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results seen thus far. The Ludwigia has
not come back in the areas we pulled and we have managed to stay ahead
of this fast-growing plant, knocking out all of the large infestations! Click
here to view a few photos featuring some of our volunteers
hard at work. (pdf format)
From Shelley Fudge:
The CWRP National-State
Chapters Meeting took place at the offices of Hunton & Williams
in Washington, D.C. on Feb. 26, 2008.
Please see the section
at the end of the minutes titled, "The Way Forward in 2008: Participant
Discussion on Key Issues for the CWRP in the New Year" for a description
of follow-up actions that will be the focus of future discussions
for both the CWRP National Committee and CWRP state chapters.
Download the Final
Version of the Minutes (pdf
format)
(Word format)
Download the Presentation
Slides (ppt format)
The Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2007 (H.R. 2830) was passed recently
by the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 395 to 7 (26 NY
Representatives voted "Aye", 3 cast no vote). The ball is now in the
Senate's court to pass S.1892); the two bills would have to be reconciled
in conference before being sent to President Bush.
Title V - Ballast Water Treatment Act of 2007
Section 503 -
1. 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 only on the Great Lakes.)
2. Prohibits the uptake or discharge of ballast water or sediment
in waters subject to the jurisdiction of the United States except as
specified in these provisions, subject to exceptions.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Prohibits the removal or disposition of sediment from spaces
designed to carry ballast water except in accordance with specified
requirements, including that the removal or disposition be more than
200
nautical miles from land or into a reception facility meeting certain
requirements.
7. Authorizes the Secretary to inspect vessels and allows states to
administer their own inspection and enforcement programs.
8. Authorizes the Secretary to detain vessels and provides for
civil penalties (including in rem liability), criminal penalties, and
revocation of clearance.
9. Declares that provisions in this title relating to ballast water
exchange requirements and treatment requirements supersede any
inconsistent state or local law.
10. 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 and equipment
and from vessels equipped with ballast tanks that carry no ballast
water.
Full text of the Bill can be found at:
http://www.govtrack.us/congress/billtext.xpd?bill=h110-2830
Charles R. O'Neill, Jr.
Sr. Extension Specialist
Cornell University/New York Sea Grant
Director, National Aquatic Nuisance Species Clearinghouse
Morgan II, SUNY College
Brockport, NY 14420
Voice: 585/395-2638
Fax: 585/395-2466
E-mail: cro4@cornell.edu
Web site: www.aquaticinvaders.org
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