Rising Cruise Traffic Spurs More Water Violations in Alaska
Alaska is facing a growing environmental challenge as increased cruise ship visitation has led to a significant spike in water-quality violations. Recent data presented by employees of the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to the House Finance Committee’s environmental subcommittee reveal that these exceedances have roughly tripled since 2018, drawing attention to the environmental impact of the booming cruise industry in the state.
For years, the DEC relied on onboard observers—known as ocean rangers—to monitor wastewater discharges from cruise ships. These ocean rangers played a crucial role in enforcing environmental standards and ensuring compliance with waste discharge regulations. However, the program was forced to shut down in 2019 due to funding issues. Since then, DEC officials have shifted their strategy from active monitoring by rangers to testing water samples to detect violations.
Gene McCabe, director of the Division of Water, explained, “We are seeing an increase in exceedances, but we’re also seeing an increase in compliance response, post-ocean ranger.” McCabe’s comments underscore the ongoing efforts by state officials to address the environmental risks associated with the cruise industry. Despite the discontinuation of the ocean ranger program, DEC has maintained monitoring practices by testing water samples, although these methods have shown that the number of violations is far higher than when the program was active.
During the years when the ocean ranger program was operational, Alaska recorded roughly 20 to 25 exceedances per year. However, in the years following the program’s termination, detected exceedances have ranged from 60 to 75 per year. This alarming increase indicates that as more cruise ships visit Alaskan waters, the likelihood of water contamination from various waste streams grows as well.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) outlines several types of waste streams that are of concern when it comes to cruise ship operations. These include bilge water, which collects in the lowest parts of a ship’s hull and may contain oil, grease, and other contaminants; sewage and graywater from showers, sinks, laundries, and kitchens; ballast water used to maintain vessel stability; and solid waste generated by food waste and garbage. Each of these waste types poses a unique threat to Alaska’s pristine marine environments if not managed properly.
As cruise ship arrivals in southeast Alaska continue to climb, environmentalists and state officials are calling for enhanced measures to safeguard water quality. In 2018, the region saw approximately 1.1 million cruise ship arrivals. This number is projected to surge to an estimated 1.9 million by 2025, a dramatic increase that could further exacerbate water quality issues if new strategies are not implemented.
The situation calls for a reassessment of current monitoring practices and increased funding for environmental protection initiatives. DEC officials are advocating for improved testing methods and possibly the reinstatement of direct monitoring measures to better track and manage wastewater discharges from cruise ships. The ultimate goal is to balance the economic benefits brought by the cruise industry with the imperative need to protect Alaska’s unique ecosystems.
In summary, while the booming cruise tourism industry boosts local economies, it also brings environmental challenges. The tripling of water-quality violations signals a need for more rigorous monitoring and regulatory efforts. As Alaska braces for further increases in cruise traffic, enhanced oversight and innovative solutions will be crucial to ensuring that its waters remain as pristine as the state’s reputation for natural beauty.
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