UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY WASHINGTON, D.C. 20460

May 2, 2003

Office of Water

John C. Rix
667 Westminster St.
Fitchburg, MA 01420

Dear Mr. Rix,

On behalf of President Bush, thank you for your letter of February 18, 2003, and for the opportunity to review the information on the Seacurefill refueling system. I serve as Director of the Oceans and Coastal Protection Division in the Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds (OWOW) at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The system is interesting and useful in addressing the impact of nonpoint source pollution such as fuel spills during refueling.

Fuel vapor emissions and fuel spillage are some of the environmental problems that EPA continually deals with in U.S. waters. Specifically, EPA is involved in efforts to reduce nonpoint source pollution from refueling and other boating activities by providing best management practices such as those listed in the National Management Measures Guidance to Control Nonpoint Source Pollution from Marinas and Recreational Boating (EPA 841-B-OI-OO5). I am enclosing a copy of that document.

A large number of water pollution problems associated with boating in the United States are related to a need for additional public environmental education. Many citizens are unaware of proper boating and vessel operations to protect the environment and new environmental- friendly products such as the Seacurefill refueling system. I will pass your information along to the appropriate OWOW staff.

Thank you again for sending information on your fuel recovery system. If you would like additional information on EPA's programs to address nonpoint source pollution, please visit http://www.epa.gov/owow/nps/mmsp/index.html. If you would like general information regarding ocean and coastal protection, please visit http://www.epa.gov/owow/oceans/. If you have any questions please contact me at (202) 566-1200.

Suzanne Schwartz, Director
Oceans and Coastal Protection Division

Enclosure

Internet Address (URL) • http://www.epa.gov

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