under a Na tional Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit. To obtain authorization u nder this permit, operators must m eet the eligibility requirements found in Part 1.2 of the Permit and, if required by Pa rt 1.5.1.1 of the Permit, submit a complete and accurate NOI according to the requirements in Part 10/Appendix E. NOIs must be signed in accordance with 40 CFR 122.22.

An owner/operator is require d to submit an NOI if the vessel meets either of the following two criteria:

• The vessel is greater or equal to 300 gross tons,

Or

• The vessel has the capacity to hold or discha rge more than 8 cubic meters (2113 gallons) of Ballast Water.

10.1.1.1.1 Owner/Operators required to submit NOIs

For owner/operators required to submit an NOI for their vessel, they must submit an NOI in accordance with the following table.

NOI Submission Deadlines/Discharge Authorization Dates

Category NOI Deadline Discharge Authorization Date*
Vessels delivered to owner or operator on or before September 19, 2009 No later than September 19, 2009 Authorization granted until September 19, 2009. If EPA receives an NOI on or before September 19, 2009, uninterrupted coverage continues. New Owner/Operator of Vessel – transfer of ownership and/or operation of a vessel whose discharge is previously authorized under this permit By date of transfer of ownership and/or operation Date of transfer or date EPA receives NOI, whichever is later

New vessels delivered to owner or operator after September 19, 2009 30 days prior to discharge into waters subject to this permit 30 days after complete NOI received by EPA

117Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

NOI Submission Deadlines/Discharge Authorization Dates

Category NOI Deadline Discharge Authorization Date* Existing vessels delivered to owner or operator after September 19, 2009 that were not previously authorized under this permit 30 days prior to discharge into waters subject to this permit 30 days after complete NOI received by EPA

* Based on a review of your NOI or other information, EPA may delay the discharge authorization date for further review, or may deny coverage under this permit and require submission of an application for an individual NPDES permit, as detailed in Part 1.8. In these instances, EPA will notify you in writing of the delay or the request for submission of an individual NPDES permit application. If EPA requires an individual permit for an existing vessel previously covered by this general permit, EPA will allow the permittee a reasonable amount of time to obtain individual permit coverage before thei r general permit coverage terminates.

10.1.1.1.2 Owner/Operators not required to submit NOIs

An operator of a vessel is not required to submit an NOI pursuant to Part 1.5.1.2 of the permit if the vessel is less than 300 tons and does not have the capacity to hold or discharge more than 8 cubic meters of ballast water. Owner/Operators that are not required to submit an NOI automatically receive coverage under this permit fo r their vessel and are authorized to discharge in accordance with the permit requirements.

Where to File NOI Form

All NOIs must be completed and filed using the eNOI system at www.epa.gov/npdes/vessels/eNOI or send your completed NOI to the Notice Processing Center at EPA Headquarters, EPA Vessel Notice Processing Center, Mail Code 4203M, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20460. Pr ocessing will be available after June 19, 2009.

If you have questions about whether you need to file an NOI or questions about completing the form, refer to www.epa.gov/npdes/vessels/eNOI after June 19, 2009 or contact the NOI center at 1-866-352-7755.

Completing the Form

Section I: Owner/Operator Information

Provide the full legal na me of the person, firm, public orga nization, or other entity that is the owner/operator of the vessel, as well as th e name of the certifying official. Include the complete contact information for the owner/opera tor. The mailing address, city, state, and zip code, as well as phone number are required. The fax number and email address are optional.

Section II: Vessel Information

Provide the vessel name, registered identifica tion number, call sign, and port of registry. Select the type of vessel by check ing the appropriate box. Only the vessel types required to meet

118Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

additional, vessel type-specific Pe rmit standards are listed; all ot her vessel types should select “other” and enter the vessel type in the space prov ided. Enter the vessel weight in gross tons, the length in feet, and the ballast water capacity in gallons or m3. Indicate whether the vessel currently holds or has ev er held a NPDES permit. Include th e Permit number and dates of permit coverage. If the vessel is covered under this General Permit and this NOI is being submitted for a transfer of ownership to conti nue coverage, check th e appropriate box, and in clude the date of transfer.

Section III: General Voyage Information

Enter the vessel home port, or if it does not have a home port, enter the US port it most frequently visits. Provide the name of each US port the vessel may visit during the Permit term. This list does not need to be exhaustive, but s hould be based on ports vi sited in the past and should be representative of the geographic area in which the vessel trav els. Provide the Crew Capacity, that is, the number of crew needed fo r or normally used for operating the vessel. Also, select the appropriate box to indicate if the vesse l will travel in ocean waters seaward of the US EEZ.

Section IV: Discharge Information

From the list provided, select each applicable discharge type that your vessel may create. All discharges incidental to the normal operati on of a vessel are included in permit coverage; you do not have to select each discharge type for your vessel to receive coverage for all discharges you may have; however, when completing the NOI , vessel owner/operators should list all discharge types they expect from their vessels. Commercial fishing vessels and vessels less than 79 feet in length will only receive permit coverage for ballast water discharges and do not need to check other types of discharges in the NOI. Se lect the appropriate box to indicate whether the vessel ever engages or has the capacity to enga ge in industrial operati ons, such as seafood processing, energy exploration, or mining. If the vessel will be using a ballast water treatment system, check the appropriate box and answer the questions related to th e discharge of residual biocides. The requirements for vessels using a ba llast water treatment system can be found in section 5.8 of the Permit. Indica te whether the vessel curren tly has any onboard treatment systems for any waste stream listed in the permit, such as an Advanced Wastewater Treatment System (AWTS) used for graywater or an Oily Water Separator (OWS) used for bilgewater. Describe the treatment system, including what wast e stream it treats, the type and design of the system, and treatment capacity. Provide informa tion on the frequency and method of ballast tank sediment disposal and whether the vessel currentl y has a ballast water management plan. Indicate whether the vessel has an anti-foulant coating applied to the hull, what type of coating, when it was last applied, and briefly describe the vessel hull husbandry practices, including frequency of hull cleaning and method usually used.

Section V: Certification

Carefully read the certification language. To indicate your acceptance of these terms, check the “accept” box. Checking this box acts as a virtual signature on the NOI and indicates the operators consent to adhere to all the appl icable terms of the Permit. By completing and submitting the NOI, the owner/operator certifies that every applicable General permit

119Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

requirement will be met. Include the name and title of the person completing the eNOI. The person completing the eNOI will have a box to check for “accept” whic h will act as virtual signature.

120Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

NOI Form

NPDES 

## EPA United States Environmental Protection Agency
Form Washington, DC 20460 Form Approved OMB No.

_ _ _ _ - _ Notice of Intent (NOI) for Discharg es Incidental to the Normal Operation 2040-0004 Of a Vessel under the NP DES Vessel General Permit

Submission of this completed Notice of Intent (NOI) constitutes no tice that the entity in Section A intends to be authorized to discharge pollutants to waters of the Un ited States, from the vessel identified in Section B, under EPA’s Vessel General Permit (VGP). Submission of the NOI also constitut es notice that the party identified in Sect ion B of this form has read, understands, and meets the eligibility conditions of Part 1 of the VGP; agrees to comply with all applicable terms and conditions of the VGP ; and understands that continued authorization under the VGP is contingent on maintaining eligibility for coverage. In order to b e granted coverage, all information required on this form must be completed. Please read and make sure you comply with all permit requirements.

A. Vessel Owner/Operator Information 1. Name: 2. IRS Employer Information Number: _ _ - _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 3. Name of Certifying Official 4. Mailing Address: a. Street: b. City: c. State: _ _ d. Zip code: _ _ _ _ _ - _ _ _ _ d. Country: e. Phone: _ _ _ - _ _ _ - _ _ _ _ f. Fax (Optional): _ _ _ - _ _ _ - _ _ _ _ g. E-mail:

B. Vessel Information 1. Vessel Name:
2. Vessel ID/Registered Number/IMO number
3. Vessel Call Sign
4. Flag State/Port of Registry

5. Type of Vessel (select one)

□ Commercial Fishing Vessel with Ballast Water □ Barge

□ Medium Cruise Ship (100 to 499 passengers) □ Oil or Gas Tanker

□ Large Cruise Ship (500+ passengers) □ Research Vessel

□ Large Ferry (250+ passengers or more than 100 tons of □ Rescue Vessel

cargo, e.g., cars, trucks, trains, or other land- based □ Other: transportation.)
6. Vessel Dimensions : a. Weight: gross tons
b. Length: feet

7. Ballast Water Capacity: gallons or meters3
8. Year Vessel Built:
9. a. Date of last dry-dock: b. Date of next scheduled/anticipated dry-dock:
10. Does the vessel have onboard treatment systems for any other waste stream covered by this permit (e.g. Advanced Wastewater Treatment System for Graywater, Oily Water Separator)?

□ Yes □ No If yes, please complete the following for each treatment system:

Waste stream: Treatment system type/design and manufacturer: Treatment System Capacity:
11. Ballast Water –

a. How often if the ballast tank clean ed and sediment disposed of?
b. How and where do you typically dis pose of ballast tank sediment?

c. Does vessel have an existing ballast water management plan? □ Yes □ No

121Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

12. a. Type of anti-fouling hull coating on the vessel:
b. When anti-fouling hull coating was last applied:

c. Describe hull husbandry practi ces, such as frequency of cleaning, method used, etc:

13. Does vessel currently have, or has vessel ever held, an NPDE S permit, for any part, discharg e, or operation of the vessel?

□ Yes □ No

a. If yes, please provide the following:
Permit Number: Dates of coverage:
b. Is this a transfer of ownership? □ Yes □ No If Yes, provide date of transfer:

C. Vessel Voyage Information 1. Home Port/Most Frequented US Port:
2. US Ports Vessel An ticipates Visiting During Permit Term:
3. Number of overnight berths: a. Passengers b. Crew

a. Maximum passenge r capacity b. Crew
4. Does vessel travel beyond the US EEZ and more than 200 nm from any shore? □ Yes □ No

5. Is the vessel engaged in Pacific Nearshore Voyages? □ Yes □ No

D. Discharge Information (commercial fishing vessels and vessels < 79 feet in length need only select Ballast Water; if such vessels have no ballast water discharges th ey do not need coverage under this permit):

1. Select all applicable di scharges vessel may generate:

□ Deck Washdown and Runoff □ Gas Turbine Wash Water

□ Bilgewater/Oily Water Separator Effluent □ Graywater

□ Ballast Water □ Motor Gasoline and Compensating Discharge

□ Anti-fouling hull coatings □ Non-Oily Machinery Wastewater

□ Aqueous Film Forming Foams (AFFF) □ Refrigeration and Air Condensate Discharge

□ Boiler/Economizer Blowdown □ Seawater Cooling Overboard Discharge

□ Cathodic Protection □ Seawater Piping Biofouling Prevention

□ Chain Locker Effluent □ Small Boat Engine Wet Exhaust

□ Controllable Pitch Propeller Hydraulic Fluid and other □ Sonar Dome Discharge Oil-to-Sea Interfaces □ Underwater Ship Husbandry

□ Distillation or Reverse Osmosis Brine □ Welldeck Discharges

□ Elevator Pit Effluent □ Graywater Mixe d with Sewage

□ Firemain Systems □ Exhaust Gas Scrubber Washwater Discharge

□ Freshwater layup
2. Does Vessel ever engage in or have cap acity to engage in industrial operations? □ Yes □ No

a. If yes, please select appropriate box:

□ Seafood processing □ Mining

□ Energy Exploration □ Other:
3. Will the vessel be using an experimental ballast wate r treatment system which discharges residual biocides?

□ Yes □ No b. If yes, are biocide concentrations below those listed in Part 5.8 of the Permit? □ Yes □ No

c. List the biocide residuals or derivatives that may be discharged by the ballast water treatment system:

122Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

E. Certifier Name and Title I certify under penalty of law that this document and all attach ments were prepared under my direction or supervision in accordance with a system designed to assure that qualified personnel properly gathered and evaluated the information contained therein. Based on my inquiry of the person or persons who mana ge the system, or those persons directly responsible for gatherin g the information, the information contained is, to the best of my knowledge and belief, true, ac curate, and complete. I have no personal knowledge that the information submitted is other than tr ue, accurate, and complete. I am aware that there are signifi cant penalties for submitting false information, including the possi bility of fine and imprisonment for knowing violations.

Print Name:
Title: Signature:
Email:

NOI Preparer (Complete if NOI was prepared by someone other than the certifier)

Prepared By: Organization:
Phone: Ext:
Email: Date: _ _ - _ _ - _ _

123Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009



### 11. Appendix F – Notice of Termination (NOT)

11.1 NOT Instructions

Who Must File an NOT Form

Any owner/operator who was required to submit an NOI under Part 1.5.1.1 and meets the conditions of Part 1.6.1.2 of the General Permit is required to submit an NOT to end coverage under this permit.

If you have questions about whether you need to file an NOT or questions about completing the form, refer to (website will be inserted after finalization of this permit) or contact the NOI center at 1-866-352-7755.

Where to File NOT Form

All NOIs must be completed and filed using the eNOI system at www.epa.gov/npdes/vessels/eNOI or send your completed NOI to the Notice Processing Center at EPA Headquarters, EPA Vessel Notice Proce ssing Center Mail Code 4203M, U.S. EPA, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20460.

Completing the Form

Section I: Owner/Operator Information

Provide the full legal na me of the person, firm, public orga nization, or other entity that is the owner/operator of the vessel, as well as th e name of the certifying official. Include the complete contact information for the owner/opera tor. The mailing address, city, state, and zip code, as well as phone number are required. Th e fax number and email address are optional. Provide the date permit coverage began under the applicable NOI. Select the appropriate box to indicate why you are submitting an NOT to end permit coverage. There are three options to choose from: because you have sold or transf erred the vessel and are no longer the owner or operator, because the vessel is no longer traveling in or discharging to waters subject to this permit, or because you have obtaine d individual or alternative pe rmit coverage. If you have sold or transferred the vessel, please provide the date of transfer as well as the name and contact information of the new owner. If you have obtaine d an individual or alternative permit, please provide the permit number and date permit coverage begins in the space given.

Section II: Vessel Information

Provide the vessel name, registered identifica tion number, call sign, and port of registry.

Section III: Certification

Carefully read the certification language. To indicate your acceptance of these terms, check the “accept” box. Checking this box acts as a virtual signature on the NOT and indicates that you understand these vessel discharges will longer be authorized under the general permit,

124Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

and that any discharge of these effluent streams without a perm it is a violation of the Clean Water Act. Include the name and title of the person completing the eNOI. The person completing the eNOI will have a box to check for “acc ept” which will act as virtual signature.

125Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

NOT Form

NPDES FORM Form Approved. OMB No 2040-0004

_ _ _ _ - _ Please See Instructions Before Completing This Form 

### EPA Notice of Termination (NOT) of Cover age under NPDES General Permit for Discharges Incidental to Normal Vessel Operation

Submission of this Notice of Termination cons titutes notice that the party identified in Section II of this form is no longer authorized to discharge any discharge incidental to the nor mal operation of a vessel under th e NPDES program for the vessel identified in Section III of this form. All necessary information mu st be included on this form. Refer to the instructions at t he end of this form.

A. Permit Information 4. Mailing Address: 1. NPDES Permit Tracking Number: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ a. Street:
2. Reason for Terminati on (check one only): b. City:

a. □ You transferred operati onal control to another c. State: _ _ d. Zip code: _ _ _ _ _ - _ _ _ _ operator. e. Phone: _ _ _ - _ _ _ - _ _ _ _ Date of transfer: b. □ You terminat ed vessel operati ons in waters subject to f. Fax (Optional): _ _ _ - _ _ _ - _ _ _ _ the General Permit. g. E-mail:

c. □ You obtained coverage under an individual or alternative NPDES permit. C. Vessel Information Permit Number: 1. Vessel Name: Effective Date: 2. Vessel ID/Registered Number
3. Vessel Call Sign B. Vessel Owner/Oper ator Information 4. Port of Registry 1. Name:
2. IRS Employer Information Number: _ _ - _ _ _ _ _ _ _
3. Name of Certifying Official:

D. Certifier Name and Title: I certify under penalty of law that the information contained in th is form is, to the best of my knowledge and belief, true, ac curate and complete. I understand that by submitting th is Notice of Termination, I am no longer authorized to discharge any effluent associated with normal vessel operation unde r this general permit, and that discharg ing pollutants related to the normal operat ion of a vessel in to waters of the United States is unlawful under the Clean Water Act where the discharge is not authorized by a NPDES permit. I also understand that the submittal of this Noti ce of Termination does not rel ease an operator from liability fo r any violations of this permit or the Clean Water Act.

Furthermore, I certify under penalty of la w that this document and al l attachments were prepared under my direction or supervision in accordance with a system designed to assure that qualified pers onnel properly gathered and evaluated the information contained therein. Based on my inquiry of the person or persons who manage the syst em, or those persons directly responsible for gathering the information, the information cont ained is, to the best of my knowledge and belief, true, accurate

, and complete. I have no persona l knowledge that the information submitted is othe r than true, accurate, and complete. I am awar e that there are significant penalties for submitting false inform ation, including the possibility of fine and imprisonment for knowing violations.

Print Name:
Title: Signature: Date: _ _ - _ _ - _ _

126Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009



### 12. Appendix G – Waters Federally Prot ected wholly or in part for Conservation Purposes

The list provided in Part 12 is a complete list of marine sanctuaries, units of the National Park System, units of the National Wildlife Refuge System, National Wilderness areas, and national wild and scenic rivers system compone nts. EPA notes that this is a complete list gathered from sources maintained by the administrative agency. EPA did not filter this list: in many cases, the listed areas are terrestrial. Wh ere the area is terrestrial (e.g. The Washington Monument), the requirements to comply with sp ecific effluent limits do not apply. However, whenever any of these areas are aquatic or mari ne, the requirements discussed in Part 12.1 apply if they are applicable to a given vessel.

12.1 Waters federally protected wholly or in part for conservation purposes

You must comply with the specific effluent limits in Parts 2.2.2, 2.2.3.10, 2.2.5, 2.2.6, 2.2.12, 2.2.15, 2.2.16 and 5.1.1.1.1 [etc.] affecting the followi ng federally protected waters to the extent located in waters subject to this permit:

• Marine Sanctuaries designated under 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 or Marine national monuments designated under the Antiquities Act of 1906 (see Part 12.1.1 for a list of such areas);

• A unit of the National Park System, including National Preserves and National Monuments (see Part 12.1.2 fo r a list of such areas);

• A unit of the National Wildlife Refuge Syst em, including Wetland Management Districts, Waterfowl Production Areas, National Game Pr eserves, Wildlife Management Area, and National Fish and Wildlife Refuges (see Part 12.1.3 for a list of such areas);

• National Wilderness Areas (see Part 12.1.4 for a list of such areas); and

• Any component designated under th e National Wild and Scenic Rivers System (see Part 12.1.5 for a list of such areas).

• Any waterbody designated as an Outstanding National Resource Water (ONRW) by a State or Tribe (see Part 12.1.6 for a description of such areas)

12.1.1 Marine Sanctuaries under the National Marine Sanctuaries Act (16 U.S.C. 1431 et seq.) and National Marine Monuments Designated under the Antiquities Act of 1906

• Channel Islands (California)

• Cordell Bank (California)

• Fagatele Bay (American Samoa)(U.S.)

• Florida Keys (Florida)

• Flower Garden Banks (Texas)

127Vessel General Permit (VGP) Version 2/5/2009

• Grays Reef (Georgia)

• Gulf of the Farallones (California)

• Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whales (Hawaii)

• Monitor (North Carolina)

• Monterey Bay (California)

• Olympic Coast (Washington)

• Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument (Hawaii)

• Stellwagen Bank (Massachusetts)

• Thunder Bay (Michigan)

12.1.2 National Parks and Refuges: National Park Service, Department of the Interior

Alabama Horseshoe Bend National Military Park Little River Canyon National Preserve Natchez Trace Parkway Russell Cave National Monument Selma To Montgomery National Historic Trail Trail Of Tears National Historic Trail Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site Tuskegee Institute National Historic Site Alaska Alagnak Wild River Alaska Public Lands Aleutian World War II National Historic Area Aniakchak National Monument and Preserve Bering Land Bridge National Preserve Cape Krusenstern National Monument Denali National Park and Preserve Gates Of The Arctic National Park and Preserve Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve Inupiat Heritage Center Katmai National Park and Preserve Kenai Fjords National Park Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park Kobuk Valley National Park Lake Clark National Park and Preserve Noatak National Preserve Sitka National historical Park Wrangell - St Elias National Park and Preserve Yukon - Charley Rivers National Preserve American Samoa National Park of American Samoa Arizona Canyon De Chelly National Monument Casa Grande Ruins National Monument Chiricahua National Monument Coronado National Memorial Fort Bowie National Historic Site Glen Canyon National Recreation Area Grand Canyon National Park Hohokam Pima National Monument Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail Lake Mead National Recreation Area Montezuma Castle National Monument Navajo National Monument Old Spanish National Historical Trail Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument Parashant National Monument Petrified Forest National Park Pipe Spring National Monument Saguaro National Park Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument Tonto National Monument Tumacácori National Historical Park Tuzigoot National Monument Walnut Canyon National Monument Wupatki National Monument Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area Arkansas Arkansas Post National Memorial Buffalo National River Central High School National Historic Site Fort Smith National Historic Site Hot Springs National Park Pea Ridge National Military Park Trail Of Tears National Historic Trail California Alcatraz Island Cabrillo National Monument California National Historic Trail Channel Islands National Park Death Valley National Park Devils Postpile National Monument Eugene O'Neill National Historic Site

128Vessel General Permit (VGP)

Fort Point National Historic Site Golden Gate National Recreation Area John Muir National Historic Site Joshua Tree National Park Juan Bautista de Anza National Historical Trail Kings Canyon National Park Lassen Volcanic National Park Lava Beds National Monument Manzanar National Historic Site Mojave National Preserve Muir Woods National Monument Old Spanish National Historic Trail Pinnacles National Monument Point Reyes National Seashore Pony Express National Historic Trail Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial Presidio of San Francisco Redwood National and State Parks Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks Whiskeytown National Recreation Area Yosemite National Park Colorado Bent's Old Fort National Historical Site Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park California National Historic Trail Colorado National Monument Curecanti National Recreation Area Dinosaur National Park Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve Mesa Verde National Park Old Spanish National Historic Trail Pony Express National Historic Trail Rocky Mountain National Park Sand Creek Massacre National Historical Site Santa Fe National Historic Trail Yucca House National Monument Connecticut Appalachian National Scenic Trail Quinebaug & Shetucket Rivers Valley National Heritage Corridor Weir Farm National Historic Site Delaware Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail District of Columbia Anacostia Park Capitol Hill Parks Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail Carter G. Woodson Home National Historic Site Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park Chesapeake Bay Gateways Network Constitution Gardens Ford's Theatre National Historical Site Fort Dupont Park Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial Frederick Douglass National Historic Site George Mason Memorial George Washington Memorial Parkway John Ericsson National Memorial Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens Korean War Veterans Memorial Lincoln Memorial Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National historic Site Meridian Hill Park National Capital Parks-East National Mall National Mall & Memorial Parks National World War II Old Post Office Tower Peirce Mill Pennsylvania Avenue National Historic Site Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail President's Park (White House) Rock Creek Park Sewall-Belmont House National Historic Site The Old Stone House Thomas Jefferson Memorial Vietnam Veterans Memorial Washington Monument World War II Memorial Florida Big Cypress National Preserve Biscayne National Park Canaveral National Seashore Castillo De San Marcos National Monument De Soto National Memorial Dry Tortugas National Park Everglades National Park Fort Caroline National Memorial Fort Matanzas National Monument Gulf Islands National Seashore Timucuan Ecological and Historical Preserve Georgia Andersonville National Historic Site Appalachian National Scenic Trail Augusta Canal national Heritage Area Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Seashore Cumberland Island National Seashore Fort Frederica National Monument Fort Pulaski National Monument

129Vessel General Permit (VGP)

Jimmy Carter National Historic Site Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park Martin Luther King Jr National Historic Site Ocmulgee National Monument Trail Of Tears National Historic Trail Guam War In The Pacific National Historical Park Hawaii Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail Haleakala National Park Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Kalaupapa National Historical Park Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park Pu`uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park Puukohola Heiau National Historical Site USS Arizona Memorial Idaho California National Historic Trail City Of Rocks National Reserve Craters Of The Moon National Monument and Preserve Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail Minidoka Internment National Monument Nez Perce National Historical Park Oregon National Historic Trail Yellowstone National Park Illinois Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail Lincoln Home National Historic Site Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail Trail Of Tears National Historic Trail Indiana George Rogers Clark National Historical Park Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial Iowa Effigy Mounds National Monument Herbert Hoover National Historic Site Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail Kansas Brown V Board Of Education National Historic Site California National Historic Trail Fort Larned National Historic Site Fort Scott National Historic Site Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail Nicodemus National Historic Site Oregon National Historic Trail Pony Express National Historic Trail Santa Fe National Historic Trail Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve Kentucky Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historic Site Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area Cumberland Gap National Historical Park Mammoth Cave National Park Trail Of Tears National Historic Trail Louisiana Cane River National Heritage Area Cane River Creole National Historical Park El Camino Real de Los Tejas National Historic Trail Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park Poverty Point National Monument Maine Acadia National Park Appalachian National Scenic Trail Maine Acadian Culture Roosevelt Campobello International Park Saint Croix Island International Historic Site Maryland Antietam National Battlefield Appalachian National Scenic Trail Assateague Island National Seashore Baltimore-Washington Parkway Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail Catoctin Mountain Park Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park Chesapeake Bay Gateways Network Clara Barton National Historic Site Fort Foote Park Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine Fort Washington Park George Washington Memorial Parkway Glen Echo Park Greenbelt Park Hampton National Historical Site Harmony Hall Monocacy National Battlefield Oxon Cove Park & Oxon Hill Farm Piscataway Park Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail Suitland Parkway Thomas Stone National Historic Site Massachusetts Adams National Historical Park Appalachian National Scenic Trail Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor Boston National Historical Park Boston African American National Historic Site Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area Cape Cod National Seashore

130Vessel General Permit (VGP)

Essex National Heritage Area Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site John F Kennedy National Historic Site Longfellow National Historic Site Lowell National Historical Park Minute Man National Historic Site New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park Salem Maritime National Historic Site Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site Springfield Armory National Historic Site Michigan Isle Royale National Park Keweenaw National Historical Park Motor Cities National Heritage Area North Country National Scenic Trail Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Minnesota Grand Portage National Monument Mississippi National River and Recreation Area North Country National Scenic Trail Pipestone National Monument Voyageurs National Park Mississippi Brices Cross Roads National Battlefield Site Gulf Islands National Seashore Natchez National Historical Park Natchez Trace Parkway Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail Tupelo National Battlefield Vicksburg National Military Park Missouri California National Historic Trail George Washington Carver National Monument Harry S Truman National Historic Site Jefferson National Expansion Memorial Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail Oregon National Historic Trail Ozark National Scenic Riverways Pony Express National Historic Trail Santa Fe National Historic Trail Trail Of Tears National Historic Trail Ulysses S Grant National Historic Site Wilson's Creek National Battlefield Montana Big Hole National Battlefield Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area Glacier National Park Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument Nez Perce National Historical Park Yellowstone National Park Nebraska Agate Fossil Beds National Monument California National Historic Trail Homestead National Monument of America Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail Niobrara National Scenic River Oregon National Historic Trail Pony Express National Historic Trail Scotts Bluff National Monument Nevada California National Historic Trail Death Valley National Park Great Basin National Park Lake Mead National Recreation Area Old Spanish National Historic Trail Pony Express National Historic Trail New Hampshire Appalachian National Scenic Trail Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site New Jersey Appalachian National Scenic River Delaware National Scenic River Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area Edison National Historic Site Ellis Island National Monument Gateway National Recreation Area Great Egg Harbor River Lower Delaware National Wild and Scenic River Morristown National Historical Park New Jersey Coastal Heritage Trail Route New Jersey Pinelands National Reserve New Mexico Aztec Ruins National Monument Bandelier National Monument Capulin Volcano National Monument Carlsbad Caverns National Park Chaco Culture National Historical Park El Camino Real de Los Tejas National Historic Trail El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro National Historic Trail El Malpais National Monument El Morro National Monument Fort Union National Monument Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument Old Spanish National Historic Trail Pecos National Historical Park Petroglyph National Monument Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument Santa Fe National Historic Trail White Sands National Monument New York African Burial Ground Designation National Monument Appalachian National Scenic Trail Castle Clinton National Monument Chesapeake Bay Gateways Network Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site

131Vessel General Permit (VGP)

Ellis Island National Monument Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor Federal Hall National Memorial Fire Island National Seashore Fort Stanwix National Monument Gateway National Recreation Area General Grant National Memorial Governors Island National Monument Hamilton Grange National Memorial Home Of Franklin D Roosevelt National Historic Site Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area Lower East Side Tenement Museum National Historic Site Manhattan Sites Martin Van Buren National Historic Site National Parks of New York Harbor North Country National Scenic Trail Sagamore Hill National Historic Site Saint Paul's Church National Historic Site Saratoga National Historical Park Statue Of Liberty National Monument Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace National Historic Site Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site Women's Rights National Historical Park North Carolina Appalachian National Scenic Trail Blue Ridge Parkway Blue Ridge National Heritage Area Cape Hatteras National Seashore Cape Lookout National Seashore Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site Fort Raleigh National Historic Site Great Smoky Mountains National Park Guilford Courthouse National Military Park Moores Creek National Battlefield Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail Trail Of Tears National Historic Trail Wright Brothers National Monument North Dakota Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail North Country National Scenic Trail Theodore Roosevelt National Park Northern Mariana Islands American Memorial Park Ohio Cuyahoga Valley National Park David Berger National Memorial Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park First Ladies National Historic Site Hopewell Culture National Historical Park James A Garfield National Historic Site National Aviation Heritage Area North Country National Scenic Trail Perry's Victory & International Peace Memorial William Howard Taft National Historic Site Oklahoma Chickasaw National Recreation Area Fort Smith National Historic Site Oklahoma City National Memorial Santa Fe National Historic Trail Trail Of Tears National Historic Trail Washita Battlefield National Historic Site Oregon California National Historic Trail Crater Lake National Park Fort Vancouver National Historic Site John Day Fossil Beds National Monument Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail Lewis and Clark National Historical Park Nez Perce National Historical Park Oregon National Historic Trail Oregon Caves National Monument Pennsylvania Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site Appalachian National Scenic Trail Chesapeake Bay Gateways Network Delaware National Scenic River Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area Deshler-Morris House Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site Eisenhower National Historic Site Flight 93 National Memorial Fort Necessity National Battlefield Friendship Hill National Historic Site Gettysburg National Military Park Gloria Dei Church National Historic Site Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site Independence National Historical Park Johnstown Flood National Monument Lackawanna Heritage Valley Lower Delaware National Wild and Scenic River North Country National Scenic Trail Oil Region National Heritage Area Path of Progress National Heritage Tour Route Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail Rivers Of Steel National Heritage Area Schuylkill River Valley National Heritage Area Steamtown National Historic Site Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River

132Vessel General Permit (VGP)

Valley Forge National Historical Park Puerto Rico San Juan National Historic Site Rhode Island Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor Roger Williams National Memorial Touro Synagogue National Historic Site South Carolina Charles Pinckney National Historic Site Congaree National Park Cowpens National Battlefield Fort Moultrie National Monument Fort Sumter National Monument Kings Mountain National Military Park Ninety Six National Historic Site Overmountain Victory National Historic trail South Carolina National Heritage Corridor South Dakota Badlands National Park Jewel Cave National Monument Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail Minuteman Missile National Historic Site Missouri Recreational River Mount Rushmore National Memorial Wind Cave National Park Tennessee Andrew Johnson National Historic Site Appalachian National Scenic Trail Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area Fort Donelson National Battlefield Great Smoky Mountains National Park Natchez Trace Parkway Obed Wild and Scenic River Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail Shiloh National Military Park Stones River National Battlefield Tennessee Civil War National Heritage Area Trail Of Tears National Historic Trail Texas Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument Amistad National Recreation Area Big Bend National Park Big Thicket National Preserve Chamizal National Memorial El Camino Real de Los Tejas National Historic Trail El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro National Historic Trail Fort Davis National Historic Site Guadalupe Mountains National Park Lake Meredith National Recreation Area Lyndon B Johnson National Historical Park Padre Island National Seashore Palo Alto Battlefield National Historic Site Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River San Antonio Missions National Historical Park Utah Arches National Park Bryce Canyon National Park California National Historic Trail Canyonlands National Park Capitol Reef National Park Cedar Breaks National Monument Dinosaur National Monument Glen Canyon National Recreation Area Golden Spike National Historic Site Hovenweep National Monument Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail Natural Bridges National Monument Old Spanish National Historic Trail Pony Express National Historic Trail Rainbow Bridge National Monument Timpanogos Cave National Monument Zion National Park Vermont Appalachian National Scenic Trail Marsh - Billings - Rockefeller National Historical Park Virgin Islands Buck Island Reef National Monument Christiansted National Historic Site Salt River Bay National Historic Park and Ecological Preserve Virgin Islands National Park Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument Virginia Appalachian National Scenic Trail Appomattox Court House National Historical Park Arlington House, The Robert E. Lee Memorial Assateague Island National Seashore Blue Ridge Parkway Booker T Washington National Monument Cape Henry Memorial Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail Cedar Creek & Belle Grove National Historical Park Chesapeake Bay Gateways Network Claude Moore Colonial Farm Colonial National Historical Park Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park George Washington Memorial Parkway George Washington Birthplace National Monument Great Falls Park Green Springs Jamestown National Historic Site

133Vessel General Permit (VGP)

Lyndon Baines Johnson Memorial Grove on the West Virginia Potomac Appalachian National Scenic Trail Maggie L Walker National Historic Site Bluestone National Scenic River Manassas National Battlefield Park Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail Park Petersburg National Battlefield Chesapeake Bay Gateways Network Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail Gauley River National Recreation Area Prince William Forest Park Harpers Ferry National Historical Park Richmond National Battlefield Park New River Gorge National River Shenandoah Park Wheeling National Heritage Area Theodore Roosevelt Island Park Wisconsin Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Yorktown National Cemetery Ice Age National Scenic Trail Washington North Country National Scenic Trail Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve Saint Croix National Scenic River Fort Vancouver National Historic Site Wyoming Klondike Gold Rush - Seattle Unit National Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area Historical Park California National Historic Trail Lake Chelan National Recreation Area Devils Tower National Monument Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area Fort Laramie National Historic Site Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail Fossil Butte National Monument Mount Rainier National Park Grand Teton National Park Nez Perce National Historical Park John D Rockefeller Jr Memorial Parkway North Cascades National Park Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail Olympic National Park Oregon National Historic Trail Ross Lake National Recreation Area Pony Express National Historic Trail San Juan Island National Historical Park Yellowstone National Park Whitman Mission National Historic Site

12.1.3 National Wildlife Refuges (includi ng, but not limited to Wetlands Management Districts, Waterfowl Production Areas, National Game Preserves, Wildlife Management Areas, and National Fish and Wildlife Refuges)

As of 9/30/06, there were 547 national wild life refuges in all 50 states. Neches River NWR in Texas, and the Rocky Mountai n Front Conservation Area in Montana, were the 546th and 547th national wildlife refuges. There were 37 Wetland Management Districts in the Prairie Pothole regi on of the northern Great Plains.

The acreage for the NWRS as of 9/30/06 was 96,369,969.43 acres. The system encompasses 547 national wildlife refuges, 37 Wetland Management Districts (which include Waterfowl Production Areas in 204 coun ties), and 50 Coordination Areas which are managed by the states.

Refuges that have boundaries in multiple states are listed only in the state where the main visitor entrance is located. Ma ps of each area can be found by accessing the National Fish and Wildlife Services website at: http://www.fws.gov/refuges/ refugeLocatorMaps/index.html

.

Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge MN Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge AK Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge CO Alaska Peninsula National Wildlife Refuge AK

134VI Vessel General Permit (VGP)

Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge NC Amagansett National Wildlife Refuge NY Anaho Island National Wildlife Refuge NV Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge TX Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge OR Antioch Dunes National Wildlife Refuge CA Aransas National Wildlife Refuge TX Arapaho National Wildlife Refuge CO Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge FL Arctic National Wildlife Refuge AK Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge ME Arrowwood National Wildlife Refuge ND Arrowwood Wetland Management District ND Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge FL Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge NV Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge MA Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge LA Attwater Prairie Chicken National Wildlife Refuge TX Audubon National Wildlife Refuge ND Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge VA Baker Island National Wildlife Refuge HI Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge TX Bald Knob National Wildlife Refuge AR Bamforth National Wildlife Refuge WY Bandon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge OR Banks Lake National Wildlife Refuge GA Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuge OR Bayou Cocodrie National Wildlife Refuge LA Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge LA Bayou Teche National Wildlife Refuge LA Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge ID Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge UT Bear Valley National Wildlife Refuge OR Becharof National Wildlife Refuge AK Benton Lake National Wildlife Refuge MT Benton Lake Wetland Management District MT Big Boggy National Wildlife Refuge TX Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge LA Big Lake National Wildlife Refuge AR Big Muddy National Fish & Wildlife Refuge MO Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge IN Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge MN Big Stone Wetland Management District MN Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge AZ Bitter Creek National Wildlife Refuge CA Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge NM Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge LA Blackbeard Island National Wildlife Refuge GA Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge MD Block Island National Wildlife Refuge RI Blue Ridge National Wildlife Refuge CA Bogue Chitto National Wildlife Refuge LA Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge DE Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge AL Bond Swamp National Wildlife Refuge GA Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge NM Bowdoin National Wildlife Refuge MT Boyer Chute National Wildlife Refuge NE Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge TX Breton National Wildlife Refuge LA Browns Park National Wildlife Refuge CO Buck Island National Wildlife Refuge Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge AZ Buffalo Lake National Wildlife Refuge TX Butte Sink Wildlife Management Area CA Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge AZ Cabo Rojo National Wildlife Refuge PR Cache River National Wildlife Refuge AR Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge AL Caloosahatchee National Wildlife Refuge FL Camas National Wildlife Refuge ID Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge LA Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge WV Cape May National Wildlife Refuge NJ Cape Meares National Wildlife Refuge OR Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge SC Carlton Pond Waterfow l Production Area ME Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge SC Castle Rock National Wildlife Refuge CA Cat Island National Wildlife Refuge LA Catahoula National Wildlife Refuge LA Cedar Island National Wildlife Refuge NC Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge FL Cedar Point National Wildlife Refuge OH Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge MT Chase Lake National Wildlife Refuge ND Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge FL Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge IL Chickasaw National Wildlife Refuge TN Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge VA Choctaw National Wildlife Refuge AL Cibola National Wildlife Refuge AZ Clarence Cannon National Wildlife Refuge MO Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge KY Clear Lake National Wildlife Refuge CA Coachella Valley National Wildlife Refuge CA Cokeville Meadows National Wildlife Refuge WY Cold Springs National Wildlife Refuge OR Coldwater River National Wildlife Refuge MS Columbia National Wildlife Refuge WA Colusa National Wildlife Refuge CA Conboy Lake National Wildlife Refuge WA Conscience Point National Wildlife Refuge NY Copalis National Wildlife Refuge WA Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge IL Crane Meadows National Wildlife Refuge MN Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge NE Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge FL Cross Creeks National Wildlife Refuge TN Cross Island National Wildlife Refuge ME

135VI Vessel General Permit (VGP)

Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge FL Currituck National Wildlife Refuge NC Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge IL Dahomey National Wildlife Refuge MS D'Arbonne National Wildlife Refuge LA Deep Fork National Wildlife Refuge OK Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge ID Delevan National Wildlife Refuge CA Delta National Wildlife Refuge LA Des Lacs National Wildlife Refuge ND Desecheo National Wildlife Refuge PR Desert National Wildlife Range NV DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge IA Detroit Lakes Wetland Management District MN Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge MI Devils Lake Wetland Management District ND Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge CA Driftless Area National Wildlife Refuge IA Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge WA Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge MD Eastern Shore Of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge VA Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge NJ Egmont Key National Wildlife Refuge FL Elizabeth A. Morton National Wildlife Refuge NY Elizabeth Hartwell Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge VA Ellicott Slough National Wildlife Refuge CA Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge IL Erie National Wildlife Refuge PA Ernest F. Hollings ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge SC Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge AL Fallon National Wildlife Refuge NV Farallon National Wildlife Refuge CA Featherstone National Wildlife Refuge VA Felsenthal National Wildlife Refuge AR Fergus Falls Wetland Management District MN Fern Cave National Wildlife Refuge AL Fish Springs National Wildlife Refuge UT Fisherman Island National Wildlife Refuge VA Flattery Rocks National Wildlife Refuge WA Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge KS Florence Lake National Wildlife Refuge ND Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge FL Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge NE Fox River National Wildlife Refuge WI Franklin Island National Wildlife Refuge ME Franz Lake National Wildlife Refuge WA Glacial Ridge National Wildlife Refuge MN Grand Bay National Wildlife Refuge MS Grand Cote National Wildlife Refuge LA Grasslands Wildlife Management Area CA Gravel Island National Wildlife Refuge WI Grays Harbor National Wildlife Refuge WA Grays Lake National Wildlife Refuge ID Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge NH Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge VA Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge MA Great River National Wildlife Refuge MO Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge NJ Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge FL Green Bay National Wildlife Refuge WI Green Cay National Wildlife Refuge Grulla National Wildlife Refuge TX Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes National Wildlife Refuge CA Guam National Wildlife Refuge GU Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge TX Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge HI Halfbreed Lake National Wildlife Refuge MT Hamden Slough National Wildlife Refuge MN Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge HI Handy Brake National Wildlife Refuge LA Harbor Island National Wildlife Refuge MI Harris Neck National Wildlife Refuge GA Hart Mountain National Antelope Range OR Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge TN Havasu National Wildlife Refuge CA Hawaiian Islands National Wildlife Refuge HI Hillside National Wildlife Refuge MS Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge FL Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge AR Holt Collier National Wildlife Refuge MS Hopper Mountain National Wildlife Refuge CA Horicon National Wildlife Refuge WI Howland Island National Wildlife Refuge HI Huleia National Wildlife Refuge HI Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge CA Huron National Wildlife Refuge MI Huron Wetland Management District SD Hutton Lake National Wildlife Refuge WY Imperial National Wildlife Refuge AZ Innoko National Wildlife Refuge AK Iowa Wetland Management District IA Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge NY Island Bay National Wildlife Refuge FL Izembek National Wildlife Refuge AK J. Clark Salyer National Wildlife Refuge ND J. Clark Salyer Wetland Management District ND J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge FL James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge HI James River National Wildlife Refuge VA Jarvis Island National Wildlife Refuge HI John H. Chafee National Wildlife Refuge RI John Hay National Wildlife Refuge NH John Heinz at Tinicum National Wildlife Refuge PA John W. and Louise Seier National Wildlife Refuge NE Johnston Island National Wildlife Refuge HI

136Vessel General Permit (VGP)

Julia Butler Hansen Refuge for the Columbian White-Tailed Deer WA Kakahaia National Wildlife Refuge HI Kanuti National Wildlife Refuge AK Karl E. Mundt National Wildlife Refuge SD Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge HI Kellys Slough National Wildlife Refuge ND Kenai National Wildlife Refuge AK Kern National Wildlife Refuge CA Kesterton National Wildlife Refuge CA Key Cave National Wildlife Refuge AL Key West National Wildlife Refuge FL Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge HI Kingman Reef National Wildlife Refuge HI Kirtlands Warbler Wildlife Management Area MI Kirwin National Wildlife Refuge KS Klamath Marsh National Wildlife Refuge OR Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge AK Kofa National Wildlife Refuge AZ Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge ID Koyukuk National Wildlife Refuge AK Kulm Wetland Management District ND Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge LA Lacreek National Wildlife Refuge SD Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge TX Laguna Cartagena National Wildlife Refuge PR Lake Alice National Wildlife Refuge ND Lake Andes National Wildlife Refuge SD Lake Ilo National Wildlife Refuge ND Lake Isom National Wildlife Refuge TN Lake Mason National Wildlife Refuge MT Lake Ophelia National Wildlife Refuge LA Lake Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge NH Lake Wales Ridge National Wildlife Refuge FL Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge FL Lake Zahl National Wildlife Refuge ND Las Vegas National Wildlife Refuge NM Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge MT Leopold Wetland Management District WI Leslie Canyon National Wildlife Refuge AZ Lewis and Clark National Wildlife Refuge WA Litchfield Wetland Management District MN Little Pend Oreille National Wildlife Refuge WA Little River National Wildlife Refuge OK Logan Cave National Wildlife Refuge AR Long Lake National Wildlife Refuge ND Lost Trail National Wildlife Refuge MT Lostwood National Wildlife Refuge ND Louisiana Wetland Management District LA Lower Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge TN Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge CA Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge TX Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge FL Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge NC Madison Wetland Management District SD Maine Coastal Islands National Wildlife Refuge ME Malheur National Wildlife Refuge OR Mandalay National Wildlife Refuge LA Marais des Cygnes National Wildlife Refuge KS Marin Islands National Wildlife Refuge CA Martin National Wildlife Refuge MD Mashpee National Wildlife Refuge MA Massasoit National Wildlife Refuge MA Mathews Brake National Wildlife Refuge MS Matlacha Pass National Wildlife Refuge FL Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge NC Maxwell National Wildlife Refuge NM McFaddin National Wildlife Refuge TX McKay Creek National Wildlife Refuge OR McNary National Wildlife Refuge WA Medicine Lake National Wildlife Refuge MT Merced National Wildlife Refuge CA Meredosia National Wildlife Refuge IL Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge FL Michigan Wetland Management District MI Michigan Islands National Wildlife Refuge MI Middle Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge IL Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge HI Mille Lacs National Wildlife Refuge MN Mingo National Wildlife Refuge MO Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge ID Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge MN Minnesota Valley Wetland Management District MN Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge VT Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge MS Moapa Valley National Wildlife Refuge NV Modoc National Wildlife Refuge CA Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge MA Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge CO Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge NY Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge ME Morgan Brake National Wildlife Refuge MS Morris Wetland Management District MN Mortenson Lake National Wildlife Refuge WY Mountain Longleaf National Wildlife Refuge AL Muleshoe National Wildlife Refuge TX Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge IN Nansemond National Wildlife Refuge VA Nantucket National Wildlife Refuge MA National Bison Range MT National Elk Refuge WY National Key Deer Refuge FL Navassa Island National Wildlife Refuge PR Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge IA Necedah National Wildlife Refuge WI Nestucca Bay National Wildlife Refuge OR Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge RI Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge WA Nomans Land Island National Wildlife Refuge MA

137Vessel General Permit (VGP)

North Central Valley Wildlife Management Area CA Red River National Wildlife Refuge LA North Platte National Wildlife Refuge NE Northern Tallgrass Prairie National Wildlife Refuge MN Northwest Montana Wetland Management District MT Nowitna National Wildlife Refuge AK Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge MS Oahu Forest National Wildlife Refuge HI Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge VA Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge WV Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge GA Optima National Wildlife Refuge OK Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge OR Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge OH Ouray National Wildlife Refuge UT Overflow National Wildlife Refuge AR Oxbow National Wildlife Refuge MA Oxford Slough Waterfowl Production Area ID Oyster Bay National Wildlife Refuge NY Ozark Cavefish National Wildlife Refuge MO Ozark Plateau National Wildlife Refuge OK Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge NV Palmyra Atoll National Wildlife Refuge HI Panther Swamp National Wildlife Refuge MS Parker River National Wildlife Refuge MA Passage Key National Wildlife Refuge FL Pathfinder National Wildlife Refuge WY Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge and Wildlife Management Area IN Patuxent Research Refuge MD Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge NC Pearl Harbor National Wildlife Refuge HI Pee Dee National Wildlife Refuge NC Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge FL Piedmont National Wildlife Refuge GA Pierce National Wildlife Refuge WA Pilot Knob National Wildlife Refuge MO Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge GA Pine Island National Wildlife Refuge FL Pinellas National Wildlife Refuge FL Pixley National Wildlife Refuge CA Plum Tree Island National Wildlife Refuge VA Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge NC Pond Creek National Wildlife Refuge AR Pond Island National Wildlife Refuge ME Port Louisa National Wildlife Refuge IA Presquile National Wildlife Refuge VA Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge DE Protection Island National Wildlife Refuge WA Quillayute Needles National Wildlife Refuge WA Quivira National Wildlife Refuge KS Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge ME Rainwater Basin Wetland Management District NE Rappahannock River Valley National Wildlife Refuge VA Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge MT Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge TN Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge MN Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge WA Roanoke River National Wildlife Refuge NC Rocky Flats National Wildlife Refuge CO Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge CO Rose Atoll National Wildlife Refuge HI Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge NV Rydell National Wildlife Refuge MN Sabine National Wildlife Refuge LA Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge RI Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge CA Sacramento River National Wildlife Refuge CA Saddle Mountain National Wildlife Refuge WA Salinas River National Wildlife Refuge CA Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge OK San Andres National Wildlife Refuge NM San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge TX San Bernardino National Wildlife Refuge AZ San Diego National Wildlife Refuge CA San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge CA San Joaquin River National Wildlife Refuge CA San Juan Islands National Wildlife Refuge WA San Luis National Wildlife Refuge CA San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge CA Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge SD Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge VI Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge TX Santee National Wildlife Refuge SC Sauta Cave National Wildlife Refuge AL Savannah National Wildlife Refuge SC Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge CA Seal Island National Wildlife Refuge ME Seatuck National Wildlife Refuge NY Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge WY Selawik National Wildlife Refuge AK Seney National Wildlife Refuge MI Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge OK Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge NM Shawangunk Grasslands National Wildlife Refuge NY Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge NV Shell Keys National Wildlife Refuge LA Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge MN Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge MI Siletz Bay National Wildlife Refuge OR Silvio O. Conte National Fish & Wildlife Refuge MA Slade National Wildlife Refuge ND Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge CA Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge MO St. Catherine Creek National Wildlife Refuge MS St. Croix Wetland Management District WI

138Vessel General Permit (VGP)

St. Johns National Wildlife Refuge FL St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge FL St. Vincent National Wildlife Refuge FL Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge WA Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge CT Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge Sullys Hill National Game Preserve Sunkhaze Meadows National Wildlife Refuge Supawna Meadows National Wildlife Refuge Susquehanna River National Wildlife Refuge Sutter National Wildlife Refuge Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuge Swanquarter National Wildlife Refuge Tallahatchie National Wildlife Refuge Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge Target Rock National Wildlife Refuge NV CA ND ME NJ MD CA MO NC MS MN NY Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge FL Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge TN Tensas River National Wildlife Refuge LA Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge AK Tewaukon National Wildlife Refuge ND Texas Point National Wildlife Refuge TX Thacher Island National Wildlife Refuge MA Theodore Roosevelt National Wildlife Refuge MS Three Arch Rocks National Wildlife Refuge Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge Tishomingo National Wildlife Refuge Togiak National Wildlife Refuge Toppenish National Wildlife Refuge Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge Trinity River National Wildlife Refuge Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge Two Ponds National Wildlife Refuge Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge Tybee National Wildlife Refuge

12.1.4 National Wilderness Areas OR CA OK AK WA WI TX RI OR CA WA CO

IL SC

Alabama

Cheaha Wilderness

Alaska

Aleutian Islands Wilderness Andreafsky Wilderness Becharof Wilderness Bering Sea Wilderness Bogoslof Wilderness Chamisso Wilderness Chuck River Wilderness Coronation Island Wilderness Denali Wilderness Dugger Mountain Wilderness

Karta River Wilderness Katmai Wilderness Kenai Wilderness Kobuk Valley Wilderness Kootznoowoo Wilderness Koyukuk Wilderness Kuiu Wilderness Lake Clark Wilderness Maurille Islands Wilderness UL Bend National Wildlife Refuge MT Umatilla National Wildlife Refuge OR Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge IA Upper Klamath National Wildlife Refuge OR Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife & Fish Refuge MN Upper Ouachita National Wildlife Refuge LA Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge ND Valentine National Wildlife Refuge NE Valley City Wetland Management District ND Vieques National Wildlife Refuge PR Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge SC Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge NJ Wallops Island National Wildlife Refuge VA Wapack National Wildlife Refuge NH Wapanocca National Wildlife Refuge AR War Horse National Wildlife Refuge MT Washita National Wildlife Refuge OK Wassaw National Wildlife Refuge GA Watercress Darter National Wildlife Refuge AL Waubay National Wildlife Refuge SD Waubay Wetland Management District SD Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge NY West Sister Island National Wildlife Refuge OH Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge AL White River National Wildlife Refuge AR Whittlesey Creek National Wildlife Refuge WI Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge OK Willapa National Wildlife Refuge WA William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge OR Willow Creek-Lurline Wildlife Management Area CA Windom Wetland Management District MN Wolf Island National Wildlife Refuge GA Yazoo National Wildlife Refuge MS Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge AK Yukon Flats National Wildlife Refuge AK

Sipsey Wilderness

Saint Lazaria Wilderness Selawik Wilderness Semidi Wilderness Simeonof Wilderness South Baranof Wilderness South Etolin Wilderness South Prince of Wales Wilderness Stikine-LeConte Wilderness Tebenkof Bay Wilderness

139Vessel General Permit (VGP)

Endicott River Wilderness Forrester Island Wilderness Gates of the Arctic Wilderness Glacier Bay Wilderness Hazy Islands Wilderness Innoko Wilderness Izembek Wilderness

Arizona Apache Creek Wilderness Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness Arrastra Mountain Wilderness Aubrey Peak Wilderness Baboquivari Peak Wilderness Bear Wallow Wilderness Beaver Dam Mountains Wilderness Big Horn Mountains Wilderness Cabeza Prieta Wilderness Castle Creek Wilderness Cedar Bench Wilderness Chiricahua National Monument Wilderness Chiricahua Wilderness Cottonwood Point Wilderness Coyote Mountains Wilderness Dos Cabezas Mountains Wilderness Eagletail Mountains Wilderness East Cactus Plain Wilderness Escudilla Wilderness Fishhooks Wilderness Fossil Springs Wilderness Four Peaks Wilderness Galiuro Wilderness Gibraltar Mountain Wilderness Grand Wash Cliffs Wilderness Granite Mountain Wilderness Harcuvar Mountains Wilderness Harquahala Mountains Wilderness Hassayampa River Canyon Wilderness Havasu Wilderness

Arkansas Big Lake Wilderness Black Fork Mountain Wilderness Buffalo National River Wilderness Caney Creek Wilderness Misty Fjords National Monument Wilderness Mollie Beattie Wilderness Noatak Wilderness Nunivak Wilderness Petersburg Creek-Duncan Salt Chuck Wilderness Pleasant/Lemusurier/Inian Islands Wilderness Russell Fjord Wilderness

Hells Canyon Wilderness Hellsgate Wilderness Hummingbird Springs Wilderness Imperial Refuge Wilderness Juniper Mesa Wilderness Kachina Peaks Wilderness Kanab Creek Wilderness Kendrick Mountain Wilderness Kofa Wilderness Mazatzal Wilderness Miller Peak Wilderness Mount Baldy Wilderness Mount Logan Wilderness Mount Nutt Wilderness Mount Tipton Wilderness Mount Trumbull Wilderness Mount Wilson Wilderness Mt. Wrightson Wilderness Muggins Mountain Wilderness Munds Mountain Wilderness Needle's Eye Wilderness New Water Mountains Wilderness North Maricopa Mountains Wilderness North Santa Teresa Wilderness Organ Pipe Cactus Wilderness Paiute Wilderness Pajarita Wilderness Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness Peloncillo Mountains Wilderness Petrified Forest National Wilderness Area

Dry Creek Wilderness East Fork Wilderness Flatside Wilderness Hurricane Creek Wilderness Togiak Wilderness Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness Tuxedni Wilderness Unimak Wilderness Warren Island Wilderness West Chichagof-Yakobi Wilderness Wrangell-Saint Elias Wilderness

Pine Mountain Wilderness Pusch Ridge Wilderness Rawhide Mountains Wilderness Red Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness Redfield Canyon Wilderness Rincon Mountain Wilderness Saddle Mountain Wilderness Saguaro Wilderness Salome Wilderness Salt River Canyon Wilderness Santa Teresa Wilderness Sierra Ancha Wilderness Sierra Estrella Wilderness Signal Mountain Wilderness South Maricopa Mountains Wilderness Strawberry Crater Wilderness Superstition Wilderness Swansea Wilderness Sycamore Canyon Wilderness Table Top Wilderness Tres Alamos Wilderness Trigo Mountain Wilderness Upper Burro Creek Wilderness Wabayuma Peak Wilderness Warm Springs Wilderness West Clear Creek Wilderness Wet Beaver Wilderness White Canyon Wilderness Woodchute Wilderness Woolsey Peak Wilderness

Leatherwood Wilderness Poteau Mountain Wilderness Richland Creek Wilderness Upper Buffalo Wilderness

140Vessel General Permit (VGP)

California Agua Tibia Wilderness Ansel Adams Wilderness Argus Range Wilderness Big Maria Mountains Wilderness Bigelow Cholla Garden Wilderness Bighorn Mountain Wilderness Black Mountain Wilderness Bright Star Wilderness Bristol Mountains Wilderness Bucks Lake Wilderness Cache Creek Wilderness Cadiz Dunes Wilderness Caribou Wilderness Carrizo Gorge Wilderness Carson-Iceberg Wilderness Castle Crags Wilderness Cedar Roughs Wilderness Chanchelulla Wilderness Chemehuevi Mountains Wilderness Chimney Peak Wilderness Chuckwalla Mountains Wilderness Chumash Wilderness Cleghorn Lakes Wilderness Clipper Mountain Wilderness Coso Range Wilderness Coyote Mountains Wilderness Cucamonga Wilderness Darwin Falls Wilderness Dead Mountains Wilderness Death Valley Wilderness Desolation Wilderness Dick Smith Wilderness Dinkey Lakes Wilderness Domeland Wilderness El Paso Mountains Wilderness Emigrant Wilderness Farallon Wilderness Fish Creek Mountains Wilderness Funeral Mountains Wilderness Garcia Wilderness Golden Trout Wilderness Golden Valley Wilderness Granite Chief Wilderness Grass Valley Wilderness Hauser Wilderness Havasu Wilderness Hollow Hills Wilderness Hoover Wilderness Ibex Wilderness Imperial Refuge Wilderness Indian Pass Wilderness Inyo Mountains Wilderness Ishi Wilderness Jacumba Wilderness Jennie Lakes Wilderness John Muir Wilderness Joshua Tree Wilderness Kaiser Wilderness Kelso Dunes Wilderness Kiavah Wilderness King Range Wilderness Kingston Range Wilderness Lassen Volcanic Wilderness Lava Beds Wilderness Little Chuckwalla Mountains Wilderness Little Picacho Wilderness Machesna Mountain Wilderness Malpais Mesa Wilderness Manly Peak Wilderness Marble Mountain Wilderness Matilija Wilderness Mecca Hills Wilderness Mesquite Wilderness Mojave Wilderness Mokelumne Wilderness Monarch Wilderness Mount Lassic Wilderness Mt. Shasta Wilderness Newberry Mountains Wilderness Nopah Range Wilderness North Algodones Dunes Wilderness North Fork Wilderness North Mesquite Mountains Wilderness Old Woman Mountains Wilderness Orocopia Mountains Wilderness Otay Mountain Wilderness Owens Peak Wilderness Pahrump Valley Wilderness Palen/McCoy Wilderness Palo Verde Mountains Wilderness Phillip Burton Wilderness Picacho Peak Wilderness Pine Creek Wilderness Pinnacles Wilderness Piper Mountain Wilderness Piute Mountains Wilderness Red Buttes Wilderness Resting Spring Range Wilderness Rice Valley Wilderness Riverside Mountains Wilderness Rodman Mountains Wilderness Russian Wilderness Sacatar Trail Wilderness Saddle Peak Hills Wilderness San Gabriel Wilderness San Gorgonio Wilderness San Jacinto Wilderness San Mateo Canyon Wilderness San Rafael Wilderness Sanhedrin Wilderness Santa Lucia Wilderness Santa Rosa Wilderness Sawtooth Mountains Wilderness Sequoia-Kings Canyon Wilderness Sespe Wilderness Sheep Mountain Wilderness Sheephole Valley Wilderness Silver Peak Wilderness Siskiyou Wilderness Snow Mountain Wilderness South Fork Eel River Wilderness South Nopah Range Wilderness South Sierra Wilderness South Warner Wilderness Stateline Wilderness Stepladder Mountains Wilderness Surprise Canyon Wilderness Sylvania Mountains Wilderness Thousand Lakes Wilderness Trilobite Wilderness Trinity Alps Wilderness Turtle Mountains Wilderness Ventana Wilderness Whipple Mountains Wilderness Yolla Bolly-Middle Eel Wilderness Yosemite Wilderness Yuki Wilderness

141Vessel General Permit (VGP)

Colorado Black Canyon of the Gunnison Wilderness Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness Buffalo Peaks Wilderness Byers Peak Wilderness Cache La Poudre Wilderness Collegiate Peaks Wilderness Comanche Peak Wilderness Eagles Nest Wilderness Flat Tops Wilderness Fossil Ridge Wilderness Great Sand Dunes Wilderness Greenhorn Mountain Wilderness Gunnison Gorge Wilderness Holy Cross Wilderness

Florida Alexander Springs Wilderness Big Gum Swamp Wilderness Billies Bay Wilderness Bradwell Bay Wilderness Cedar Keys Wilderness Chassahowitzka Wilderness

Georgia Big Frog Wilderness Blackbeard Island Wilderness Blood Mountain Wilderness Brasstown Wilderness Cohutta Wilderness

Hawaii

Haleakala Wilderness

Idaho

Craters of the Moon National Wilderness Area Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness

Illinois

Bald Knob Wilderness Bay Creek Wilderness Burden Falls Wilderness

Indiana

Charles C. Deam Wilderness

Kentucky

Beaver Creek Wilderness Hunter-Fryingpan Wilderness Indian Peaks Wilderness James Peak Wilderness La Garita Wilderness Lizard Head Wilderness Lost Creek Wilderness Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Mesa Verde Wilderness Mount Evans Wilderness Mount Massive Wilderness Mount Sneffels Wilderness Mount Zirkel Wilderness Neota Wilderness Never Summer Wilderness

Florida Keys Wilderness Island Bay Wilderness J.N. "Ding" Darling Wilderness Juniper Prairie Wilderness Lake Woodruff Wilderness Little Lake George Wilderness

Cumberland Island Wilderness Ellicott Rock Wilderness Mark Trail Wilderness Okefenokee Wilderness Raven Cliffs Wilderness Platte River Wilderness Powderhorn Wilderness Ptarmigan Peak Wilderness Raggeds Wilderness Rawah Wilderness Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Sarvis Creek Wilderness South San Juan Wilderness Spanish Peaks Wilderness Uncompahgre Wilderness Vasquez Peak Wilderness Weminuche Wilderness West Elk Wilderness

Marjory Stoneman Douglas Wilderness Mud Swamp/New River Wilderness Passage Key Wilderness Pelican Island Wilderness St. Marks Wilderness

Rich Mountain Wilderness Southern Nantahala Wilderness Tray Mountain Wilderness Wolf Island Wilderness

Hawaii Volcanoes Wilderness

Gospel-Hump Wilderness Sawtooth Wilderness Hells Canyon Wilderness Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness

Clear Springs Wilderness Lusk Creek Wilderness Crab Orchard Wilderness Panther Den Wilderness Garden of the Gods Wilderness

Clifty Wilderness

142Vessel General Permit (VGP)

Louisiana

Breton Wilderness

Maine Caribou-Speckled Mountain Wilderness

Massachusetts Monomoy Wilderness Michigan Big Island Lake Wilderness Delirium Wilderness Horseshoe Bay Wilderness Huron Islands Wilderness Isle Royale Wilderness

Minnesota Agassiz Wilderness

Mississippi

Black Creek Wilderness

Missouri

Bell Mountain Wilderness Devils Backbone Wilderness Hercules-Glades Wilderness

Montana

Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness Anaconda Pintler Wilderness Bob Marshall Wilderness Cabinet Mountains Wilderness Gates of the Mountains Wilderness

Nebraska

Fort Niobrara Wilderness

Nevada Alta Toquima Wilderness Arc Dome Wilderness Arrow Canyon Wilderness Bald Mountain Wilderness Becky Peak Wilderness Big Rocks Wilderness Black Canyon Wilderness Black Rock Desert Wilderness Boundary Peak Wilderness Bridge Canyon Wilderness Bristlecone Wilderness Calico Mountains Wilderness Kisatchie Hills Wilderness

Moosehorn (Baring Unit) Wilderness

Mackinac Wilderness McCormick Wilderness Michigan Islands Wilderness Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Rock River Canyon Wilderness

Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness

Gulf Islands Wilderness

Irish Wilderness Mingo Wilderness Paddy Creek Wilderness

Great Bear Wilderness Lee Metcalf Wilderness Medicine Lake Wilderness Mission Mountains Wilderness Rattlesnake Wilderness

Soldier Creek Wilderness

High Rock Canyon Wilderness High Rock Lake Wilderness High Schells Wilderness Highland Ridge Wilderness Ireteba Peaks Wilderness Jarbidge Wilderness Jimbilnan Wilderness Jumbo Springs Wilderness La Madre Mountain Wilderness Lime Canyon Wilderness Little High Rock Canyon Wilderness Lacassine Wilderness

Moosehorn Wilderness

Round Island Wilderness Seney Wilderness Sturgeon River Gorge Wilderness Sylvania Wilderness

Tamarac Wilderness

Leaf Wilderness

Piney Creek Wilderness Rockpile Mountain Wilderness

Red Rock Lakes Wilderness Scapegoat Wilderness Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness UL Bend Wilderness Welcome Creek Wilderness

North McCullough Wilderness Pahute Peak Wilderness Parsnip Peak Wilderness Pinto Valley Wilderness Quinn Canyon Wilderness Rainbow Mountain Wilderness Red Mountain Wilderness Ruby Mountains Wilderness Santa Rosa-Paradise Peak Wilderness Shellback Wilderness South Egan Range Wilderness

143Vessel General Permit (VGP)

Clover Mountains Wilderness Currant Mountain Wilderness Death Valley Wilderness Delamar Mountains Wilderness East Fork High Rock Canyon Wilderness East Humboldts Wilderness Eldorado Wilderness Far South Egans Wilderness Fortification Range Wilderness Goshute Canyon Wilderness Government Peak Wilderness Grant Range Wilderness

New Hampshire

Great Gulf Wilderness Pemigewasset Wilderness

New Jersey Brigantine Wilderness

New Mexico Aldo Leopold Wilderness Apache Kid Wilderness Bandelier Wilderness Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness Blue Range Wilderness Bosque del Apache Wilderness Capitan Mountains Wilderness Carlsbad Caverns Wilderness

New York Meadow Valley Range Wilderness Mormon Mountains Wilderness Mount Grafton Wilderness Mt. Charleston Wilderness Mt. Irish Wilderness Mt. Moriah Wilderness Mt. Rose Wilderness Muddy Mountains Wilderness Nellis Wash Wilderness North Black Rock Range Wilderness North Jackson Mountains Wilderness

Presidential Range-Dry River Wilderness Sandwich Range Wilderness

Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge Wilderness

Cebolla Wilderness Chama River Canyon Wilderness Cruces Basin Wilderness Dome Wilderness Gila Wilderness Latir Peak Wilderness Manzano Mountain Wilderness Ojito Wilderness

Otis Pike Fire Island High Dune Wilderness

North Carolina

Birkhead Mountains Wilderness Catfish Lake South Wilderness Ellicott Rock Wilderness Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness

North Dakota

Chase Lake Wilderness

Ohio

West Sister Island Wilderness

Oklahoma

Black Fork Mountain Wilderness Linville Gorge Wilderness Middle Prong Wilderness Pocosin Wilderness Pond Pine Wilderness

Lostwood Wilderness

Upper Kiamichi River Wilderness South Jackson Mountains Wilderness South McCullough Wilderness South Pahroc Range Wilderness Spirit Mountain Wilderness Table Mountain Wilderness Tunnel Spring Wilderness Wee Thump Joshua Tree Wilderness Weepah Spring Wilderness White Pine Range Wilderness White Rock Range Wilderness Worthington Mountains Wilderness

Wild River Wilderness

Pecos Wilderness Salt Creek Wilderness San Pedro Parks Wilderness Sandia Mountain Wilderness West Malpais Wilderness Wheeler Peak Wilderness White Mountain Wilderness Withington Wilderness

Sheep Ridge Wilderness Shining Rock Wilderness Southern Nantahala Wilderness Swanquarter Wilderness

Theodore Roosevelt Wilderness

Wichita Mountains Wilderness

144Vessel General Permit (VGP)

Oregon Badger Creek Wilderness Menagerie Wilderness Rock Creek Wilderness Black Canyon Wilderness Middle Santiam Wilderness Rogue-Umpqua Divide Boulder Creek Wilderness Mill Creek Wilderness Wilderness Bridge Creek Wilderness Monument Rock Wilderness Salmon-Huckleberry Wilderness Bull of the Woods Wilderness Mount Hood Wilderness Sky Lakes Wilderness Cummins Creek Wilderness Mount Jefferson Wilderness Steens Mountain Wilderness Diamond Peak Wilderness Mount Thielsen Wilderness Strawberry Mountain Wilderness Drift Creek Wilderness Mount Washington Wilderness Table Rock Wilderness Eagle Cap Wilderness Mountain Lakes Wilderness Three Arch Rocks Wilderness Gearhart Mountain Wilderness North Fork John Day Wilderness Three Sisters Wilderness Grassy Knob Wilderness North Fork Umatilla Wilderness Waldo Lake Wilderness Hells Canyon Wilderness Opal Creek Wilderness Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness Kalmiopsis Wilderness Oregon Islands Wilderness Wild Rogue Wilderness Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness Red Buttes Wilderness

Pennsylvania Allegheny Islands Wilderness Hickory Creek Wilderness

Puerto Rico

El Toro Wilderness

South Carolina Cape Romain Wilderness Hell Hole Bay Wilderness Wambaw Swamp Wilderness Congaree National Park Little Wambaw Swamp Wilderness Wilderness Ellicott Rock Wilderness Wambaw Creek Wilderness

South Dakota

Badlands Wilderness Black Elk Wilderness

Tennessee Bald River Gorge Wilderness Cohutta Wilderness Pond Mountain Wilderness Big Frog Wilderness Gee Creek Wilderness Sampson Mountain Wilderness Big Laurel Branch Wilderness Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Unaka Mountain Wilderness Citico Creek Wilderness Wilderness Little Frog Mountain Wilderness

Texas Big Slough Wilderness Indian Mounds Wilderness Turkey Hill Wilderness Guadalupe Mountains Wilderness Little Lake Creek Wilderness Upland Island Wilderness

Utah Ashdown Gorge Wilderness Deseret Peak Wilderness Mount Timpanogos Wilderness Beaver Dam Mountains High Uintas Wilderness Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness Lone Peak Wilderness Wilderness Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness Mount Naomi Wilderness Pine Valley Mountain Wilderness Box-Death Hollow Wilderness Mount Nebo Wilderness Twin Peaks Wilderness Cedar Mountain Wilderness Area Mount Olympus Wilderness Wellsville Mountain Wilderness Dark Canyon Wilderness

145Vessel General Permit (VGP)

Vermont Big Branch Wilderness Breadloaf Wilderness Bristol Cliffs Wilderness

Virginia

Barbours Creek Wilderness Beartown Wilderness James River Face Wilderness Kimberling Creek Wilderness Lewis Fork Wilderness Little Dry Run Wilderness

Washington Alpine Lakes Wilderness Boulder River Wilderness Buckhorn Wilderness Clearwater Wilderness Colonel Bob Wilderness Glacier Peak Wilderness Glacier View Wilderness Goat Rocks Wilderness Henry M. Jackson Wilderness Indian Heaven Wilderness

West Virginia Cranberry Wilderness Dolly Sods Wilderness

Wisconsin Blackjack Springs Wilderness Gaylord A. Nelson Wilderness Headwaters Wilderness

Wyoming

Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness Bridger Wilderness Cloud Peak Wilderness Encampment River Wilderness Fitzpatrick Wilderness George D. Aiken Wilderness Glastenbury Wilderness Joseph Battell Wilderness

Little Wilson Creek Wilderness Mountain Lake Wilderness Peters Mountain Wilderness Priest Wilderness Ramseys Draft Wilderness Rich Hole Wilderness

Juniper Dunes Wilderness Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness Mount Adams Wilderness Mount Baker Wilderness Mount Rainier Wilderness Mount Skokomish Wilderness Noisy-Diobsud Wilderness Norse Peak Wilderness Olympic Wilderness Pasayten Wilderness

Laurel Fork North Wilderness Laurel Fork South Wilderness

Porcupine Lake Wilderness Rainbow Lake Wilderness Whisker Lake Wilderness

Gros Ventre Wilderness Huston Park Wilderness Jedediah Smith Wilderness North Absaroka Wilderness Platte River Wilderness Lye Brook Wilderness Peru Peak Wilderness

Rough Mountain Wilderness Saint Mary's Wilderness Shawvers Run Wilderness Shenandoah Wilderness Three Ridges Wilderness Thunder Ridge Wilderness

Salmo-Priest Wilderness San Juan Wilderness Stephen Mather Wilderness Tatoosh Wilderness The Brothers Wilderness Trapper Creek Wilderness Washington Islands Wilderness Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness William O. Douglas Wilderness Wonder Mountain Wilderness

Mountain Lake Wilderness Otter Creek Wilderness

Wisconsin Islands Wilderness

Popo Agie Wilderness Savage Run Wilderness Teton Wilderness Washakie Wilderness Winegar Hole Wilderness

12.1.5 National Wild and Scenic Rivers

Alagnak, Alaska Au Sable, Michigan Alatna, Alaska Bear Creek, Michigan Allagash Wilderness Waterway, Maine Beaver Creek, Alaska Allegheny, Pennsylvania Big and Little Darby Creeks, Ohio American (Lower), California Big Marsh Creek, Oregon Andreafsky, Alaska Big Piney Creek, Arkansas Aniakchak, Alaska Big Sur, California

146Vessel General Permit (VGP)

Birch Creek, Alaska Black Butte, California Black Creek, Mississippi Black, Michigan Bluestone, West Virginia Buffalo, Arkansas Cache la Poudre, Colorado Carp, Michigan Charley, Alaska Chattooga, Georgia, North and South Carolina Chetco, Oregon Chilikadrotna, Alaska Clackamas, Oregon Clarion, Pennsylvania Clarks Fork Yellowstone, Wyoming Cossatot, Arkansas Crescent Creek, Oregon Crooked, Oregon Delaware (Lower), New Jersey & Pennsylvania Delaware (Middle), New Jersey & Pennsylvania Delaware (Upper), New York & Pennsylvania Delta, Alaska Deschutes, Oregon Donner und Blitzen, Oregon Eagle Creek, Oregon East Branch Tahquamenon, Michigan East Fork Jemez, New Mexico Eel, California Eleven Point, Missouri Elk, Oregon Elkhorn Creek, Oregon Farmington (West Branch), Connecticut Feather, California Flathead, Montana Fortymile, Alaska Grande Ronde, Oregon Great Egg Harbor, New Jersey Gulkana, Alaska Horsepasture, North Carolina Hurricane Creek, Arkansas Illinois, Oregon Imnaha, Oregon Indian, Michigan Ivishak, Alaska John Day, Oregon John, Alaska Joseph Creek, Oregon Kern, California Kings, California Klamath, California Klickitat, Washington Kobuk, Alaska Lamprey, New Hampshire Little Beaver, Ohio Little Deschutes, Oregon Little Miami, Ohio Little Missouri, Arkansas Lostine, Oregon Loxahatchee, Florida Lumber, North Carolina Malheur, Oregon Manistee, Michigan Maurice, New Jersey McKenzie, Oregon Merced, California Metolius, Oregon Middle Fork Clearwater, Idaho Middle Fork Salmon, Idaho Middle Fork Vermilion, Illinois Minam, Oregon Missouri, Montana Mulberry, Arkansas Mulchatna, Alaska Musconetcong, New Jersey New, North Carolina Niobrara, Nebraska Noatak, Alaska North Fork American, California North Fork Crooked, Oregon North Fork John Day, Oregon North Fork Koyukuk, Alaska North Fork Malheur, Oregon North Fork Middle Fork Willamette, Oregon North Fork Owyhee, Oregon North Fork Smith, Oregon North Fork Sprague, Oregon

147Vessel General Permit (VGP)

North Powder, Oregon North Sylamore Creek, Arkansas North Umpqua, Oregon Nowitna, Alaska Obed, Tennessee Ontonagon, Michigan Owyhee, Oregon Paint, Michigan Pecos, New Mexico Pere Marquette, Michigan Pine, Michigan Powder, Oregon Presque Isle, Michigan Quartzville Creek, Oregon Rapid, Idaho Red, Kentucky Richland Creek, Arkansas Rio Chama, New Mexico Rio de la Mina, Puerto Rico Rio Grande, New Mexico Rio Grande, Texas Rio Icacos, Puerto Rico Rio Mameyes, Puerto Rico Roaring, Oregon Rogue, Oregon Saint Joe, Idaho Saline Bayou, Louisiana Salmon, Alaska Salmon, Idaho Salmon, Oregon Sandy, Oregon Selawik, Alaska Sespe Creek, California Sheenjek, Alaska Sipsey Fork West Fork, Alabama Sisquoc, California Skagit, Washington Smith, California Snake, Idaho & Oregon South Fork John Day, Oregon Squaw Creek, Oregon St. Croix (Lower) Minnesota & Wisconsin St. Croix (Lower), Minnesota & Wisconsin St. Croix, Minnesota & Wisconsin Sturgeon, Michigan (Hiawatha National Forest) Sturgeon, Michigan (Ottawa National Forest) Sudbury, Assabet, Concord, Massachusetts Sycan, Oregon Tinayguk, Alaska Tlikakila, Alaska Trinity, California Tuolumne, California Unalakleet, Alaska Upper Rogue, Oregon Verde, Arizona Wallowa, Oregon Wekiva, Florida Wenaha, Oregon West Little Owyhee, Oregon Westfield, Massachusetts White Clay Creek, Delaware & Pennsylvania White Salmon, Washington White, Oregon Whitefish, Michigan Wildcat River, New Hampshire Wildhorse and Kiger Creeks, Oregon Wilson Creek, North Carolina Wind, Alaska Wolf, Wisconsin Yellow Dog, Michigan

12.1.6 Outstanding National Resource Water ( ONRW) designated by a State or Tribe

States have an obligation under the antid egradation policy of the Clean Water Act to ensure that water quality is maintained and protected where "high quality waters constitute an outstanding Na tional resource, such as wate r of National an d State parks and wildlife refuges and waters of exceptiona l recreational or ecol ogical significance." 40 CFR 131.12(a)(3).

148Vessel General Permit (VGP)

Water Resources Boards may designate ce rtain waters, including wetlands, as outstanding under state and federal law. When waters are designated, their existing water quality shall, at a minimum, be protected and maintained. Because ONRWs are designated by each state, permittees should consult state water quality management agencies to determine if ONRWs exist in th e area where they may operate their vessel.

149Vessel General Permit (VGP)



### 13. Appendix H – One Time Report.



## EPA United States Environmental Protection Agency Washington, DC 20460 Form Approved OMB No. One Time Report for Discharges Incide ntal to the Normal Operation 2040-0004 Of a Vessel under the NP DES Vessel General Permit

Commercial Vessel General Permit – One Time Permit Report

Date: Owner Name and Address: Operator Name and Address:
Vessel Name: Flag: Vessel Gross Tonnage: G ROSS TONS Vessel Length: FEET / METERS (C IRCLE O NE )

Y ES N O Questions

1. Have all the monitoring conditions and visual inspection requirements in this Y ES N O General Permit (Part 4 and Part 5 if app licable) that apply to your vessel been met since the beginning of its coverage? If you answered “ N O ,” please check which requirements were not met in the space provided below:

Routine inspections Annual inspections Analytical monitoring (if applicable) Drydock inspection (if applicable) Other (please explain)

2. Have any corrective actions required by this General Permit (Par t 3 of this Permit) that apply to your vessel been necessary since the beginning of its coverage?

None 1-5 corrective actions 6-10 corrective actions 11-20 corrective actions 21-30 corrective actions More than 30 corrective actions

150Vessel General Permit (VGP)

3. Have modifications requiring new parts or the in stallation of new equipment been made to your vessel since the begi nning of its coverage under this General Permit for the purpose of meeting the condi tions or limitations (Part 3) of this Permit? If you answered “ Y ES ,” then how many modifications have you made?

One Two Three or more Y ES N O

4. Have any standard operating procedures for your vessel been modified since the beginning of its cove rage under this General Permit for the purpose of meeting the conditions or limitations? If you answered “ Y ES ,” then how many?

One Two Three or more Y ES N O

5. Have you conducted all the environmental training related to your vessel that is required under this General Permit since the beginning of its coverage?
Required Training For Crew Y ES N O Required Training For Passengers (if not applicable, leave blank) Y ES N O 6. Have you experienced any undue delays in operation of your vessel since the beginning of its coverage under this Genera l Permit that are dire ctly the result of compliance with the requirements of the Permit? If you answered “ Y ES ,” please provide a brief description of each in stance in the space provided below. Y ES N O

151Vessel General Permit (VGP)



### 14. Appendix I– Discharge Monitoring Report.

152Vessel General Permit (VGP)



### 15. Appendix J - Procedure for Whole Effl uent Toxicity Testing of Ballast Water

This appendix applies to any vessels subject to Part 5.8.1.2 of this permit.

15.1 Required Toxicity Testing

A. For all ships which discharge salt water ballast into salt water or fresh water environments, or fresh water ballast into salt water environments, the testing for all ballast water biocides must include the chronic WET testing contained within this section. The permittee must conduct tests on at least 1 vertebrate, 1 invertebrate, and 1 pl ant of the species listed for each of the following
groups:

Group A:

• 7-day survival and growth te st with silverside minnows ( Menidia beryllina in EPA/821­ R-02-014),

OR

• 7-day survival and growth test with topsme lt (Atherinops affinis in EPA/600-R-95-136 ).

Group B:

• 7-day survival and growth test with a mysid ( Americamysis bahia in EPA/821-R-02-014),

OR

• 7-day survival and growth test with a the Pacific mysid ( Holmesimysis costata in EPA/600-R-95-136),

OR

• 48-hour bivalve fertilization with the Mussel ( Mytilus sp. in EPA/600-R-95-136) or Oyster ( Crassostrea gigas in EPA/600-R-95-136),

OR

• 1-hour fertilization with the Purple Urchin ( S. pupuratus in EPA/600-R-95-136) or Sand dollar ( Dendraster excentricus in EPA/600-R-95-136).

Group C:

• 72-hour growth inhibition test with a marine diatom ( Skeletonema costatum according to ISO 10253),

OR

• 48-hour germination and germ-tube le ngth test with the Giant kelp ( Macrocystis pyrifera in EPA/600-R-95-136).

153Vessel General Permit (VGP)

B. If you have not completed testing under Part A above, ships which discharge fresh water ballast into fresh water environmen ts (e.g. Lakers), the testing for all ballast water biocides must include the following chronic WET testing:

• 7-day survival and growth test with fathead minnows ( Pimephales promelas in EPA/821­ R-02-013)

• 7-day survival and reproducti on test with a cladoceran ( Ceriodaphnia dubia in EPA/821­ R-02-013)

• 96-hour growth inhibition test with the n algal species ( Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata (historically referred to as Selenastrum capricornutum ) in EPA/821-R-02-013)

15.2 Testing and reporting instructions:

A. Definition of Whole Effluent Toxicity

Whole effluent toxicity measures the effect (e.g., mortality, reduced growth, reproduction) to test organisms exposed to an effluent compared to control organisms. The goal of the chronic test is to determine if an efflue nt contains toxic materi als in chronically toxic concentrations. In addition to mo rtality, these tests test help id entify sublethal effects on test organisms such as reduced reproduction and gr owth. Effect concentration (EC) is a point estimate of the toxicant concentration (expressed as a percent) that w ould cause an observable effect (e.g., death, reduced growth) in a given pe rcent of test organisms, calculated from a continuous model (e.g. Probit Model). EC25 is a point estimate of the toxican t concentration that would cause an observable adverse effect in 25 pe rcent of test organisms. Chronic test results shall be reported in TUc, where TUc = 100/EC25. For a discharge evaluated for chronic toxicity, toxicity is defined by an exceedance of this pe rmit condition is defined by of a chronic toxicity discharge value of 1.0 TUc as a monthly median or 1.6 TUc as a daily maximum. If the toxicity of the treatment system results in a discharge which exceeds 1.0 TUc as a monthly median or 1.6 TUc as a daily maximum, EPA may require the owner/operator to cease discharging from the treatment system until they obtain covera ge under an individual NPDES permit.

B. General Test Instructions

Unless modified for reasons identified below, the effluent must be sampled and whole effluent toxicity testing conduc ted according to methods at 40 CFR Part 136.3, Table 1A, or via EPA/821-R-02-13, EPA/821-R-02/ 014, or EPA/600-R-95-136.

1. Biocide solutions should be stored in the dark at 8 ± 1oC with minimal headspace. The storage container should be made out of a substance to which the biocide would not adsorb or react. 2. If the biocide concentration can be anal yzed reliably in the toxicity testing lab, then it should be done in one test ch amber (or a surrogate) at each test concentration at the beginning and end of th e test. If it can't be measured reliably,

154Vessel General Permit (VGP)

then the concentrations should be assumed to be as prepared. If the concentration cannot be easily measured, do not attempt Option 16.2.C, below. 3. 7-day chronic tests should be started w ith freshly prepared biocide solution and renewed with biocide soluti on that is freshly prepared during the 7 days of the
test. 4. All samples of ballast water taken for test ing shall be composites of at least 4 grab samples, taken at approximately equal in tervals during a ballast water discharge event, and shall include water discharged near the beginning a nd near the end of the discharge event. 5. Holding times from completion of sample collection until toxicity test initiation shall not exceed 36 hours.

C. Quality Assurance

• A series of five dilutions and a control shall be tested. A dilution series of 12.5%, 25%, 50%, 62.5, and 100% from the ballast water trea tment system shall be provided. These will provide data that are comparable among the submissions.

• If organisms are not cultured in-house, concur rent testing with reference toxicants shall be conducted. Where organisms ar e cultured in-house, monthly reference toxicant testing is sufficient.

• If either the reference toxicant tests or the e ffluent tests do not meet all test acceptability criteria as specified in the test methods ma nual, then the permittee must re-sample and retest within approximately 14 days or duri ng the first discharge event upon reentering waters subject to this permit, whichever is later.

• Reference toxicant tests shall be conducted us ing the same test conditions as effluent toxicity tests (i.e., same test duration, etc.).

• Control and dilution water should be laboratory water, as described in the test methods manual. If the dilution water used is differe nt from the culture water, a second control using culture water shall also be tested.

• When effluent monitoring frequencies for whol e effluent toxicity and priority pollutants are concurrent, then chemical analyses for priority pollutants shall be performed on a split of the sample collected for w hole effluent t oxicity testing.

D. Reporting

Test reports must meet the reporting requirements in the EPA toxicity testing manuals (EPA/821-R-02-13, EPA/821-R-02-0 14, or EPA/600-R-95-136), and describe test conditions such as test chamber size, solution volume, temp erature, dilution water source, exact test start time, exact test end time, etc. Test reports must contain a readable copy of all hand-written bench sheets. The bench sheets must include both the toxicological and water chemistry data for the biocide tests. The bench sheets must contain actual counts (not percentages) in order to be acceptable. Start counts must be cl early recorded on the bench sheet. The test report must include computer printouts of test data and statistical analyses. Test organism source, age, and unusual conditions must be reported. Each test report must contain a s ection where all deviations from

155Vessel General Permit (VGP)

test protocols must be accurately listed or the absence of such deviations noted. The results of range-finding tests must also be included if they were used to determine the most sensitive species prior to definitive testing.

15.3 Ballast Water Treatment System Options

The testing and report must support one of the two options below depending on the nature of the treatment system and biocide. Pe rforming more than one of the testing options described below may make sense. A combined strategy, for example, could allow approval conditions for biocide neutralization if discha rge must happen earlier than the approved minimum time needed for biocide degradation. Please anticipate all circumstances before choosing one or more of the testing options:

A. Biocide Toxicity Testing to Demonstrate Zero Toxicity at Ballast Water Discharge

A convenient type of ballast water treatment system is one which uses a biocide which begins as highly toxic and gradually become s nontoxic due to volat ilization, reaction, or degradation during a voyage. The ship opera tor will not need to measure the biocide concentration in the ballast water at discharge but will only need to document the biocide dose and the time elapsed from treatment to discharge. Toxicity testing will be used to determine the minimum time allowed between treatment and discha rge. The steps in this determination are:

1) Determine a maximum biocide concentration which will be used.

2) Add the biocide to the water to be used as ballast up to that concentration and hold under conditions that are as close as pos sible to actual use in a ballast tank.

3) These storage conditions would in clude 8 ± 1oC in the dark.

4) The surface area to volume ratio of the stor age container should be as small as practical in order to resemble a ballast tank. The storage contai ner should be made out of a substance to which the biocide would not adsorb or react.

5) Separate toxicity tests must be conducted on each sample drawn from the storage container every four hours over a 24- hour time period chosen so that the estimated time for the disappearance of t oxicity is near the end of the 24 hours.

6) A pretest may be needed to estimate the time for disappearance of biocide toxicity. The pretest may also determine th e most sensitive species so only that species needs tested with all of the samp les. Concentration series are not required since a time series is the testing goal.

7) An alternate approach is to prepare separa te volumes of biocide treated water at 4­ hour intervals and subsequently initiate all of the toxicity tests at the same time on samples drawn from each volume.

156Vessel General Permit (VGP)

8) An example of an efficient method for th e alternative approach is to setup a schedule similar to the following: i) Prepare biocide-treated water at 4:0 0, 8:00, 12:00, 16:00, and 20:00 on one day. ii) At 16:00 on a subsequent day predicted to be the beginning of th e last 24 hours of toxicity, use the treated water prepar ed at 4:00, 8:00, 12:00, and 16:00 to start
tests. iii) Start tests at 12:00 on the next day usi ng the treated water prepared at 12:00, 16:00, and 20:00, and then do the daily renewa ls, etc. as soon as possible for the tests begun on the first day. iv) Conduct daily renewals, etc. at 14:00 for the duration of the testing.

2) Exercise caution in setting an alternative testing schedule so that the minimum time needed before ballast water discharge is not overestimated and ship operators are not needlessly inconvenienced.

3) The earliest sample to produce no statistically si gnificant toxicity relative to a concurrent control test will be the indicator of the minimum time needed before discharge.

B. Toxicity Testing to Veri fy Biocide Neutralization

Another type of ballast water treatment system that would be protective of the environment is one which uses a biocide that would stay toxic during the voyage and could be neutralized just prior to discharg e. The neutralizing chemical might also have some toxicity but this toxicity would be less than the toxicity of the biocide that it neut ralizes. Toxicity testing should focus on determining the margin between th e concentration of the neutralizing chemical which effectively eliminates biocide toxicity and the toxic threshold of the neutralizing chemical itself. Any toxic reaction byproducts produced by th e neutralization will be discovered during the toxicity testing.

The general process is:

1) The 25% effect level is used by EPA as an estimate of the toxic threshold. The IC25 should be used for continuous (e.g., growth, reproduction) and the EC25 for quantal endpoints (e.g., survival, la rval development, fertilization).

4) Once the toxicity testing has been done, then a plan must be written and submitted describing how the neutralizing chemical will be used to be both effective in removing biocide toxicity and stay below its toxic threshold. i) If the toxic threshold is above the maxi mum concentration needed to neutralize the biocide, then monitoring of the chem ical dosing relative to the ballast water discharge volume should be adequate to demonstrate maintenance of the safety margin. ii) If the toxic threshold is below the maxi mum concentration needed to neutralize the biocide, then a removal or reacti on rate needs determined for relevant concentrations of both the neutralizing chemical and biocide. Careful monitoring of neutralizing chemical dosing relative to biocide dosing will be needed for maintaining environmental safety.

157Vessel General Permit (VGP)

iii) If the concentration of the biocide a nd neutralizing chemical can be reliably measured onboard on a routine basis, chemical monitoring can be used for demonstrating safety when the threshol d is below the maximum concentration. A small residual of neutralizing chemical can be an indication of effective biocide removal.

15.4 Approval and Exceptions

If the WET option set forth in Section 5.8.1.2 is chosen, the permittee must submit the results of the initial testing and an explanation of the approp riate methods of ballast water treatment to EPA at the address spec ified in Part 5.8.3 of this permit.

158