This is a reminder that a Notice of Intent (NOI) should have been filed with U.S. EPA no later than 19 September 2009 for vessel operators applying for coverage under the Vessel General Permit (VGP).
If your vessel is greater than or equal to 300 gross tons or the vessel has the capacity to hold or discharge more than 8 cubic meters (2113 gallons) of ballast water, you must submit a complete and accurate NOI in accordance with the requirements of Part 10 of the VGP by September 19, 2009 if you seek coverage under the Vessel General permit.
However, if your vessel is less than 300 gross tons and your vessel does not have the capacity to hold or discharge more than 8 cubic meters (2113 gallons) of ballast water, you do not need to submit an NOI; you automatically receive coverage under this permit and are authorized to discharge in accordance with the conditions set forth within.
The U.S. EPA has established a website to provide detailed information on this regulation and the electronic filing of NOIs - http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/vessels/enoi.cfm.
In addition, full contact details for the EPA's NOI Processing Center can be found at that website.
For further information on the 2008 Vessel General Permit (VGP), see EPA’s website: http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/home.cfm?program_id=350
See also the two Circulars published 24 November 2008 and 23 December 2008 by all International Group Clubs.