Vessel Discharge Rules and Regulations - The Port of Los Angeles

applicable to certain vessel types. The VGP applies to all vessels that operate within Federal
waters, including U.S. and foreign flagged vessels, with some exceptions. Recreational vessels
as defined in section 502(25) of the CWA as well as a vessels of the Armed Forces as defined in
section 312 (a) (14) of the CWA are not subject to the VGP. In addition, with the exception of
ballast water discharges, non-recreational vessels less than 79 feet (24.08 meters) in length, and
all commercial fishing vessels, regardless of length, are not subject to the VGP. For additional
information on the VGP, see the EPA’s VGP website
(http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/home.cfm?program_id=350).
1.1 Purpose
The purpose of this vessel guidance manual is to provide a quick reference guide informing
interested parties on allowable and prohibited maintenance activities and discharges within the
Ports. This manual applies to large commercial vessels generally over 79 feet in length and will
be available to vessel operators, vessel pilots, facility managers, harbor patrol and port police
officers, terminal services representatives, and the public to identify allowable discharges within
the Ports. For each discharge category identified in Section 3.3, allowable procedures and
recommended best management practices (BMPs) are identified. The BMPs recommended in
this manual are not assumed to be the only available BMPs for that discharge. Further, following
the BMPs recommended in this manual does not authorize vessel operators to discharge within
the Ports or state or federal waters. Vessel owners/operators must apply for and obtain all
required permits and approvals for allowable discharges. It is the responsibility of the vessel
operators, not Port staff, to ensure compliance with all applicable discharge and maintenance
regulations.
For discharge guidance related to recreational vessels, see the Clean Marinas Program. Further,
the EPA is in development of a draft report for Congress on discharge for small commercial
vessels.
1.2 Allowable and Prohibited Discharges and Maintenance Activities
The following table outlines general discharges and vessel-based maintenance activities that may
occur in the Ports with appropriate permits and approvals. Each discharge is identified as
allowable or prohibited within the POLB and POLA, with reference to the discussion identifying
BMPs that must be put in place for each discharge.
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