1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to natural resources; requiring all vessels engaged in port operations in 
1.3 	this state to obtain a permit related to ballast water treatment and discharge;
1.4 	amending Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 84D.01, by adding subdivisions; 
1.5 	proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 84D.
1.6 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.7 	Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 84D.01, is amended by adding a 
1.8 	subdivision to read:
1.9 		Subd. 2b.Ballast water. "Ballast water" means any water and associated solids, 
1.10 	sediment, suspended matter, and substances taken on board a vessel to control or maintain 
1.11 	trim, draught, stability, or stresses on the vessel, without regard to the manner in which it 
1.12 	is carried.

1.13 	Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 84D.01, is amended by adding a subdivision 
1.14 	to read:
1.15 		Subd. 12b.Oceangoing vessel. "Oceangoing vessel" means a vessel that operates 
1.16 	on the Great Lakes after operating in waters outside of the Great Lakes.

1.17 	Sec. 3. [84D.15] PERMITS REQUIRED FOR GREAT LAKES VESSELS.
1.18 	Beginning January 1, 2008, all oceangoing vessels engaging in port operations in 
1.19 	this state must obtain a permit from the commissioner. The commissioner shall issue a 
1.20 	permit for an oceangoing vessel only if the applicant demonstrates that the vessel will not 
1.21 	discharge aquatic invasive species or, if the vessel discharges ballast water or other waste 
1.22 	or waste effluent, that the vessel operator will use environmentally sound technology 
1.23 	and methods, as determined by the commissioner, to prevent the discharge of aquatic 
2.1 	invasive species. The commissioner shall cooperate to the fullest extent practical with 
2.2 	other Great Lakes basin states, the Canadian Great Lakes provinces, the Great Lakes Panel 
2.3 	on Aquatic Nuisance Species, the Great Lakes Fishery Commission, the International 
2.4 	Joint Commission, and the Great Lakes Commission to ensure development of standards 
2.5 	for the control of aquatic invasive species that are broadly protective of the waters of the 
2.6 	state and other natural resources.

2.7 	Sec. 4. EFFECTIVE DATE.
 2.8 	Sections 1 to 3 are effective the day following final enactment.