Curtas do Bryant´s

Freeport, Texas – security zone

The US Coast Guard has established, through April 30, a temporary security zone on waters of the Freeport LNG Basin. 74 Fed. Reg. 13341 (March 27, 2009).

Morehead City, North Carolina – dredged material

The US Army Corps of Engineers issued a notice stating that it is conducting a study to evaluate the long-term (20 year) dredged material placement needs for Morehead City Harbor. 74 Fed. Reg. 13423 (March 27, 2009).

East Newark, New Jersey – biodiesel spill

The US Coast Guard issued a press release stating that it is responding to the release of approximately 1,000 gallons of biodiesel that occurred during an internal transfer in East Newark. (3/26/09).

Alaska – monitoring Mount Redoubt eruption

The US Coast Guard issued a press release stating that it, the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC), and other stakeholders are monitoring the Mount Redoubt eruption for any impacts on the Drift River Terminal in the vicinity of Cook Inlet with regard to the potential release of crude oil. No impacts have been detected to date. (3/26/09).

Bills introduced protection of resources of Northwest Straits

Senator Murray (D-WA) and Representative Larsen (D-WA) introduced companion versions of the Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative Reauthorization Act (S. 668 and H.R. 1672) to reauthorize the Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative Act to promote the protection of the resources of the Northwest Straits, and for other purposes. (3/23/09).

Bill introduced to strengthen OPA 90

Senator Cantwell (D-WA) introduced a bill (S. 684) to provide the Coast Guard and NOAA with additional authorities under the Oil Pollution Act of 1990, to strengthen the Oil Pollution Act of 1990, and for other purposes. Text of this bill is not yet available. (3/24/09).

Bill introduced to require double hulls

Senator Lautenberg (D-NJ) introduced a bill (S. 685) to require new vessels for carrying oil fuel to have double hulls, and for other purposes. Text of this bill is not yet available. (3/24/09).

UK – preparation for EU Transport Council

The UK Department for Transport issued the statement of Secretary of State for Transport Geoff Hoon in preparation for the European Union (EU) Transport Council meeting in Brussels on March 30. He expressed basic support for the draft regulation on the rights of passengers when traveling by sea and inland waterway. He expressed support for the European Commission (EC) “Strategic Goals and Recommendations for the EU’s maritime transport policy until 2018”, promoting European shipping and related industries. He expressed support in principle for the action plan with a view to establishing a European maritime space without barriers, simplifying administrative procedures for intra-EU maritime transport. (3/25/09). Fonte: Dennis Bryant.