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EPA to Hold Listening Session to Obtain Public Input for the Next Vessel General Permit

Release Date: 12/13/2010
Contact Information: CONTACTS: Jalil Isa (Media Only), isa.jalil@epa.gov, 202-564-3226, 202-564-4355 Robin Danesi (Public Inquiries), CommercialVesselPermit@epa.gov, 202-564-1846

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will hold a listening session seeking input on suggested improvements for the next Vessel General Permit (VGP). The VGP is a Clean Water Act National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit that regulates discharges incidental to the normal operation of certain vessels. EPA seeks public comment on requirements currently contained in the 2008 VGP and any changes or additions recommended for the next permit. The 2008 VGP expires on December 19, 2013.

The listening session will be held on December 15, 2010 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at EPA Headquarters in the EPA East Building at 1201 Constitution Ave. N.W., Room 1153, Washington, D.C . For those who cannot attend in person, EPA will provide a call-in number for individuals to listen and participate in the listening session. Those planning to provide comment by phone will need to register in advance of the listening session. Advanced registration is not required for participants attending the listening session in person.

EPA will accept written comments and relevant information for developing the next permit until December 31, 2010.

More information on the listening session, call-in information, and information on the Vessel General Permit: https://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/vessels/programdevelopment.cfm