The EPA on Wednesday, Aug. 25, 2010, announced details of the its proposal to ban all sewage discharges from large cruise ships and most other large ocean-going ships to the marine waters along California's entire coastline.

The rule would establish the largest coastal 'No Discharge Zone' in the United States, extending from the border with Mexico to Oregon and the waters surrounding major islands. The ban will prohibit sewage discharges from all 300+ ton vessels, including cruise and cargo ships that operate in California waters.

Under the Clean Water Act, states may request EPA to establish vessel sewage no-discharge zones if necessary to protect and restore water quality. In 2006, following passage of three state statutes designed to reduce the effects of vessel discharges to its waters, the State of California asked the EPA to establish the sewage discharge ban.

More info: www.epa.gov/owow/oceans/regulatory/vesseldisch.html

SOURCE: EPA Press Release