Comment period on sewage pump-out extended

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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is extending the public comment period on a preliminary affirmative decision that adequate sewage pump-out facilities are available for recreational and commercial vessels to support the Washington State Department of Ecology’s proposed “no-discharge zone” for Puget Sound.

The EPA’s preliminary determination was published in the Federal Register on Nov. 7, 2016, with a 30-day public comment period. In response to stakeholder requests, additional time to submit comments is being provided, with comments due by Dec. 23, 2016.

The Department of Ecology (Ecology) has proposed to establish a “no-discharge zone” for Puget Sound, which would prohibit the discharge of vessel sewage – both treated and untreated – into Puget Sound waters. Ecology’s petition concluded that there is sufficient need for establishing a no-discharge zone to protect water quality and the related ecological, economic and recreational benefits provided by Puget Sound.

The EPA is seeking comments from the public, tribes and industry stakeholders on its preliminary affirmative decision. The decision was based on information that Ecology included in its petition package and a supplemental submission.

Those interested in commenting on the preliminary determination should visit regulations.gov. Once submitted, comments can’t be edited or withdrawn. The full EPA comment policy and general guidance on making effective public comments are at

tinyurl.com/jbuvrtk. For more about Ecology’s petition, visit

tinyurl.com/kdx9wke.