EPA Grant Project Hull Testing Efforts in Full Swing

The Port is underway in Phase two of its EPA Grant Project - testing alternative paints on boat hulls. Starting in April, ten of the top performing paints identified in the panel tests were applied to boat hulls. Currently there are 12 boats participating in the study, two boats are included as duplicates. 

The paint application process was a success - largely in part to the efforts and contributions  of our local boatyards. The Project Team increased their understanding of the hull paint application process. A highlight of this was having the opportunity to see some new stripping technologies. Additionally, we gained valuable insight into how tie coats, primers, and painting techniques, such as spraying and rolling factor into the overall cost of the alternative paints.  

Inspections and cleaning (when needed) are occurring on a three-week frequency. We are following our field assessment protocol to determine when a boat requires cleaning and it seems to be working well. While it is still early in the testing, most of the paints are performing well. Some are able to go several weeks without needing to be cleaned. Other paints are requiring regular cleaning. The Project Team is getting a better understanding of how each paint works and we are able to see unique characteristics within each paint. In general, when cleaning is required, the hand cleaning tools have been successful in removing the fouling with reasonable effort.

The Port is also tracking boat use as a part of this study. The participating boaters are logging the dates, speed and duration of their trips over the course of the study. This information will be factored into the performance profile for each paint. 

For more information on this project, please contact Karen Holman or Stephanie Bauer.

Port Resolves to Reduce Copper Contaminants in San Diego Bay

The Port of San Diego has taken a leadership role to eliminate the use of copper-based paint on the hulls of recreational boats in San Diego Bay. The goal is to preserve marine life and water quality in the bay.

The Board of Port Commissioners on December 1, 2009 passed a resolution stating its commitment to achieve reductions in copper levels within or in advance of regulatory requirements set by the Regional and State Water Quality Control Boards. Regulations call for an incremental copper reduction of 10 percent by 2012.