Exotic Species Program

The Problem: Ships Discharge Ballast Water Containing Exotic Species

Over 21 billion gallons of contaminated ballast water is released into U.S. waters each year, an average rate of 2.4 million gallons each hour. In Oregon, at least 367 taxonomic groups of plants and animals have been identified in the ballast water of ships arriving from Japan alone. Puget Sound is considered by scientists to be moderately invaded, with 52 species having been identified to date in area waters. Ballast water is the source of one quarter of the 234 exotic species now found in San Francisco Bay, where, on average, one new species is introduced every 14 weeks. The introduction of exotic species causes a loss of biodiversity in natural ecosystems. More on Environmental Impacts of Ballast Water...

The Solution: The Clean Water Act Requires Regulation of Ballast Water Discharges

There are a number of federal laws intended to address ballast water discharges of exotic species. Some encourage shippers to exchange their contaminated ballast water with local water prior to entering a local port. However none of these laws provide the regulatory restrictions that are created by the Clean Water Act. However, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has refused to apply these restrictions. In addition, many states have recently adopted state laws to encourage ballast water exchange, increase monitoring, and enforce restrictions. More on Ballast Water Laws...

NWEA's Action: Seeking to Force EPA to Conform with the Clean Water Act

Calling upon the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to reverse 26 years of noncompliance with the Clean Water Act, on January 19, 1999, Northwest Environmental Advocates led a national coalition of environmental and industry organizations seeking significant new controls on pollution discharges from ships. EPA responded to NWEA's petition on April 6 by proposing a plan to research a series of questions rather than addressing the fundamental issue of whether the Clean Water Act applies to ballast water discharges. EPA's plan called for a report by September, 1999 with final recommendations in the spring of 2000 and eventually, after consultation with the Invasive Species Council, a decision on whether to revise its illegal regulations. However, as of April, 2000, EPA has yet to issue a report or make any recommendations in response to NWEA's petition. More on NWEA's Ballast Water Petition...

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