E.P.A. Looks for Public Comments to Help Develop Management Practices for Recreational Vessels

WASHINGTON - The E.P.A. (EPA) is seeking public review from boaters and other stakeholders to help develop suggested regulations, as required by the 2008 Clean Boating Act, to reduce water pollution and the spread of invasive species in the nation's rivers, lakes and other water bodies. As an alternative to permits required for commercial vessels, the act directs E.P.A. to develop and promulgate management practices for recreational vessels.

The important input received through this process will help guide the development of suggested regulations to mitigate adverse effects from recreational boat discharges, such as bilgewater, graywater and deck runoff, that may contain substances harmful to water quality or spread invasive species.

The Clean Boating Act directs E.P.A. to take steps to limit the impact of pollution and the spread of invasive species associated with the discharge from boats. As part of the public input, E.P.A. is also seeking information from states that already enact requirements to limit the impacts of boat discharges on waterways.

Based on the important input received, E.P.A. will seek to develop appropriate management practices and performance requirements that protect waterways while also working with the U.S. Coast Guard, which will establish regulations governing the design, construction, installation and use of management practices. Implementation of these management practices will allow boaters and other water enthusiasts to continue enjoying our nation's water bodies while protecting water quality.

E.P.A. is holding listening sessions and conducting webinars to inform interested parties about the Clean Boating Act and gain public input. The listening sessions will be held in Annapolis, Md. on March 18 and April 29.

More information about the Clean Boating Act: http://water.epa.gov/lawsregs/lawsguidance/cwa/vessel/CBA/about.cfm

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