USCG Exam PracticePollution prevention and environmental awareness
Under 33 CFR §151.10(g), a vessel engineer adds a chemical to the bilge water before it passes through the oily-water separator in order to reduce the measured oil content of the effluent below 15 ppm. Which of the following correctly describes the regulatory status of this practice?
- A. The practice is permitted provided the effluent oil content without dilution remains below 15 ppm after the chemical is added
- ✓ The practice is prohibited because no discharge into the sea shall contain chemicals or other substances introduced for the purpose of circumventing the conditions of dischargeCorrect
- C. The practice is permitted only when the vessel is more than 12 nautical miles from the nearest land and proceeding enroute
- D. The practice is permitted provided the chemical used is listed in the IMO MEPC Circular as an approved additive
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. Adding a chemical to artificially lower the measured oil content is precisely the conduct this provision targets, regardless of the resulting ppm reading, distance from land, or any IMO approval status of the chemical.
Cited:33 CFR §151.10