EPA Vessel General Permit

Permit documents

• Current permit
  • Additional state requirements to the EPA Vessel General Permit start on page 134 of the current permit.
• Change, implement, and comply with your permit using information from the EPA
• Previous permit

Vessel Incidental Discharge Act causes changes to permits

The Vessel Incidental Discharge Act (VIDA) signed into law on Dec. 4, 2018, establishes a new structure for regulating vessel incidental discharges under the Clean Water Act. VIDA’s purpose is to create uniform national standards. The EPA administers the law and the United States Coast Guard (USCG) enforces it.

Under VIDA, the current 2013 Vessel General Permit (VGP) will remain in full effect until EPA publishes performance standards and then the Coast Guard finalizes implementation regulations. Until VIDA language is finalized, commercial vessels greater than 79 feet in length must continue to comply with all 2013 VGP requirements. Fishing vessels of any size and all vessels less than 79 feet in length must only comply with the 2013 VGP ballast water requirements.

Who does this apply to?

• All commercial vessels greater than 79 feet length

And ballast water from:

• All fishing vessels (any size)
• Commercial vessels less than 79 feet length

Where does this apply to?

• VGP requirements generally extend three nautical miles from shore.
• The state constitution says state waters extend to Canadian marine waters at the 49th parallel.

See contact information below if you have further questions if this applies to your vessel.

What if I had a Small Vessel General Permit?

With VIDA signed into law, the Small Vessel General Permit is repealed, effective immediately. All existing Small Vessel General permits are automatically terminated, and no follow-up is needed for permittees.

If you have a vessel less than 79 feet in length (i.e., small vessels), or a commercial fishing vessel (except for ballast water) you are no longer required to have National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit coverage. Any vessel discharging ballast water must comply with the ballast water requirements in the Vessel General Permit

Applicable BMP and other guidance  

Even though the Vessel Incidental Discharge Act (VIDA) was signed into law, Ecology still enforces RCW 90.48, protecting Washington waters from pollution. Dischargers in Washington are required to follow the Best Management Practices (BMPs) from both the Vessel General Permit and small Vessel General Permit. For discharges from small vessels and fishing vessels of any size (not ballast water), refer to BMPs below. In the tables below, we have referenced the section and page number in the permit for a particular discharge type for your convienence. 

Additional requirements for compliance with state regulations and implementation guidance

Apply

Notice of Intent for vessels:

• 300 tons or more.
• Can hold or discharge more than eight cubic meters of ballast water.

Permit Authorization and Record of Inspection form for vessels:

• Less than 300 tons.
• Cannot hold or discharge more than eight cubic meters of ballast water.

Contacts for assistance