EPA rejects call for stricter vessel discharge measures
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency rejected a petition by several environmental groups to repeal language in the Clean Water Act that allows vessels to discharge sewage and other wastewater without national pollutant discharge elimination system permits.
The groups, including the Pacific Environmental Advocacy Center, Center for Marine Conservation, and San Francisco Bay Keeper, argued these water releases could shield ballast water discharges containing destructive aquatic pests.
The EPA said there was not enough evidence to support the environmental groups’ argument.