What does the Clean Water Act (CWA) say about the establishment of no-discharge zones for vessel sewage?
Under Section 312 of CWA, EPA or States may establish no-discharge zones in which the discharge of sewage from all vessels into specified waters is prohibited. There are 3 objectives for this designation. Under CWA Section 312(f)(3), a State may designate portions of their waters as no-discharge zones if the State determines that the protection and enhancement of the quality of the waters require greater environmental protection than current Federal standards allow. In this instance, EPA is required to determine if there are adequate pumpout facilities available. Additionally, a State may make a written application to the Administrator under CWA Sections 312 (f)(4)(A) or 312 (f)(4)(B), for the issuance of a regulation completely prohibiting discharge from a vessel of any sewage, whether treated or not, into specified waters that have environmental importance or waters that serve as drinking water intakes, respectively. The application requirements may vary depending on whether it’s an
