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Wisconsin DNR Releases Final Language on Vessel Discharge Permit
November 19, 2009
Today, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources released the final permit language for vessels that discharge or have the ability to discharge ballast water into Wisconsin waters.
"The final permit is a vast improvement over the initially proposed permit language that was released earlier this year," stated Andy Lisak, Executive Director of the Development Association. "The permit is a victory for all of us who care about the health of the Great Lakes and the viability of Wisconsin’s maritime industry," continued Lisak.
Major components of the permit are:
1) All vessels are prohibited from discharging into Wisconsin waters solids and sediments that accumulate in ballast tanks.
2) Ballast water discharge standards are established that are 100 times as stringent as IMO standards. These standards will apply to Ocean Going vessels ("Salties"). Great Lakes vessels ("Lakers") will not be subject to discharge standards but will be required to follow best management practices to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.
3) Existing Ocean going vessels will be required to comply with Wisconsin ballast water discharge standards by December 31, 2014. New vessels will be required to comply by January 1, 2012.
4) The Wisconsin DNR will utilize a Technical Advisory Committee to conduct a treatment feasibility review by the end of 2010 to determine the availability of commercial technology that can treat ballast water to the proposed Wisconsin (enhanced IMO) Standard. Based on the feasibility review, the Department will decide: a) whether the Wisconsin Standard will stay in the permit or whether the permit will be modified to change the discharge standard to the IMO standard; and b) whether to modify the effective dates.
The Fact Sheet issued for the permit also discussed developments at the national level to address the issue of aquatic invasives introduced by the ballast water of vessels. The United States Coast Guard is recognized for its recent introduction of proposed standards for living organisms in ship’s ballast water.
"It is our understanding, based on conversations with Wisconsin DNR staff and on testimony provided by DNR staff at public hearings, that the Wisconsin DNR prefers a national standard and will work in cooperation with the USCG and US Environmental Protection Agency to ensure that Wisconsin permit standards are consistent with those developed at the federal level," stated Lisak.
"Both we and the DNR have come a long way in our effort to ensure that Wisconsin’s approach to the issue of aquatic invasive species is one that is effective in protecting our great water resources; is consistent with international and national regulations; and ensures the future of our maritime industry and the jobs that it provides," stated Jason Serck, President of the Wisconsin Commercial Ports Association and Planning and Port Director for the City of Superior.
The Development Association organized a coalition of shippers, vessel operators, dock owners, maritime unions, construction trade unions, dock workers, agricultural interests, manufacturers, municipal and county leaders, port directors, economic developers and members of the Wisconsin legislature which, over the last year, spent a lot of time in Madison and Milwaukee educating regulators and lawmakers about the economic benefits of the maritime industry and the detrimental impact an unworkable permit would have on that industry, port communities and the state as a whole. Lisak thanked the coalition members for being engaged and for all of their hard work.
"We had a tireless advocate in the State Legislature in State Senator Bob Jauch, who was engaged on this issue every step of the way," Lisak stated. "We were also fortunate to have regulators, who under the leadership of DNR Secretary Matt Frank and Deputy Secretary Pat Henderson, were willing to listen to and work with our industry," Lisak said.
Lisak also thanked Superior Mayor Dave Ross and Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, Douglas County Board Chairman Doug Finn, Representatives Nick Milroy (Superior) and Jason Fields (Milwaukee), Senator Jeff Plale (Milwaukee), city and county governments of Superior and Milwaukee, and U.S. Congresswoman Gwen Moore (Milwaukee).
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