Aquaculture Programs and Services

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has several programs involved in aquaculture. The proper management of effluents and residual wastes should be a major consideration of aquaculture systems in assuring the protection of the environment. EPA's Water Quality Programs are concerned with setting Water Quality Criteria, Monitoring Shellfish Waters and Effluent Discharge Standards for assuring the protection of the nation's waterways and water supplies. The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) issues Permits for the discharge of wastewaters to surface waters, including discharges from aquaculture systems in many cases. Permits are also available from this program to use wastes as nutrients in public waters for aquaculture purposes. Wastewater Treatment in publicly owned treatment works is amenable to the use of aquaculture systems funded, in part, by EPA's State Revolving Fund (SRF) Program. In conjunction with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, EPA also implements the Clean Water Act Section 404 Wetlands Protection Program aimed at protecting natural wetlands from the impacts of dredging and filling. Chemicals and other materials to be used in aquaculture are subject to Pesticide Registration by EPA prior to marketing to the user.

For Further Information Contact: EPA JSA Representative - Bob Bastian (Tele: 202-564-0653 Fax: 202-501-2397) (E-mail: bastian.robert@epa.gov) Mailing address: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Wastewater Management (4204M). Rm.7220B EPA EAST. 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, D.C. 20460

PHYSICAL LOCATION and COURIER DELIVERY ADDRESS:

Rm.7220B EPA EAST, 1201 Constitution Ave., NW, Washington, D.C. 20004

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