Michigan to Regulate Ballast Water Discharges

The State of Michigan enacted two laws intended to regulate discharges in the state of ballast water from ocean-going ships. Act No. 32 broadly prohibits injurious discharges and specifically prohibits unauthorized discharges of ballast water from oceangoing ships. Act No. 33 provides that, effective January 1, 2007, an ocean-going ship may not engage in port operations in the state unless it has a permit and that, to obtain a permit, the ship must demonstrate either that it will not discharge aquatic nuisance species or that it will utilize environmentally sound technology and methods to prevent such discharges. Governor Jennifer M. Granholm issued a Press Release announcing her signing of the two measures. Source: HK Law