In a message dated 3/5/08 12:01:14 AM, trawlers-and-trawlering-request@lists.samurai.com writes: > The other day I was informed by a boating friend that as of a certain > date this year (I think it was sometime this spring) boatyards in > Washington State will no longer be allowed to let boat owners do their > own bottom painting. The painting (as well as the cleaning and prep) > must be done by the yard. I was told that this is to ensure that > material removed from the bottom during cleaning and prep and the paint > itself will be handled properly to reduce the environmental risk. Has > anyone else heard of this upcoming regulation? > In New York State the Dept. of Environmental Conservation has a regulation that bottom painting must be done by a Certified Aquatic Pesticide applicator. The rule was formulated at the behest of the EPA to restrict and control the amount of pesticides being washed into federal waterways. It is category 5D of the DEP regulations. There are some exemptions to the rules. Bottom paint applications can be done by an uncertified applicator (i.e., boatyard employee) if a certified applicator is within easy communication reach (i.e., has a cell phone). Boat owners can apply bottom ppaints on boats in their private residences (i.e., on a trailer in your driveway). The rule has been on the books for about 10 years but it has been rarely enforced. The purchase of many toxic aquatic chemicals is restricted to only certified personnel and there is a move afoot to extend the restrictions to bottom paint. Indeed, bottom paints have already been reformulated to exclude banned toxins (i.e., mercury, tributyl tin). Other states are now adopting the EPA regulations. Perhaps boatyards see it as a way of increasing their profits. Certification in NYS is conferred by taking a test, having practical experience, attending continuing education courses, and, of course, paying an annual registration fee. I estimate it is about as difficult as passing the USCG 6 pack exam. If anyone wants details of the NYS regulations, I can supply chapter and verse. Larry Z (NYS Certified Aquatic Pesticide applicator) ************** It's Tax Time! Get tips, forms, and advice on AOL Money & Finance. (http://money.aol.com/tax?NCID=aolprf00030000000001)