EPA's Vessel General Permit and Small Vessel General

� Distillation and Reverse Osmosis Brine
� Elevator Pit Effluent
� Firemain Systems
� Freshwater Layup
� Gas Turbine Washwater
� Graywater
� Motor Gasoline and Compensating Discharge
� Non-Oily Machinery Wastewater
� Refrigeration and Air Condensate Discharge
� Seawater Cooling Overboard Discharge
� Seawater Piping Biofouling Prevention
� Boat Engine Wet Exhaust
� Sonar Dome Discharge.
� Underwater Ship Husbandry
� Welldeck Discharges
� Graywater Mixed with Sewage from Vessels
� Exhaust Gas Scrubber Washwater Discharge
� Fish Hold Effluent
The VGP also contains requirements to address hull foulding, which can result in the discharge
of aquatic nuisance species into waters of the U.S. As vessels move from one area to another,
they often carry fouling organisms on their hulls or other exposed surfaces. These organisms
may release themselves or gametes into ports, harbors, or waterways. Hull fouling is considered
to be one of the largest sources of aquatic nuisance species.
Discharges not authorized by the VGP include: sewage, used or spent oil, garbage or trash,
photo processing effluent, dry cleaning effluent, medical waste, noxious liquid substance
residues, tetrachloroethylene (perchloroethylene) and trichloroethylene degreasers, discharges
from vessels not operated as a means of transportation, and discharges covered by other permits.
Discharges to be Authorized by the VGP
For vessels covered under the VGP, EPA requires vessel owners and operators to minimize
vessel discharges. They define minimize as to reduce and/or eliminate to the extent achievable
using control methods, including best management practices, that are technologically available
and economically practicable and achievable in light of best marine practices. They require all
vessel owner/operators to ensure adequate training for the master, operator, person-in-charge,
and crew who manage or affect incidental discharges.
Water Quality-Based Effluent Limits
For vessels covered under the VGP, EPA requires vessel owners/operators to control their
discharges as necessary to meet applicable water quality standards in the receiving water body or
another water body impacted by a vessel’s discharges. The EPA requires corrective actions, as
described below, if they or the vessel owner operators become aware that a vessel’s discharges
5