I
110th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 889
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
February 7, 2007
Mrs. Miller of Michigan introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Natural Resources, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned
A BILL
To amend the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 to establish vessel ballast water management requirements, and for other purposes.
Short title
This Act may be cited as the
Prevention of Aquatic Invasive Species
Act of 2007
.
Findings
Section 1002(a) of the Nonindigenous Aquatic
Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 (16 U.S.C. 4701(a)) is amended by
striking and
after the semicolon at the end of paragraph (14),
by striking the period at the end of paragraph (15) and inserting a semicolon,
and by adding at the end the following:
the introduction of aquatic invasive species into the Nation’s waters is one of the most urgent issues facing aquatic ecosystems in the United States;
the direct and indirect costs of aquatic invasive species to the economy of the United States have been estimated at billions of dollars per year;
invasive species are thought to have been involved in 70 percent of the last century’s extinctions of native aquatic species;
aquatic invasive species are a significant problem throughout the United States, including Hawaii, Alaska, San Francisco Bay, the Great Lakes, the Southeast, and the Chesapeake Bay;
ballast water from ships is one of the largest pathways for the introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species;
it has been estimated that some 10,000 non-indigenous aquatic species travel around the globe each day in the ballast water of cargo ships;
over 2 billion gallons of ballast water are discharged in United States waters each year;
ballast water has been found to transport not only invasive plants and animals but pathogens as well, such as cholera;
aquatic invasive species may also be introduced by other vessel conduits, including the hulls of ships;
aquatic invasive species may be transferred from other countries, or from distinct regions in the United States;
current Federal programs are insufficient to effectively address this growing problem;
preventing aquatic invasive species from being introduced is the most cost-effective approach for addressing this issue because, once established, they are costly and sometimes impossible to control;
in 2004, the International Maritime Organization agreed to a Convention, which the United States played an active role in negotiating, to prevent, minimize, and ultimately eliminate the transfer of aquatic invasive species through the control and management of ballast water and sediments; and
the International Maritime Organization agreement specifically recognizes that countries can take more stringent measures than those of the Convention with respect to the control and management of ships’ ballast water and sediment.
.
Prevention of Introduction of Aquatic Invasive Species Into Waters of the United States by Vessels
Ballast water management
In general
Section 1101 of the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 (16 U.S.C. 4711) is amended to read as follows:
Prevention of introduction of aquatic invasive species into waters of the United States by vessels
Vessels to which this Section applies
In general
Except as provided in paragraphs (2), (3), and (4), this section applies to a vessel (including a towed vessel, and any structure being towed by a vessel) that is designed, constructed, or adapted to carry ballast water; and
is a vessel (or a structure being towed by a vessel) of United States registry or nationality, or operated under the authority of the United States, wherever located; or
is a foreign vessel that (or a structure being towed by a foreign vessel that)—
is en route to a United States port or place; or
has departed from a United States port or place and is within waters subject to the jurisdiction of the United States.
Permanent ballast water vessels
This section does not apply to a vessel that carries all of its permanent ballast water in sealed tanks and is not subject to discharge.
Armed Forces vessels
Exemption
Except as provided in subparagraph (B), this section does not apply to a vessel of the Armed Forces.
Ballast water management program
The Secretary of Defense and the Secretary, after consultation with the Administrator and the Under Secretary, shall implement a ballast water management program, including the promulgation of standards for ballast water exchange and treatment and for sediment management, for vessels of the Armed Forces under their respective jurisdictions designed, constructed, or adapted to carry ballast water that is—
consistent with the requirements of this section, including the deadlines; and
at least as stringent as the requirements promulgated for such vessels under section 312 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1322).
Special rule for small recreational vessels
In applying this section to recreational vessels less than 50 meters in length that have a maximum ballast water capacity of 8 cubic meters, the Secretary may promulgate alternative measures for managing ballast water in a manner that is consistent with the requirements of this section.
Uptake and discharge of ballast water or sediment
Prohibition
The operator of a vessel to which this section applies may not conduct the uptake or discharge of ballast water or sediment except as provided in this section.
Exceptions
Paragraph (1) does not apply to the uptake or discharge of ballast water or sediment in the following circumstances:
The uptake or discharge is solely for the purpose of—
ensuring the safety of the vessel in an emergency situation; or
saving a life at sea.
The uptake or discharge is accidental and the result of damage to the vessel or its equipment and—
all reasonable precautions to prevent or minimize ballast water and sediment discharge have been taken before and after the damage occurs, the discovery of the damage, and the discharge; and
the owner or officer in charge of the vessel did not willfully or recklessly cause the damage.
The uptake or discharge is solely for the purpose of avoiding or minimizing the discharge from the vessel of pollution that would otherwise violate applicable Federal or State law.
The uptake or discharge of ballast water and sediment occurs at the same location where the whole of that ballast water and that sediment originated and there is no mixing with ballast water and sediment from another area that has not been managed in accordance with the requirements of this section.
Aquatic invasive species plan
In general
The operator of a vessel to which this section applies shall conduct all ballast water management operations of that vessel in accordance with an aquatic invasive species plan designed to minimize the discharge of aquatic invasive species that—
meets the requirements prescribed by the Secretary by regulation; and
is approved by the Secretary.
Approval criteria
In general
The Secretary may not approve an aquatic invasive species plan unless the Secretary determines that the plan—
describes in detail the actions to be taken to implement the ballast water management requirements established under this section;
describes in detail the procedures to be used for disposal of sediment at sea and on shore in accordance with the requirements of this section;
describes in detail safety procedures for the vessel and crew associated with ballast water management;
designates the officer on board the vessel in charge of ensuring that the plan is properly implemented;
contains the reporting requirements for vessels established under this section and a copy of each form necessary to meet those requirements;
includes documents relevant to aquatic invasive species management equipment and procedures;
includes the location of access points for sampling ballast water and sediment;
includes other requirements prescribed by the Secretary, including operational requirements for complying with subsections (f) and (g);
includes a contingency plan for acting under the safety or stability exception under subsection (f)(4), that includes procedures to reduce the risk of organism transfer via ballast water discharge; and
meets all other requirements prescribed by the Secretary.
Foreign vessels
The Secretary may approve an aquatic invasive species plan for a foreign vessel (as defined in section 101 of title 46, United States Code) on the basis of a certificate of compliance with the criteria described in subparagraph (A) issued by the vessel’s country of registration in accordance with regulations promulgated by the Secretary.
Copy of plan on board vessel
The owner or operator of a vessel to which this section applies shall—
maintain a copy of the vessel’s aquatic invasive species plan on board at all times; and
keep the plan readily available at all reasonable times for examination by the Secretary or a representative of the State in which the port is located.
Regulations
The Secretary, in consultation with the Task Force, shall issue regulations prescribing the requirements of this subsection.
Vessel ballast water record book
In general
The owner or operator of a vessel to which this section applies shall maintain a ballast water record book in English on board the vessel in which—
each operation involving the uptake or discharge of ballast water or sediment discharge is fully recorded without delay, in accordance with regulations promulgated by the Secretary;
each such operation is described in detail, including the location and circumstances of, and the reason for, the operation; and
the exact nature and circumstances of any situation under which any operation was conducted under an exception set forth in subsection (b)(2) or (f)(4) is described.
Availability
The ballast water record book—
shall be kept readily available for examination by the Secretary or a representative of the State at all reasonable times in each port that is entered by the vessel; and
notwithstanding paragraph (1), may be kept on the towing vessel in the case of an unmanned vessel under tow.
Retention period
The ballast water record book shall be retained—
on board the vessel for a period of 3 years after the date on which the last entry in the book is made; and
under the control of the vessel’s owner for an additional period of 3 years.
Regulations
In the regulations prescribed under this section, the Secretary shall require, at a minimum, that—
each entry in the ballast water record book be signed and dated by the officer in charge of the ballast water operation recorded;
each completed page in the ballast water record book be signed and dated by the master of the vessel; and
the owner or operator of the vessel transmit such information to the Secretary regarding the ballast operations of the vessel as the Secretary may require.
Alternative means of recordkeeping
The Secretary shall provide by regulation for alternative methods of recordkeeping, including electronic recordkeeping, to comply with the requirements of this subsection.
National ballast information clearinghouse
Records required for a vessel under this subsection shall be transmitted by the owner or operator of the vessel to the National Ballast Information Clearinghouse established under section 1102(f).
Best management practices
Guidelines for best management practices
The Secretary shall issue guidance for best management practices for purposes of compliance with this section by no later than 18 months after the date of the enactment of this subsection.
Content
The guidance shall include—
sediment management in transoceanic vessels, including—
saltwater flushing of ballast tanks in accordance with subsection (f)(9) at regular intervals, for vessels that declare no-ballast-on-board or claim to be carrying only unpumpable quantities of ballast water;
the minimization of ballast water uptake in areas with a greater risk of harmful organisms entering ballast tanks, such as areas with toxic algal blooms or known outbreaks of aquatic invasive species;
the avoidance of unnecessary ballast water discharge in a port of ballast water taken up in another port;
to the maximum extent possible, the collection and proper disposal of debris from cleaning of the vessel’s hull;
the proper use of anti-fouling coating; and
the minimization of the transfer of aquatic invasive species from other pathways relevant to the vessel or towed structure, including the hull.
Ballast water exchange requirements
In general
Until a vessel is required to conduct ballast water treatment in accordance with subsection (g) of this section, the operator of a vessel to which this section applies may not discharge ballast water except after—
conducting ballast water exchange, in accordance with paragraph (3) and regulations prescribed by the Secretary, in a manner that results in an efficiency of at least 95 percent volumetric exchange of the ballast water for each ballast water tank;
meeting the requirements of paragraph (9), if the vessel’s condition is such that the vessel is declared to have no ballast on board or is claimed to be carrying only unpumpable quantities of ballast;
using ballast water treatment that meets the performance standards of subsection (g); or
using an environmentally sound alternative ballast water treatment method if the Secretary determines that the performance of such treatment meets, for the relevant vessel or group vessels, the International Maritime Organization standard for treatment in the Ballast Water Management Convention.
Alternative ballast water treatment technology to meet imo standards
In general
Within 1 year after the date of the enactment of this paragraph, the Secretary, in consultation with the Administrator and the Under Secretary, shall promulgate regulations to establish an approval process for alternative ballast water treatment technologies meeting the International Maritime Organization standard for treatment in the Ballast Water Management Convention.
Compliance with ballast water exchange requirements
A vessel is not in compliance with paragraph (1)(D) unless the Secretary, under the approval process established under subparagraph (A) of this paragraph, approves the technology employed by the vessel for purposes of complying with paragraph (1)(D).
Incentives for use of alternative treatment methods
If a vessel uses an alternative ballast water treatment technology approved under this paragraph, then vessel is in compliance with subsection (g) for the 10-year period beginning on the date that the approved technology is first placed on the vessel.
Revocation of approval
The Secretary shall revoke approval for an alternative technology if—
it is discovered the technology does not meet the International Maritime Organization standard for treatment in the Ballast Water Management Convention; or
use of the technology causes harm to the environment.
Discretionary Revocation of Approval
The Secretary may revoke approval for an alternative technology if revocation of approval is appropriate under any circumstance.
Exchange areas
In general
A vessel is in compliance with paragraph (1)(A) only if—
in the case of a vessel en route to a United States port or place from a port or place outside the United States exclusive economic zone, the vessel conducts ballast water exchange—
at least 200 nautical miles from the nearest point of land in the United States; and
in water at least 200 meters in depth;
in the case of a vessel originating from a port or place within the United States exclusive economic zone, or from a port within 200 nautical miles of the United States in Canada, Mexico, or other ports designated by the Secretary for purposes of this section, the vessel conducts ballast water exchange—
at least 50 nautical miles from the nearest point of land in the United States, or in an area determined by the Secretary under subparagraph (B) of this paragraph or paragraph (6); and
in water at least 200 meters in depth.
Designation of exchange areas
Designation
If the Secretary, in consultation with the Administrator and the Under Secretary, determines based on oceanographic information that 50 nautical miles is an inadequate distance from the nearest point of land in the United States to prevent harm to coastal areas from organisms released in ballast water exchanges, the Secretary shall issue regulations that establish designated areas for allowable ballast water exchange. The designated areas shall be located not more than 100 nautical miles from the nearest point of land in the United States.
Exchange deemed in compliance
Any ballast water exchange conducted in accordance with regulations issued under this subparagraph is deemed to comply with this paragraph.
Safety or stability exception
In general
Paragraphs (1) and (3) do not apply to the discharge of ballast water by a vessel if the master of a vessel determines that compliance with those paragraphs would threaten the safety or stability of the vessel, its crew, or its passengers because of adverse weather, equipment failure, or any other relevant condition.
Notification required
Whenever the master of a vessel is unable to comply with the requirements of paragraphs (1) and (3) because of a determination made under subparagraph (A), the master of the vessel shall—
notify the Secretary as soon as practicable thereafter but no later than 24 hours after making that determination;
ensure that the determination, the reasons for the determination, and the notice are recorded in the vessel’s ballast water record book; and
conduct one of the following—
undertake ballast water exchange in an alternative area designated by the Secretary under paragraph (3)(B) or paragraph (6);
undertake discharge of ballast water in accordance with paragraph (7); or
act in accordance with a contingency plan included in the vessel’s aquatic invasive species plan.
Review of circumstances
If the master of a vessel conducts a ballast water discharge under this paragraph, the Secretary shall review the circumstances to determine whether the discharge met the requirements of this paragraph. The review under this subparagraph shall be in addition to any other enforcement authority of the Secretary.
Discharge under waiver
Substantial business hardship waiver
If, because of the short length of a voyage, the operator of a vessel is unable to discharge ballast water in accordance with the requirements of paragraph (3)(A)(ii) without substantial business hardship, as determined under regulations prescribed by the Secretary, the operator may request a waiver from the Secretary to discharge ballast water in accordance with paragraph (7). A request for a waiver under this subparagraph shall be submitted to the Secretary at such time and in such form and manner as the Secretary may require.
Substantial business hardship
For purposes of subparagraph (A), the factors taken into account in determining substantial business hardship shall include whether—
compliance with the requirements of paragraph (3)(A)(ii) would require a sufficiently great change in routing or scheduling of service as to compromise the economic or commercial viability of the trade or business in which the vessel is operated; or
it is reasonable to expect that the trade or business or service provided will be continued only if a waiver is granted under subparagraph (A).
Aquatic invasive species plan
If the Secretary grants a waiver under this paragraph for a vessel, then the aquatic invasive species plan as required for the vessel under subsection (c) shall be revised to include operations to minimize the risk of introduction of aquatic invasive species.
Designation of alternative areas
Review of potential alternative areas
Within 1 year after the date of the enactment of this paragraph, the Secretary, in consultation with the Under Secretary, the Task Force, the Administrator, and a representative of any State that may be affected by discharge of ballast water in an area, shall finish a review to assist in the designation of alternative areas that would not be affected by the discharge of ballast water.
Regulations
After completion of the review in accordance with subparagraph (A), the Secretary may issue regulations designating alternative areas where the discharge of ballast water would not affect the surrounding aquatic ecosystem.
Review and revision
The Secretary shall review and revise the designation of alternative areas under this paragraph as necessary.
Special review and revision
Not later than 90 days after the date on which the Task Force makes a request to the Secretary for a special review and revision of the areas designated as alternative areas for ballast water discharge, the Secretary, in consultation with the Under Secretary, the Task Force, the Administrator, and a representative of any State that may be affected by the discharge of ballast water in such an area, shall conduct a review to revise the designations if necessary.
Permissible discharge
In general
The discharge of ballast water shall be considered to be carried out in accordance with this paragraph if it is—
in an alternative area designated for that purpose under paragraph (6) by the Secretary; or
into a reception facility described in subsection (g)(2).
Limitation on volume
The volume of any ballast water discharged under the provisions of this paragraph may not exceed the volume necessary to ensure the safe operation of the vessel.
Partial compliance
In general
The operator of a vessel that is unable to comply fully with the requirements of paragraphs (1) and (3)—
shall nonetheless conduct ballast water exchange to the maximum extent feasible in compliance with those paragraphs;
may conduct a partial ballast water exchange under this paragraph only to the extent that the ballast water in an individual ballast tank can be completely exchanged in accordance with paragraph (1);
shall notify the Secretary as soon as practicable thereafter, but no later than 24 hours after making the determination to conduct ballast water exchange under this paragraph; and
shall ensure that the determination, the reasons for the determination, and the notice are recorded in the vessel’s ballast water record book.
Review of circumstances
If the master of a vessel conducts a ballast water discharge under this paragraph, the Secretary shall review the circumstances to determine whether the vessel was unable to comply fully with the requirements of paragraphs (1) and (3). The review under this subparagraph shall be in addition to any other enforcement authority of the Secretary.
Special requirements for NOBOBs
Saltwater flushing requirement
Beginning 180 days after the date of the enactment of this paragraph, any vessel operating en route to the United States from outside the exclusive economic zone of the United States that is unable to conduct ballast water exchange as otherwise required under this subsection, other than as provided in paragraph (4) and paragraph (5), shall conduct saltwater flushing of its empty ballast tanks in an area located at least 200 nautical miles from any point on land in the United States before entering any port in the United States.
Saltwater flushing defined
For the purposes of this paragraph, the term ‘saltwater flushing’ means a process that includes—
the addition to each empty ballast tank of as much ocean water that is safe for the vessel and crew;
the mixing of the flush water with residual water and sediment through the motion of the vessel; and
the discharge of the mixed water,
Designation of enclosed aquatic ecosystems
In general
The Secretary, in consultation with the Under Secretary, the Administrator, the Task Force, and representatives from affected States designated by the Task Force, shall designate, in addition to the Great Lakes, enclosed aquatic ecosystems in which the potential for movement of organisms by natural and anthropogenic means is not significantly altered by the movement of vessels, including ballast water discharge, to which this section apply.
Designation of represented States
The Task Force shall designate the States that may appoint representatives to assist in designating enclosed aquatic ecosystems under subparagraph (A) and the number of representatives that may be appointed for each State. The governor of each designated State shall appoint the representatives for that State.
Vessels operating on the Great Lakes
No vessel shall be operated in the Great Lakes if the master of the vessel has not certified to the Secretary or the Secretary's designee by not later than the departure of that vessel from the first lock in the St. Lawrence Seaway that the vessel has complied with the requirements under this title, including the regulations issued under this title.
Certain geographically limited routes
Notwithstanding paragraph (3)(B) of this subsection, the operator of a vessel is not required to comply with the requirements of paragraph (1) if—
the vessel operates exclusively—
within Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, and Lake Erie and the connecting channels;
between or among the main group of the Hawaiian Islands; or
within any enclosed aquatic ecosystem designated under paragraph (10); and
the vessel carries only ballast water and sediment from the area identified under subparagraph (A).
Marine sanctuaries and other prohibited areas
A vessel may not conduct ballast water exchange or discharge unexchanged ballast water under this subsection within a marine sanctuary designated under the National Marine Sanctuaries Act (16 U.S.C. 1431 et seq.) or in any other waters designated by the Secretary after consultation with the Under Secretary and the Administrator.
Study and requirement of alternatives for the Great Lakes
Study
Not later than January 1, 2012, the Secretary, in consultation with the Administer and the Under Secretary, shall conduct a study to evaluate alternatives to on-board treatment, including but not limited to cargo transfer and shore-based treatment, for vessels entering the Great Lakes from beyond the exclusive economic zone.
Regulations
The Secretary may promulgate regulations based on the results of the study to require alternatives that would assist in preventing the introduction of aquatic invasive species from vessels.
Public notice of actions
Notice requirement
The Secretary shall provide public notice of each of the following:
Exemptions applied under paragraph (4), including the nature and circumstances surrounding the application of the exemption.
Waivers granted under paragraph (5), including the nature and circumstances surrounding the waiver.
Instances of partial compliance under paragraph (8), including the nature and circumstances surrounding the instance of partial compliance.
Determinations made by the Secretary after reviews conducted pursuant to paragraphs (4) and (8).
Manner of notice
The Secretary shall publish notice under this paragraph—
in the Federal Register and on relevant web sites maintained by the Secretary;
once every 2 weeks; and
with respect to all of the matters referred to in subparagraph (A) for the 2-week period preceding publication of the notice.
Database of notices
The Secretary shall make all notices published under subparagraph (B)(i) available, at all times, to the public on relevant World Wide Web sites maintained by the Secretary.
Regulations deadline
The Secretary shall issue a final rule for regulations required by this subsection within 1 year after the date of enactment of the Prevention of Aquatic Invasive Species Act of 2007.
Ballast water treatment requirements
Performance standards
A vessel to which this section applies shall conduct ballast water treatment in accordance with the requirements of this subsection before discharging ballast water so that the ballast water discharged will contain—
less than 1 living organism per 10 cubic meters that is 50 or more micrometers in minimum dimension;
less than 1 living organism per 10 milliliters that is less than 50 micrometers in minimum dimension and more than 10 micrometers in minimum dimension;
concentrations of indicator microbes that are less than—
1 colony-forming unit of toxicogenic Vibrio cholera (serotypes O1 and O139) per 100 milliliters, or less than 1 colony-forming unit of that microbe per gram of wet weight of zoological samples;
126 colony-forming units of escherichia coli per 100 milliliters; and
33 colony-forming units of intestinal enterococci per 100 milliliters; and
concentrations of such additional indicator microbes as may be specified in regulations promulgated by the Secretary, after consultation with the Administrator, that are less than the amount specified in those regulations.
Reception facility exception
In general
Paragraph (1) does not apply to a vessel that discharges ballast water into—
a land-based facility for the reception of ballast water that meets standards prescribed by the Administrator; or
a water-based facility for the reception of ballast water that meets standards prescribed by the Secretary.
Promulgation of standards
Within 1 year after the date of enactment of the paragraph—
the Administrator shall promulgate standards for—
the reception of ballast water in land-based facilities; and
the disposal or treatment of ballast water discharged into a land-based or water-based reception facility in a way that does not impair or damage the environment, human health, property, or resources; and
the Secretary shall promulgate standards for the reception of ballast water in water-based facilities.
Implementation schedule
Paragraph (1) applies to vessels in accordance with the following schedule:
First phase
Beginning January 1, 2010, for vessels constructed on or after that date with a ballast water capacity of less than 5,000 cubic meters.
Second phase
Beginning January 1, 2013, for vessels constructed on or after that date with a ballast water capacity of 5,000 cubic meters or more.
Third phase
Beginning January 1, 2015, for vessels constructed before January 1, 2010, with a ballast water capacity of 1,500 cubic meters or more but not more than 5,000 cubic meters.
Fourth phase
Beginning January 1, 2017, for vessels constructed—
before January 1, 2010, with a ballast water capacity of less than 1,500 cubic meters or 5,000 cubic meters or more; or
on or after January 1, 2010, and before January 1, 2013, with a ballast water capacity of 5,000 cubic meters or more.
Treatment system approval required
The operator of a vessel may not use a ballast water treatment system to comply with the requirements of this subsection unless the system is approved by the Secretary under paragraph (8) or (10).
Feasibility review
In general
Not less than 2 years before the date on which paragraph (1) applies to vessels under each subparagraph of paragraph (3), or as that date may be extended under this paragraph, the Secretary, in consultation with the Administrator, the Under Secretary, and the Task Force, shall complete a review to determine whether appropriate technologies are available to achieve the standards set forth in paragraph (1) for the vessels to which they apply under the schedule set forth in paragraph (3). In reviewing the technologies the Secretary shall consider—
the effectiveness of a technology in achieving the standards;
feasibility in terms of compatibility with vessel design and operations;
safety considerations;
whether a technology is determined to have an adverse impact on the environment under the criteria issued under paragraph (11); and
cost effectiveness.
Delay in scheduled application
If the Secretary determines, on the basis of the review conducted under subparagraph (A), that compliance with the standards set forth in paragraph (1) in accordance with the schedule set forth in any subparagraph of paragraph (3) is not feasible for any class of vessels, the Secretary, in consultation with the Administrator, the Under Secretary, and the Task Force, shall—
extend the date on which that subparagraph first applies to vessels for a period of not more than 24 months; and
recommend action to ensure that compliance with the extended date schedule for that subparagraph is achieved.
Higher standards; earlier implementation
Standards
If the Secretary determines that ballast water treatment technology exists that exceeds the performance standards required under this subsection, the Secretary, in consultation with the Administrator, the Under Secretary, and the Task Force, shall, for any class of vessels, revise the performance standards to incorporate the higher performance standards.
Implementation
If the Secretary determines that technology that achieves the applicable performance standards required under this subsection can be implemented earlier than required by this subsection, the Secretary, in consultation with the Administrator, the Under Secretary, and the Task Force, shall, for any class of vessels, accelerate the implementation schedule under paragraph (3). If the Secretary accelerates the implementation schedule pursuant to this clause, the Secretary shall provide notice at least 24 months before such accelerated implementation goes into effect.
Determinations not mutually exclusive
The Secretary shall take action under both clause (i) and clause (ii) if the Secretary makes determinations under both clauses.
Interim standards
If the Secretary determines that appropriate technologies are not available to meet the standards set forth in paragraph (1), then the International Maritime Organization standard for treatment in the Ballast Water Management Convention shall apply instead of the standards set forth in paragraph (1), in accordance with the implementation schedule established under paragraph (3), until the standards set forth in paragraph (1) take effect pursuant to subparagraph (B).
Review of ballast water treatment standards
At the end of the 3-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of this paragraph and every 3 years thereafter, the Secretary, in consultation with the Administrator and based on recommendations by the Task Force and information collected and analyzed under this title, and in accordance with criteria developed by the Task Force under paragraph (15), shall—
assess the compliance by vessels with regulations promulgated under this section;
assess the effectiveness of regulations promulgated under this section in reducing the introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species by vessels;
assess the approval process under paragraph (8); and
as necessary, revise regulations promulgated under this section and promulgate new regulations.
Special review and revision
Not later than 90 days after the date on which the Task Force makes a request to the Secretary for a special review and revision of the regulations promulgated under this section, the Secretary, in consultation with the Administrator, shall conduct a special review in accordance with paragraph (6), including the revision of regulations or the promulgation of new regulations as necessary.
Approval of ballast water treatment systems
Regulations
The Secretary, in consultation with the Administrator, the Under Secretary, and the Task Force and by not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this paragraph, shall issue regulations establishing an approval process for ballast water treatment systems. The regulations shall include standards for the certification of treatment or practices and an ongoing enforcement of the use of treatments and practices.
Qualified type-approval process
The approval of ballast water treatment systems shall be based on a qualified type-approval process that is capable of estimating the extent to which treated ballast water discharge is to comply with the standards of paragraph (1).
Consideration of restrictions
The approval of ballast water treatment systems shall take into account restrictions relating to—
biological, chemical, or physical conditions of water taken into ballast tanks; and
conditions encountered during a ship’s voyage.
Environmental soundness and safety
The approval process for ballast water treatment systems shall be capable of determining the extent to which a ballast water treatment method is—
environmentally sound based on criteria promulgated by the Administrator pursuant to paragraph (11); and
safe for vessel and crew.
Estimation of useful life
The approval process for ballast water treatment systems may be used to estimate the useful life of the ballast water treatment system, as determined on the basis of voyage patterns and normal use conditions.
Ship-boarding testing
The approval process of ballast water treatment systems shall include a ship-boarding testing component, and may include a shore-based testing component.
Monitoring
The approval process for ballast water treatment systems shall provide for appropriate monitoring.
Application form and information
The Secretary shall approve an application for certification of ballast water treatment system only if the application is in such form and contains such information as the Secretary requires.
Monitoring and effectiveness; revocation of certification
Based on the results of appropriate monitoring of ballast water treatment systems, the Secretary shall revoke the certification of a ballast water treatment system if it is found that ballast water treated with the system does not meet the standards of paragraph (1) or paragraph (11).
Approval of experimental ballast water treatment technologies
In general
If a vessel participates in a program approved by the Secretary to test and evaluate promising ballast water treatment technologies that are likely to result in treatment technologies achieving a standard that is the same as or more stringent than the standard that applies under paragraph (1) before the first date on which paragraph (1) applies to that vessel, the Secretary shall certify a vessel to allow the use of that technology and such vessel shall be deemed to be in compliance with the requirements of paragraph (1) during the period of certification.
Guidelines by Secretary
The Secretary, in consultation with the Administrator, the Under Secretary, and the Task Force, within 1 year after the date of the enactment of this paragraph shall issue guidelines for the approval of experimental ballast water treatment technologies that are likely to meet the standards of paragraph (1).
Guidelines by Administrator
The Administrator, in consultation with the Secretary, the Under Secretary, and the Task Force, within 1 year after the date of the enactment of this paragraph shall issue guidelines for the approval of ballast water treatment technologies under this paragraph pursuant to the environmental soundness criteria under paragraph (11).
Criteria by Administrator
The Administrator shall include in criteria promulgated under paragraph (11) specific criteria to grant environmental soundness exceptions such that, in an emergency situation, to achieve reductions in significant and acute risk of transfers of invasive species by vessels, the Secretary and the Administrator may jointly determine to make an exception to criteria of paragraph (11). To be eligible for an exception, approval for an experimental technology under this paragraph shall be subject to all other provisions of this paragraph.
Certification by Administrator
Not later than 90 days after receiving an application, the Administrator shall review the application for compliance with environmental soundness criteria under paragraph (11) and certify the ballast water treatment system covered by the application as meeting environmental requirements if it indeed meets those criteria. The Administrator’s determination should be based on independent and peer-reviewed information.
Approval or disapproval by Secretary
Not later than 180 days after receiving an application, the Secretary shall—
determine if the ballast water treatment system covered by the application meets the requirements of this subsection;
approve or disapprove the application; and
provide the applicant written notice of the approval or disapproval.
Appeal process
As part of the guidelines issued under this paragraph, the Secretary shall establish a process for applicants receiving a notice of disapproval to appeal the Secretary’s decision.
Certification by Administrator required
The Secretary shall approve and certify a ballast water treatment system only if the Administrator certifies the system as meeting the criteria of paragraph (11).
Conditions of use of approved systems
As determined by the Secretary in consultation with the Administrator and the Under Secretary, approved ballast water treatment systems shall be used only for voyage patterns, durations, or any other characteristic that may affect the effectiveness or environmental soundness of the ballast water treatment system covered by the application.
Determination of vessels to use approved system
Approved ballast water treatment systems may be applicable to a specific vessel or group of vessels as determined by the Secretary.
Variety and type of participating vessels
The Secretary shall seek to ensure that a wide variety of vessel types and voyages are included in the program, but may not grant a delay under this paragraph to more than 5 percent of the vessels to which this subsection applies.
Exemptions
A vessel operating en route to the United States from outside the exclusive economic zone of the United States that declares to have no ballast on board or is claimed to be carrying only umpumpable quantities of ballast are exempt from the requirements of subparagraph (K).
Term of certification
The certification of an approved ballast water treatment system shall be valid only for the lesser of the following:
The expected life of the ballast water treatment system.
10 years.
Until such time as the Secretary or Administrator (as appropriate) determines that, based on available information, the ballast water treatment system fails to meet the requirements of this subsection.
Termination of certification
The Secretary may terminate the certification of a vessel under this subsection if participation of the vessel in the program is terminated without the consent of the Secretary.
Sampling and reporting information
Upon receiving approval for a treatment under this paragraph, the owner or operator of a vessel shall collect and report such information requested by the Secretary regarding the operational and biological effectiveness of the treatment through sampling of the intake and discharge ballast.
Annual evaluation; revocation of certification
The Secretary, in consultation with the Administrator and the Under Secretary, shall establish an annual evaluation process to determine if approved experimental technology is effective or causing harm to the environment. If the technology is not effective or causes harm to the environment, then the Secretary shall revoke the certification.
Fees
The Secretary, with concurrence of the Administrator, may establish fees for processing the application.
Environmental soundness criteria for ballast water treatment systems
In general
The Administrator shall include in criteria promulgated under section 1202(k)(1) specific criteria—
to ensure environmental soundness of ballast water treatment systems; and
to grant environmental soundness exceptions under subparagraph (B).
Exceptions
In reviewing applications under paragraph (10) in an emergency situation to achieve reductions in significant and acute risk of transfers of invasive species by vessels, the Secretary and the Administrator may jointly determine to make an exception to criteria described in subparagraph (A)(i).
Incentives for use of ballast water treatment systems
The Secretary, the Secretary of Transportation, and the Administrator shall assist owners or operators of vessels that seek to obtain experimental approval for installation of ballast water treatment systems, including through providing guidance on—
a sampling protocol and test program for cost effective treatment evaluation;
sources of sampling equipment and field biological expertise; and
examples of shipboard evaluation studies.
Selection of technologies and practices
In selecting technologies and practices for shipboard demonstration under section 1104(b), the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Commerce shall give priority consideration to technologies and practices that have received or are in the process of receiving certification under paragraph (10).
Annual summaries on performance of ballast water treatment technologies
Annual summaries
The Secretary shall annually summarize, and make available to interested persons, all available information on the performance of technologies proposed for ballast water treatment to facilitate the application process for experimental approval for ballast water treatment.
Publication of other information
The Administrator, in consultation with the Invasive Species Council, shall publish not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this paragraph and update annually—
a list of environmentally sound treatment methods that meet the requirements of this section;
accompanying research that supports the environmental soundness of each approved treatment method; and
explicit guidelines under which each treatment method can be used in an environmentally sound manner.
Reports
The Invasive Species Council and the Task Force shall include the published information in the reports submitted under section 1201(f)(2)(B).
Criteria for adequacy and effectiveness
Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this paragraph and every 3 years thereafter, the Task Force shall submit to the Secretary criteria for determining the adequacy and effectiveness of all regulations promulgated under this section.
High-risk vessels
Vessel list
Within 1 year after the date of enactment of the Prevention of Aquatic Invasive Species Act of 2007, the Secretary shall initiate a list, in consultation with States, of vessels that, due to factors such as the origin of their voyages, the frequency of their voyages, the volume of ballast water they carry, the biological makeup of the ballast water, and the fact that they frequently discharge unexchanged or improperly exchanged ballast water pursuant to an exception under subsection (f), pose a relatively high risk of introducing aquatic invasive species into the waters of those States.
Incentive programs
The Secretary shall—
give priority to vessels on the list for participation in pilot programs described in paragraph (10); and
encourage Federal and State technology development programs or other incentives (whether positive or negative) to give priority to such vessels in order to encourage the adoption of ballast water treatment technology by those vessels consistent with the requirements of this section on an expedited basis.
Qualified exemptions
In general
A vessel operating entirely on the Great Lakes or in enclosed aquatic ecosystems designated under subsection (f)(10) shall be granted an exemption from the requirements of this subsection if the vessel meets requirements prescribed by the Secretary.
Guidelines establishing process
The Secretary, in consultation with the Administrator and the Task Force, shall issue guidelines establishing a process for certifying vessels as exempt under this paragraph. The guidelines shall ensure that ships receiving an exemption carry only ballast water and sediment from the enclosed aquatic ecosystem in which the vessel operates.
Limitation on exemptions
The Secretary shall not issue an exemption under this paragraph if the exemption would increase the risk of the invasion and spread of aquatic invasive species relative to a situation where an applicable vessel complies with the requirements of this subsection.
Review of exemptions
Required review
The Secretary shall review any exemption granted under this paragraph at least as often as every 2 years, and shall approve or revoke the exemption based on the review and the requirements of this paragraph.
Discretionary review
The Secretary may review an exemption at any time.
Review upon request
The Administrator or the Task Force may request a review of an exemption at any time. Upon receipt of such a request, the Secretary shall complete a review within 14 days.
Warnings concerning ballast water uptake
In general
The Secretary shall notify vessel owners and operators of any area in waters subject to the jurisdiction of the United States in which vessels should not uptake ballast water due to known conditions.
Contents
The notice shall include—
the coordinates of the area; and
if possible, the location of alternative areas for the uptake of ballast water.
Sediment management
In general
The operator of a vessel to which this section applies may not remove or dispose of sediment from spaces designed to carry ballast water except—
in accordance with this subsection and the aquatic invasive species plan required under subsection (c); and
more than 200 nautical miles from the nearest point of land in the United States or into a reception facility that meets the requirements of paragraph (3).
Design requirements
New vessels
After December 31, 2009, it shall be unlawful to construct a vessel in the United States to which this section applies unless that vessel is designed and constructed, in accordance with regulations prescribed under subparagraph (C), in a manner that—
minimizes the uptake and entrapment of sediment;
facilitates removal of sediment; and
provides for safe access for sediment removal and sampling.
Existing vessels
Every vessel to which this section applies that was constructed before January 1, 2010, shall be modified before January 1, 2010, to the extent practicable, to achieve the objectives described in clauses (i), (ii), and (iii) of subparagraph (A).
Regulations
The Secretary shall promulgate regulations establishing design and construction standards to achieve the objectives of subparagraph (A) and providing guidance for modifications and practices under subparagraph (B). The Secretary shall incorporate the standards and guidance in the regulations governing the aquatic invasive species plan.
Sediment reception facilities
Standards
The Administrator shall promulgate regulations governing facilities for the reception of vessel sediment from spaces designed to carry ballast water that provide for the disposal of such sediment in a way that does not impair or damage the environment, human health, or property or resources of the disposal area. The Administrator may not prescribe standards under this subparagraph that are less stringent than any otherwise applicable Federal, State, or local law requirements.
Designation
The Administrator shall designate facilities for the reception of vessel sediment that meet the requirements of the regulations promulgated under subparagraph (A) at ports and terminals where ballast tanks are cleaned or repaired.
Examinations and certifications
Initial examination
In general
The Secretary shall examine vessels to which this section applies to determine whether—
there is an aquatic invasive species plan for the vessel that meets the requirements of this section; and
the equipment used for ballast water and sediment management in accordance with the requirements of this section and the regulations promulgated hereunder is installed and functioning properly.
New vessels
For vessels constructed on or after January 1, 2010, the Secretary shall conduct the examination required by subparagraph (A) before the vessel is placed in service.
Existing vessels
For vessels constructed before January 1, 2010, the Secretary shall—
conduct the examination required by subparagraph (A) before the date on which subsection (g)(1) applies to the vessel according to the schedule in subsection (g)(3); and
inspect the vessel’s ballast water record book required by subsection (d).
Foreign vessels
In the case of a foreign vessel (as defined in section 101 of title 46, United States Code), the Secretary shall perform the examination required by this paragraph the first time the vessel enters a United States port.
Subsequent examinations
The Secretary shall examine vessels no less frequently than once each year to ensure vessel compliance with the requirements of this section.
Inspection authority
The Secretary may carry out such inspections of any vessel to which this section applies at any time, including the taking of ballast water samples, to ensure the vessel’s compliance with this Act.
Required certificate
If, on the basis of an initial examination under paragraph (1) the Secretary finds that a vessel complies with the requirements of this section and the regulations promulgated hereunder, the Secretary shall issue a certificate under this paragraph as evidence of such compliance. The certificate shall be valid for a period of not more than 5 years, as specified by the Secretary. The certificate or a true copy shall be maintained on board the vessel.
Notification of violations
If the Secretary finds, on the basis of an examination under paragraph (1) or paragraph (2), sampling under paragraph (3), or any other information, that a vessel is being operated in violation of the requirements of this section and the regulations promulgated hereunder, the Secretary shall—
notify—
the master of the vessel; and
the captain of the port at the vessel’s next port of call; and
take such other action as may be appropriate.
Compliance monitoring
The Secretary shall by regulation establish sampling procedures to monitor compliance with the requirements of this section.
Education and technical assistance programs
The Secretary may carry out education and technical assistance programs and other measures to promote compliance with the requirements issued under this section.
Detention of vessels
In general
The Secretary, by notice to the owner, charterer, managing operator, agent, master, or other individual in charge of a vessel, may detain that vessel if the Secretary has reasonable cause to believe that—
the vessel is a vessel to which this section applies; and
the vessel does not comply with the requirements of this section or of the regulations issued hereunder or is being operated in violation of such requirements.
Clearance
In general
A vessel detained under paragraph (1) may obtain clearance under section 42101 of title 46, United States Code, only if the violation for which it was detained has been corrected.
Withdrawal
If the Secretary finds that a vessel detained under paragraph (1) has received a clearance under section 42101 of title 46, United States Code, before it was detained under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall withdraw, withhold, or revoke the clearance.
Sanctions
Civil penalties
Any person who violates a regulation promulgated under this section shall be liable for a civil penalty in an amount not to exceed $50,000. Each day of a continuing violation constitutes a separate violation. A vessel operated in violation of the regulations is liable in rem for any civil penalty assessed under this subsection for that violation.
Criminal penalties
Any person who knowingly violates the regulations promulgated under this section is guilty of a class C felony.
Revocation of clearance
Except as provided in subsection (k)(2), upon request of the Secretary, the Secretary of the Treasury shall withhold or revoke the clearance of a vessel required by section 4197 of the Revised Statutes (46 U.S.C. App. 91), if the owner or operator of that vessel is in violation of the regulations issued under this section.
Exception to sanctions
This subsection does not apply to a failure to exchange ballast water if—
the master of a vessel discharges ballast water in accordance with subsection (f)(4); and
the Secretary determines that the requirements of subsection (f)(4) are met.
Enforcement
Administrative actions
If the Secretary finds, after notice and an opportunity for a hearing, that a person has violated any provision of this section or any regulation promulgated hereunder, the Secretary may assess a civil penalty for that violation.
Civil actions
At the request of the Secretary, the Attorney General may bring a civil action in an appropriate district court of the United States to enforce this section, or any regulation promulgated hereunder. Any court before which such an action is brought may award appropriate relief, including temporary or permanent injunctions and civil penalties.
Coordination with other agencies
The Secretary is encouraged to use, with consent of the head of the Federal or State agency concerned, the expertise, facilities, and personnel of appropriate Federal and State agencies and organizations that have routine contact with vessels, as determined by the Secretary.
Consultation with canada, mexico, and other foreign governments
In developing the guidelines issued and regulations promulgated under this section, the Secretary is encouraged to consult with the Government of Canada, the Government of Mexico, and any other government of a foreign country that the Secretary, after consultation with the Task Force, determines to be necessary to develop and implement an effective international program for preventing the unintentional introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species.
International cooperation
The Secretary, in cooperation with the Under Secretary, the Secretary of State, the Administrator, the heads of other relevant Federal agencies, the International Maritime Organization of the United Nations, and the Commission on Environmental Cooperation established pursuant to the North American Free Trade Agreement, is encouraged to enter into negotiations with the governments of foreign countries to develop and implement an effective international program for preventing the unintentional introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species, particularly by seeking bilateral and multilateral agreements with Canada (through the International Joint Commission), Mexico, and other nations in the Wider Caribbean (as defined in the Convention for the Protection and Development of the Marine Environment of the Wider Caribbean, Cartagena Convention).
Non-discrimination
The Secretary shall ensure that vessels registered outside of the United States do not receive more favorable treatment than vessels registered in the United States when the Secretary performs studies, reviews compliance, determines effectiveness, establishes requirements, or performs any other responsibilities under this Act.
Support for Federal Ballast Water Demonstration Project
In addition to amounts otherwise available to the Maritime Administration, the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service for the Federal Ballast Water Demonstration Project, the Secretary shall provide support for the conduct and expansion of the project, including grants for research and development of innovative technologies for the management, treatment, and disposal of ballast water and sediment, for ballast water exchange, and for other vessel vectors of aquatic invasive species such as hull-fouling. There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012 to carry out this subsection.
Consultation with Task Force
The Secretary shall consult with the Task Force in carrying out this section.
Preemption
In general
Except as provided in paragraph (2) but notwithstanding any other provision of law, the provisions of subsections (f) and (g) supersede any provision of State or local law that is inconsistent with the requirements of those subsections or that conflicts with the requirements of those subsections. The imposition, by State or local law, of greater penalties or fees for acts or omissions that are violations of such law and also violations of this Act shall not be considered to be inconsistent with, or to conflict with, the requirements of those subsections. Nothing in the preceding sentence limits the scope of State or local law provisions that are not to be considered to be inconsistent with, or to conflict with, the requirements of those subsections
Reception facilities
The standards prescribed by the Administrator or the Secretary under subsection (g)(2) do not supersede any more stringent standard under any otherwise applicable Federal, State, or local law.
Application with other statutes
This section provides the Federal authority for addressing aquatic invasive species in ballast water or sediment. If there is a conflict between any otherwise applicable provision of Federal law and the requirements of this section, the provisions of this section shall control to the extent that such requirements relate to vessels with respect to aquatic invasive species in ballast water or sediment.
Regulations
In general
The Secretary, after consultation with the Administrator, shall issue such regulations as may be necessary initially to carry out this section within 1 year after the date of enactment of the Prevention of Aquatic Invasive Species Act of 2007.
Judicial review
120-day rule
An interested person may bring an action for review of a final regulation promulgated under this section by the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, or by the Administrator, in the United States Circuit Court of Appeals for the Federal judicial district in which that person resides or transacts business which is directly affected by that regulation only if that action is filed within—
120 days after the date on which the regulation is promulgated; or
more than 120 days after that date if the action is based on grounds that arose after that 120-day period.
Review in enforcement proceedings
A regulation for which review could have been obtained under subparagraph (A) of this paragraph is not subject to judicial review in any civil or criminal proceeding for enforcement.
.
Definitions
Section 1003 of the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 (16 U.S.C. 4702) is amended—
by redesignating—
paragraph (1) and (2) as paragraphs (2) and (3), respectively;
paragraph (3) as paragraph (5);
paragraphs (4), (5), (6), (7), (8), (9), and (10) as paragraphs (9), (10), (11), (12), (13), (14), and (15), respectively;
paragraphs (11) and (12) as paragraphs (18) and (19), respectively;
paragraphs (13), (14), and (15) as paragraphs (21), (22), and (23), respectively;
paragraph (16) as paragraph (27); and
paragraph (17) as paragraph (24), and moving it so as to appear immediately after paragraph (23), as redesignated;
by striking—
nuisance
in paragraph (2), as redesignated, and inserting
invasive
;
nuisance
in paragraph (11), as redesignated, and inserting
invasive
;
Nuisance
in paragraph (21), as redesignated, and inserting Invasive
;
and
Canandian
in paragraph (12),
as redesignated, and inserting Canadian
;
by inserting before paragraph (2) the following:
Administrator
means the Administrator of the Environmental Protection
Agency;
;
by striking paragraph (5), as redesignated, and inserting after paragraph (3), as redesignated, the following:
ballast tank
means any tank,
space, or compartment on a vessel that is used for carrying, loading, or
discharging ballast water, including any multi-use tank, space, or compartment
designed to allow carriage of ballast water;
ballast
water
—
except as provided in subparagraph (B), means—
water taken on board a vessel to control trim, list, draught, stability, or stresses of the vessel, including matter suspended in such water; and
any water placed into a ballast tank during cleaning, maintenance, or other operations; and
does not include water that—
at the time of discharge, does not contain aquatic invasive species; and
was taken on board a vessel and used for a purpose described in subparagraph (A);
ballast water capacity
means
the total volumetric capacity of all ballast tanks on a vessel;
ballast
water management
means mechanical, physical, chemical, and biological
processes used, either singularly or in combination, to remove, render
harmless, or avoid the uptake or discharge of harmful aquatic organisms and
pathogens within ballast water and sediment;
constructed
means a state of
construction of a vessel at which—
the keel is laid;
construction identifiable with the specific vessel begins;
assembly of the vessel has begun comprising at least 50 tons or 1 percent of the estimated mass of all structural material of the vessel, whichever is less; or
the vessel undergoes a major conversion;
;
by inserting after paragraph (15), as redesignated, the following:
Invasive Species Council
means the interagency council established by section 3 of Executive Order No.
13112 (42 U.S.C. 4321 note);
major conversion
means a
conversion of a vessel, that—
changes its ballast water carrying capacity by at least 15 percent;
changes the vessel class;
is projected to prolong the vessel’s life by at least 10 years (as determined by the Secretary); or
results in modifications to the vessel’s ballast water system, except—
component replacement-in-kind; or
conversion of a vessel to meet the requirements of section 1101(f);
;
by inserting after paragraph (19), as redesignated, the following:
sediment
means matter that
has settled out of ballast water within a
vessel;
;
by inserting after paragraph (24), as redesignated, the following:
United States port
means a
port, river, harbor, or offshore terminal under the jurisdiction of the United
States, including a port located in Puerto Rico, Guam, the Northern Marianas,
or the United States Virgin Islands;
vessel of
the Armed Forces
means—
any vessel owned or operated by the Department of Defense, other than a time or voyage chartered vessel; and
any vessel owned or operated by the Department of Homeland Security that is designated by the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating as a vessel equivalent to a vessel described in subparagraph (A);
;
by striking the period at the end of paragraph (24), as redesignated, and inserting a semicolon; and
by inserting after paragraph (27), as redesignated, the following:
waters subject to the jurisdiction
of the United States
means navigable waters and the territorial sea of
the United States, the exclusive economic zone, and the Great
Lakes.
.
Prevention of the introduction of aquatic invasive species by other pathways
Coast Guard reports and standards on other sources of vessel-borne invasive species
Report on hull-fouling and other vessel sources
Within 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant of the Coast Guard shall transmit a report to the Congress on vessel-related vectors of harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens other than ballast water and sediment, including vessel hulls and equipment, and from vessels equipped with ballast tanks that carry no ballast water on board.
Best practices
Standards and procedures
As soon as practicable, the Coast Guard shall develop and implement best practices standards and procedures designed to reduce the introduction of invasive species into and within the United States from vessels and establish a timeframe for implementation of those standards and procedures by vessels, in addition to the mandatory requirements set forth in section 1101 for ballast water.
Included standards
Standards and procedures implemented under paragraph (1) should include designation of geographical locations for uptake and discharge of untreated ballast water, as well as standards and procedures for other vessel vectors of aquatic invasive species.
Report on standards and procedures
The Commandant of the Coast Guard shall transmit a report to the Congress describing the standards and procedures developed and the implementation timeframe, together with any recommendations, including legislative recommendations if appropriate, the Commandant deems appropriate.
Regulations
The Secretary may promulgate regulations to incorporate and enforce standards and procedures developed under this subsection.
Transiting vessels
Within 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant of the Coast Guard shall transmit a report to the Congress containing—
an assessment of the magnitude and potential adverse impacts of ballast water operations from foreign vessels designed, adapted, or constructed to carry ballast water that are transiting waters subject to the jurisdiction of the United States; and
recommendations, including legislative recommendations if appropriate, of options for addressing ballast water operations of those vessels.
Coordination
Program coordination
Membership of Task Force
Section 1201(b) of the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 (16 U.S.C. 4721) is amended—
in paragraph (6)
by striking and
at the end;
in paragraph (3)
by striking of the Environmental Protection Agency
;
by redesignating paragraph (7) as paragraph (12); and
by inserting after paragraph (6) the following:
the Director of the United States Geological Survey;
the Director of the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center;
the Secretary of State;
the Secretary of Transportation;
the Secretary of Homeland Security; and
.
Coordination with Invasive Species Council
Section 1201(f) of the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 (16 U.S.C. 4721(f)) is amended—
by striking
Each Task Force member
and inserting the following:
In general
Each member of the Task Force
; and
by adding at the end the following:
Invasive Species Council
The Invasive Species Council shall—
coordinate and cooperate with the Task Force in carrying out the duties of the Invasive Species Council relating to aquatic invasive species;
not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of the Prevention of Aquatic Invasive Species Act of 2007, and every 3 years thereafter, submit to Congress a report that summarizes the status of the conduct of activities authorized by and required under this Act; and
establish any regional panels or task forces in coordination with the regional panels of the Task Force convened under section 1203.
.
Coordination with other programs
Section 1202(c) of the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 (16 U.S.C. 4722(c)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
Recommendations for lists
The Task Force shall annually recommend to Federal agencies of jurisdiction such additions of aquatic invasive species as the Task Force determines to be appropriate for inclusion on—
any list of species of wildlife under the Lacey Act Amendments of 1981 (16 U.S.C. 3371 et seq.) (including regulations under such Act); or
any list of noxious weeds under the Plant Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 7701 et seq.) (including regulations promulgated under that Act contained in part 360 of title 7, Code of Federal Regulations (or any successor regulations)).
.
Regional coordination
Section 1203 of the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 (16 U.S.C. 4723) is amended by adding at the end the following:
Annual interregional meeting
The Task Force shall annually convene all regional panels established pursuant to this Act for the purpose of information transfer between and among panels, and between the panels and the Task Force, regarding aquatic invasive species management.
Organizations
An interstate organization that has a Federal charter authorized by law, interstate agreement, or Executive Order for purposes of fisheries or natural resource management may receive funds under this Act to implement activities authorized under this Act.
.
State aquatic Invasive Species management plans
Section 1204(a) of the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 (16 U.S.C. 4724(a)) is amended—
by striking paragraph (2)(A) and inserting the following:
identify and describe State and local programs for environmentally sound prevention and control of the target aquatic invasive species in accordance with guidelines issued by the Task Force under paragraph (5), including—
rapid response contingency strategies under section 1211;
early detection strategies under section 1211(a)(2)(D); and
aquatic plant control programs pursuant to other law.
;
in paragraph
(2)(D) by inserting include
after (D)
; and
by adding at the end the following:
Guidelines
In general
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the Prevention of Aquatic Invasive Species Act of 2007, the Task Force shall publish in the Federal Register guidelines for the development of plans under this subsection, including guidelines for reporting progress in implementing the plans, to encourage consistency in implementation of and reporting under those plans.
Guidelines
The guidelines published under subparagraph (A) shall include, for the purpose of paragraph (2)(A), guidelines concerning—
aquatic plant control programs; and
the review and revision of requirements of this subsection and the reapproval process under this subsection.
Relationship to other plans
In general
A plan approved under paragraph (4) shall be deemed to meet any State planning requirement of the program established under section 104 of the River and Harbor Act of 1958 (33 U.S.C. 610) for a plan to control noxious aquatic plant growths.
Enforcement
Funds provided to States for implementation of plans pursuant to section 1204 may be used by States to enforce requirements relating to aquatic invasive species under the Plant Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 7701 et seq.) (including regulations promulgated under that Act contained in part 360 of title 7, Code of Federal Regulations (or any successor regulations)).
Review and revision
In general
Each State shall periodically review and, as necessary and subject to subparagraph (B), revise the management plan of the State in accordance with guidelines of the Task Force under paragraph (5).
Update of existing plans
A State plan approved under the section before the date of the enactment of the Prevention of Aquatic Invasive Species Act of 2007 shall be revised by the State under guidelines issued by the Director to conform to the guidelines published under paragraph (5), but shall be treated as a plan approved under this subsection for purposes of grants under this section.
Other State Management Plans
In addition to the management plans required under this subsection, the Director shall encourage each State to develop and implement new, and expand existing, State management plans to improve State actions to prevent and control aquatic invasive species.
.
Grant program
Section 1204(b)(1) of the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance
Prevention and Control Act of 1990 (16 U.S.C. 4724(b)(1)) is amended by
striking subsection (a) for the implementation of those plans.
and inserting the following: subsection (a) to develop and implement
those plans.
.
International coordination
Subtitle E of the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 (16 U.S.C. 4751 et seq.) is amended—
by striking the subtitle heading and inserting the following:
Administration
;
and
by adding at the end the following:
Coordination with neighboring countries
In general
The Task Force, in consultation with the Secretary of State, shall include in the report required by section 1202(l) a description of the means by which international agreements and regulations with countries that share a border with the United States will be implemented and enforced by Federal agencies (including a clarification of the roles and responsibilities of those agencies).
Negotiations
As soon as practicable after the date of enactment of the Prevention of Aquatic Invasive Species Act of 2007, the Secretary of State may enter into negotiations with—
Canada to issue a request that the International Joint Commission, by not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of that Act, review, research, conduct hearings on, and submit to the parties represented on the International Joint Commission a report that describes the success of current policies of governments in the United States and Canada having jurisdiction over the Great Lakes in anticipating and preventing biological invasions of the aquatic ecosystem in the Great Lakes, including—
an analysis of current Federal, State or Provincial, local, and international laws, enforcement practices, and agreements;
an analysis of prevention efforts related to all likely pathways for biological invasions of the aquatic ecosystem in the Great Lakes; and
recommendations of the International Joint Commission for means by which to improve and harmonize the policies and enforcement practices referred to in clause (i); and
Mexico, to ensure coordination of efforts of the United States with efforts of Mexico to manage invasive species established in the United States-Mexico border region.
.
Authorization of appropriations
Authorization of appropriations
Section 1301 of the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 (16 U.S.C. 4741) is amended to read as follows:
Authorization of appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this Act for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012.
.
Conforming amendments
Conforming amendments
Repeal of section 1103
Section 1103 of the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 (16 U.S.C. 4713) is repealed.
Miscellaneous amendments
The Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 is amended—
by striking
aquatic
nuisance
in the heading for title I of Public Law
101–646 (104 Stat. 4761) and inserting aquatic invasive species
;
by striking
nuisance
in the heading for subtitles B
and C of title I of Public Law 101–646 (104 Stat. 4761 et seq.) and inserting
invasive
;
by striking
Nuisance
in section 1001 (16 U.S.C. 4701 note) and inserting
Invasive Species
;
by striking “Nuisance” each place it appears and inserting “Invasive”;
by striking “nuisance” each place it appears and inserting “invasive”;
by striking “nonindigenous” in section 1104(b)(1) (16 U.S.C. 4714(b)(1)) and inserting “invasive”;
by striking “nonindigenous” in section 1002(b)(4) (16 U.S.C. 4701(b)(4);
by striking the heading for section 1202 (16 U.S.C. 4722) and inserting the following:
Aquatic invasive species program
;
by striking the heading for section 1204 (16 U.S.C. 4724) and inserting the following:
State aquatic invasive species management plans
;
and
in section 1102 (16 U.S.C. 4712)—
in subsection (a) by striking the subsection heading and inserting the following:
Studies on introduction of aquatic invasive species by vessels
;
and
in subsection (b)—
by striking paragraph (1); and
by redesignating paragraphs (2) and (3) as paragraphs (1) and (2), respectively.
References in other laws, etc
Any reference to the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force in any other Federal law, Executive Order, rule, regulation, or delegation of authority, or any document or pertaining to the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force or a member or employee of the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force, is deemed to refer to the Aquatic Invasive Species Task Force or a member or employee of the Aquatic Invasive Species Task Force, as appropriate.
Short title references
Any reference in a law, map, regulation, document, paper, or other record of the United States to the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 is deemed to refer to the Nonindigenous Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention and Control Act of 1990.
Effective date
Except as otherwise provided in section 1101 of the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 (16 U.S.C. 4711), as amended by title I, the provisions of that title as so amended take effect on the date of enactment of this Act.