Vessel Discharges
Archived Publications

Note: This information is provided for reference purposes only. Although the information provided here was accurate and current when first created, it is now outdated.

• Denied Petition Related to Ballast Water

EPA has denied a petition submitted by a number of environmental groups and other interested parties that sought to repeal provisions of EPA's regulations that cover certain discharges from vessels, including the discharge of ballast water. EPA has denied the petition for a variety of reasons, particularly because of the wide variety of regulatory and non-regulatory actions currently being taken by other federal agencies to address the potential introduction of invasive species from discharges of ballast water. For more information, please see EPA's decision and supporting documents.
Document Type: Policy and Guidance Documents
Date Published: 09/03/2003
• Decision on Petition for Rulemaking to Repeal 40 C.F.R. 122.3(a) (PDF) (80KB)


• Attachment 1: Current EPA Activities and Involvement in Ballast Water Issues (PDF) (22KB)


• Attachment 2: Memorandum of Agreement (PDF) (85KB)


• Attachment 3: Memorandum of Understanding (PDF) (202KB)


• Attachment 4: Report to Congress (PDF) (2,243KB)


• Attachment 5: Aquatic Nuisance Species in Ballast Water Discharges: Issues and Options (PDF) (663KB)


• Entire Document (PDF) (3,598KB)



• Federal Register Notice: Listening Session Seeking Suggestions for Improving the Next National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) General Permit for Discharges Incidental to the Normal Operation of Vessels (PDF) (3 pp, 148KB)

Document Type: Factsheets and Outreach Materials
Date Published: 10/29/2010



• U.S. Clean Water Act: Permitting and Operational Discharges from Vessels (PDF) (104KB)

This presentation is an overview of the Clean Water Act Permit Basics, court decisions and implications, as well as current EPA activities to respond.
Document Type:
Date Published: 07/19/2008



• U.S. Clean Water Act: Proposed Vessel General Permits Public Meetings and Hearing (PDF) (695KB)

This presentation reviews vessel permit coverage, commercial, and recreational vessels.
Document Type:
Date Published: 06/19/2008



• USCG's Ballast Water Regulatory Program Public Meeting: Draft NPDES Permitting Program (PDF) (1005KB)

This presentation reviews current regulations on vessel discharges, supporting analyses, and the Ballast Water Legislation.
Document Type:
Date Published: 06/19/2008



• Vessel Discharge Permit Program

Vessel owners or operators whose discharges previously have been exempt from Clean Water Act requirements will require a permit beginning September 30, 2008. EPA is seeking information as it considers how to develop a water permit program for pollutant discharges incidental to the normal operation of commercial vessels and recreational boats. To view background information and federal register documents, visit EPA's Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds Ballast Water page.
Document Type: Policy and Guidance Documents
Date Published: 06/20/2007
• Vessel General Permit (VGP) For Discharges Incidental to the Normal Operation of Vessels

The 2008 Vessel General Permit (VGP) regulates discharges incidental to the normal operation of vessels operating in a capacity as a means of transportation. The VGP includes general effluent limits applicable to all discharges; general effluent limits applicable to 26 specific discharge streams; narrative water-quality based effluent limits; inspection, monitoring, recordkeeping, and reporting requirements; and additional requirements applicable to certain vessel types. Note: The Vessel General Permit was revised in November 2010.
Document Type: Permit Applications and Forms
Date Published: 12/19/2008
• Final Permit (PDF) (162 pp, 1799KB)


• Fact Sheet (PDF) (125 pp, 793KB)


• Economic Analysis (PDF) (179 pp, 2.15MB)


• Court Order: Extension of Time to Comply with the VGP (PDF) (7 pp, 274KB)



• Vessel General Permit (VGP) For Discharges Incidental to the Normal Operation of Vessels

The 2008 Vessel General Permit (VGP) regulates discharges incidental to the normal operation of vessels operating in a capacity as a means of transportation. The VGP includes general effluent limits applicable to all discharges; general effluent limits applicable to 26 specific discharge streams; narrative water-quality based effluent limits; inspection, monitoring, recordkeeping, and reporting requirements; and additional requirements applicable to certain vessel types.
Document Type: Permit Applications and Forms
Date Published: 12/19/2008
• Final Permit (PDF) (164 pp, 1235KB)

Office of Water | Office of Wastewater Management | Disclaimer | Search EPA

EPA Home | Privacy and Security Notice | Contact Us

Last updated on January 04, 2012 8:23 AM
URL:http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/docs.cfm