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S. 1578, The Ballast Water Management Act of 2007
- This item is from the 110th Congress (2007-2008) and is no longer current. Comments, voting, and wiki editing have been disabled, and the cost/savings estimate has been frozen.
Version saved on August 7, 2007, 18:47:44, by webmaster:
S. 1578 would amend the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 to establish vessel ballast water management requirements.
Detailed Summary
Ballast Water Management Act of 2007 - Amends the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 to replace provisions relating to preventing the introduction and spread of aquatic nuisance species in the Great Lakes through the exchange of ballast water with provisions relating to the introduction and spread of such species from ballast water and other ship-borne vectors. (The new provisions are not focused on the Great Lakes.)
Requires vessel operators to conduct all ballast water management operations in accordance with an approved ballast water management plan that meets requirements prescribed by regulation. Requires maintenance of a ballast water record book.
Prohibits the discharge of ballast water in waters subject to U.S. jurisdiction except after conducting ballast water exchange, using a treatment technology meeting certain requirements, or using environmentally-sound alternative ballast water treatment technology. Allows exceptions, including for safety or stability. Allows waiver for a substantial business hardship. Sets forth exchange and treatment requirements.
Requires notice to vessel owners and operators of any area in waters subject to the U.S. jurisdiction in which vessels may not uptake ballast water due to known conditions.
Regulates the removal or disposition of sediment from spaces designed to carry ballast water.
Requires a report to specified congressional committees on vessel-borne vectors of aquatic nuisance species and pathogens other than ballast water and sediment, including vessel hulls, anchors, and equipment.
Status of the Legislation
Latest Major Action: 6/7/2007: Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
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Points Against
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Visitor Comments
Lisa Schnapp
December 2, 2007, 9:39am (report abuse)I feel that it is important to adopt this bill which would prevent the introduction of more nonindigenous invasive species to the lakes. The Great Lakes ecosystems are vulnerable to invasive species and food chains are already degrading. Past experiences show how easily non-native species establish themselves in the food web in the Great Lakes. The prime example of this are the zebra mussels.