Ecology has drafted a third report on antifouling boat paint. This report summarizes the results of ecology's review as directed by the legislature under RCW 70A.445.020(1). It consists of a scientific review of biocidal and nonbiocidal paints and ingredients, and it focuses on new scientific information that recently became available. In this report, we prioritize identifying alternatives that are safer and effective.

Ecology invites you to review the draft report and provide written comments from December 4, 2023, to January 17, 2024. Ecology will host an informational public workshop on December 6, 2023.

Viewing the draft report: Starting on December 4, 2023, the draft antifouling boat paint report will be available for review on the web page https://ecology.wa.gov/antifouling.

Submitting written comments: Ecology will accept online comments on the draft report from December 4, 2023, to January 17, 2024. Comments must be submitted no later than 11:59 p.m. PDT on January 17, 2024.

Join us for an informational meeting: Ecology will host a virtual informational meeting on the draft report. The public meeting will include a presentation to summarize findings and conclusions, and time to answer questions.

Antifouling boat paint meeting on Wednesday, December 6, 2023, 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. PDT, join through the Zoom link https://waecy-wa-gov.zoom.us/s/81242965315 or phone +1 253 214 8782, Meeting ID 812 4296 5315.

Project background: Copper based hull paint has been the most popular antifouling biocide additive in the market since the 1980s. Ecology's earlier work found that copper can impact water quality and marine organisms. Washington state has concerns on the release of copper and other toxic chemicals into the aquatic environment.

In 2011, the Washington state legislature enacted legislation to phase out the use of copper-based antifouling paints. Ecology conducted two follow-up studies in 2017 and 2019 to investigate the availability and environmental impact of alternative antifouling products. Both studies concluded that some noncopper alternatives might be more harmful to the environment than the copper-based paints. As a result, the legislature adopted ecology's recommendations and delayed the copper ban in 2018 and 2020. Ecology continues to search for safer and effective alternatives to copper and summarized recent scientific information in this third report.

Ecology contact: If you have any questions, please contact the antifouling boat paint project lead, Iris Deng, hazardous waste and toxics reduction program, email Iris.Deng@ecy.wa.gov.