New Report Reviews Cruise Ship Discharges

Jan. 8, 2009
EPA will use information to determine future of Alaska discharge standards

A final national report on cruise ship discharges will help the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) determine whether the existing State of Alaska discharge standards for sewage and graywater from cruise ships operating in Alaskan waters are adequate, or if more stringent standards are needed.

The Cruise Ship Discharge Assessment Report reviewed five waste streams from cruise ships: sewage, graywater, oily bilge water, solid waste and hazardous waste. For each waste stream, the report discusses the nature and volume of the waste stream generated, existing federal regulations applicable to the waste stream, environmental management (including treatment) of the waste stream, potential adverse environmental impacts of the waste stream and actions by the federal government to address the waste stream. In addition, the report presents a wide range of options and alternatives to address the specified waste streams from cruise ships.

EPA invited comment on a draft of the report last year, and specifically requested public input on options, alternatives and recommendations for addressing the waste streams assessed by EPA. The report includes suggestions from the public comments.

Much of the information in the draft report also helped EPA develop a Clean Water Act vessel general permit.

The Cruise Ship Discharge Assessment Report is available at: www.epa.gov/owow/oceans/cruise_ships/disch_assess.html

Source: EPA

Sponsored Recommendations

Blower Package Integration

March 20, 2024
See how an integrated blower package can save you time, money, and energy, in a wastewater treatment system. With package integration, you have a completely integrated blower ...

Strut Comparison Chart

March 12, 2024
Conduit support systems are an integral part of construction infrastructure. Compare steel, aluminum and fiberglass strut support systems.

Energy Efficient System Design for WWTPs

Feb. 7, 2024
System splitting with adaptive control reduces electrical, maintenance, and initial investment costs.

Blower Isentropic Efficiency Explained

Feb. 7, 2024
Learn more about isentropic efficiency and specific performance as they relate to blowers.