HB3954 - Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Act

• Requires the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency to establish a permit program for oceangoing vessels operating in Great Lakes state waters by January 1, 2011 to prevent discharge of aquatic invasive species.

• Permits must require vessels to meet at least one of three conditions: certify no discharge of invasive species, demonstrate inability to discharge ballast water, or use environmentally sound treatment technology on all ballast water before discharge.

• Sets minimum permit application fee of $100 and minimum fine of $25,000 per violation of standards; creates the Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Fund to receive all collected fees and fines for prevention, control, and reclamation efforts.

• Requires vessel operators to report to the Agency at least 24 hours before entering state waters, describing compliance with permit requirements.

• Mandates the Agency evaluate technology effectiveness every 3 years and revise standards if needed; enforcement ceases if federal regulations at least as restrictive are adopted, with option to reinstate if federal standards prove less effective.