Vessel Incidental Discharge Act

On December 4, 2018, the Vessel Incidental Discharge Act (VIDA) was signed into law. VIDA requires EPA to develop new national standards of performance for commercial vessel incidental discharges and the U.S. Coast Guard USCG) to develop corresponding implementing regulations. The new regulations are expected to be finalized in 2026. In the interim, the VIDA legislation extends the applicability of the 2013 Vessel General Permit (VGP) provisions, leaving them in effect until new regulations are final and enforceable.

A Supplemental Notice of Proposed Rulemaking followed the passage of VIDA on October 18, 2023. The proposed rule would reduce the environmental impact of discharges, such as ballast water, that are incidental to the normal operation of commercial vessels. When finalized, this new rule will streamline the current patchwork of federal, state, and local requirements that apply to the commercial vessel community and better protect our nation's waters. Learn more about the EPA proposed standards.

Who is covered by the Regulations?

Pursuant to VIDA, the following interim requirements apply until EPA publishes future standards and the USCG publishes corresponding implementing regulations under VIDA (anticipated in 2023):

• For large, non-fishing commercial vessels: The existing vessel discharge requirements established through the EPA 2013 Vessel General Permit (VGP) and the USCG ballast water regulations, and any applicable state and local government requirements.

• For small vessels and fishing vessels of any size: The existing ballast water discharge requirements established through the EPA 2013 VGP and the USCG ballast water regulations, and any applicable state and local government requirements.

The EPA issued the 2013 VGP on April 12, 2013, with an effective period of December 19, 2013, to December 18, 2018 (i.e., five years). The VGP provided NPDES permit coverage nationwide for discharges incidental to the normal operation of commercial vessels greater than 79 feet in length. However, as described above, the VIDA legislation extends the 2013 VGP's provisions, leaving them in effect until new regulations are final and enforceable.

More Resources

Related TERC Topics

2013 Vessel General Permit

Ballast Water and Invasive Species

Bilgewater

Graywater

EPA Resources

Regulatory process and future requirements of VIDA.

EPA's Electronic Notice of Intent system (eNOI). Can be used to file information about vessel permit Notice of Intent, search for information on vessel NOIs submitted by vessel owners and operators, as well as update or terminate coverage under each permit.

VGP Background Information. Outlines how EPA regulates incidental vessel discharges. Furthermore, identifies why the NPDES vessels program only regulates certain discharges, and only from certain vessels.

Vessel Discharge Contacts. Identify relevant contacts at EPA headquarters and regional offices.

EPA VGP Point of contact: CommercialVesselPermit@epa.gov.