You are here:
ALASKA CRUISE SHIP INITIATIVE
Impact/Purpose:
EPA Region 10 technical assistance to the state of Alaska in the implementation of 2001 Alaskan legislation requiring wastewater monitoring for discharges from large cruise ships in Alaskan waters.
Description:
During the course of the annual vacation season, luxury cruise ships carrying up to 3000 passengers visit the coastal cities and small towns of Alaska. Alaska is the first state to impose regulations requiring such vessels to submit to inspection and monitoring of gray water and black water discharges. Therefore, Alaska's legislation and it's implementation may become a model for other areas such as Hawaii and Canada. EPA is participating in this initiative's Science Committee which consists of members from multiple federal and state agencies, industry and universities. Thusfar committee members have had orientation inspections of selected cruise ships in order to model effluent mixing and to provide recommendations regarding what type of chemical and microbiological contaminants to look for in gray and black water discharges. Waste sampling began in the summer of 2000. Data are also being collected for use in dispersion modelling. The Science Committee will provide science-based recommendations to the Alaska legislature regarding modelled ambient concentrations of contaminants, whole effluent toxicity testing, appropriate dispersion modelling methods and what chemical and microbiological hazard may be of concern.
