EPA Renews Data Collection to Keep Boat Waste Out of Waters
Published Date: 4/6/2026
Notice
Summary
The EPA wants to keep collecting info about No-Discharge Zones (NDZs), areas where boats can’t dump waste to protect our waters. This renewal affects boaters, local communities, and environmental groups, and it asks for public feedback by June 5, 2026. No new fees or big changes—just continuing the effort to keep our waters clean and safe!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.
States Face Paperwork Burden
EPA is renewing its information collection so states can petition to establish No-Discharge Zones (NDZs) under Clean Water Act section 312. EPA estimates 8 state respondents, a total estimated burden of 408 hours per year, and total estimated cost of $28,910 per year (including $400 annualized capital/operation & maintenance costs).
Boaters: Sewage Discharge Prohibited
In waters designated as vessel sewage No-Discharge Zones (NDZs), the discharge of both treated and untreated sewage from vessels is prohibited. Boat operators in those NDZ waters must not release any vessel sewage into those waters.
States Can Seek NDZs For Military Discharges
States may petition EPA to establish NDZs for discharges covered by the Uniform National Discharge Standards (UNDS) for vessels of the Armed Forces, and governors may petition EPA and the Department of War to review UNDS discharge determinations or standards if there is significant new information. Developing and submitting such petitions is optional and triggers the same information-collection burden on states reflected in the ICR.
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