Emergency Response Program 

Oregon Ballast Water Management

Background

The discharge of ballast water, used to provide vessel stability, may introduce aquatic non-indigenous species into Oregon waterways, potentially resulting in ecological damage, economic costs and/or human health concerns. Since 2002, DEQ has authority under the Oregon Legislature to implement and enforce ballast water management regulations in an effort to reduce the risk of introducing new aquatic invasive species.

State regulations on ballast water management require that all regulated vessels submit ballast water management reports to DEQ at least 24 hours prior to entry into the state. Vessels intending to discharge ballast water into waters of the state must perform necessary management practices, as described in Oregon Revised Statute 783.620-640, prior to discharge. All regulated vessels are subject to boarding, inspection and ballast water sampling verification by state inspectors. As described in ORS 783.990-992, vessel operators/owners not in compliance with Oregon ballast water management regulations are subject to fines up to $25,000 per violation per day and/or civil penalties.

Oregon ballast water management reports

In addition to federal reporting requirements to the National Ballast Information Clearinghouse, vessels must submit ballast water report forms to the State of Oregon at least 24 hours before arriving in state waters. Reports may be submitted on USCG-approved ballast reporting forms, as email attachments (doc, pdf, xfdf, xls, tif or jpg) to  or marine.room@pdxmex.com, or via fax (503-229-6954).

• Ballast water management reporting form (OMB Form Control No. 1625-0069) DOC
• Ballast water management reporting form (OMB Form Control No. 1625-0069) PDF

In the event a vessel’s actual ballast practices differ from those projected on the report form, an amended form must be submitted prior to the vessel’s departure.

Ballast management vessel arrival fee

Beginning January 2012, regulated vessels entering into Oregon waters will be assessed a $70 vessel arrival fee in accordance with Senate Bill 81 (passed in 2011). Revenue generated from the fee will provide support for DEQ ballast water program efforts, including report monitoring, compliance verification and technical support services. Fee collection and disbursement to DEQ is currently handled via contract with Portland Merchants Exchange.

• Senate Bill 81 PDF
• Portland Merchants Exchange

Oregon ballast water management regulations

• Fact sheet: Oregon Ballast Water Management PDF
• Oregon Revised Statutes governing ballast water regulations (ORS 783.620-992) can be accessed at: www.leg.state.or.us/ors/783.html
• Oregon Administrative Rules governing ballast water regulations were revised in 2011.
  • Overview of newly adopted state ballast water rules PDF
  • Complete rules can be accessed at:
    http://arcweb.sos.state.or.us/rules/OARs_300/OAR_340/340_143.html

Other ballast water regulations

• USCG Ballast Water Management
  Federal regulations promulgated by the U.S. Coast Guard
• Vessel General Permit
  Federal Clean Water Act regulations promulgated by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

For more information

Please contact Rian Hooff (Oregon Ballast Water Program Manager), 503-229-6865 (toll-free in Oregon: 1-800-452-4011 x6865). .

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