Michael S. Regan 16th Administrator, United States Environmental Protection Agency | Official Website
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a proposal to limit the discharge of vessel sewage within the Indian River-Vero Beach to Fort Pierce aquatic reserve, and is seeking public comments on this measure.
Contact: EPA Region 4 Press Office: (404) 562-8400, region4press@epa.gov
Tallahassee, Florida (August 6, 2024) – Today, the EPA provisionally affirmed Florida's request to designate waters within the Indian River-Vero Beach to Fort Pierce aquatic reserve as a no-discharge zone for vessel sewage. This initiative aims to protect and enhance water quality in the 9,500-acre reserve, which is recognized as a nationally significant estuary threatened by pollution, development, or overuse. The EPA’s provisional decision will be open for a 30-day public comment period.
Vessel sewage discharges contain pollutants such as nutrients, metals, endocrine disruptors, and pathogens that can degrade water quality, harm aquatic environments, and pose health risks. A no-discharge zone prohibits both treated and untreated vessel sewage discharges.
The reserve spans 12 miles from Vero Beach's southern corporate boundary to the northern bridge of U.S. Highway A1A in Fort Pierce across Indian River and St. Lucie counties. The EPA confirmed that adequate facilities are available for safe and sanitary disposal and treatment of all vessel sewage within the proposed no-discharge zone.
Public input is crucial in shaping environmental policies and protecting natural resources. Comments on this measure can be submitted until September 5, 2024.
The Federal Register notice and instructions for submitting public comments are available at https://regulations.gov using docket number EPA-R04-OW-2024-0379-0002 or via this link: https://www.regulations.gov/document/EPA-R04-OW-2024-0379-0002Exit EPA’s website.
More information about vessel sewage discharges can be found at www.epa.gov/vessels-marinas-and-ports/vessel-sewage-discharges.
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