On June 27, 2022, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a notice and request for comments on its draft Guidance for States Applying for No-Discharge Zones. A no-discharge zone (NDZ) is a water body where the discharge of both treated and untreated sewage from vessels is prohibited. Under the Clean Water Act, States may request EPA to designate their waters as no-discharge zones. Three types of NDZ applications exist, which allow EPA to weigh environmental, economic, and operational factors when determining whether to grant the application. The Guidance explains what specific factors will be considered by EPA in making its final determinations.
Comments are due by August 26, 2022.
- Read the Federal Register notice and submit comments.
- Advocacy contact: Send an email to Astrika Adams at astrika.adams@sba.gov or call (202) 798-7750.