Current Status
Navy and EPA, as well as USCG, began data collection and technical analyses necessary for establishing the Batch Two discharge performance standards in 2004. Results from these technical analyses will be summarized and presented in Discharge Assessment Reports (DARs), which also include evaluations of relevant U.S. laws and international standards pertinent to each discharge. Navy and EPA use the DARs to document the basis of each discharge performance standard.
The full suite of technical approaches used to analyze the Batch One discharges will be used to analyze the Batch Two discharges. The compensated fuel ballast discharge assessment team (DAT) is currently conducting characterization and environmental effects analyses and concluding the marine pollution control device (MPCD) screening process. The AFFF DAT is reviewing system testing and maintenance procedures to characterize the extent to which AFFF is discharged within 12 nm. The graywater DAT has completed MPCD screening and is presently conducting characterization and vessel grouping analyses. Finally, the seawater piping biofouling prevention DAT is performing vessel grouping and MPCD screening analyses.
Navy and EPA anticipate completing the necessary technical analyses for all Batch Two discharges in 2007.
Phase II technical activities for the first batch of seven discharges (Batch One) started in March 1999. Because they are routinely discharged inside of 12nm, four of the Batch One discharges—hull coating leachate, surface vessel bilgewater/oil-water separator (OWS) discharge, underwater ship husbandry, and weather deck runoff—required detailed technical analyses to support standard development. The remaining three Batch One discharges—chain locker effluent, elevator pit effluent, and photographic laboratory drains—were determined to not require complex analyses.
The Batch One technical analyses and DARs have been completed. Technical documents are currently available on EPA’s Web site. Navy and EPA are working to finalize the proposed performance standards and to prepare the Batch One proposed rule. The proposed rule will include a preamble describing the rationale for developing the performance standards. The Batch One proposed rule is expected to be published in the Federal Register in 2006; it will also be available on the EPA’s Web site. When the proposed rule is published, it will be open for at least a 60-day public comment period.
Navy and EPA are currently working to finalize the proposed Batch One performance standards and associated preamble and technical development document. The following table summarizes the seven Batch One discharges.
Batch One Discharge |
Description |
| Hull coating leachate |
Constituents that leach, dissolve, ablate, or erode from the paint on the hull into the surrounding seawater |
| Surface vessel bilgewater/OWS |
A mixture of wastewater and leakage that drain to the lowest inner part of the hull, known as the bilge |
| Underwater ship husbandry |
Materials discharged during the waterborne inspection, maintenance, cleaning, and repair of vessel hulls |
| Weather deck runoff |
Precipitation, washdowns, and seawater falling on the weather deck of a vessel and discharged overboard through deck openings |
| Chain locker effluent |
Accumulated precipitation and seawater that is emptied from the compartment used to store the vessel’s anchor chain |
| Elevator pit effluent |
Liquid that accumulates in, and is discharged from, the sumps of elevator wells on vessels |
| Photographic laboratory drains |
Laboratory wastewater resulting from processing of photographic film |
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