b'Continued from page 4: Letter from the PresidentAT THE HELM Key requirements under the VGP in- alstandardforregulatingvesseldis- discharges to prevent the introduction clude the following: charges. VIDA amends the CWA, spe- of invasive species.cifically Section 312, to establish a new Ballast Water Management: framework for incidental discharges.VIDA works within the CWA frame-Addressing the introduction It seeks to replace the complex patch- work,refiningandspecifyinghow of invasive species, the VGPwork of federal, state, and local regu- vessel discharges are managed. It is de-mandates ballast water treatmentlationswithastreamlinedapproach,signed to replace the VGP with a more systems, exchange procedures, providingclarityandconsistencyforunifiedandefficientregulatorysys-and recordkeeping. the commercial vessel community. tem. The EPA finalized those nation-al standards of performance in 2024, Hull Fouling Management: and the Coast Guard will follow with Focusing on biocides and The VGP, issuedimplementing regulations.pollutants from anti-fouling under the CWA, was coatings, it encourages ThetransitionfromVGPtoVIDA eco-friendly alternatives andfirst implementedis a process, with the 2024 EPA rule, prescribes BMPs for hull cleaning. in 2008 and revisedand subsequent Coast Guard regula-tion,solidifyingthenewstandards. Deck Runoff and Graywater in 2013, regulatingThe VGP, issued under the CWA, was Management: Setting limits onvessel dischargesfirst implemented in 2008 and revised pollutants like oil, grease, andin2013,regulatingvesseldischarges detergents in these discharges. through the NPDES.through the NPDES. VIDA, howev-VIDA, however, is theer, is the legislation designed to super-Oil and Grease Discharges: legislation designedsedetheVGP,withtheobjectiveof Imposing strict limits on oil andachieving a more unified and efficient grease releases from sources liketo supersede the VGP,regulatory system.bilge water. with the objective Inconclusion,theevolutionfrom Recordkeeping and Reporting:of achieving a morethe CWA to the VGP and VIDA rep-Requiring detailed documentationunified and efficientresents a continuous effort to balance of discharges, inspections, andcommercewithenvironmentalpro-maintenance. regulatory system. tection. These regulations are vital for safeguarding our waterways, ensuringI nspections and Monitoring: the sustainable use of precious marine Mandating regular self-inspectionsVIDA mandates the EPA to developresources. By understanding and ad-and allowing for regulatory national standards of performance forhering to these regulations, vessel op-authority inspections. these discharges, and the U.S. Coasterators contribute to a healthier, more Guard to create corresponding regula- sustainable future. Corrective Actions: tions for implementation and enforce- Outlining procedures for ment. Primarily, it applies to non-rec- Sincerely,addressing non-compliance. reational, non-armed forces vessels 79 feet and above, as well as ballast water In2018,theVesselIncidentalDis- fromsmallervesselsandallsizesof chargeAct(VIDA)wassignedintofishing vessels. A significant focus ofSteve Joneslaw, aiming to create a uniform nation- VIDAisonmanagingballastwaterPVA President, 2025FOGHORN 50'