The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed a ban on all sewage discharges from large ocean-going ships to the marine waters along California’s entire coastline.
This would establish the largest coastal ‘No Discharge Zone’ in the United States and is expected to eliminate millions of gallons of sewage that large ships discharge every year into local waters.
“California’s coastal waters are a unique national treasure. The clear waters of the Pacific are central to California’s economic and ecological vitality. Stopping 20 million gallons of sewage from entering California’s coastal waters and bays protects people and wildlife from dangerous pathogens,” said Regional EPA Administrator Jared Blumenfeld.
The proposed regulation would strengthen protection for 5,222 square miles of California’s ports and coastal waters, extending from the border with Mexico to Oregon and the waters surrounding major islands. The ban will prohibit sewage discharges from all 300+ ton vessels, including cruise and cargo ships that operate in California waters.
Under the Clean Water Act, states may request EPA to establish vessel sewage no-discharge zones if necessary to protect and restore water quality. In 2006, following passage of three state statutes designed to reduce the effects of vessel discharges to its waters, the State of California asked EPA to establish the sewage discharge ban.
“The actions taken by U.S. EPA, the State of California, and the
thousands of Californians who supported the Clean Coast Act mean that
cruise lines and the shipping industry can no longer use California’s
valuable coastal and bay waters as their toilet,” said Marcie Keever,
Oceans & Vessels Campaign Director at Friends of the Earth.
The proposed prohibition is unprecedented in geographical scope. In contrast to prior no-discharge zones under the Clean Water Act, which apply in very small areas, the new ban will apply to all coastal waters out to 3 miles from the coastline and all bays and estuaries subject to tidal influence. There are 9 small no-discharge zones currently designated in California, which include the national marine sanctuaries.
California’s coastal waters are home to a wide variety of unique, nationally important marine environments that support rich biological communities and a wide range of recreational and commercial activities. Four national marine sanctuaries, a national monument, portions of six national parks and recreation areas, and more than 200 other marine reserves and protected areas have been established to protect California’s unique marine resources. Recreational and commercial uses of California’s coastal waters are equally important. Seventy-seven percent of the State’s population lives on or near the coast and annually, over 150 million visitor-days are spent at California beaches. California ranks first in the nation as a travel destination and its beaches are the leading draw for tourists. California’s commercial fishing industry also relies upon clean water to help preserve and restore coastal fisheries.
EPA is inviting public comment for 60 days on the proposed discharge prohibition. Additional information is available at the link below.
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