California Releases Report on Ballast Sater Discharge Standards

The California State Lands Commission (SLC) released its Report on Performance Standards for Ballast Water Discharges in California Waters . The report and its accompanying Appendix recommend that the state adopt stringent performance standards and a phased implementation schedule based on the ballast capacity of the vessel and whether it is an existing vessel or new construction. The report recommends interim standards (based largely on the size of the organism) and a long-term standard of ballast water containing no detectable living or culturable organisms. These proposals exceed the standards currently envisioned by the IMO or by pending legislation in the U.S. Congress. The Appendix states that existing technologies are capable of achieving the recommended standards. On the other hand, the Report states that the Commission believes the codification of performance standards is essential to move technology development forward. The next step will probably be proposed regulations, at which time the public and the maritime community will have a formal opportunity to submit comments. Source:HK Law