Alaska Proposes Passenger Vessel Discharge Legislation

ADEC Cruise Ship Program
The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commercial Passenger Vessel Environmental Compliance Program is proposing to issue a 2014 Large Commercial Passenger Vessel Wastewater Discharge General Permit (Permit number: 2013DB0004). This general permit will satisfy the regulatory provisions of Alaska Statute (AS) 46.03.460 through AS 46.03.490 as amended in 2013 by House Bill 80.

This general permit will apply to the discharge of wastewater such as treated sewage, treated graywater and other treated wastewater discharges from large commercial passenger vessels operating in marine waters of the state (AS 46.03.462). Large commercial vessels include passenger vessels for hire that provide overnight accommodations for 250 or more passengers, determined with reference to the number of lower berths. The draft General Permit, Fact Sheet and other information is available at the DEC’s web site at the following address: http://dec.alaska.gov/water/cruise_ships/gp/2014dgp.html

The 45 day public comment period begins Tuesday, April 8, 2014 and closes May 23, 2014 at 5 p.m. DEC will hold a Public Workshop / Public Hearing regarding the proposed General Permit on April 30, 2014 at Centennial Hall in Juneau, Alaska from 5-8 p.m.

DEC invites comments on the proposed 2014 Large Commercial Passenger Vessel Wastewater Discharge General Permit. Written comments must be addressed to Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, attn. Commercial Passenger Vessel Environmental Compliance Program, 410 Willoughby Avenue, Suite 303, P.O. Box 111800, Juneau, Alaska 99811-1800 or via email to [email protected] and must be received by 5:00 pm on May 23, 2014.