Source: https://www.customsmobile.com/uscode/33/1322
Timestamp: 2019-09-22 19:21:06
Document Index: 427320924

Matched Legal Cases: ['§\u202f1321', '§\u202f1323', 'arts 2', 'art 5', 'art 3', 'art 4', 'art 5', 'art 162', 'art 162', '§\u202f312', '§\u202f2', '§\u202f59', '§\u202f509', '§\u202f311', '§\u202f325', '§\u202f4', '§\u202f903']

33 USC 1322 - Marine sanitation devices; discharges incidental to the normal operation of vessels
All TitlesTitle 33Chapter 26Subchapter III
§ 1321c. International efforts o...
§ 1323. Federal facilities pollu...
Marine sanitation devices; discharges incidental to the normal operation of vessels
“manufacturer” means any person engaged in the manufacturing, assembling, or importation of marine sanitation devices, marine pollution control device equipment, or vessels subject to standards and regulations promulgated under this section;
“marine pollution control device” means, except as provided in subsection (p), any equipment or management practice, for installation or use on board a vessel of the Armed Forces, that is—
determined by the Administrator and the Secretary of Defense to be the most effective equipment or management practice to reduce the environmental impacts of the discharge consistent with the considerations set forth in subsection (n)(2)(B); and
Federal standards of performance
Initial standards; effective dates; revision; waiver
Vessels owned and operated by the United States
Pre-promulgation consultation
Regulation by States or political subdivisions thereof; complete prohibition upon discharge of sewage
Sales limited to certified devices; certification of test device; recordkeeping; reports
No manufacturer of a marine sanitation device or marine pollution control device equipment shall sell, offer for sale, or introduce or deliver for introduction in interstate commerce, or import into the United States for sale or resale any marine sanitation device or marine pollution control device equipment manufactured after the effective date of the standards and regulations promulgated under this section unless such device or equipment is in all material respects substantially the same as a test device or equipment certified under this subsection.
Upon application of the manufacturer, the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall so certify a marine sanitation device or marine pollution control device equipment if he determines, in accordance with the provisions of this paragraph, that it meets the appropriate standards and regulations promulgated under this section. The Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall test or require such testing of the device or equipment in accordance with procedures set forth by the Administrator as to standards of performance and for such other purposes as may be appropriate. If the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating determines that the device or equipment is satisfactory from the standpoint of safety and any other requirements of maritime law or regulation, and after consideration of the design, installation, operation, material, or other appropriate factors, he shall certify the device or equipment. Any device or equipment manufactured by such manufacturer which is in all material respects substantially the same as the certified test device or equipment shall be deemed to be in conformity with the appropriate standards and regulations established under this section.
Sale and resale of properly equipped vessels; operability of certified marine sanitation devices
for the manufacturer of any vessel subject to such standards and regulations to manufacture for sale, to sell or offer for sale, or to distribute for sale or resale any such vessel unless it is equipped with a marine sanitation device and marine pollution control device equipment which is in all material respects substantially the same as the appropriate test device certified pursuant to this section;
for any person, prior to the sale or delivery of a vessel subject to such standards and regulations to the ultimate purchaser, wrongfully to remove or render inoperative any certified marine sanitation device or element of design of such device or any certified marine pollution control device equipment or element of design of such equipment installed in such vessel;
Jurisdiction to restrain violations; contempts
may carry out an inspection (including the taking of ballast water samples) of any vessel at any time; and
reporting violations of this section; and
accumulating evidence regarding those violations; and
use appropriate and practicable measures of detection and environmental monitoring of vessels.
has reasonable cause to believe that the vessel—
has failed to comply with an applicable requirement of this section; or
is being operated in violation of such a requirement; and
the Secretary provides to the owner or operator of the vessel a notice of the intent to detain.
to enforce the requirements of this section; and
to apply appropriate civil penalties under this section or section 1319(d) of this title, as appropriate.
Boarding and inspection of vessels; execution of warrants and other process
Enforcement in United States possessions
Uniform national discharge standards for vessels of Armed Forces
Determination of discharges required to be controlled by marine pollution control devices
Performance standards for marine pollution control devices
Classes, types, and sizes of vessels
Regulations for use of marine pollution control devices
Deadlines; effective date
Prohibition on regulation by States or political subdivisions of States
Establishment of State no-discharge zones
Prohibition by the Administrator
Applicability to foreign flagged vessels
Prohibition relating to vessels of the Armed Forces
Management practices for recreational vessels
Determination of discharges subject to management practices
Performance standards for management practices
Regulations for the use of management practices
Prohibition relating to recreational vessels
Uniform national standards for discharges incidental to normal operation of vessels
The term “aquatic nuisance species” means a nonindigenous species that threatens—
the diversity or abundance of a native species;
the ecological stability of—
waters of the United States; or
waters of the contiguous zone; or
a commercial, agricultural, aquacultural, or recreational activity that is dependent on—
waters of the contiguous zone.
The term “ballast water” means any water, suspended matter, and other materials taken onboard a vessel—
to control or maintain trim, draught, stability, or stresses of the vessel, regardless of the means by which any such water or suspended matter is carried; or
during the cleaning, maintenance, or other operation of a ballast tank or ballast water management system of the vessel.
The term “ballast water” does not include any substance that is added to the water described in clause (i) that is directly related to the operation of a properly functioning ballast water management system.
The term “ballast water discharge standard” means—
the numerical ballast water discharge standard established by section 151.1511 or 151.2030 of title 33, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations); or
if a standard referred to in clause (i) is superseded by a numerical standard of performance under this subsection, that superseding standard.
The term “ballast water exchange” means the replacement of water in a ballast water tank using 1 of the following methods:
Flow-through exchange, in which ballast water is flushed out by pumping in midocean water at the bottom of the tank if practicable, and continuously overflowing the tank from the top, until 3 full volumes of water have been changed to minimize the number of original organisms remaining in the tank.
Empty and refill exchange, in which ballast water taken on in ports, estuarine waters, or territorial waters is pumped out until the pump loses suction, after which the ballast tank is refilled with midocean water.
The term “ballast water management system” means any marine pollution control device (including all ballast water treatment equipment, ballast tanks, pipes, pumps, and all associated control and monitoring equipment) that processes ballast water—
to kill, render nonviable, or remove organisms; or
to avoid the uptake or discharge of organisms.
The term “best available technology economically achievable” means—
best available technology economically achievable (within the meaning of section 1311(b)(2)(A) of this title);
best available technology (within the meaning of section 1314(b)(2)(B) of this title); and
best available technology, as determined in accordance with section 125.3(d)(3) of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations).
The term “best conventional pollutant control technology” means—
best conventional pollutant control technology (within the meaning of section 1311(b)(2)(E) of this title);
best conventional pollutant control technology (within the meaning of section 1314(b)(4) of this title); and
best conventional pollutant control technology, as determined in accordance with section 125.3(d)(2) of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations).
The term “best management practice” means a schedule of activities, prohibitions of practices, maintenance procedures, and other management practices to prevent or reduce the pollution of—
the waters of the United States; or
the waters of the contiguous zone.
The term “best management practice” includes any treatment requirement, operating procedure, or practice to control—
vessel runoff;
spillage or leaks;
sludge or waste disposal; or
drainage from raw material storage.
The term “best practicable control technology currently available” means—
best practicable control technology currently available (within the meaning of section 1311(b)(1)(A) of this title);
best practicable control technology currently available (within the meaning of section 1314(b)(1) of this title); and
best practicable control technology currently available, as determined in accordance with section 125.3(d)(1) of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations).
Captain of the Port Zone
The term “Captain of the Port Zone” means a Captain of the Port Zone established by the Secretary pursuant to sections 92, 93, and 633 1
See References to Redesignated Sections of Title 14 note below.
The term “empty ballast tank” means a tank that—
has previously held ballast water that has been drained to the limit of the functional or operational capabilities of the tank (such as loss of suction);
is recorded as empty on a vessel log; and
contains unpumpable residual ballast water and sediment.
The term “Great Lakes Commission” means the Great Lakes Commission established by article IV A of the Great Lakes Compact 2
So in original. Probably should be “Great Lakes Basin Compact”.
to which Congress granted consent in the Act of July 24, 1968 (Public Law 90–419; 82 Stat. 414).
The term “Great Lakes State” means any of the States of—
The term “Great Lakes System” has the meaning given the term in section 1268(a)(3) of this title.
The term “internal waters” has the meaning given the term in section 2.24 of title 33, Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation).
The term “marine pollution control device” means any equipment or management practice (or combination of equipment and a management practice), for installation or use onboard a vessel, that is—
determined by the Administrator and the Secretary to be the most effective equipment or management practice (or combination of equipment and a management practice) to reduce the environmental impacts of the discharge, consistent with the factors for consideration described in paragraphs (4) and (5).
The term “nonindigenous species” means an organism of a species that enters an ecosystem beyond the historic range of the species.
The term “organism” includes—
an animal, including fish and fish eggs and larvae;
a microbe;
a prokaryote (including any archean or bacterium);
a fungus; and
The term “Pacific Region” means any Federal or State water—
adjacent to the State of Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon, or Washington; and
extending from shore.
The term “Pacific Region” includes the entire exclusive economic zone (as defined in section 2701 of this title) adjacent to each State described in clause (i)(I).
Port or place of destination
The term “port or place of destination” means a port or place to which a vessel is bound to anchor or moor.
Render nonviable
The term “render nonviable”, with respect to an organism in ballast water, means the action of a ballast water management system that renders the organism permanently incapable of reproduction following treatment.
The term “saltwater flush” means—
the addition of as much midocean water into each empty ballast tank of a vessel as is safe for the vessel and crew; and
the mixing of the flushwater with residual ballast water and sediment through the motion of the vessel; and
the discharge of that mixed water, such that the resultant residual water remaining in the tank—
has the highest salinity possible; and
is at least 30 parts per thousand.
The term “Small Vessel General Permit” means the permit that is the subject of the notice of final permit issuance entitled “Final National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Small Vessel General Permit for Discharges Incidental to the Normal Operation of Vessels Less Than 79 Feet” (79 Fed. Reg. 53702 (September 10, 2014)).
Small vessel or fishing vessel
The term “small vessel or fishing vessel” means a vessel that is—
less than 79 feet in length; or
a fishing vessel, fish processing vessel, or fish tender vessel (as those terms are defined in section 2101 of title 46), regardless of the length of the vessel.
The term “Vessel General Permit” means the permit that is the subject of the notice of final permit issuance entitled “Final National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) General Permit for Discharges Incidental to the Normal Operation of a Vessel” (78 Fed. Reg. 21938 (April 12, 2013)).
any discharge incidental to the normal operation of a vessel; and
any discharge incidental to the normal operation of a vessel (such as most graywater) that is commingled with sewage, subject to the conditions that—
nothing in this subsection prevents a State from regulating sewage discharges; and
any such commingled discharge shall comply with all applicable requirements of—
any law applicable to discharges of sewage.
a vessel of the Armed Forces subject to subsection (n);
a recreational vessel subject to subsection (o);
a small vessel or fishing vessel, except that this subsection shall apply to any discharge of ballast water from a small vessel or fishing vessel; or
a floating craft that is permanently moored to a pier, including a “floating” casino, hotel, restaurant, or bar;
of ballast water from a vessel—
that continuously takes on and discharges ballast water in a flow-through system, if the Administrator determines that system cannot materially contribute to the spread or introduction of an aquatic nuisance species into waters of the United States;
in the National Defense Reserve Fleet that is scheduled for disposal, if the vessel does not have an operable ballast water management system;
that discharges ballast water consisting solely of water taken onboard from a public or commercial source that, at the time the water is taken onboard, meets the applicable requirements or permit requirements of the Safe Drinking Water Act (42 U.S.C. 300f et seq.);
that carries all permanent ballast water in sealed tanks that are not subject to discharge; or
that only discharges ballast water into a reception facility; or
that results from, or contains material derived from, an activity other than the normal operation of the vessel, such as material resulting from an industrial or manufacturing process onboard the vessel.
Continuation in effect of existing requirements
Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act regulations
Repeal on existence of final, effective, and enforceable requirements
National standards of performance for marine pollution control devices and water quality orders
Concurrence with Secretary
Effect of failure to concur
documentation of the request submitted under subclause (I); and
the response of the Administrator to any written objections received from the Secretary relating to the proposed standard of performance during the 60-day period beginning on the date of submission of the request.
in consultation with interested Governors; and
in accordance with the deadlines under that clause.
Objection by governors
with respect to conventional pollutants, toxic pollutants, and nonconventional pollutants (including aquatic nuisance species), the application of the best practicable control technology currently available;
with respect to conventional pollutants, the application of the best conventional pollutant control technology; and
with respect to toxic pollutants and nonconventional pollutants (including aquatic nuisance species), the application of the best available technology economically achievable for categories and classes of vessels, which shall result in reasonable progress toward the national goal of eliminating discharges of all pollutants.
numeric standards of performance are infeasible under clause (i); or
the best management practices are reasonably necessary—
to achieve the standards of performance; or
to carry out the purpose and intent of this subsection.
All requirements contained in parts 2.1 and 2.2 (relating to effluent limits and related requirements), including with respect to waters subject to Federal protection, in whole or in part, for conservation purposes.
All requirements contained in part 5 (relating to vessel class-specific requirements) that concern effluent limits and authorized discharges (within the meaning of that part), including with respect to waters subject to Federal protection, in whole or in part, for conservation purposes.
among classes, types, and sizes of vessels; and
between new vessels and existing vessels.
review the standards of performance in effect under this paragraph; and
if appropriate, revise those standards of performance—
in accordance with subparagraphs (A) through (C); and
as necessary to establish requirements for any discharge that is subject to regulation under this subsection.
Maintaining protectiveness
if information becomes available that—
was not reasonably available when the Administrator promulgated the initial standard of performance or comparable requirement of the Vessel General Permit, as applicable (including the subsequent scarcity or unavailability of materials used to control the relevant discharge); and
would have justified the application of a less-stringent standard of performance at the time of promulgation; or
if the Administrator determines that a material technical mistake or misinterpretation of law occurred when promulgating the existing standard of performance or comparable requirement of the Vessel General Permit, as applicable.
Best management practices for aquatic nuisance species emergencies and further protection of water quality
is necessary to reduce the reasonably foreseeable risk of introduction or establishment of an aquatic nuisance species; or
will mitigate the adverse effects of a discharge that contributes to a violation of a water quality requirement under section 1313 of this title, other than a requirement based on the presence of an aquatic nuisance species.
the response of the Administrator to any written objections received from the Secretary relating to the proposed order during the 60-day period beginning on the date of submission of the request.
Implementation, compliance, and enforcement requirements
the requirements contained in part 3 of the Vessel General Permit (relating to corrective actions);
the requirements contained in part 4 of the Vessel General Permit (relating to inspections, monitoring, reporting, and recordkeeping), including with respect to waters subject to Federal protection, in whole or in part, for conservation purposes;
the requirements contained in part 5 of the Vessel General Permit (relating to vessel class-specific requirements) regarding monitoring, inspection, and educational and training requirements (within the meaning of that part), including with respect to waters subject to Federal protection, in whole or in part, for conservation purposes; and
any comparable, existing requirements promulgated under the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 (16 U.S.C. 4701 et seq.) (including section 1101 of that Act (16 U.S.C. 4711) (as in effect on the day before December 4, 2018)) applicable to that discharge.
to communicate to affected persons the applicability of the regulation; and
for affected persons reasonably to comply with the regulation.
Implementation regulations for marine pollution control devices
the standards of performance promulgated by the Administrator under paragraph (4); and
the implementation regulations promulgated by the Secretary under subparagraph (B).
in accordance with this subparagraph or subparagraph (B), as applicable;
the Administrator determines was not reasonably available when the Administrator promulgated the existing requirement of the Vessel General Permit, or that the Secretary determines was not reasonably available when the Secretary promulgated the existing requirement under the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 (16 U.S.C. 4701 et seq.) or the applicable existing requirement under this subparagraph, as applicable (including subsequent scarcity or unavailability of materials used to control the relevant discharge); and
would have justified the application of a less-stringent requirement at the time of promulgation; or
if the Administrator determines that a material technical mistake or misinterpretation of law occurred when promulgating an existing requirement of the Vessel General Permit, or if the Secretary determines that a material mistake or misinterpretation of law occurred when promulgating an existing requirement under the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 (16 U.S.C. 4701 et seq.) or this subsection.
Additional provisions regarding ballast water
Empty ballast tanks
not less than 200 nautical miles from any shore for a voyage originating outside the United States or Canadian exclusive economic zone; or
not less than 50 nautical miles from any shore for a voyage originating within the United States or Canadian exclusive economic zone.
if the unpumpable residual waters and sediments of an empty ballast tank were subject to treatment, in compliance with applicable requirements, through a type-approved ballast water management system approved by the Secretary;
except as otherwise required under this subsection, if the unpumpable residual waters and sediments of an empty ballast tank were sourced within—
the same port or place of destination; or
contiguous portions of a single Captain of the Port Zone;
if complying with an applicable requirement of clause (i)—
would compromise the safety of the vessel; or
is otherwise prohibited by any Federal, Canadian, or international law (including regulations) pertaining to vessel safety;
if design limitations of the vessel prevent a ballast water exchange or saltwater flush from being conducted in accordance with clause (i); or
if the vessel is operating exclusively within the internal waters of the United States or Canada.
Period of use of installed ballast water management systems
is maintained in proper working condition, as determined by the Secretary;
is maintained and used in accordance with manufacturer specifications;
continues to meet the ballast water discharge standard applicable to the vessel at the time of installation, as determined by the Secretary; and
has in effect a valid type-approval certificate issued by the Secretary.
the expiration of the service life, as determined by the Secretary, of—
the ballast water management system; or
the completion of a major conversion (as defined in section 2101 of title 46) of the vessel; or
a determination by the Secretary that there are other type-approved systems for the vessel or category of vessels, with respect to the use of which the environmental, health, and economic benefits would exceed the costs.
Review of ballast water management system type-approval testing methods
Definition of live; living
Notwithstanding any other provision of law (including regulations), for purposes of section 151.1511 of title 33, and part 162 of title 46, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations), the terms “live” and “living” shall not—
include an organism that has been rendered nonviable; or
preclude the consideration of any method of measuring the concentration of organisms in ballast water that are capable of reproduction.
render nonviable organisms in ballast water; and
may be used in addition to the methods established under subpart 162.060 of title 46, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations)—
to measure the concentration of organisms in ballast water that are capable of reproduction;
to certify the performance of each ballast water management system under this subsection; and
to certify laboratories to evaluate applicable treatment technologies.
shall take into consideration a testing method that uses organism grow-out and most probable number statistical analysis to determine the concentration of organisms in ballast water that are capable of reproduction; and
shall not take into consideration a testing method that relies on a staining method that measures the concentration of—
organisms greater than or equal to 10 micrometers; and
organisms less than or equal to 50 micrometers.
Intergovernmental response framework
Ballast discharge risk response
identifying and tracking populations of aquatic invasive species;
evaluating the risk of any aquatic nuisance species population tracked under subclause (I) establishing and spreading in waters of the United States or waters of the contiguous zone; and
establishing emergency best management practices that may be deployed rapidly, in a local or regional manner, to respond to emerging aquatic nuisance species threats.
Petitions by Governors for review
to issue an order under paragraph (4)(E); or
to review any standard of performance, regulation, or policy promulgated under paragraph (4), (5), or (6), respectively, if there exists new information that could reasonably result in a change to—
the standard of performance, regulation, or policy; or
a determination on which the standard of performance, regulation, or policy was based.
a petition under subparagraph (A)(i) by not later than the date that is 180 days after the date on which the petition is submitted; and
a petition under subparagraph (A)(ii) by not later than the date that is 1 year after the date on which the petition is submitted.
in the case of a petition under subparagraph (A)(i), the Administrator shall immediately issue the relevant order under paragraph (4)(E); or
in the case of a petition under subparagraph (A)(ii), the Administrator or Secretary shall publish in the Federal Register, by not later than 30 days after the date of that determination, a notice of proposed rulemaking to revise the relevant standard, requirement, regulation, or policy under paragraph (4), (5), or (6), as applicable.
subject to judicial review in accordance with section 1369 of this title, subject to clause (v).
a provision of the Vessel General Permit in force and effect under paragraph (3)(A);
a regulation promulgated pursuant to section 1101 of the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 (16 U.S.C. 4711) (as in effect on the day before December 4, 2018) in force and effect under paragraph (3)(B); or
an applicable requirement or regulation under this subsection.
to discharge any discharge incidental to the normal operation of the vessel into waters of the United States or waters of the contiguous zone, except in compliance with the regulation; or
to operate in waters of the United States or waters of the contiguous zone, if the vessel is not equipped with a required marine pollution control device that complies with the requirements established under this subsection, unless—
the owner or operator of the vessel denotes in an entry in the official logbook of the vessel that the equipment was not operational; and
the applicable discharge was avoided; or
an alternate compliance option approved by the Secretary as meeting the applicable standard was employed.
the violation was in the interest of ensuring the safety of life at sea, as determined by the Secretary; and
the applicable emergency circumstance was not the result of negligence or malfeasance on the part of—
the owner or operator of the vessel;
the master of the vessel; or
the person in charge of the vessel.
In rem liability
Identical or lesser State laws
that is identical to a Federal requirement under this subsection applicable to the relevant discharge; or
compliance with which would be achieved concurrently in achieving compliance with a Federal requirement under this subsection applicable to the relevant discharge.
State enforcement of Federal requirements
Exception for certain fees
has operated outside of that State; and
arrives at a port or place of destination in the State (excluding movement entirely within a single port or place of destination).
Vessels engaged in coastwise trade
Effect of subclause
Alaska graywater
Established regimes
the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships (33 U.S.C. 1901 et seq.); and
title X of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2010 (33 U.S.C. 3801 et seq.).
the Small Vessel General Permit is repealed; and
the Administrator, or a State in the case of a permit program approved under section 1342 of this title, shall not require, or in any way modify, a permit under that section for—
any discharge that is subject to regulation under this subsection;
any discharge incidental to the normal operation of a vessel from a small vessel or fishing vessel, regardless of whether that discharge is subject to regulation under this subsection; or
any discharge described in paragraph (2)(B)(ii).
No effect on civil or criminal actions
any cause of action; or
any provision of Federal or State law establishing a remedy for civil relief or criminal penalty.
No effect on certain secretarial authority
No limitation on State inspection authority
Minimum Great Lakes System requirements
complying with an applicable requirement of clause (i)—
design limitations of the vessel prevent a ballast water exchange from being conducted in accordance with an applicable requirement of clause (i);
is certified by the Secretary as having no residual ballast water or sediments onboard; or
retains all ballast water while in waters subject to the requirement; or
empty ballast tanks on the vessel are sealed and certified by the Secretary in a manner that ensures that—
no discharge or uptake occurs; and
any subsequent discharge of ballast water is subject to the requirement.
Enhanced Great Lakes System requirements
Petitions by Governors for proposed enhanced standards and requirements
is subject to regulation under this subsection; and
occurs within the Great Lakes System.
the Executive Director of the Great Lakes Commission, in such manner as may be prescribed by the Great Lakes Commission;
the Governor of each other Great Lakes State; and
the Director of the Great Lakes National Program Office established by section 1268(b) of this title.
Preliminary assessment by Great Lakes Commission
may be developed in consultation with relevant experts and stakeholders;
may be narrative in nature;
may include the preliminary views, if any, of the Great Lakes Commission on the propriety of the proposed enhanced standard of performance or other requirement;
shall be submitted, in writing, to the Governor of each Great Lakes State and the Director of the Great Lakes National Program Office and published on the internet website of the Great Lakes National Program Office; and
except as provided in clause (iii), shall not be taken into consideration, or provide a basis for review, by the Administrator or the Secretary for purposes of that clause.
Proposed enhanced standards and requirements
Request by Governor
a copy of the petition; and
if applicable as of the date of publication, any preliminary assessment of the Great Lakes Commission developed under clause (i)(III) relating to the petition.
Coordination to develop proposed standard or requirement
in consultation with representatives from the Federal and provincial governments of Canada;
after notice and opportunity for public comment on the petition published under subclause (I); and
taking into consideration the preliminary assessment, if any, of the Great Lakes Commission under clause (i)(III);
shall be specifically endorsed in writing by—
the Governor of each Great Lakes State, if the proposed standard or requirement would impose any additional equipment requirement on a vessel; or
not fewer than 5 Governors of Great Lakes States, if the proposed standard or requirement would not impose any additional equipment requirement on a vessel; and
in the case of a proposed requirement to prohibit 1 or more types of discharge regulated under this subsection, whether treated or not treated, into waters within the Great Lakes System, shall not apply outside the waters of the Great Lakes States of the Governors endorsing the proposed requirement under item (bb).
Promulgation by Administrator and Secretary
at least as stringent as a comparable standard of performance or other requirement under this subsection;
in accordance with maritime safety; and
in accordance with applicable maritime and navigation laws and regulations.
Effect on Federal review
states that the proposed standard or requirement is publicly available; and
provides an opportunity for public comment regarding the proposed standard or requirement during the 90-day period beginning on the date of receipt by the Administrator and the Secretary of the proposed standard or requirement.
the Administrator shall commence a review of each proposed standard of performance or other requirement covered by the notice to determine whether that standard or requirement is at least as stringent as comparable standards and requirements under this subsection; and
the Secretary shall commence a review of each proposed standard of performance or other requirement covered by the notice to determine whether that standard or requirement is in accordance with maritime safety and applicable maritime and navigation laws and regulations.
shall consult with the Governor of each Great Lakes State and representatives from the Federal and provincial governments of Canada;
shall take into consideration any relevant data or public comments received under subclause (II)(bb); and
shall not take into consideration any preliminary assessment by the Great Lakes Commission under clause (i)(III), or any dissenting opinion under subclause (I)(dd), except to the extent that such an assessment or opinion is relevant to the criteria for the applicable determination under item (aa).
determine, as applicable, whether each proposed standard or other requirement satisfies the criteria under subclause (III)(aa);
approve each proposed standard or other requirement, unless the Administrator or the Secretary, as applicable, determines under item (aa) that the proposed standard or other requirement does not satisfy the criteria under subclause (III)(aa); and
submit to the Governor of each Great Lakes State, and publish in the Federal Register, a notice of the determination under item (aa).
Action on disapproval
a description of the reasons why the standard or requirement is, as applicable, less stringent than a comparable standard or requirement under this subsection, inconsistent with maritime safety, or inconsistent with applicable maritime and navigation laws and regulations; and
any recommendations regarding changes the Governors of the Great Lakes States could make to conform the disapproved portion of the standard or requirement to the requirements of this subparagraph.
Action on approval
the Administrator shall establish, by regulation, the proposed standard or requirement within the Great Lakes System in lieu of any comparable standard or other requirement promulgated under paragraph (4); and
the Secretary shall establish, by regulation, any requirements necessary to implement, ensure compliance with, and enforce the standard or requirement under item (aa), or to apply the proposed requirement, within the Great Lakes System in lieu of any comparable requirement promulgated under paragraph (5).
No judicial review for certain actions
Nothing in this subsection limits, alters, or amends the Great Lakes Compact 2 to which Congress granted consent in the Act of July 24, 1968 (Public Law 90–419; 82 Stat. 414).
Minimum Pacific Region requirements
Definition of commercial vessel
In this subparagraph, the term “commercial vessel” means a vessel operating between—
2 ports or places of destination within the Pacific Region; or
a port or place of destination within the Pacific Region and a port or place of destination on the Pacific Coast of Canada or Mexico north of parallel 20 degrees north latitude, inclusive of the Gulf of California.
using, in compliance with applicable requirements, a type-approved ballast water management system approved by the Secretary; or
voyaging—
between or to a port or place of destination in the State of Washington, if the ballast water to be discharged from the commercial vessel originated solely from waters located between the parallel 46 degrees north latitude, including the internal waters of the Columbia River, and the internal waters of Canada south of parallel 50 degrees north latitude, including the waters of the Strait of Georgia and the Strait of Juan de Fuca;
between ports or places of destination in the State of Oregon, if the ballast water to be discharged from the commercial vessel originated solely from waters located between the parallel 40 degrees north latitude and the parallel 50 degrees north latitude;
between ports or places of destination in the State of California within the San Francisco Bay area east of the Golden Gate Bridge, including the Port of Stockton and the Port of Sacramento, if the ballast water to be discharged from the commercial vessel originated solely from ports or places within that area;
between the Port of Los Angeles, the Port of Long Beach, and the El Segundo offshore marine oil terminal, if the ballast water to be discharged from the commercial vessel originated solely from the Port of Los Angeles, the Port of Long Beach, or the El Segundo offshore marine oil terminal;
between a port or place of destination in the State of Alaska within a single Captain of the Port Zone;
between ports or places of destination in different counties of the State of Hawaii, if the vessel may conduct a complete ballast water exchange in waters that are more than 10 nautical miles from shore and at least 200 meters deep; or
between ports or places of destination within the same county of the State of Hawaii, if the vessel does not transit outside State marine waters during the voyage.
Low-salinity ballast water
not less than 50 nautical miles from shore, if the ballast water was sourced from a Pacific Region port or place of destination; or
more than 200 nautical miles from shore, if the ballast water was not sourced from a Pacific Region port or place of destination.
less than 1 organism per 10 cubic meters, if that organism—
is living, or has not been rendered nonviable; and
is 50 or more micrometers in minimum dimension;
less than 1 organism per 10 milliliters, if that organism—
is more than 10, but less than 50, micrometers in minimum dimension;
concentrations of such additional indicator microbes and viruses as may be specified in the standards of performance established by the Administrator under paragraph (4).
complying with the requirement would compromise the safety of the commercial vessel;
design limitations of the commercial vessel prevent a ballast water exchange from being conducted in accordance with clause (ii) or (iii), as applicable;
the commercial vessel—
retains all ballast water while in waters subject to those requirements; or
empty ballast tanks on the commercial vessel are sealed and certified by the Secretary in a manner that ensures that—
any subsequent discharge of ballast water is subject to those requirements.
Prohibition by Administrator
prohibition of the discharge would protect and enhance the quality of the specified waters within the State;
adequate facilities for the safe and sanitary removal and treatment of the discharge are reasonably available for the water and all vessels to which the prohibition would apply;
the discharge can be safely collected and stored until a vessel reaches a discharge facility or other location; and
in the case of an application for the prohibition of discharges of ballast water in a port (or in any other location where cargo, passengers, or fuel are loaded and unloaded)—
the adequate facilities described in item (bb) are reasonably available for commercial vessels, after considering, at a minimum, water depth, dock size, pumpout facility capacity and flow rate, availability of year-round operations, proximity to navigation routes, and the ratio of pumpout facilities to the population and discharge capacity of commercial vessels operating in those waters; and
the prohibition will not unreasonably interfere with the safe loading and unloading of cargo, passengers, or fuel.
documentation of the request submitted under item (aa); and
Maintenance in effect of more-stringent standards
(June 30, 1948, ch. 758, title III, § 312, as added Pub. L. 92–500, § 2, Oct. 18, 1972, 86 Stat. 871; amended Pub. L. 95–217, § 59, Dec. 27, 1977, 91 Stat. 1596; Pub. L. 96–88, title V, § 509(b), Oct. 17, 1979, 93 Stat. 695; Pub. L. 100–4, title III, § 311, Feb. 4, 1987, 101 Stat. 42; Pub. L. 104–106, div. A, title III, § 325(b)–(c)(2), Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 254–259; Pub. L. 110–288, § 4, July 29, 2008, 122 Stat. 2650; Pub. L. 115–282, title IX, § 903(a)(1), (b), (c)(1), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4324, 4354, 4355.)
cite as: 33 USC 1322