Environmental Overview

Transcription

1 Environmental Compliance Promotion Workshop Clean Water Act Guidance August 13, 2015 Maritime Gloucester Environmental Overview Jack Wiggin Urban Harbors Institute University of Massachusetts Boston

2 Why does it Matter? Coastal and ocean ecosystem services Seafood and other products from living marine resources Healthy wetlands mitigate storm damage Economic activities: Commercial fisheries Recreation: boating, sport fishing, swimming, etc. Jobs, wages, business income, tax revenue

3 National Ocean Economy, ,855 businesses 2.4 million full- time and part- time employees $84.25 billion wages and benefits, $ billion GDP In terms of relative importance to the overall U.S. economy, this represents 3.37 percent of total GDP and 4.81 percent of total. 1 National Working Waterfront Network, Sustainable Working Waterfronts Toolkit, US Economic Development Administration

4 Recreational Boating is beneficial to the economy United States 11.8 recreational vessels registered by the states in million recreational boats in use in , million people (35.7% of U.S. adults) participated in recreational boating in $35.6 billion in recreational boating retail expenditures (new and pre- owned boats and engines, trailers, accessories and services including fuel, repair, storage, insurance, taxes) in ,526 marine industry jobs (manufacturing, dealers/wholesalers, services) 3 34,833 marine industry businesses (2012) 3 Massachusetts 134,739 registered and documented vessels, North Shore 5 15, 454 Registered and documented vessels ~ 120 boating facilities 1 U.S. Coast Guard Recreational Boating Statistics. COMDTPUB P National Marine Manufacturers Association Recreational Boating Statistical Abstract 3 Discover Boating, and- figures.aspx 4 Massachusetts Boat Registration database; USCG Documented Vessels database, State of Our Harbors, 2015

5 Gloucester Commercial Fishing FY 2014 Gloucester, MA Landings 1 59,080,404 live pounds $43,918,723 value 210 Active commercial fishing vessels in Gloucester Inner Harbor 2 1 DOC/NOAA Fisheries, Gloucester Dockage Study, 2014

6 Environmental laws, regulations and programs have improved water quality and habitat over the past 40 years Estimated that billions of pounds of pollution have been kept out of our waterways since passage of the CWA. Number of waters meeting clean water goals nationwide consistently increasing with direct benefits for drinking water, public health, recreation, and wildlife.

7 Potential Impacts of Marina and boatyard discharges on the Environment 1. Oil and fuel Oil from ballast water, oil tank washings, bilge water. and waste oil Fuel from refueling and vessel operation Hydrocarbons and heavy metals are toxic to aquatic organisms Affects seabirds by reducing the insulating capacity of their feathers and ingested weakens the animal. Damages coastal wetlands and submerged aquatic vegetation Visible petroleum in the water affects tourism

8 2. Sewage Human body wastes These days untreated sewage in coastal waters may come from faulty municipal or on- site treatment systems, or direct discharges from shoreside facilities and boats. Introduces microbial pathogens into the environment Increases BOD, biological oxygen demand Introduces nutrients that stimulate algal growth and deplete oxygen in the water. Direct exposure to disease- causing pathogens can make swimmers sick, as can consuming shellfish from contaminated waters. High fecal coliform bacterial counts close shellfish beds and swimming beaches. An aesthetic issue, impacting tourism and the waterfront economy.

9 3. Vessel Maintenance and Repair Includes surface cleaning, washing, waxing, sanding, grinding, painting, plastic repair, and related tasks. Antifouling paint traditionally contained copper. Until banned, tributyltin was a highly effective, but very environmental damaging compound. Vessel sanding and cleaning can contribute particulate matter to coastal waters inhibiting photosynthesis and grown of aquatic grasses, which in turn impacts marine organisms that depend on these plants. Cleaners and detergents add nutrients to the water promoting the growth of algae. Algal blooms decrease oxygen in the water, suffocating fish and other marine animals. Cleaning products may contain components toxic to marine life.

10 4. Solid Waste and Debris Plastics, wood, foams, packaging materials, tires, fishing gear, glass, metal, cigarette filters, etc. in coastal waters are all marine debris. Land- based sources account for 70 percent of marine debris, ocean and waterways sources for 30 percent. May be hazardous to humans, such as medical waste or broken glass. Can be a serious hazard to wildlife marine mammals, seabirds, turtles through entanglement or ingestion. Direct economic impact by damaging boats Aesthetic impact discourages participation in coastal recreation

11 5. Stormwater Runoff Rainfall or snowmelt moving over and through the ground, picking up pollutants, eventually reaching coastal waters. The leading remaining cause of water quality problems. In marinas/boatyards polluted runoff can come from hull maintenance, repair areas, and parking lots. Toxic metals from hull scraping and sanding, oil and grease, detergents, litter and bilge waste. Degrades water quality and harms wildlife and its habitats. Stormwater carries sediments to coastal waters, reducing penetration of sunlight Settles out it can smother plant and animal life. Sedimentation fills channels and boat basins, necessitating dredging and disposal of dredged material

12 Environmental Stewardship Ports and cargo facilities have adopted GreenPorts strategies and programs, exceeding regulatory requirements. Coastal marinas, yacht clubs, and boatyards are encouraged to participate in clean marina programs Both yield environmental and economic benefits

13 State of Our Harbors, 2015 for Mass DCR & MCZM 73 coastal municipalities 210+ harbors Database of dredged areas, marine facilities, slips and moorings, municipal revenue Cataloging dredging needs and economic value associated with maintaining navigable waterways