§4714 Ballast Water Management Demonstration Program

Summary

Requires the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Commerce to run an 18-month demonstration program, starting when money is provided under section 4741(e), to test technologies and practices that stop nonnative aquatic species from being moved in ballast water in the Great Lakes and other U.S. waters. "Technologies and practices" means systems that can be added to existing ships or land treatment plants or built into new facilities, that actually work in real use, are safe for crew and ship, are good for the environment, are cost-effective, can be monitored by the ship operator, and work against many different invasive species. All installation and construction must happen inside the United States. Only approved, active cargo vessels with suitable ballast systems may be used. The Secretaries must give first priority to vessels documented under chapter 121 of title 46, then to vessels mostly owned by U.S. citizens, then to other vessels that regularly call U.S. ports. They should use different types of vessels, including ones that serve the Great Lakes, major coasts, San Francisco Bay, and Chesapeake Bay. They must favor technologies the National Research Council’s Marine Board called promising in July 1996. A report with findings and recommendations must be sent to Congress not later than 3 years after October 26, 1996. The Secretary of the Interior may make cooperative agreements, accept federal help and donations, and must consult with the International Maritime Organization and the Task Force.