Re: GLIN==> Dry cargo discharges to the Great Lakes

[David Reid <David.Reid@noaa.gov>]

For more background, see the recent article in "This" Magazine.
http://www.thismagazine.ca/issues/2005/09/sweepingitunder.php

Note that there is criticism in this article of our workshop report, 
which I previous sent a link to, concerning our estimate of ~225 kg of 
residue discharged over the side per ship per trip.  The criticism is 
certainly valid in the sense that the only source we had for that number 
was, if I recall correctly, an estimate in one of the background reports 
provided by the Coast Guard and identified in the workshop report.  At 
the time of the workshop that was probably the only estimate available 
and was not contested by any of the Coast Guard staff involved.  
According to the above article there is a 2003 study initiated by the 
Coast Guard that may contain better data.

DFR



Beltran.Robert@epamail.epa.gov wrote:
> Looking through the discussions on this issue and the documentation Dave
> Reid provided, it occurs to me that the one thing that seems to have not
> been much discussed, at least looking from the point of view of a
> regulator, is that of quantity.  I didn't see any strict definition of a
> quantitative limit in order to qualify under the policy, or of what are
> the quantitative norms.  What quantities are we talking about, and is
> there anything in the policy that limits those quantities, either per
> the type of material, or on a per vessel basis, or from a mass loading
> standpoint?  Does a permissive "deck sweepings" policy make for a
> generous loophole so that it can be employed as a way of disposing of
> waste bulk materials including perhaps lots that were deemed
> unacceptable for off-loading at their intended destination due to
> damage, contamination, or whatever?  Invariably, if a loophole can be
> exploited, it will be exploited.
>
> Robert Beltran
> United States Environmental Protection Agency
> OPA/Software Development Section (P-19J)
> 77 West Jackson Boulevard
> Chicago, IL 60604
> Ph: 312-353-0826
> Fax: 312-353-3433
> beltran.robert@epa.gov
> www.epa.gov/seahome
>
>
> The measure of a civilization is the extent to which it protects its
> weak from the excesses of the strong. - Anon.
>
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--
David F. Reid, Ph.D.
Senior Research Scientist
Director, NOAA National Center for Research on Aquatic Invasive Species
Task Leader, GLERL Nonindigenous Species Program
Member, NOAA Invasive Species Program Management Team
U.S. Department of Commerce
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory
2205 Commonwealth Blvd.
Ann Arbor, MI  48105-2945
Voice: 734-741-2019
FAX: 734-741-2055
GLERL home page:
   http://www.glerl.noaa.gov

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All views and opinions presented above are solely those of the author or
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management.
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