You are here: Home » Seaport » Cruise Seattle » Environmental Practices
The cruise industry is one of the fastest growing business segments at the Port of Seattle. Just as on shore, ship operations and passengers generate waste as part of many daily activities. In an effort to protect this region's marine environment, the Port of Seattle has played a significant role in ensuring that cruise lines understand all environmental laws and regulations applicable to Washington state.
On an international level, environmental processes are governed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) policies and procedures for the maritime industry. In the United States, the federal government requires compliance with the IMO. The Coast Guard has jurisdiction over cruise ship discharges. In Washington state, the Department of Ecology also enforces water quality regulations.
An agreement signed by the Port of Seattle, the Washington State Department of Ecology, the cruise line through the Northwest CruiseShip Association provides protections for Washington's marine waters that are the strongest in the industry. The agreement demonstrates that a collaborative approach can produce high standards of compliance and stringent monitoring requirements.
Under the rules, discharge of untreated wastewater is no longer allowed in Washington waters. Only wastewater treated by advanced treatment systems can be discharged. These systems remove virtually all bacteria and solids, rendering it non-toxic in the environment and harmless to humans. It's not just treated water - it's cleaned water.
Read the Department of Ecology press release dated January 31, 2006 here.
The entire document and all appendicies are available in PDF format.
Last update: February 9, 2006