HTAC 03/02/11 Ballast Water Collaborative Presentation
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The document discusses the Great Lakes Ballast Water Collaborative's winter meeting held in Toronto on January 19, 2011, addressing the complexities of ballast water regulation in the U.S. and Canada. It highlights the challenges posed by new federal and state requirements, uncertainties for commercial stakeholders, and the need for data-driven policymaking. The collaborative aims to foster relationships, provide a discussion forum, and share scientific information to improve understanding and management of ballast water issues.
HTAC 03/02/11 Ballast Water Collaborative Presentation
- 1. Great Lakes Ballast Water Collaborative: Winter Meeting Toronto, Ontario - January 19, 2011 Dale Bergeron Jeff Stollenwerk Maritime Transportation Specialist Land & Water Quality Permits MN Sea Grant MPCA: Section Manager
- 2. A Quick Quiz Ballast Water Regulation in the United States is 1) An issue of immense complexity and importance 2) Shared among multiple (fed. & state) jurisdictions 3) Causing great uncertainty for commercial maritime and NGO stakeholders 4) A major concern for Canadian and Foreign Stakeholders both (Gov. & Private) 5) A complete mess 6) All of the above
- 3. Who is involved in this?
- 4. In the wake of Northwest Environmental Advocates v. EPA ( Where are we now?) the landscape of ballast water regulation in the U.S. was radically altered. What was once only a federally regulated activity is now regulated by state and federal authorities: The EPA joins the U.S. Coast Guard in regulating discharges from vessels; States, under section 401 of the CWA, can now establish their own ballast water requirements, including water purity standards; Policymakers, many new to commercial navigation, suddenly need answers to complicated questions.
- 5. New Players + New Rules + A Lack of Knowledge = Confusion & Uncertainty More policymakers than ever seeking hard data to formulate regulations. Yet, the science of ballast water is a relatively new discipline. And a national legislative solution is not forthcoming. (New USCG Regs. published In April?) Commerce dreads uncertainty above all else. What to Do?
- 6. The Great Lakes Ballast Water Collaborative: Leverage new relationships Create a forum for candid and unbiased discussion Provide relevant and substantive information and data (best available science) Emphasize inclusive participation Remain flexible and informal
- 7. Toronto discussion Items Updates by Canada and U.S. on Regulatory Activities New opportunities for interim BW treatment to meet freshwater needs Understanding statistical uncertainty and risk, (What do the numbers actually mean? How low, can you go?) Carrier proposal for a Great Lakes Risk Management Assessment (expanding the knowledge base)
- 8. This is not rocket science, but the BWC has served a real need and filled in real gaps that no other entity was able to at the moment: 100+ participants. 6 meetings in 18 months. 3 substantive reports. A solid base for mutual understanding and respect. GREATLAKES-SEAWAY.COM
- 9. A Year from Now The landscape on this issue will be considerably different and a way forward will be clearer Major reports will be completed States will continue to refine rules USCG ballast water rulemaking will move us closer to a new EPA VGP Will it be a way forward on ballast water management and treatment that is commercially workable? Environmentally effective? Widely supported?
Editor's Notes
- #2: How long will it take to commonly see BWT systems on the worlds merchant fleet? We have dates for implementation, but are they realistic given the variety of hurdles yet to be addressed by Policy Makers, vendors, and regulators.