Vessel General Permit (VGP)

2013 Vessel General Permit (VGP) On March 28, 2013, EPA issued the 2013 VGP to authorize discharges incidental to the normal operations of commercial vessels.  The 2013 VGP has an effective date of December 19, 2013.  DOH-CWB has issued a Section 401 WQC (File No. WQC0833) for the 2013 VGP.  WQC0833 becomes effective on December 19, 2013.   The Owner or Operator of a vessel seeking coverage under the 2013 VGP is required to submit the Electronic Signature VGP DOH Notification Form through the e-Permitting Portal website.  You will be asked to do a one-time registration to obtain your login and password.  After you register, click on the Application Finder tool and locate the “Electronic VGP DOH Notification Form.”  Follow the instructions to complete and submit this form. Submission of this form is done exclusively electronically through the e-Permitting Portal (i.e., no hard copy forms, certifications, etc.). After you submit this form, check the status of your submission by pressing the History Link in the e-Permitting Portal.  If you see a status of “Issued,” you are covered under WQC0833 and are obligated to comply.  No further correspondence will be provided.  If needed, you can print your e-Permitting Submission History for your file records.  The e-Permitting Portal Section 401 WQC website contains:

  • A link to the U.S. EPA VGP website.  Please visit the EPA website if you wish to obtain VGP coverage and submit a Notice of Intent through the EPA eNOI system.
  • EPA contact information.  Please contact the EPA if you have any questions on the 2013 VGP.
  • WQC0833.  If you have any questions on WQC0833, please read WQC0833 and review the VGP DOH Notification Form on the e-Permitting Portal before contacting the DOH-CWB at (808) 586-4309.