DEP’s Position on Pressure Washing as of Tue 10/5/ :13 AM Ted, Below is DEP's position regarding vessel pressure washing discharges to the ground. I would also note that only activities that are deemed a water dependent use are being considered within the context of the language below.

"At this time the Department already has a general permit that, provided all applicable terms and conditions of the general are met, would authorize vessel pressure washing discharges to the municipal sanitary sewer system either directly by an available municipal sewer service connection, or by transportation to an approved municipal sewage treatment plant by an appropriately licensed hauler. Alternatively, the discharge may be collected and transported by an appropriately licensed hauler to a permitted waste disposal facility. More information regarding these management options can be found on the Department's website at: and at the link under the heading, "Important Information for Facilities Conducting Vessel Bottom Pressure Washing" and at the link under the heading, "Important Information for Facilities Conducting Vessel Bottom Pressure Washing"

Aside from the aforementioned general permit mechanism and wastewater management options, the Department is otherwise only evaluating whether to authorize vessel pressure washing discharges to the ground in areas of the state and under circumstances that meet all of the following criteria: (1) no municipal sewer service is available in the area; (2) the ground water in the area is neither currently nor planned for use as a potable water supply; (3) the area is served by a public water supply; (4) the area is located within the "coastal boundary", as that term is defined in Section 22a-94(b) of the CT General Statutes; and (5) only vessel hulls not treated with any marine antifouling paints or vessel hulls treated with environmentally preferable marine antifouling paints be allowed to be located, operated, serviced and maintained at the facility. The Department considers environmentally preferable marine antifouling paints to be paints that do not contain lead, tin or copper, and do not contain any other substances which may be discharged at concentrations deemed by the Commissioner to cause pollution to the waters of the state.

At this time, December 31, 2010 is the extension of time that Connecticut marinas and boatyards were provided to comply with state and federal laws. After December 2010, marinas and boatyards can either cease the pressure washing activity, or comply with one of wastewater management alternatives described above and at the noted website address." Oswald Inglese, Jr., Director Water Permitting and Enforcement Division Bureau of Materials Management & Compliance Assurance CT Department of Environmental Protection 79 Elm Street, Hartford, CT Tel: (860) Facsimile: (860)