Page 32: of Marine News Magazine (April 2021)

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Feature

Water Treatment national marine sanctuaries, national parks and other pro- Recordkeeping documents all aspects of onboard ballast tected areas. The guide advises careful review (and provides water management, including treatment, unusual events a link to NOAA sanctuary maps) for any additional ballast or any exemptions or waivers. Reporting provides details water restrictions when operating in or near protected areas. to port authorities, including the U.S. Coast Guard, some- times state authorities and the National Ballast Informa-

PROGRAM EXEMPTIONS tion Clearinghouse.

Today, most vessels are exempt from the most onerous Current discharge standard exemptions are not without or dif? cult ballast water management requirement, i.e., conditions. A vessel that operates exclusively on voyages the need to install a Coast Guard type-approved treat- between ports or places within a single COTP zone, for ment system. Exempted vessels can continue with current example, is exempt. The same vessel operating beyond discharge practices. those limits is not. EPA would exempt an unmanned non-

A discharge exemption, though, does not mean exemp- seagoing barge but not if it is combined into an articulated tion from other program requirements, particularly report- tug and barge unit (ATB).

ing and recordkeeping, really the major concerns today for Caitlyn Stewart is vice president for regulatory affairs at most commercial vessels and operations within U.S. wa- The American Waterways Operators (AWO), which has terways and coastal areas. been keeping a close eye on EPA’s draft rules and overall © Cliff W Estes / Adobe Stock 32 | MN April 2021