Oregon Department of Environmental Quality

News Release

Draft

Release Date: Jan. 14, 2016

Contact:

Rian Hooff, Ballast Water Program, Portland, 503-229-6865

DEQ advisory committee to meet Jan. 27 to discuss ballast water rule revisions related to aquatic invasive species

What: The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality Ballast Water Rulemaking Advisory Committee will meet to discuss the proposed revisions to administrative rules necessary to prevent the discharge of ballast water that represents a high-risk for the transport and release of aquatic invasive species.

When: 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 27;

Where: DEQ Headquarters; 811 SW 6th Ave., 10th Floor

For more information:

Ballast water rulemaking web page: http://www.oregon.gov/deq/RulesandRegulations/Pages/2015/ballast2016.aspx

​ http://www.oregon.gov/deq/RulesandRegulations/Pages/Advisory/ballast2016.aspx

Background: The Oregon Ballast Water Management Program plans to revise administrative rules in Division 340-143 under the authority of ORS Chapter 783 and House Bill 2207 (2015). DEQ plans to amend OAR 340-143-0010 as necessary to prevent the discharge of ballast water that represents a high-risk for the transport and release of aquatic invasive species. DEQ will also amend OAR 340-143-0050 to specify management requirements for vessels using shipboard ballast water treatment systems. This rulemaking responds to gaps in existing regulations concerning aquatic invasive species prevention practices.

The rulemaking will incorporate recommendations from the Task Force on Shipping Transport of Aquatic Invasive Species. DEQ has also convened an advisory committee made up of task force members and additional interested parties to provide further input into DEQ’s rulemaking effort.