An important testing method that could benefit boaters and marinas faced with strict regulation of copper-based anti-fouling paint has been released for public comment by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) reports that the saltwater biotic ligand model (BLM) is of particular interest in California, where regulators have set strict limits on dissolved copper in Marina del Rey and other basins, leading to restrictions on the use of copper-based paint.

If approved, BLM would provide a cost-effective scientific tool to determine copper toxicity in site-specific locations, avoiding mitigation measures where they are not needed. Stakeholders are encouraged to review these documents and file comments supporting the final approval of the BLM.

An online fact sheet from the EPA is available at www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2016-08/documents/copper-estuarine-marine-draft-factsheet.pdf. The 60-day comment period ends Sept. 27, with more detail and filing instructions at www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2016-07-29/pdf/2016-18014.pdf.

For more information, contact NMMA’s David Dickerson at ddickerson@nmma.org.