I recently wrote my Senator, Kay Bailey Hutchinson about the water discharge
act which would require all of us to get discharge permits from every state
we travel in. Thought you guys would like to see the response:

Dear Mr. Emmons:

Thank you for contacting me regarding S. 1578, the Ballast Water Management
Act of 2007. I welcome your thoughts and comments on this issue.

Senator Daniel Inouye (D-HI) introduced S. 1578 on June 7, 2007. The bill
implements several regulations to prevent the spread of invasive species
which can wreak havoc on marine life in waterways, the fishing industry, and
the economy. S.1578 is currently being considered by the Senate Commerce,
Science, and Transportation Committee, on which I serve.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department currently restricts the importation
and possession of approximately 600 invasive species into Texas. We must
balance that protection with the equally important goal of safeguarding the
livelihood of the many working Americans who will be affected by what we do.
These are mutually achievable goals, and they are the principles with which
I will judge any legislation that deals with the environment.

I appreciate hearing from you and hope you will not hesitate to keep in
touch on any issue of concern to you.

Sincerely,
Kay Bailey Hutchison

Boy, I sure know her position NOW!
I'm drafting a reply today. From what I gather above, she is only
considering environmental protection and "working" Americans... I see
nothing about pleasure boaters. Here we go again. This might take a road
trip to Austin.

Keith

Electronics run on smoke. If the smoke gets out they stop working.

Kieth,

This is the message I received from Kay Bailey Hutcheson on October 29,
2007. Notice the second from the last paragraph!!
_________________________________________________________________________________-

Dear Mr. Paterson:

Thank you for contacting me regarding the Recreational Boating Act of 2007.
I welcome your thoughts and comments on this issue.

The Federal Water Pollution Act, also known as the Clean Water Act (CWA),
established the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) for
monitoring pollutants discharged from marine vessels. Shortly after
enactment of the CWA, an exemption from the definition of pollutant was
provided for discharges incidental to the normal operation of marine
vessels. Specifically, this exempted discharges from vessels, effluent from
properly functioning marine engines, as well as laundry, shower, and galley
sink wastes.

However, in March 2005, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of
California determined that the exemption for incidental discharges exceeded
the Environmental Protection Agency's authority under the CWA. The court
subsequently issued a final order in September 2006 that revoked the
exemption. As a result, effective September 30, 2008, discharges incidental
to the normal operation of vessels that are currently excluded from the
NPDES permitting will be labeled pollutants and become subject to the CWA's
prohibition against discharges. The CWA authorizes civil and criminal
enforcement for violations of this prohibition and also allows for citizen
suits against violators.

In response to the court's order, Senator Mel Martinez (R-FL) and
Representative Gene Taylor (D-MS) introduced S. 2067 and H.R. 2550,
respectively. These bills would specifically authorize the exemption for
discharges incidental to the normal operation of marine vessels. I support
the exemption for incidental discharges and, for that reason, I am a
cosponsor of this legislation in the Senate. Should either of these bills
come before the full Senate, you may be certain that I will keep your views
in mind.

I appreciate hearing from you and hope you will not hesitate to keep in
touch on any issue of concern to you.

Sincerely,
Kay Bailey Hutchison

Please do not reply to this message. If you have additional comments, send
your remarks through Senator Hutchison's website at
http://hutchison.senate.gov/. Thank you.
__________________________________________________________________________-

Quite a difference!

John Paterson
S/V Fine Feather
Lying Kemah, Texas

As I understand the current legislation:

effective September 30, 2008, discharges incidental
to the normal operation of vessels that are currently excluded from the
NPDES permitting will be labeled pollutants and become subject to the CWA's
prohibition against discharges. The CWA authorizes civil and criminal
enforcement for violations of this prohibition and also allows for citizen
suits against violators.

In other words  by fall of 2008 it will be illegal to operate any sort of
water cooled engine in US waters.

Any indication of how likely it will be that the proposed legislation will
be passed.

The big question becomes, is bilge pump discharges considered normal and
incidental to the operation of a vessel?
If bilge pump discharges are not exempt, is there a limitation such as 3
mile or 12 miles from shore beyond which it is legal to discharge overboard.

regards
Arild