TITLE 46

Waters and Navigation

CHAPTER 46-17.3

Ballast Water

SECTION 46-17.3-1



   § 46-17.3-1  Legislative findings. –

The general assembly finds that:



   (1) The waters of the state are a precious, irreplaceable

resource essential to the environment, commerce, and recreation of citizens and

tourists of the state;



   (2) Non-indigenous aquatic species introduced into waters of

the United States from ballast water have caused tremendous environmental and

ecological damage, displacing native species, degrading water quality, and

interfering with commerce, including the zebra mussel brought into the Great

Lakes and the upper Susquehanna River;



   (3) Ballast water practices of commercial shipping vessels

may cause irreversible damage to waters of the state; and



   (4) Protective measures against the introduction of

non-indigenous aquatic species from ballast water are necessary to minimize

exposure of the waters of the state to unwanted contamination and damage caused

by these species.



History of Section.

(P.L. 2001, ch. 173, § 1.)