IMPORTANT: >79' Discharge Rules

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ata
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IMPORTANT: >79' Discharge Rules

Post by ata »

Hi All:

EPA is offering a free webinar tomorrow (9/23) for all vessel owners for boats less than 79 ft. on what might be new requirements under the Clean Water Act. YOU MUST REGISTER - see links below. After you register online, there will be some instructions in your email box, so don't forget to look.

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: http://www.house.gov/representatives/find/#listrep

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: http://aktrollers.org/doc/ATA_Comments_ ... 040710.pdf


This is a big deal - you might not be able to fish if you do not have, and comply, with this permit!


Dale
ATA

NOTICE

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: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/772164202

For a more information about the sVGP, go to:

http://water.epa.gov/polwaste/npdes/ve ... ermit.cfm

Please send any questions to: VGP@EPA.gov
Siskiyous
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Re: IMPORTANT: >79' Discharge Rules

Post by Siskiyous »

It wont let my linux computer attend - fuck the government
Salty
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Re: IMPORTANT: >79' Discharge Rules

Post by Salty »

We are but another victim of this do nothing, go on vacation early Congress. Let's elect people who will work together to make this country work.
akfish1
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Re: IMPORTANT: >79' Discharge Rules

Post by akfish1 »

Every congress is the same Salty. They work a few measly months a year only after all their time off. Ofcourse they might as well not be there anyway with a no good administration that goes around them anyway.
ata
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Re: IMPORTANT: >79' Discharge Rules

Post by ata »

Hi All:

There is a bill expected to pass by the Dec. 19th deadline that will include a one year (only!) extension. Frustrating, but at this point we'll take what we can get and continue efforts to get a real fix. If congress does nothing, we will be required to have Small Vessel Discharge Permits to fish after Dec. 19th.

If you haven't contacted your congressional delegation to express concern about this issue, please do so right away! They MUST act by Dec. 18th.

Dale
ATA
fveureka
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Re: IMPORTANT: >79' Discharge Rules

Post by fveureka »

Did a 3 year exemption go forward today on this issue? It looks that way from reviewing and sending a message to Lisa Murkowski.
ata
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Re: IMPORTANT: >79' Discharge Rules

Post by ata »

Hi All:

Thanks for shoot me a question fveureka. I've been in treaty meetings all week and just got the message yesterday afternoon that there is another 3 year reprieve on the Clean Water Act discharge regulations that involve bilgewater, greywater, and deckwash. Haven't had a chance to review all the details and was a little surprised to see 3 years, since just last week they were only talking about only a one year moratorium. We had been asking for no less than two, to provide time (again) to find a real solution. We'll keep working on this!

Cheers!

Dale
ATA
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Re: IMPORTANT: >79' Discharge Rules

Post by BoldVenture »

joeman79
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Re: IMPORTANT: >79' Discharge Rules

Post by joeman79 »

Some interesting replies and comments on article. My boat would be totally screwed LOL!!!
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