Notes from a meeting with the EPA regarding grey water proposals

The EPA is evaluating the possibiity of restricting or banning grey water discharges from recreational boats.

The following remarks are from an individual who recently attended a meeting to discuss the matter.

If there is any good news, it might be that so far EPA is trying to avoid any "hardware" solutions or demanding "expensive retrofits".

All,

   I attended the 2nd EPA session on proposed regulations to mitigate adverse effects from bilge water, gray water and deck runoff from recreational vessels as required by the Clean Boating Act. The format was the same; opening remarks, followed by comments and then a question period.  There were similar comments to the first Session, with many citing practices already in place to eliminate or at least mitigate any effects from gray water discharge. Some cited State practices already in place ( Maryland brochures were on the sign in table). 

   The EPA stated  by the summer of 2012 it will release the "proposed rulemaking."  There will be a comment period and then in the summer of 2013 will be the "final Phase1 rules."  Not until the final CG regs are out, which will be enforced by the CG,  will there be any effect.  The EPA further stated that it is "not looking at hardware solutions" and "no retrofit or expensive installations" will be required.  Further they will tell us the cost, provide the rationale and cost analysis of their proposed rulings.  These statements were confirmed today by Director Denise Keenher, EPA Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds, at the American Boating Congress.  

   There will be a webinar on May 5 and May 10; EPA.gov/cleanboatingact.

Earl

Earl Waesche
Legislative Director
National Boating Federation
Phone:  410-573-1494

Fax:  270-398-7347