CLIA Statement On The Environmental Protection Agency’s Issuance Of Rules Regarding Vessel Discharge
FORT LAUDERDALE, February 6, 2009 --- The Cruise Lines International Association released the following statement in response to the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) new Vessel General Permit (VGP) rules effective today under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES):“The EPA's action today significantly expands the regulation and oversight of vessel discharges and as a result, all operational discharges from commercial ships into US waters are now subject to regulation. The cruise industry appreciates the EPA effort and is committed to the rigorous and ongoing work required to comply. Indeed, since the EPA issued its first draft of these regulations in June 2008, the cruise industry has been working to develop and implement compliance plans to help ensure that our industry is doing its part to protect not only U.S. waters, but all waters where our vessels sail.
“The cruise ship industry's commitment to the environment has never been stronger and through comprehensive rules like these from the EPA, combined with the many voluntary initiatives undertaken by cruise lines, we believe that we can continue to help protect the environment and reduce the impact of our ships on vital natural resources throughout the world.”
Note: The EPA is required under the Clean Water Act to issue the 2008 VGP regulating vessel discharges within U.S. waters. The VGP applies to all discharges with specific controls, limits or management practices for 26 operational discharges. It includes operating practices, testing, inspection, monitoring, recordkeeping, and reporting requirements. Individual states have the authority to place additional restrictions on vessels in their state waters. The only discharge not covered by the new regulations is blackwater which is already regulated under the United States Clean Water Act.
# # #
About CLIA
The nonprofit Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is North America's largest cruise industry organization. CLIA represents the interests of 24 member lines and participates in the regulatory and policy development process while supporting measures that foster a safe, secure and healthy cruise ship environment. CLIA is also engaged in travel agent training, research and marketing communications to promote the value and desirability of cruise vacations and counts as members 16,000 travel agencies. For more information on CLIA, the cruise industry, and CLIA-member cruise lines and travel agencies, visit www.cruising.org.