b'PVA IS DEVELOPING NEWSWIRE: COMMENTS FOR SUBMISSION TO THE EPA Proposes New VesselREGULATORY DOCKET.NEWSWIREIf you would like to provideDISCHARGE STANDARDS PVA with any feedback onthese proposed regulatory changes, feel free to contact I nOctober,theU.S.Environmental(anticipated2022)compliancecontinuesJEN WILKjwilk@passengervessel.comProtectionsAgency(EPA)issuedaunder VGP requirements.571-277-4966 proposedrulesettingnationalstandards of performance for incidental discharges fromPETER LAURIDSEN PVA has longpeterlauridsen@msn.comcommercial vessels.These would only apply to757-646-3337vessels greater than 79 feet in length, or a vesseladvocated for of any length if it carries ballast water. changes to rules ThesenewrulesarearesultoftheVesselmanaging vessellength,withoutballastwater),andopened Incidental Discharges Act (VIDA) signed intoup the process by which states set additional law by President Trump in December of 2018.incidental dischargesrequirements. In the past, these state add-ons VIDA restructures how EPA and U.S. Coastcreated a patchwork of compliance measures and successfully sawmore stringent than the federal rules with no Guardregulateincidentaldischarges.These rules govern more than 20 different types ofthese in the passagepath for industry input. dischargesincludinggraywater,bilgewater,of VIDA. The proposed standards were published in the ballast water, and deck run-off.Federal Register and can be accessed online at When finalized these new regulations wouldPVA has long advocated for changes to ruleshttps://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-replacethecurrentVesselGeneralPermitmanagingvesselincidentaldischarges,and2020-10-26/pdf/2020-22385.pdf(Docket (VGP).However,untiltheEPApublishessuccessfully saw these in the passage of VIDA.Number EPA-HQ-OW-2019-0482)final standards and the Coast Guard publishesThis new law, made permanent the exemption THE DEADLINE TO SUBMIT COMMENTS correspondingimplementingregulationsforsmallvessels(thoselessthan79feetinIS NOVEMBER 25, 2020.LET ASSUREDPARTNERS MCM MANAGEYOUR INSURANCE SO YOU CANFOCUS ON YOUR VOYAGEAssuredPartners MCM is a leading independent insurance brokerage based in the Pacic Northwest. Our marine practice group has more than 100 years of combined experience placing insurance and managing the marine industrys unique risks.Whether were working with vessel operators, builders, repair facilities or suppliers, we create specialized solutions that meet each clients needs.AssuredPartners MCMContact: Damon L. NasmanDirect Line: 206.262.6375Damon.Nasman@assuredpartners.comwww.assuredpartnersmcm.comNEWSWIRE 40 FOGHORN'