RSC Bio Solutions recently announced that its EnviroLogic environmentally acceptable lubricants (EALs), including hydraulic, stern tube and thruster oils, have been evaluated by independent laboratories to meet the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) definitions of biodegradable, minimally toxic and not bioaccumulative. RSC Bio Solutions thus certifies its hydraulic fluids and cleaner products as 2014 Small Vessel General Permit (sVGP) compliant.
The EPA requires that all non-military, non-recreational vessels less than 79 feet use an EAL in oil-to-water interfaces unless technically infeasible. The sVGP revision also requires any above waterline hull cleaning or deck washdowns resulting in discharge to be conducted with "minimally toxic" and "phosphate free" cleaners and detergents, and that all cleaners and detergents be non-caustic and biodegradable. These revisions to the EPA's sVGP permit go into effect on Dec. 19, 2014.
"The 2014 sVGP revisions create a sense of urgency around compliance for small vessel operators in the marine industry, and RSC Bio Solutions' products provide a proven, high-performing solution," said Bernie Roell, RSC Bio Solutions' vice president of technology.
EnviroLogic EALs are approved for a wide range of applications including controllable-pitch propellers, thruster and hydraulic fluids and other oil-to-sea interfaces. SAFECARE applications include deck and equipment washing, general-purpose cleaning, degreasing, parts cleaning and oil stain removal.
In addition to meeting the new sVGP requirements, the EnviroLogic and SAFECARE series of products are also certified to meet the 2013 VGP requirements, which took effect Dec. 19, 2013.
For more information, visit www.rscbio.com.
