GLIN==> Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Proposes Modification of Ballast Rule

PRESS RELEASE

 

IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Laura M. Blades

 
301-956-5391

                                                      

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

Proposes Modification of Ballast Rule

 

Report Confirms State’s Higher Standards Cannot Be Achieved

 

 

Washington, D.C. (December 22, 2010) –  As a consequence of a year-long
feasibility study, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR)
proposed late yesterday that its Vessel General Permit be modified to
harmonize it with international ballast water discharge rules. The
requirements become effective in 2012 for new ocean-going vessels and in
2014 for existing ocean-going vessels.

 

When not fully loaded, commercial cargo ships must take on water (ballast)
to maintain their stability. Once pumped on board, ballast water is stored
in narrow cavities (ballast tanks) built into the hull of a ship. Ballast
water pumped onboard in one port may inadvertently contain aquatic organisms
that are then released when ballast is discharged in another port.

 

In February 2010, the state of Wisconsin began regulating the ballast water
discharges of ocean-going commercial vessels in an effort to minimize the
transfer of aquatic invasive species. These regulations require vessel
operators to install environmental technology to clean or treat ballast
water to achieve a specific water quality standard. Wisconsin’s standard was
100 times more stringent than that established by the International Maritime
Organization (IMO), an agency of the United Nations.

 

The shipping industry had objected to Wisconsin’s water quality standard,
insisting that it was unachievable with current technology. As a
consequence, the state launched a feasibility study to be concluded at the
end of 2010.

 

The following determinations have been made as a result of that year-long
process:

Ø  Testing protocols are not available to verify compliance with Wisconsin’s
standard.

Ø  Treatment technologies to meet Wisconsin’s standard are not commercially
available at this time. 

Ø  At this time it is not feasible to install the treatment technologies
onboard vessels. 

Ø  Open-ocean salt water flushing has been proven to be effective in helping
reduce the threat of aquatic non-indigenous species to U.S. waters. WDNR
will retain this practice for the long term in an effort to better protect
their waters.

 

Jason Serck, president of the Wisconsin Commercial Port Association,
commented: “I commend the Department of Natural Resources for undertaking
this study and proposing a change of regulations to reflect sound science.
The proposed change will save Wisconsin jobs by harmonizing Wisconsin’s
regulations with those of neighboring states.” 

 

Marc Gagnon, Director of Government Affairs and Regulatory Compliance with
Montreal-based Fednav Limited, one of the largest international marine bulk
shipping companies in Canada, concurred: “The Wisconsin DNR’s recommendation
to adopt the IMO ballast water treatment standards is most encouraging.” 

 

He continued: “In Wisconsin, science and reason have prevailed in
recognizing that the IMO ballast water treatment standards are effective,
biologically defensible and verifiable. Supplementing those standards, as
Wisconsin's regulation stipulates, by requiring that ocean going vessels
continue to exchange their ballast at sea or flush their NOBOB tanks with
salt water, will ensure that the Great Lakes retain their current standing
as the region with the most stringent ballast water requirements anywhere.”




 

 

For interviews, please contact Steven A. Fisher, Executive Director,
American Great Lakes Ports Association on 202-744-3234.

-30-

 

 

____________________________________________________________________________
____

Marine Delivers is a bi-national, industry collaboration that aims to
demonstrate the economic contribution and environmental sustainability of
the shipping industry throughout the Great Lakes region. The Marine Delivers
initiative is administered by the American Great Lakes Ports Association in
the United States, and the Chamber of Marine Commerce in Canada. For more
information, visit the Marine Delivers website at www.marinedelivers.com.

 

 

Laura M. Blades

Director of Public Affairs

American Great Lakes Ports Association

700 12th Street, NW  Suite 700

Washington, DC 20005

T:  202-558-5123

C:  301-956-5391

blades at greatlakesports.org

 

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