Senate Sponsors: CULLERTON AND PHILIP. Short description: BALLAST WATER DISCHARGE Synopsis of Bill as introduced: Amends the Environmental Protection Act. Provides that the Agency shall promulgate rules to prevent the introduction and minimize the spread of aquatic nuisance species within the Great Lakes. Provides for evaluation of the effectiveness of the rules at least every 5 years. Provides that a person shall not operate on the Great Lakes within the jurisdiction of this State an oceangoing vessel capable of discharging ballast water, unless the vessel has been issued a permit by the Agency and the vessel is equipped with all the necessary equipment to discharge the ballast water or sediment in compliance with the permit and the rules. Provides for suspension of enforcement of the permit requirement if a federal law is enacted or federal regulations are promulgated that require vessels operating on the Great Lakes to comply with ballast water management practices designed to minimize the spread of aquatic nuisance species in the Great Lakes and require the treatment of ballast water and sediment for oceangoing vessels. Provides that fees shall be deposited into the Aquatic Nuisance Species Prevention Fund, an interest bearing special fund. Amends the State Finance Act to create the Aquatic Nuisance Species Prevention Fund. Last action on Bill: SESSION SINE DIE Last action date: JAN-07-2003 Location: Senate Amendments to Bill: AMENDMENTS ADOPTED: HOUSE - 0 SENATE - 0 END OF INQUIRY Full Text Bill Status