MARKETS OIL SPILL DETECTION & REMEDIATION
Mycelx Bilge System
MarineVAP
C.I.Agent Bilge Maintenance
HydroREcyClean
Mycelx Bilge Systems
Mycelx bilge systems are installed on two touring yachts, the Integrity and Reina, operated by Pacific Marine Enterprises in the Galapagos Islands National Park. Water traffic in the marine reserve is controlled by the Merchant Marine Authority. In 2007 Mycelx's manager in Bodega Blanca introduced the Mycelx filter technolgy to the Park marine biologist with the support of ADATUR, the local shipping authority. The Park approved the Mycelx system and subsequently passed a regulation requiring that all vessels operating in the reserve to have a bilge water treatment system that meets MARPOL
regulations. The Mycelx systems consist of four BK-3s operated in parallel to handle the ships' 80-gpm bilge pumps. The filters are followed by a Deckma OCM and last about four months. The Mycelx system is capable of achieving zero to five ppm at the discharge and requires less than five psi of operating pressure. For cleaning, the filters are removed, washed with peroxide and reinstalled.
http://mycelx.com/solutions/marine MarineVAP
In response to the tightening environmental regulations and new EPA enforcement of the Clean Water Act for the commercial marine industry,
SkimOil Inc., of Carrboro, N.C., has introduced its new MarineVAP (patent pending) onboard evaporation system. The system evaporates marine wastewaters, including grey water, oil bilge water and treated black water. "The zero liquid discharge MarineVAP system, a dedicated, completely marinized device is the logical successor to SkimOil's BilgeVAP evaporator which has been successfully used for years to eliminate oily bilge water on hundreds of inland waters workboats," said SkimOil President, RJ McWilliams. The MarineVAP is a safe closed/sealed unit with a small footprint and external insulated heat coils
WQIS Launches Vessel General Permit Policy
In 1977 the Congress enacted the Clean Water Act and for over 30 years the EPA regulations excluded vessels from the system of permits required under the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). Lawsuits by environmental interests challenged this exclusion and as of December 19, 2008 this exemption has been eliminated. All vessels with discharges of pollutants incidental to their normal operation within the U.S. three-mile territorial sea or inland waters need permit coverage under the Vessel General Permit (VGP). Discharges covered are not limited to ballast water but incorporate approximately 28 discharge types including deck washdown and runoff, bilge water, antifouling hull coating leachate, aqueous film-forming foam, boiler blowdown, cathodic protection, chain locker effluent, fire main systems and various other greywater and effluents. The VGP permit is required for all vessels with the exception of recreational vessels. Fishing vessels and commercial vessels less than 79 ft. in length have been granted a two-year moratorium (until July 10, 2010). The permit automatically applies to vessels now, but the permittee must also file a Notice of Intent (NOI) if the vessel is greater than 300 gt or has a ballast water capacity of at least 2,113 gallons. The EPA has activated its electronic Notice of Intent web site (http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/vessels/enoi.cfm) on which vessel operators may begin to file the NOI. All subject vessels are required to file their NOI no later than September 19, 2009. Individual states and Native American Tribes can establish additional water quality standards and it is important to note that standards may vary from state to state. Exceeding an effluent limit is a permit violation and the violation will require the permittee to take corrective action. For minor changes the corrective action must be taken within two weeks. Major changes requiring new parts are required within three months and major renovations are required before re-launching from the next dry-docking. There are requirements for routine vessel inspections, broader annual vessel inspections, record keeping and reporting. The law allows for civil, administrative and criminal fines and penalties. In addition, other criminal enforcement is allowed. WQIS, underwriter of pollution liability insurance for marine vessels, has now reviewed the matter and concluded that insurance coverage can play a significant role in protecting vessel operators from portions of this new liability.
42 MN
July 2009