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clearly on the regulatory radar. By December 2013, nearly all commercial vessels will need to apply for either the Vessel General Permit (VGP) or the Small Vessel General Permit (sVGP) respective of vessel length (+/-79?). The  nal rule for the new permits has yet to be published but will pertain to the discharge of ship-borne pollutants and the threat of invasive species transported in ballast tanks. The permits tend to focus on operational procedures, but onboard technology can be implemented to actively clean what does end up overboard. An impressive new wastewater treatment system, Piranha, from Act2 Technologies can literally turn black water clear. The biological based treatment system uses microbes and anaerobic digestion to break down the organic material and includes complex membranes to safely remove all color, odor, and solids. The end byproduct is not simply diluted or chemically treated like other MSD ef uent. The  nal discharge is cleaner than the sea, with over 99% of all suspended particles, bacteria, and viruses removed. ENVIRONMENTAL ROI Most of the workboat market will continue down a reactionary path and will retro t adjustments to their vessels as the new regulations are created and enforced. While showing great stewardship, modifying an existing hull is not a quick and easy process. For that matter, some boatbuilders can argue that new construction may be just as cost effective, as it will always be easier to install and more ef cient to operate on a freshly laid keel. With the reward of an expanded Marine Highways Program also comes responsibility. Our industry can change, but ultimately it will take a clear demonstration of return on investment for operators to switch from compliance by law to stewardship by will. www.marinelink.com MN 23MNSept2012 Layout 18-31.indd 23MNSept2012 Layout 18-31.indd 238/30/2012 3:32:00 PM8/30/2012 3:32:00 PM