Cruise Line Ordered to Improve Wastewater Management

The Florida State Department of Ecology recently ordered Norwegian Cruise Line to improve its wastewater management and establish a system to guard against the accidental release of wastewater from its ships.

The order came after an Ecology investigation into the May 3 release of 40 tons of human waste into the Strait of Juan de Fuca by the Norwegian Sun, one of the Miami-based company's ships.

The 853-foot cruise ship had been using a newly installed wastewater treatment system when the spill occurred. The new equipment changed the use of on-board storage tanks and a crewmember mistakenly discharged a sewage tank that formerly held kitchen, sink and shower water.

Ecology concluded the accidental release could have been prevented with proper training and procedures.

The cruise line must coordinate with the department in developing its new system, and gain final approval from the agency.

The company also must report any future untreated discharges in Washington waters to Ecology, the state Emergency Management Division and the state Department of Health. The order also requires all computer software, forms and log books be updated to comply with the new treatment system.

If a temporary agreement cannot be reached within 90 days, a civil penalty for the May 3 spill will be imposed.

Source: The Associated Press