Port Waste Reception Facilities News

Hardly a month goes by when another illegal maritime dumping violation is reported. Most violations, prosecuted in the United States, are based on false or fraudulent entries in the oil record book of a foreign-flag ship. Often, evidence of a “magic pipe” installation is found upon inspection in a United States port. While not all such reported cases are successfully prosecuted, most are, with the help of a whistleblower aboard the ship. The steady stream of such violations is convincing evidence that prosecution alone is not an effective deterrent.

The North American Marine Environment Protection Association (NAMEPA) is set to host an Environmental Intelligence in Maritime Seminar Series to focus on Port Waste Reception Facilities. The seminar, to be held in Norfolk, Virginia on April 16, will include speakers and discussion from regulators, industry and port interests. “MARPOL regulations include requirements for port waste receptions facilities. These facilities are often not available, not ‘affordable,’ or not operationally practical,” stated NAMEPA’s Executive Director, Carleen Lyden-Kluss.

In recent months, the Coast Guard received complaints alleging that certain waterfront facilities within the Sector Houston-Galveston area of responsibility are charging an unreasonable price to remove MARPOL residues/waste from vessels. The cost of these services should not present a disincentive to users which may deter the use of reception facilities. Upon investigation, we have substantiated some of these allegations. The IMO "Guide to Good Practice for Port Reception Facility Providers and Users" (MEPC.1/Circ.671/Rev.1) states, "Although the port structure in a State Party may or may not accommodate cost/pricing schemes and/or other incentives for MARPOL residues/wastes delivery ashore, reception facility services should be provided at a reasonable cost.

The UK Department for Transport released the Responses to Consultation