USCG Exam PracticePollution prevention and environmental awareness
Per 33 CFR §151.10(g), a vessel operator adds a chemical to the bilge effluent stream before discharge in order to reduce the apparent oil content reading on the bilge monitor. Which statement correctly describes the regulatory status of this discharge?
- A. The discharge is permissible provided the effluent reading after chemical addition is below 15 ppm
- ✓ The discharge is prohibited because no chemicals or substances may be introduced for the purpose of circumventing the discharge conditionsCorrect
- C. The discharge is permissible if the vessel is beyond 12 nautical miles from the nearest land and proceeding enroute
- D. The discharge is permissible only if the chemical used is listed on the IMO MEPC Circular as approved equipment
Why B is correct
33 CFR §151.10(g) expressly prohibits any discharge into the sea that contains chemicals or other substances introduced for the purpose of circumventing the conditions of discharge specified in the regulation. This prohibition applies regardless of the resulting ppm reading, position, or enroute status.
Cited:33 CFR §151.10