Notice for Michigan Ballast Water Treatment

The maritime community is reminded that the Final Determination and Notice regarding Ballast Water Treatment for Oceangoing Vessels on the Great Lakes, issued by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality on April 13, 2005, came into effect on January 1, 2007. The State of Michigan has determined that one or more ballast water treatment methods are available to prevent introduction of aquatic invasive species into the Great Lakes by oceangoing ships. Oceangoing ships planning to operate on the Great Lakes are expected to identify, select, install, and operate such devices. Note: It is unclear how this unilateral mandate will be applied, particularly with regard to oceangoing vessels that elect to not call in Michigan ports and merely pass through Michigan waters. The 2007 navigation season on the Great Lakes could prove more interesting than usual. Source: HK Law