Marine Assistance Towing Operators Commend Senate Committee in Passage of Vessel Discharge Bill

C-PORT, Conference of Professional Operators for Response Towing, the national trade association representing over 200 marine assistance companies nationwide, commends the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee for passing on to full Senate vote, S2094 Vessel Incidental Discharge Act. The bill would exempt from discharge requirements commercial service vessels that are less than 79 feet, vessels that operate in a geographically limited area and vessels belonging to the U.S. Armed Forces. It also would exempt discharges that occur for research or safety purposes.  In addition, it establishes national standards for vessel discharge regulation.

“These small businesses operate vessels overwhelmingly the same in size, type and power as most recreational vessels,” stated Terry Hill, C-PORT Chairman. “The overwhelming majority of the marine assistance industry vessels do not have gray water discharge created from showers, sinks and the like. These commercial vessels are designed without these conveniences reducing the ill effects of any such discharge.” Tina Cardone, C-PORT Executive Director added, “Marine assistance vessels do not produce the discharge and pollutants, nor pose the risk of introducing invasive species, to which the permit refers. We appreciate the committee’s actions on this issue and look forward to having this bill enacted into law.” 

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