San Diego calculates cost

This comes after the State Water Resources Control Board set up a US$600,000 grant programme to specifically help Shelter Island Yacht Basin boaters who voluntarily convert from copper hull paints to eco friendly non biocide hull paints.

The port says this can help vessel owners can save 60%-75% on stripping and painting costs for boat hulls.

The new cost calculator tool will give boaters an idea of the cost to have non biocide hull paint applied to their vessel’s hull based upon average labour and materials costs, according to local boatyards.

Funding is available from now until 30 June 2014, or until the funds run out.

The 319h Grant Project is part of a larger strategy identified in the Port District’s Copper Reduction Programme to reduce copper loading in San Diego Bay.

The aim of the project is to address the Shelter Island Yacht Basin Dissolved Copper Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL). The port identified copper hull paint as a significant source of copper in the Basin, which could be toxic to marine life.

A regulatory order requires the Port of San Diego, marinas, yacht clubs, hull cleaners and boaters to reduce copper pollution in this area by 76% by 2022.