Senate Bill 412 Summary

• Beginning July 1, 2012, oceangoing vessels engaging in port operations in Indiana must obtain a permit from the Department of Environmental Management.

• IDEM may only issue a permit if the applicant demonstrates the vessel will not discharge aquatic nuisance species, or if it discharges ballast water or sediment, that environmentally sound technology and methods will be used to prevent such discharge.

• IDEM must establish a ballast water and sediment inspection program to prevent aquatic nuisance species from entering Indiana waters.

• The Water Pollution Control Board must adopt rules implementing these provisions before July 1, 2012, and may establish permit application fees.

• The board must cooperate with other Great Lakes states, Canadian provinces, and regional organizations to develop consistent standards for controlling aquatic nuisance species.