Anti-Fouling Paint Testing Method Released for Public Comment

An important testing method that could benefit boaters and marinas faced with strict regulation of copper-based anti-fouling paint waas recently released for public comment by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The saltwater biotic ligand model (BLM) is of particular interest in California, where regulators have set strict limits on dissolved copper in Marina del Rey and other basins, leading to restrictions on the use of copper-based paint.

If approved, BLM would provide a cost-effective scientific tool to determine copper toxicity in site-specific locations, thereby avoiding implementing mitigation measures where they are not needed. Stakeholders are encouraged to review these documents and file comments supporting the final approval of the BLM.

Click here for a fact sheet. 

The 60-day comment period ends Sept. 27, with more detail and filing instructions found here.

For more information, contact NMMA's David Dickerson at [email protected]