ata
2014-09-22 22:06:30
This rule will mean having to get a permit for your bilge, greywater, and deckwash.
This is the result of a lawsuit filed against the EPA many years ago and congress has still not moved to permanently protect the small boat fleet from its effects. There have been two moratoriums, but no real fix. The recreational fleet was largely exempted soon after the legal decision, but not trollers and other small commercial boats.
Congress only has until December 18th to make this right, otherwise, small boat commercial fishermen all around the USA will be subject to these new discharge regulations and EPA and other agencies will be saddled with a complex and hugely expensive new rule to enforce.
Two things YOU can do:
1. Write your congressional delegation and tell them this MUST be fixed by December 18th. If they can't get it done with a new law, then they must reinstate the current moratorium. Look for yours here:
2. Watch the webinar and/or read information at the links below. Hopefully we'll get this turned around, but be sure you understand what you need to do come December 19th if we are unsuccessful.
I have not had a chance to review the final permit (sVGP), which you can find below. However, here are ATA's comments on the draft permit and a related study:
This is a big deal - you might not be able to fish if you do not have, and comply, with this permit!
Dale
ATA
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced issuance of the final Small Vessel General Permit (sVGP) in the September 10, 2014 Federal Register. The sVGP, available nationwide, provides a way for owners and operators of non-military, non-recreational vessels less than 79 feet in length and operating as a means of transportation to meet the Clean Water Act requirement to obtain National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit coverage for incidental discharges.
Small vessel discharges are eligible for sVGP coverage beginning Dec. 19, 2014, i.e., the date on which the statutory moratorium on NPDES permitting expires. The sVGP is designed to be an easily implementable permit with common-sense best management practices that reduce pollution.
Larger vessels are not eligible for coverage under the sVGP; those vessels have generally been eligible for coverage under the Vessel General Permit (VGP) since 2008.
EPA will be hosting a free webinar about the sVGP on September 23, 2014.
For more information about the webinar and to register, go to:
For a more information about the sVGP, go to:
Please send any questions to: