Cruise Ship Industry Supports Clean Water Legislation
Tests revealed wastewater discharges that were far over acceptable standards. Of 80 water samples taken, only one met federal standards for suspended solids and fecal coliform.
Current legislation in Congress would prohibit the discharge of untreated sewage into Alaska waters, and it would prevent treated sewage and graywater from being discharged within a mile of shore. The bill would also establish effluent standards for treated sewage and graywater, as well as monitoring and enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance. The cruise ship industry has said that it will support the legislation.
The cruise ship lines represented included World Explorer, Radisson Seven Seas, Royal Caribbean/Celebrity, Holland America/Westours, Princess, Carnival, Norwegian Cruise Lines and the International Council of Cruise Lines.
(Source: Environment News Service)