Site Assessments
Ballast Water and Aquatic Nuisance Species Management
The Volpe Center manages several important elements of
the U.S. Coast Guard’s aquatic nuisance species (ANS) program,
which aims to stem the flow of invasive species into U.S. coastal
waters from ballast water discharged from ships. A technical
review panel of engineers and biologists conducts assessments of
experimental onboard treatment systems for the Coast Guard
Shipboard Technology Evaluation Program (STEP), including
engineering plans and biological treatment effectiveness,
through desktop reviews and onboard observations of system
tests. The Panel also completed a technology assessment of thirteen
ballast water treatment systems in this emerging field, to
assist Coast Guard policy makers as they consider new U.S. and
international ballast water management regulations. (Sponsored
by the DHS, U.S. Coast Guard)
Source: Volpe Center Points of Pride, FY 2005 - p. 17
