Vessels-sVGP

The Vessel Incidental Discharge Act (VIDA)(175 pp, 567 K, About PDF), enacted on December 4, 2018, repeals the Small Vessel General Permit (sVGP) issued on September 10, 2014 for the control of incidental discharges for vessels less than 79 feet in length (i.e., small vessels).

Small vessels and fishing vessels of all sizes are now exempt from permitting under NPDES for all incidental discharges except for ballast water. Small vessels and fishing vessels of any size must follow ballast water discharge requirements established in the EPA 2013 Vessel General Permit (VGP), the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) ballast water regulations, and any applicable state and local government requirements.

View more information on the regulatory process and future requirements of VIDA.

Final 2014 sVGP (Repealed)

The following documents were repealed as of December 4, 2018, and are provided only for historical purposes.

• Final 2014 sVGP
  • Federal Register Notice (PDF)(6 pp, 219 K, About PDF)– Announces permit issuance (September 10, 2014).
  • Fact Sheet – Provides the technical basis for the derivation of sVGP requirements.
  • Economic and Benefits Analysis– Presents the impact analyses of the sVGP on all affected vessels.
  • sVGP Public Record – A compilation of documents considered in the issuance of the Final 2014 sVGP, including draft permit documents.