Wisconsin’s Regulation of Ballast Water

September 11, 2013

Susan Sylvester, Director Bureau of Water Quality

History

• First propose state permit challenged •  Feasibility Determination in one year

• Ballast Water Collaborative

–  Technology of systems – Barriers for installation – Compliance monitoring

WI’s Permit Requirements

•  Lakers and Salties •  > 50 m length •  > 8 m³ ballast capacity •  Operating in WI waters

Permit Requirements

(Continued)

Ballast Water and Sediment Management Plan •  Disposal requirements •  Record keeping

Best Management Practices Uptake & Discharge

Ballast Log Book •  Uptake •  Discharge •  Sediment Disposal •  Treatment (reporting)

Reporting Form

Requirements for Salties

•  Mid-ocean Ballast Water Exchange/Flushing –  Must have >30 ppt salinity to enter St. Lawrence

Seaway

•  Approved treatment system (IMO Standard) – December 1, 2013 (New Vessels) –  January 1, 2016 (Existing Vessels) – Or EPA deadlines, if extended

•  Biocide discharge limits

Water Quality Certification to EPA Vessel General Permit

Summary of WI Conditions

• Ballast Water Exchange for all Salties • Must meet WI’s water quality standards • 2013/2016 installation • Emergency treatment measures • Test systems for freshwater use • Monthly visual inspection of systems • Report all non-compliance

BW Regulation:

A Delicate Balance! Recent ballast water contested cases

•  Environmental groups –  Permit not stringent enough

•  Shipping companies –  Installation dates too stringent

•  Summary Judgment decision 11/29 – Revised treatment requirement dates – Water Quality Certification to EPA on 11/30/12 Modified Permit Effective November 29, 2012

WI’s Inspection Program

•  Lake Michigan (1) •  Lake Superior (1)

Last shipping season (2012): 72 inspections Conducted ~ 175 inspections to date

Questions?

Susan.Sylvester@Wi.gov