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Mid-term Report: Ballast Water Management In Washington State. Ron Shultz, Chair Washington State Ballast Water Work Group. Washington State’s Ballast Water Management Act. Passed 2000; Amended 2004 Declares: ANS damage the economy and environment.
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Mid-term Report: Ballast Water Management In Washington State Ron Shultz, Chair Washington State Ballast Water Work Group
Washington State’s Ballast Water Management Act • Passed 2000; Amended 2004 • Declares: • ANS damage the economy and environment. • Current efforts are not enough to stop intros • State program has international consequences. • State supports IMO and USCG programs. • State program must complement them. • Creates Work Group
WA Ballast Water Work Group Tasks: • Study and recommend improvements • Treatment Methods • Plan Elements • Method, Form, Content of Reports • Other Matters • Report by December 15, 2006.
Challenges: Room for Improvement • Reporting • Verifying exchange practices • Information on exchange effectiveness • Need ships to test treatment technology • Vessel inspector program at risk • Managing ballast water on Columbia R
Next steps • Align state program with national and international requirements • Develop program costs & funding options • Identify feasible and proven technologies • Alternative strategies for Columbia R.