Clean Boating Act of 2008

Great Seal of the United States (obverse)

The Clean Boating Act of 2008 is a significant piece of United States environmental law that addresses the management of pollution from recreational vessels. The Act was signed into law on July 29, 2008, as an amendment to the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, commonly known as the Clean Water Act.

Background

The Clean Boating Act of 2008 was enacted in response to a court decision that required the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to regulate discharges incidental to the normal operation of recreational vessels under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). Prior to this Act, recreational vessels were exempt from such regulations.

Provisions

The Clean Boating Act of 2008 specifically exempts recreational vessels from the NPDES permitting requirements. Instead, it directs the EPA to develop and implement management practices to control discharges from these vessels. The Act defines recreational vessels as those that are manufactured or used primarily for pleasure or leased, rented, or chartered to another for the latter's pleasure.

Management Practices

The EPA, in consultation with the United States Coast Guard, is tasked with identifying and developing appropriate management practices to mitigate the environmental impact of discharges from recreational vessels. These practices include measures to control the discharge of sewage, graywater, bilge water, and other pollutants.

Public Outreach and Education

The Act also emphasizes the importance of public outreach and education. The EPA is required to provide information to the public on the environmental impacts of recreational vessel discharges and the management practices that can be employed to minimize these impacts.

Implementation

The implementation of the Clean Boating Act of 2008 involves collaboration between the EPA, the United States Coast Guard, and state agencies. The EPA is responsible for developing the management practices, while the Coast Guard is responsible for enforcing these practices.

Impact

The Clean Boating Act of 2008 has had a significant impact on the regulation of recreational boating in the United States. By exempting recreational vessels from NPDES permitting requirements and focusing on the development of management practices, the Act has streamlined the regulatory process while still addressing the environmental concerns associated with recreational boating.

See Also

• Clean Water Act
• Environmental Protection Agency
• United States Coast Guard
• National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
• Water pollution