Comment submitted by Alliance for the Great Lakes

Please protect the Great Lakes from the introduction and spread of invasive species by incorporating the following into the 2013 Vessel General Permit: - Limit invasive species discharge in vessel ballast water discharges to zero. - Require that vessels use the Best Available Technology to treat their ballast water before discharging it. - Create any additional effluent limitations that EPA determines are necessary to ensure that the quality of Great Lakes and coastal waters is fully protected. - Apply these effluent limitations to so-called "laker" vessels that travel only within the Great Lakes, just as much as they apply to other vessels. - Establish a clear and transparent process for monitoring, reporting, and enforcement. Stopping invasive species before they enter is critical to securing a restored Great Lakes for the future.