Currently, all vessels less than 79 feet are exempt from the Environmental Protection Agency's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System requirements, but this will change on Dec. 19 if the bill to extend the exemption is not passed, according to the Southern Shrimp Alliance.
There is a chance that Congress will not act before the existing exemption expires. Inaction would require boat owners to take action.
The Southern Shrimp Alliance recommends a quick fix to the requirement:
- Print and fill out the Permit Authorization and Record of Inspection. To do this:
- Go to the Final 2014 Small Vessel General Permit
- Go to pages 7-15 and see “2. Effluent limits and related requirements”
- Read and understand the limits and requirements (if the non-compliance bills do not pass before Dec. 19)
- Copy and fill out the “PERMIT AUTHORIZATION AND RECORD OF INSPECTION PART 1” in Appendix A, page 51
- Place the permit authorization and record of inspection on your boat by Dec. 19.
Many vessel owners may be unaware of this EPA requirement because of the current exemption.
Meet the author
