Mid-term Report: Ballast Water Management In Washington State Ron Shultz, Chair Washington State Ballast Water Work Group

Washington State’s Ballast Water Management Act Passed 2000; Amended 2004 Declares: –ANS damage the economy and environment. –Current efforts are not enough to stop intros –State program has international consequences. –State supports IMO and USCG programs. –State program must complement them. Creates Work Group

WA Ballast Water Work Group Tasks: Study and recommend improvements Treatment Methods Plan Elements Method, Form, Content of Reports Other Matters Report by December 15, 2006.

Challenges: Room for Improvement Reporting Verifying exchange practices Information on exchange effectiveness Need ships to test treatment technology Vessel inspector program at risk Managing ballast water on Columbia R

Next steps Align state program with national and international requirements Develop program costs & funding options Identify feasible and proven technologies Alternative strategies for Columbia R.