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Jan 3, 2024 · How Cruise Ships Handle Sewage. Here’s the process that sewage goes through on a cruise ship in the onboard treatment plant: 1. Bioreactor Aeration Chamber. The first step for sewage on a cruise ship is to enter an aeration chamber.
Jul 17, 2023 · How cruise ships treat and dispose of sewage has come a long way. Cruise ships now use a complex sewage treatment process that helps limit the environmental impact of carrying so...
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Nov 9, 2022 · Treatment Process. The screened/filtered blackwater goes to the sewage treatment plant known as MBR. MBR stands for Membrane Bio-Reactor. As the name suggests, it treats sewage or blackwater through biological processes and membrane filtration. The MBR has two stages.
- ACKNOWLEDGMENTS AND DISCLAIMER
- 1.2 Other EPA Cruise Ship Efforts
- 1.6 Possible Options and Alternatives to Generally Address Cruise Ship Discharges
- Research
- Enforcement and Compliance
- Industry Standards Development for Cruise Lines
- Other
- Section 2: Sewage
- 2.3.4 What additional non-treatment measures are available to manage sewage from cruise ships?
- Metals
- 2.4.3 Mixing and Dilution
- 2.4.4 Potential Treatment Technologies in Addition to AWTs
- Phosphorus Removal by Chemical Precipitation
- Temperature Control
- 2.6 Possible Options and Alternatives to Address Sewage from Cruise Ships
- Prevention & Reduction
- Control: Discharge Standards
- Enforcement & Compliance Assurance: Monitoring
- Enforcement & Compliance Assurance: Reporting
- Enforcement & Compliance Assurance: Inspections & Enforcement
- Section 3: Graywater
- Conventional Pollutants and Other Common Analytes
- 3.4.1 Comparison to wastewater discharge standards
- Metals
- 3.4.3 Mixing and Dilution
- 3.6 Possible Options and Alternatives to Address Graywater from Cruise Ships
- Prevention & Reduction
- Control: Discharge Standards
- Enforcement & Compliance Assurance: Monitoring
- Enforcement & Compliance Assurance: Reporting
- Enforcement & Compliance Assurance: Inspections & Enforcement
- Section 4: Oily Bilge Water
- 4.1 What is bilge water and how much is generated on cruise ships?
- 4.5 What action is the federal government taking to address oily bilge water from cruise ships?
- 4.6 Possible Options and Alternatives to Address Oily Bilge Water from Cruise Ships
- Prevention & Reduction
- Control: Discharge Standards
- Control: Geographic Restrictions on Discharge
- Enforcement & Compliance Assurance: Monitoring
- Enforcement & Compliance Assurance: Inspections & Enforcement
- 5.1 What is solid waste and how much is generated on cruise ships?
- The International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL)
- 5.6 Possible Options and Alternatives to Address Solid Waste from Cruise Ships
- Prevention & Reduction
- Control: Discharge Standards
- Control: Geographic Restrictions on Discharge
- Enforcement & Compliance Assurance: Monitoring
- Enforcement & Compliance Assurance: Inspections & Enforcement
- Section 6: Hazardous Waste
- 6.1 What is RCRA hazardous waste and how much is landed by cruise ships to the United States?
- 6.6 Possible Options and Alternatives to Address Hazardous Waste from Cruise Ships
- Prevention & Reduction
- Control: Discharge Standards
- Enforcement & Compliance Assurance: Monitoring
- Enforcement & Compliance Assurance: Reporting
- Enforcement & Compliance Assurance: Inspections & Enforcement
- Appendix A. List of Acronyms
- Appendix B. State Efforts to Address Discharges from Cruise Ships
Today's Cruise Ship Discharge Assessment Report (Assessment Report) does not substitute for any statute or regulation, nor is it a regulation itself. The document assesses five primary cruise ship waste streams: sewage, graywater, oily bilge water, solid waste, and hazardous waste. For each waste stream, the Assessment Report discusses the nature...
In addition to developing this Assessment Report, EPA has engaged in a number of activities addressing the potential environmental impacts of cruise ships. These efforts are summarized below.
Based on the public comments received on the draft of this report as well as other information gathered, listed below are a wide range of options and alternatives that address cruise ship waste streams generally, rather than any particular waste stream (i.e., sewage, gray water, oily bilge water, solid waste, or hazardous waste) specifically. Iden...
Establish a detailed nationwide sampling, testing, and monitoring program to gather data on the volume of discharges, concentration of pollutants or effluent, and locations of most frequent discharges in terms of volume and/or toxicity. Conduct a programmatic environmental review of the cruise industry under the National Environmental Policy Act...
Improve monitoring and inspections. Strengthen established enforcement mechanisms. Reward passengers who aid in the detection of illegal activities by alerting authorities. Provide instruction regarding duties, responsibilities, and operation of the various equipment and waste management systems to those directly responsible for processing wastes. ...
Work with CLIA and/or other cruise ship trade associations or individual cruise lines to further develop waste management practices and procedures to be incorporated into Safety Management System plans. Enhanced practice and procedures could include: establishing discharge standards stricter than presently required; setting voluntary standards whe...
Encourage verifiable “beyond compliance” agreements between states and individual cruise lines pertaining to cruise ship discharges into state waters. Encourage verifiable “beyond compliance” agreements between individual port authorities and individual cruise lines pertaining to cruise ship discharges into waters near ports. Facilitate coopera...
Sewage from vessels, also known as “black water,” generally means human body wastes and the wastes from toilets and other receptacles intended to receive or retain body wastes. On most cruise ships, sewage is treated using a marine sanitation device that biologically treats and disinfects the waste prior to discharge. Some cruise ships, especiall...
For ships that do not have AWTs traveling regularly on itineraries beyond territorial coastal waters, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) standards provide that discharge will take place only when the ship is more than four miles from shore and when the ship is traveling at a speed of not less than six knots (for vessels operating under s...
In the aquatic environment, elevated concentrations of metals can be toxic to many species of algae, crustaceans, and fish. Exposure to metals at toxic levels can cause a variety of changes in biochemical, physiological, morphological, and behavioral patterns in aquatic organisms. One of the key factors in evaluating metal toxicity is the bioavai...
Although average analyte concentrations in Type II MSD and AWT discharges from cruise ships exceed several NRWQC at the end-of-pipe, the mixing and dilution that occurs following discharge also is relevant to an evaluation of potential environmental impact.
As part of its assessment of the large cruise ship sewage and graywater discharge standards in Alaska, EPA is evaluating upgrades to AWTs and technologies that could be added on to AWTs that would improve the quality of the treated effluent in terms of nutrients, metals, and temperature. These technologies have not been used or tested on cruise sh...
Phosphorus is typically removed at sewage treatment plants by one of two methods: enhanced biological uptake or chemical precipitation. Since enhanced biological uptake is a complex process that would require significant modifications to the existing AWT, EPA instead evaluated chemical precipitation. Chemical precipitation of phosphorus is perfor...
One method of reducing temperature would be to install a shell and tube heat exchanger that transfers heat from the AWT effluent to a recirculating cold water system. Shell and tube heat exchangers are simply designed, able to operate under varying heat loads, and easily serviced. The recirculating cold water that passes through the heat exchange...
Based on the public comments received on the draft of this report as well as other information gathered, listed below are a wide range of options and alternatives that address sewage from cruise ships. Identification of any particular option does not imply any EPA recommendation or preference for future action, or that EPA has determined that any ...
Establish standards or best management practices for operation, maintenance and/or training that will decrease or eliminate the contaminants and/or volume of treated sewage effluent, untreated sewage, and/or wastewater residuals.
Revise standards for the discharge of treated sewage effluent, for example, to require attainment of national federal water quality criteria at point of discharge. to require attainment of national federal water quality criteria at edge of a mixing zone. to require attainment of state water quality standards. to require attainment of secondary tr...
Require sampling and testing of MSD/AWT effluent to ensure that it meets applicable standards by government agencies with enforcement authority. by third-parties. by cruise lines. Require onboard observers to monitor all sampling, monitoring, and other effluent-related requirements/to oversee discharging practices, equipment operation and mainten...
Require certain reporting by cruise ship operators, for example, immediate notification to appropriate agencies in the event of an MSD/AWT malfunction or upset. disclosure of implementation or non-implementation of pollution reduction and prevention practices, including but not limited to MSDs and AWTs, in all advertisements in the U.S. advance not...
Increase penalties for failure to meet MSD standards, including for tampering with MSDs or selling non-certified MSDs, and failing to install an approved MSD on a ship. Increase inspections and inspection requirements. Establish a funding mechanism based on the polluter-pays model that will provide revenues to develop and implement a comprehensive ...
Graywater generally means wastewater from sinks, baths, showers, laundry, and galleys. On cruise ships using Advanced Wastewater Treatment systems (AWTs), one or more graywater sources are often treated with sewage (see Section 2 for more information). On other cruise ships, graywater generally is not treated. This section discusses the current s...
Table 3-4 shows EPA’s and ACSI/ADEC’s sampling results for some conventional pollutants and other common analytes in untreated graywater, as well as typical concentrations in untreated domestic wastewater. Key analytes commonly used to assess wastewater strength are biochemical oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, and total suspended solids. Fo...
Table 3-8 shows the comparison of average analyte concentrations from EPA and ACSI/ADEC untreated graywater sampling to: EPA’s standards for discharges from Type II MSDs on vessels; EPA’s standards for secondary treatment of sewage from land-based sewage treatment plants; and Alaska cruise ship discharge standards under “Certain Alaskan C...
In the aquatic environment, elevated concentrations of metals can be toxic to many species of algae, crustaceans, and fish. Exposure to metals at toxic levels can cause a variety of changes in biochemical, physiological, morphological, and behavioral patterns in aquatic organisms. One of the key factors in evaluating metal toxicity is the bioavai...
Although average analyte concentrations in cruise ship untreated graywater exceed some NRWQC at the end-of-pipe, the mixing and dilution that occurs following discharge also is relevant to an evaluation of potential environmental impact.
Based on the public comments received on the draft of this report as well as other information gathered, listed below are a wide range of options and alternatives that address graywater from cruise ships. Identification of any particular option does not imply any EPA recommendation or preference for future action, or that EPA has determined that a...
The Cruise Ship Discharge Assessment Report (Assessment Report) presents on-going actions by the federal government to address five primary waste streams from cruise ships (sewage, graywater, oily bilge water, solid waste, and hazardous waste). Based on the public comments received on the draft of the report, as well as other information gathered,...
The Cruise Ship Discharge Assessment Report (Assessment Report) presents on-going actions by the federal government to address five primary waste streams from cruise ships (sewage, graywater, oily bilge water, solid waste, and hazardous waste). Based on the public comments received on the draft of the report, as well as other information gathered,...
The Cruise Ship Discharge Assessment Report (Assessment Report) presents on-going actions by the federal government to address five primary waste streams from cruise ships (sewage, graywater, oily bilge water, solid waste, and hazardous waste). Based on the public comments received on the draft of the report, as well as other information gathered,...
The Cruise Ship Discharge Assessment Report (Assessment Report) presents on-going actions by the federal government to address five primary waste streams from cruise ships (sewage, graywater, oily bilge water, solid waste, and hazardous waste). Based on the public comments received on the draft of the report, as well as other information gathered,...
The Cruise Ship Discharge Assessment Report (Assessment Report) presents on-going actions by the federal government to address five primary waste streams from cruise ships (sewage, graywater, oily bilge water, solid waste, and hazardous waste). Based on the public comments received on the draft of the report, as well as other information gathered,...
The Cruise Ship Discharge Assessment Report (Assessment Report) presents on-going actions by the federal government to address five primary waste streams from cruise ships (sewage, graywater, oily bilge water, solid waste, and hazardous waste). Based on the public comments received on the draft of the report, as well as other information gathered,...
The Cruise Ship Discharge Assessment Report (Assessment Report) presents on-going actions by the federal government to address five primary waste streams from cruise ships (sewage, graywater, oily bilge water, solid waste, and hazardous waste). Based on the public comments received on the draft of the report, as well as other information gathered,...
The Cruise Ship Discharge Assessment Report (Assessment Report) presents on-going actions by the federal government to address five primary waste streams from cruise ships (sewage, graywater, oily bilge water, solid waste, and hazardous waste). Based on the public comments received on the draft of the report, as well as other information gathered,...
The Cruise Ship Discharge Assessment Report (Assessment Report) presents on-going actions by the federal government to address five primary waste streams from cruise ships (sewage, graywater, oily bilge water, solid waste, and hazardous waste). Based on the public comments received on the draft of the report, as well as other information gathered,...
The Cruise Ship Discharge Assessment Report (Assessment Report) presents on-going actions by the federal government to address five primary waste streams from cruise ships (sewage, graywater, oily bilge water, solid waste, and hazardous waste). Based on the public comments received on the draft of the report, as well as other information gathered,...
The Cruise Ship Discharge Assessment Report (Assessment Report) presents on-going actions by the federal government to address five primary waste streams from cruise ships (sewage, graywater, oily bilge water, solid waste, and hazardous waste). Based on the public comments received on the draft of the report, as well as other information gathered,...
The Cruise Ship Discharge Assessment Report (Assessment Report) presents on-going actions by the federal government to address five primary waste streams from cruise ships (sewage, graywater, oily bilge water, solid waste, and hazardous waste). Based on the public comments received on the draft of the report, as well as other information gathered,...
The Cruise Ship Discharge Assessment Report (Assessment Report) presents on-going actions by the federal government to address five primary waste streams from cruise ships (sewage, graywater, oily bilge water, solid waste, and hazardous waste). Based on the public comments received on the draft of the report, as well as other information gathered,...
The Cruise Ship Discharge Assessment Report (Assessment Report) presents on-going actions by the federal government to address five primary waste streams from cruise ships (sewage, graywater, oily bilge water, solid waste, and hazardous waste). Based on the public comments received on the draft of the report, as well as other information gathered,...
The Cruise Ship Discharge Assessment Report (Assessment Report) presents on-going actions by the federal government to address five primary waste streams from cruise ships (sewage, graywater, oily bilge water, solid waste, and hazardous waste). Based on the public comments received on the draft of the report, as well as other information gathered,...
The Cruise Ship Discharge Assessment Report (Assessment Report) presents on-going actions by the federal government to address five primary waste streams from cruise ships (sewage, graywater, oily bilge water, solid waste, and hazardous waste). Based on the public comments received on the draft of the report, as well as other information gathered,...
The Cruise Ship Discharge Assessment Report (Assessment Report) presents on-going actions by the federal government to address five primary waste streams from cruise ships (sewage, graywater, oily bilge water, solid waste, and hazardous waste). Based on the public comments received on the draft of the report, as well as other information gathered,...
The Cruise Ship Discharge Assessment Report (Assessment Report) presents on-going actions by the federal government to address five primary waste streams from cruise ships (sewage, graywater, oily bilge water, solid waste, and hazardous waste). Based on the public comments received on the draft of the report, as well as other information gathered,...
The Cruise Ship Discharge Assessment Report (Assessment Report) presents on-going actions by the federal government to address five primary waste streams from cruise ships (sewage, graywater, oily bilge water, solid waste, and hazardous waste). Based on the public comments received on the draft of the report, as well as other information gathered,...
The Cruise Ship Discharge Assessment Report (Assessment Report) presents on-going actions by the federal government to address five primary waste streams from cruise ships (sewage, graywater, oily bilge water, solid waste, and hazardous waste). Based on the public comments received on the draft of the report, as well as other information gathered,...
The Cruise Ship Discharge Assessment Report (Assessment Report) presents on-going actions by the federal government to address five primary waste streams from cruise ships (sewage, graywater, oily bilge water, solid waste, and hazardous waste). Based on the public comments received on the draft of the report, as well as other information gathered,...
The Cruise Ship Discharge Assessment Report (Assessment Report) presents on-going actions by the federal government to address five primary waste streams from cruise ships (sewage, graywater, oily bilge water, solid waste, and hazardous waste). Based on the public comments received on the draft of the report, as well as other information gathered,...
The Cruise Ship Discharge Assessment Report (Assessment Report) presents on-going actions by the federal government to address five primary waste streams from cruise ships (sewage, graywater, oily bilge water, solid waste, and hazardous waste). Based on the public comments received on the draft of the report, as well as other information gathered,...
The Cruise Ship Discharge Assessment Report (Assessment Report) presents on-going actions by the federal government to address five primary waste streams from cruise ships (sewage, graywater, oily bilge water, solid waste, and hazardous waste). Based on the public comments received on the draft of the report, as well as other information gathered,...
The Cruise Ship Discharge Assessment Report (Assessment Report) presents on-going actions by the federal government to address five primary waste streams from cruise ships (sewage, graywater, oily bilge water, solid waste, and hazardous waste). Based on the public comments received on the draft of the report, as well as other information gathered,...
The Cruise Ship Discharge Assessment Report (Assessment Report) presents on-going actions by the federal government to address five primary waste streams from cruise ships (sewage, graywater, oily bilge water, solid waste, and hazardous waste). Based on the public comments received on the draft of the report, as well as other information gathered,...
The Cruise Ship Discharge Assessment Report (Assessment Report) presents on-going actions by the federal government to address five primary waste streams from cruise ships (sewage, graywater, oily bilge water, solid waste, and hazardous waste). Based on the public comments received on the draft of the report, as well as other information gathered,...
The Cruise Ship Discharge Assessment Report (Assessment Report) presents on-going actions by the federal government to address five primary waste streams from cruise ships (sewage, graywater, oily bilge water, solid waste, and hazardous waste). Based on the public comments received on the draft of the report, as well as other information gathered,...
The Cruise Ship Discharge Assessment Report (Assessment Report) presents on-going actions by the federal government to address five primary waste streams from cruise ships (sewage, graywater, oily bilge water, solid waste, and hazardous waste). Based on the public comments received on the draft of the report, as well as other information gathered,...
The Cruise Ship Discharge Assessment Report (Assessment Report) presents on-going actions by the federal government to address five primary waste streams from cruise ships (sewage, graywater, oily bilge water, solid waste, and hazardous waste). Based on the public comments received on the draft of the report, as well as other information gathered,...
The Cruise Ship Discharge Assessment Report (Assessment Report) presents on-going actions by the federal government to address five primary waste streams from cruise ships (sewage, graywater, oily bilge water, solid waste, and hazardous waste). Based on the public comments received on the draft of the report, as well as other information gathered,...
The Cruise Ship Discharge Assessment Report (Assessment Report) presents on-going actions by the federal government to address five primary waste streams from cruise ships (sewage, graywater, oily bilge water, solid waste, and hazardous waste). Based on the public comments received on the draft of the report, as well as other information gathered,...
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How much sewage comes from one ship? The U.S. EPA estimates that a 3,000-person cruise ship generates 150,000 gallons of sewage per week — enough to ill 10 backyard swimming pools. This adds up to more than 1 billion gallons of sewage a year for the industry. Cruise ship air pollution is toxic Cruise ships are also responsible for signiicant air
Dec 14, 2023 · An overarching report prepared by the EPA that examines five different cruise ship discharges (sewage, graywater, oily bilge water, solid waste and hazardous waste). For each waste stream, the report discusses:
On most cruise ships, sewage is treated using a marine sanitation device that biologically treats and disinfects the waste prior to discharge. Some cruise ships, especially many of those traveling to Alaska, have installed Advanced Wastewater Treatment systems (AWTs) to treat sewage and often graywater.
