Where are there further restrictions in the U.S. based on the VGP?

• A. Fourteen coastal states and territories
• B. Twenty-eight states and some Indian Country Lands, with additional bilge and greywater restrictions
• C. All states and territories
• D. No additional restrictions apply

Answer: (B)

Discharges governed by the Vessel General Permit set a baseline for pollution limits, but many states and some Indian Country lands go beyond that baseline. In practice, a sizable number of jurisdictions have adopted extra rules, especially for bilge water and greywater discharges. That’s why the statement about twenty-eight states and some Indian Country Lands having additional bilge and greywater restrictions best reflects how the VGP interacts with state programs. In these areas, even compliant VGP discharges may be subject to tighter limits or additional requirements, such as treatment or prohibition of certain discharges. The other options imply universal or no extra restrictions, which isn’t how the VGP works with state and tribal regulations.