I haven't seen any recent posts on the topic, so I thought that everyone would like to see this message that I recd today from Senator Dodd regarding the Clean Boating Act
Thank you for contacting me regarding S. 2766, the Clean Boating Act of 2008. I appreciate hearing from you on this important matter.
I share your strong interest in this issue. Recreational boating offers an enjoyable pastime for many families and contributes much to Connecticut's economy. As you know, ballast water, which is commonly held in the tanks or cargo holds of ships to provide stability and maneuverability during voyages, has been a major factor in the introduction of harmful foreign aquatic species into American waters. As the growth of zebra mussels in the Great Lakes region during the 1980s demonstrates, the introduction of invasive aquatic species can potentially lead to great economic, recreational, and environmental costs for communities across the country. In its September 2006 decision involving Northwest Environmental Advocates v. EPA, a federal district court ruled against provisions in the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (Clean Water Act) that exempt ballast water discharge from the requirements of its National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program. Unfortunately, this ruling also struck down longstanding NPDES exemptions for other types of discharges, such as gray water and bilge water, which are incidental to the normal operation of recreational vessels. Serious concerns have been raised that this decision will lead to a sharp increase in the costs associated with recreational boating for many Americans.
For that reason, I am pleased to cosponsor the Clean Boating Act of 2008, introduced by Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL), which would codify the NPDES exemption for recreational vessels. Specifically, S. 2766 would amend the Clean Water Act to exclude deck runoff, engine cooling water, gray water, bilge water, and any other type of discharge released during the normal operation of a recreational boat, from NPDES permit requirements. In addition, to address environmental concerns, this bill would require the Environmental Protection Agency to develop best management practices that would mitigate the potential negative impacts of these types of discharges on the environment. You will be pleased to know that this legislation was passed by both chambers of Congress and signed into law by President Bush on July 29, 2008.
Thank you again for contacting me. If you would like to stay in touch with me on this and other issues of importance, please visit my website at http://dodd.senate.gov and subscribe to receive my regular e-mail issue alerts. Please do not hesitate to contact me again if I can help you in any way.
Sincerely,
CHRISTOPHER J. DODD
United States Senator
Thank you for contacting me regarding S. 2766, the Clean Boating Act of 2008. I appreciate hearing from you on this important matter.
I share your strong interest in this issue. Recreational boating offers an enjoyable pastime for many families and contributes much to Connecticut's economy. As you know, ballast water, which is commonly held in the tanks or cargo holds of ships to provide stability and maneuverability during voyages, has been a major factor in the introduction of harmful foreign aquatic species into American waters. As the growth of zebra mussels in the Great Lakes region during the 1980s demonstrates, the introduction of invasive aquatic species can potentially lead to great economic, recreational, and environmental costs for communities across the country. In its September 2006 decision involving Northwest Environmental Advocates v. EPA, a federal district court ruled against provisions in the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (Clean Water Act) that exempt ballast water discharge from the requirements of its National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program. Unfortunately, this ruling also struck down longstanding NPDES exemptions for other types of discharges, such as gray water and bilge water, which are incidental to the normal operation of recreational vessels. Serious concerns have been raised that this decision will lead to a sharp increase in the costs associated with recreational boating for many Americans.
For that reason, I am pleased to cosponsor the Clean Boating Act of 2008, introduced by Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL), which would codify the NPDES exemption for recreational vessels. Specifically, S. 2766 would amend the Clean Water Act to exclude deck runoff, engine cooling water, gray water, bilge water, and any other type of discharge released during the normal operation of a recreational boat, from NPDES permit requirements. In addition, to address environmental concerns, this bill would require the Environmental Protection Agency to develop best management practices that would mitigate the potential negative impacts of these types of discharges on the environment. You will be pleased to know that this legislation was passed by both chambers of Congress and signed into law by President Bush on July 29, 2008.
Thank you again for contacting me. If you would like to stay in touch with me on this and other issues of importance, please visit my website at http://dodd.senate.gov and subscribe to receive my regular e-mail issue alerts. Please do not hesitate to contact me again if I can help you in any way.
Sincerely,
CHRISTOPHER J. DODD
United States Senator