Scuttlebutt Magazine - May 2008 - (Page 28) Page 28 • May 2008 www.scuttlebutt.com Judge orders state agency to regulate ships’ Lake Superior discharges Boats 17-ft to 80-ft Ted Gates 108 E. Center St., Lake City MN 55041 Ramsey County District Court Judge Kathleen Gearin ordered the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency to begin regulating ballast water discharged by ships in Lake Superior to prevent viral hemorraghic septicemia (VHS) and other invasive species from reaching the lake. VHS, a deadly fish virus, is of particular concern because it has been found in every Great Lake except Superior. (See story on page 30.) Judge Gearin, in her ruling released Tuesday, noted that the Pollution Control Agency has known for years that ballast discharge introduces invasive species and is a source of pollutants. With regard to VHS, she stated that “the Court does not believe the MPCA has handled the Minnesota ballast water issues with the urgency that the danger of VHS demands.” The St. Paul Power Squadron will offer a United States Power Squadron boating safety course at Bayport Marina, 200 Fifth Ave. South in Bayport. It is open to the public. A four-week Squadron Boating Course starts on Wednesday, May 7. For more information contact Hal Fotsch at 651634-8801, or email hal Mercury Marine is adopting a new organizational structure designed to streamline Mercury’s business units, Brunswick Corp. reported. This news comes only a few days after former Mercury Marine President Pat Mackey’s retirement went into effect. Kevin S. Grodzki, president – MerCruiser, will now add Mercury Racing and MotoTron, to his current responsibilities for sterndrive, inboards, Teignbridge Propellers and Cummins MerCruiser Diesel. Mark In her ruling, Judge Gearin agreed with the Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy (MCEA) that ballast water discharge is degrading Lake Superior and invalidated the state’s rule exempting ballast water from regulation. She ordered the Pollution Control Agency to treat the discharge as water pollution and ruled that by October 1, all ships carrying ballast water in Minnesota waters must have Clean Water Act permits before discharging it. “The order provides solid legal footing for MPCA to move forward in regulating ballast discharge and stopping the introduction of more invasive species,” said Janette Brimmer, MCEA’s legal director. “As Judge Gearin said, the scale of the threat posed by invasives, including VHS, demands fotsch1@comcast.net. Register before the first class at 6:45. Classes start at 7 p.m. and end promptly at 9 p.m. For class reservation, call the squadron hot line, 651-472-9300, or for more information contact Hal Fotsch at 651634-8800, or email hal fotsch1@comcast .net. Register before the first class at 6:45. Cost for D. Schwabero, president – Mercury Outboards, will now head up Mercury Focused Businesses, service and parts, and research and development. Both Grodzki and Schwabero are vice presidents of Brunswick Corp. “We believe this new structure will not only result in increased efficiency and accountability, but will also ensure that advances in product innovation and quality aimed at better serving our customers will continue,” said Chairman and Chief Executive urgent action.” Ballast water is likely responsible for the spread of VHS to other Great Lakes, where it has caused several large fish kills. The virus, which does not affect humans, causes internal bleeding that can lead to death of infected fish. Twentyeight freshwater species found in the Great Lakes have been infected by VHS including popular sport species like northern pike, walleye, and various trout and salmon species. Once established, the disease will persist in Lake Superior fish causing periodic outbreaks and is likely to spread to other Minnesota waters as it has in New York, Wisconsin and Michigan. The spread to inland waters in these states has resulted in strict regulations on bait use and movement of boats and fish. 651-269-6434 Check out the great listings at: Fine Pre-owned Sea Rays, Silvertons, Cruisers Inc., Maxums, Regals and More. www.imageyachtsales.com Launch • Secure Overnight Parking • Transient Slips • STORE & LAUNCH $23/FT Boat right up to our SHIP STORE AND DELIOffering Box Lunches, Bakery, Espresso Drinks, Sandwiches, Pizza, Ice Cream, and Ice. Also available are Marine Supplies, Apparel & Fishing Gear. Hub's Landing & Marina PO Box 21 • Hastings, MN 55033 651-755-6540 • www.hubslanding.com Boating safety courses planned at Bayport class, book and exam is $35. Earn a boating education completion certificate, which is mandatory for boat operators ages 12 to 15. The certificates are honored in any state in the U.S. The St. Paul Power Squadron is an affiliate of the United States Power Squadrons® and America’s Boating Club®. Officer Dustan E. McCoy. Additionally, Stephen M. Cramer, 44, has been named to the newly created position of vice president and chief financial and administrative officer for Mercury Marine, Brunswick reported. Cramer will be responsible for all finance functions throughout Mercury as well as human resources, information technology, legal, and strategic planning and business development. – Boating Industry on line Hair & Skin Care Products Designed For Boaters Our goal at Boater's Essentials is to help you select the best strategy to protect you and your family from: • The sun's damaging UV rays • Heat damage to the hair • Lake, river & ocean water toxins • Environmental contaminants Our products are all natural, rich in antioxidants and formulated with herbal extracts for the best in skin & hair care under the sun and on the water! Mercury adjusts personnel LIVE RIOUSLY WHILE PROTECTED AGAINST THE LS . ELEMENTS WI LUXU TH BOATERS’S ESSENTIA http://www.scuttlebutt.com http://www.imageyachtsales.com http://www.imageyachtsales.com http://www.hubslanding.com http://www.boatersessentials.com http://www.boatersessentials.com
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