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Department of Ecology News Release - December 20, 2007
07-372
OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) has modified the state’s Boatyard General Permit -- its primary tool to control the flow of toxic stormwater runoff from boatyard activities into Washington waters.
Activities at boatyards can produce copper, lead, zinc and other toxic substances that harm salmon. Copper and zinc are harmful even at relatively low concentrations to threatened and endangered salmon, and aquatic life. Fish that are dependent on clean water in Washington have an annual economic value of more than $1 billion.
Boatyard activities can include pressure-washing hulls; painting and coating; repair and replacement of engine and propulsion systems; hull repair; bilge cleaning; fuel and lubrication system repair and replacement; welding and grinding of hull; buffing and waxing; and repair and replacement of marine sanitations.
Ecology made changes in the permit based on a settlement agreement between the Northwest Marine Trade Association, the Puget Soundkeeper Alliance and Ecology. As a result, boatyards on Lake Union and the Ship Canal will have a limit for lead in stormwater runoff. Under the modified permit, all boatyards must monitor for zinc and lead in their stormwater runoff. Boatyards may seek alternatives to the requirement for the use of vacuum grinders. Boatyards must cooperate with Ecology as it conducts a receiving water study.
Ecology expects to receive results of a pilot boatyard study of stormwater treatment in March 2008. After that time, Ecology will incorporate results of the study into a new, revised permit.
The Boatyard General Permit is online at: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wq/permits/boatyard/index.html
A boatyard is a commercial business engaged in construction, repair and maintenance of small vessels. A boatyard must have a Boatyard General Permit if 85 percent of the vessels it works on are 65 feet or less in length, or if revenues from these vessels constitute more than 85 percent of gross receipts. All boatyards that meet this definition must obtain coverage under this permit unless they meet requirements for exemptions.
Ecology oversees these same activities on vessels larger than 65 feet with individual shipyard permits tailored to each shipyard facility.
To apply for a permit, contact your nearest Ecology office.
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Media Contact: Sandy Howard, 360-407-6408; 360-791-3177 (cell); srud461@ecy.wa.gov
Copyright © Washington State Department of Ecology. See http://www.ecy.wa.gov/copyright.html.
