Cruise Ship Discharge Assessment Report, 442-445 [E8-31453]

Download as PDF 442 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 3 / Tuesday, January 6, 2009 / Notices DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Project No. 13258–000] Bexar-Medina-Atascosa Counties Water Control and Improvement District No. 1; Notice of Preliminary Permit Application Accepted for Filing and Soliciting Comments, Motions To Intervene, and Competing Applications December 30, 2008. On July 15, 2008 and supplemented on October 24, 2008, Bexar-MedinaAtascosa Counties Water Control and Improvement District No. 1 filed an application, pursuant to section 4(f) of the Federal Power Act, proposing to study the feasibility of the BMA Irrigation System Hydroelectric Project. The proposed project would be located on the Medina River and BMA Canal in Castroville and Medina Counties, Texas. The proposed BMA Irrigation System Hydroelectric Project would consist of: mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with NOTICES Lake Medina Dam (1) An existing 1,550-foot-long, 164foot-high concrete dam; (2) an existing Medina Lake upper reservoir having a surface area of 5,575 acres and a storage capacity of 25,400-acre-feet and normal water surface elevation of 1,064 feet mean sea level; (3) a proposed 160-footlong steel penstock (100 feet existing and 60 feet new); (4) a proposed powerhouse containing one generating unit having an installed capacity of 1.5megawatts; (5) a proposed tailrace; (6) a proposed 4-mile-long, 138 kV transmission line; and (7) appurtenant facilities. The proposed BMA Irrigation System would have an average annual generation of 5.2-gigawatt-hours. Diversion Lake Dam (1) A proposed 450-foot-long, 51-foothigh Diversion Lake Dam; (2) a proposed Diversion Lake lower reservoir having a surface area of 177 acres and a storage capacity of 4,500-acre-feet and normal water surface elevation of 926 feet mean sea level; (3) a proposed 100foot-long steel penstock; (4) a proposed powerhouse containing one generating unit having an installed capacity of .5 megawatts; (5) a proposed tailrace; (6) a proposed 8.4-mile-long, 138 kV transmission line; and (7) appurtenant facilities. The proposed BMA Irrigation System would have an average annual generation of 2.5-gigawatt-hours. Applicant Contact: Mr. Ed Berger, Bexar-Medina-Atascosa Counties Water Control and Improvement District No. 1, P.O. Box 170, Natalia, TX 78059; phone (830) 665–2132. VerDate Nov<24>2008 16:52 Jan 05, 2009 Jkt 217001 FERC Contact: Patricia W. Gillis, 202– 502–8735. Deadline for filing comments, motions to intervene, competing applications (without notices of intent), or notices of intent to file competing applications: 60 days from the issuance of this notice. Comments, motions to intervene, notices of intent, and competing applications may be filed electronically via the Internet. See 18 CFR 385.2001(a)(1)(iii) and the instructions on the Commission’s Web site under the ‘‘e-Filing’’ link. If unable to be filed electronically, documents may be paperfiled. To paper-file, an original and eight copies should be mailed to: Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street, NE., Washington, DC 20426. For more information on how to submit these types of filings please go to the Commission’s Web site located at https://www.ferc.gov/filingcomments.asp. More information about this project can be viewed or printed on the ‘‘eLibrary’’ link of Commission’s Web site at https://www.ferc.gov/docsfiling/elibrary.asp. Enter the docket number (P–13258) in the docket number field to access the document. For assistance, call toll-free 1–866–208– 3372. Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary. [FR Doc. E8–31433 Filed 1–5–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6717–01–P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Project No. 13324–000] Cedar Creek Hydro, LLC; Notice of Preliminary Permit Application Accepted for Filing and Soliciting Comments, Motions To Intervene, and Competing Applications December 30, 2008. On November 5, 2008, Cedar Creek, LLC filed an application, pursuant to section 4(f) of the Federal Power Act, proposing to study the feasibility of the Cedar Creek Pumped Storage Project to be located in Briscoe County, Texas. The proposed project consists of: (1) Two proposed earthen dams, upper dam 60-foot-high, 12,700-foot-long, lower dam 140-foot-high, 1,600-foot-long; (2) two proposed reservoirs, upper reservoir having a surface area of 283 acres, a storage capacity of 7,660 acre-feet, and normal maximum water surface elevation of 3,340 feet msl, lower reservoir having a surface area of 151 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 acres, a storage capacity of 8,550 acrefeet, and normal maximum water surface elevation of 2,600 feet msl; (3) a proposed 3,720-foot-long, 28-footdiameter steel penstock; (4) a proposed powerhouse with six generating units having a total capacity of 662megawatts; (5) a proposed 26-mile-long, 240-kV transmission line; and (6) appurtenant facilities. The project would have an annual generation of 1,816-gigawatt hours, which would be sold to a local utility. Applicant Contact: Mr. Brent L. Smith, Symbiotics, LLC, P.O. Box 535, Rigby, ID 83442, Phone: 208–745–0834. FERC Contact: Patricia W. Gillis, 202– 502–8735. Deadline for filing comments, motions to intervene, competing applications (without notices of intent), or notices of intent to file competing applications: 60 days from the issuance of this notice. Comments, motions to intervene, notices of intent, and competing applications may be filed electronically via the Internet. See 18 CFR 385.2001(a)(1)(iii) and the instructions on the Commission’s Web site under the ‘‘eFiling’’ link. If unable to be filed electronically, documents may be paperfiled. To paper-file, an original and eight copies should be mailed to: Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street, NE., Washington, DC 20426. For more information on how to submit these types of filings please go to the Commission’s Web site located at https://www.ferc.gov/filingcomments.asp. More information about this project can be viewed or printed on the ‘‘eLibrary’’ link of the Commission’s Web site at https://www.ferc.gov/docsfiling/elibrary.asp. Enter the docket number (P–13324) in the docket number field to access the document. For assistance, call toll-free 1–866–208– 3372. Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary. [FR Doc. E8–31434 Filed 1–5–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6717–01–P ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [EPA–HQ–OW–2007–1156; FRL–8760–3] RIN 2040–2A03 Cruise Ship Discharge Assessment Report AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice of availability. E:\FR\FM\06JAN1.SGM 06JAN1 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 3 / Tuesday, January 6, 2009 / Notices SUMMARY: EPA announces the availability of the completed Cruise Ship Discharge Assessment Report, which assesses five cruise ship waste streams (i.e., sewage, graywater, oily bilge water, solid waste, and hazardous waste). EPA prepared and invited public comment on the draft Cruise Ship Discharge Assessment Report as part of its response to a petition submitted by the Bluewater Network on behalf of a 443 (202) 566–1546; e-mail address: johnson.laura-s@epa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: number of environmental advocacy organizations. Today’s action is intended to complete this portion of EPA’s response to the petition. I. General Information FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Laura S. Johnson, Oceans and Coastal Protection Division, Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds (4504T), U.S. EPA, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460; telephone number: (202) 566–1273; fax number: A. Interested Entities Entities potentially interested in today’s notice are those who are interested in or addressing cruise ship waste streams. Categories and entities interested in today’s notice include: Category Examples of interested entities Federal Government ............................................................................................................... U.S. Coast Guard, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Department of Justice. Governments interested in or addressing cruise ship waste streams. Cruise industry, environmental interest groups. State/Local/Tribal Government ............................................................................................... Industry and General Public ................................................................................................... mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with NOTICES This table is not intended to be exhaustive, but rather provides a guide for readers regarding entities likely to be interested in this notice. This table lists the types of entities that EPA is now aware could potentially be interested in this notice. Other types of entities not listed in the table could also be interested. B. How Can I Get Copies of This Document and Other Related Information? 1. Document Electronic Access. To obtain a copy of the report entitled Cruise Ship Discharge Assessment Report, please access our Web site at: https://www.epa.gov/owow/oceans/ cruise_ships/disch_assess.html. 2. Federal Register Docket. EPA has established a public docket for this notice under Docket ID No. EPA–HQ– OW–2007–1156. The public docket consists of the documents specifically referenced in this notice and other information related to this notice. The public docket does not include information claimed as Confidential Business Information (CBI) or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. Publicly available docket materials are available either electronically through www.regulations.gov or in hard copy at the Water Docket in the EPA Docket Center. 3. Federal Register Electronic Access. You may access this Federal Register document electronically through the EPA Internet under the ‘‘Federal Register ’’ listings at: https:// www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/. II. Background Cruise ships operate in every ocean worldwide, often in pristine coastal waters and sensitive marine ecosystems. Cruise ship operators provide amenities VerDate Nov<24>2008 16:52 Jan 05, 2009 Jkt 217001 to their passengers that are similar to those of luxury resort hotels, including pools, hair salons, restaurants, and dry cleaners. As a result, cruise ships have the potential to generate wastes similar in volume and character to those generated by hotels. In March 2000, an environmental advocacy group called the Bluewater Network, representing 53 environmental organizations, submitted a petition to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), requesting that EPA identify and take regulatory action on measures to address pollution by cruise ships. Specifically, the petition requested an in-depth assessment of the volumes and characteristics of cruise ship waste streams; analysis of their potential impact on water quality, the marine environment, and human health; examination of existing federal regulations governing cruise ship waste streams; and formulation of recommendations on how to better control and regulate these waste streams. The petition included specific requests related to sewage, graywater, oily bilge water, solid wastes, and hazardous wastes, as well as monitoring, recordkeeping, and reporting. In addition, the petition requested that EPA prepare a report of its investigations and findings. An August 2000 addendum to the petition requested that EPA examine and develop recommendations on how to address air pollution from cruise ships. EPA’s full response to the petition and the addendum from Bluewater Network was signed by EPA’s Assistant Administrator for Water on January 31, 2008, and can be accessed at the public docket established for the Cruise Ship Discharge Assessment Report. (See Unit I.B.) As part of this response, EPA prepared a draft Cruise Ship Discharge PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Assessment Report (draft Assessment Report) assessing five primary cruise ship waste streams, specifically, sewage, graywater, oily bilge water, solid waste, and hazardous waste. For each waste stream, the draft Assessment Report discusses (1) The nature and volume of the waste stream generated; (2) existing federal regulations applicable to the waste stream; (3) environmental management, including treatment, of the waste stream; (4) potential adverse environmental impacts of the waste stream; and (5) actions by the Federal Government to address the waste stream. On December 20, 2007, EPA published in the Federal Register a notice of availability and request for public comment on this draft Assessment Report (72 FR 72353). In addition to requesting comments on the draft Assessment Report, EPA solicited input on options, alternatives, and recommendations on how to address the waste streams assessed in the draft Assessment Report. EPA extended the initial 45-day comment period on the draft Assessment Report by 15 days in response to public requests; the comment period ended on February 19, 2008. EPA received 26 comment letters during the comment period and those letters can be accessed at the docket. (See Unit I.B. for details.) III. This Action EPA announces the availability of the completed Cruise Ship Discharge Assessment Report (Assessment Report). Today’s action is intended to complete this portion of EPA’s response to the petition on cruise ship pollution submitted by the Bluewater Network on behalf of a number of environmental advocacy organizations. E:\FR\FM\06JAN1.SGM 06JAN1 444 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 3 / Tuesday, January 6, 2009 / Notices mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with NOTICES IV. Summary of Comments on the Draft Assessment Report EPA received 26 comment letters on the draft Assessment Report. Some comments related to information in the draft Assessment Report; some comments provided options, alternatives, and recommendations on how to address the waste streams discussed in the draft Assessment Report. Many of the commenters expressed concern over the potential environmental impacts of cruise ship waste streams. EPA carefully considered all comments when completing the Assessment Report. Based on these comments, EPA made changes to the draft Assessment Report to clarify information and in some cases, added new information. In particular, some commenters requested a fuller discussion of efforts by state governments to regulate and manage cruise ship waste streams. The completed Assessment Report includes an appendix with relevant information regarding such efforts by state governments to date. Other new information includes an additional section in each chapter identifying a range of options and alternatives (regulatory or non-regulatory) that address the five specified waste streams from cruise ships. Inclusion of any particular option does not imply any EPA recommendation or preference for future action, or that EPA has determined that any of these options are necessary or feasible, or that EPA believes a change to the status quo is warranted, or that EPA or any other entity has the legal authority to implement that option. In the completed Assessment Report, the options and alternatives listed to address the specified cruise ship waste streams are based on the public comments received, as well as other information gathered. A number of commenters recommended changes to discharge standards and/or geographic restrictions on discharges. Commenters also recommended increased monitoring, reporting, inspections, and enforcement of cruise ship waste stream discharges and management. Some commenters recommended a careful evaluation of cumulative impacts of multiple vessels discharging in one location. Other commenters recommended careful consideration and/or identification of sensitive or atrisk habitats when evaluating the potential impacts of discharges. These recommendations have been incorporated into the options and alternatives sections found at the end of VerDate Nov<24>2008 16:52 Jan 05, 2009 Jkt 217001 each waste stream chapter of the completed Assessment Report. While some commenters requested regulatory action to implement their recommendations for addressing cruise ship waste streams, EPA does not commit, through the completed Assessment Report, to the formulation of any Agency recommendations on whether, and if so how, any existing regulations should be revised. Though the completed Assessment Report identifies possible options and alternatives representing a wide range of actions that could be taken to address the five specific waste streams from cruise ships, EPA did not conduct an analysis for each such discharge to determine if changes to the current regulatory scheme are warranted. However, EPA is completing its analysis of Alaska cruise ship sewage and graywater standards in a separate assessment of the adequacy of those legislative standards (which apply under special legislation only to those ships and to those discharges). As a part of a separate effort, recent legislation (Pub. L. 110–299) directs EPA to conduct a study to evaluate the impacts of discharges incidental to the normal operation of commercial fishing vessels (regardless of size) and other non-recreational vessels less than 79 feet in length. Except for ballast water, the incidental discharges from those vessels are subject to a moratorium on National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting that expires July 31, 2010. Some commenters questioned the draft Assessment Report’s focus on Alaska and requested that similar assessments be conducted in other geographic regions. While much of the information about the treatment and discharge of sewage and graywater presented in the draft and completed Assessment Reports was collected in Alaska, the Assessment Report is not solely focused on conditions or impacts in Alaska. For example, the sections on potential environmental impacts in the sewage and graywater chapters compare these waste streams to national standards and criteria. The information provided in the completed Assessment Report should be helpful to stakeholders interested in evaluating potential impacts on a regional or waterbody basis. A number of commenters suggested that dilution should not be considered in evaluating potential impacts of sewage and graywater discharges from cruise ships. Other commenters suggested that dilution is a very important part of such assessments, particularly when discharges are from PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 ships underway, and therefore should be discussed earlier and more frequently in the sewage and graywater chapters. The Assessment Report discussed dilution because it is relevant to assessments of potential toxicity, and in some locations dilution is relevant to a determination of whether receiving waters are attaining concentration-based water quality standards. The Assessment Report’s discussion of dilution does not express any conclusion and should not be read to imply that dilution addresses all potential environmental impacts from these discharges. Related to this, one commenter suggested that the evaluation of Type II Marine Sanitation Devices for vessel sewage should always include a discussion of dilution while ships are underway. While a number of cruise lines have voluntarily agreed to discharge from a Type II Marine Sanitation Device only when the vessel is underway and offshore, as a practical matter, such restrictions are not required, either as a matter of circumstance or by law. Some commenters requested more information on potential treatment technologies for sewage and graywater treatment, such as cost, space, and safety information. More information on these technology options will be made available at EPA’s Web site (https:// www.epa.gov/owow/oceans/ cruise_ships/) upon completion of EPA’s analysis of cruise ship sewage and graywater discharges in Alaska waters. One commenter noted that other waste streams and contaminants, such as hull coating leachate, deck runoff, ballast water, viruses, and pharmaceuticals, were not addressed in the draft Assessment Report. The Bluewater Network petition made specific requests related to certain identified cruise ship waste streams for which EPA was to conduct an assessment and produce a report of the investigations and findings. Those same five specified cruise ship waste streams from the petition (sewage, graywater, oily bilge water, solid waste, and hazardous waste) are assessed in the completed Assessment Report. There are a number of other waste streams that may be generated onboard cruise ships, some of which may be considered incidental to the normal operation of a vessel (e.g., ballast water, deck runoff, hull coat leachate). In responding to the petition, EPA did not attempt to assess such other waste streams, and therefore, the completed Assessment Report does not present an assessment of these other waste streams. There are EPA efforts E:\FR\FM\06JAN1.SGM 06JAN1 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 3 / Tuesday, January 6, 2009 / Notices underway, however, that reach beyond the scope of this Assessment Report. For information regarding EPA efforts relating to the occurrence of pharmaceuticals and personal care products, visit EPA’s Web site at https://www.epa.gov.ppcp. In a separate effort, EPA developed a Clean Water Act (CWA) general permit that addresses a range of discharges incidental to the normal operation of commercial vessels, including some of the additional wastes identified by the preceding comment. By virtue of a court decision, which vacated the EPA regulation that had excluded these discharges from NPDES permitting, these discharges will become subject to CWA permitting requirements as of February 6, 2009. Except for ballast water, subsequent legislation (Pub. L. 110–299) exempts commercial vessels shorter than 79 feet and commercial fishing vessels (regardless of their size) from NPDES permitting requirements for these discharges for a period of two years (during which time EPA has been directed to conduct further study and analysis). One commenter urged EPA and other federal agencies to work at the international level on issues directly associated with discharges from cruise ships and other ocean-going vessels. Numerous federal agencies are presently working cooperatively through forums, such as the International Maritime Organization, to enhance international environmental protection standards. At present, the U.S. government is simultaneously supporting efforts to enhance international standards related to discharges of machinery space wastes, sewage, and garbage. In addition, among other efforts, the U.S. government is also working diligently to enhance and implement international standards relating to air emissions from ships, including measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This work is ongoing and extensive. SUMMARY: Pursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee Act, Public Law 92–463, notice is hereby given that the Good Neighbor Environmental Board (GNEB) will hold a public teleconference on January 16, 2009 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. The meeting is open to the public. For further information regarding the teleconference and background materials, please contact Mark Joyce at the number listed below. Background: GNEB is a Federal advisory committee chartered under the Federal Advisory Committee Act, Public Law 92–463. UNEB provides advice and recommendations to the President and Congress on environmental and infrastructure issues along the U.S. border with Mexico. Purpose of Meeting: The purpose of this teleconference is to discuss and approve the Good Neighbor Environmental Board’s Twelfth Report: Innovative Approaches to Addressing Environmental Problems along the US/ Mexico Border. Supplementary Information: If you wish to make oral comments or submit written comments to the Board, please contact Mark Joyce at least five days prior to the meeting. General Information: Additional information concerning the GNEB can be found on its Web site at https:// www.epa.gov/ocem/gneb. Meeting Access: For information on access or services for individual with disabilities, please contact Mark Joyce at (202) 564–2130 or e-mail him at joyce.mark@epa.gov. To request accommodation of a disability, please contact Mark Joyce at least 10 days prior to the meeting to give EPA as much time as possible to process your request. Dated: December 30, 2008. Benjamin H. Grumbles, Assistant Administrator for Water. [FR Doc. E8–31453 Filed 1–5–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560–50–M [FRL–8759–2] ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with NOTICES [FRL–8759–1] Good Neighbor Environmental Board; Notification of Public Advisory Committee Teleconference VerDate Nov<24>2008 16:52 Jan 05, 2009 Jkt 217001 Dated: December 19, 2008. Mark Joyce, Designated Federal Officer. [FR Doc. E8–31152 Filed 1–5–09; 8:45 am] ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY BILLING CODE 6560–50–P AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notification of Public Advisory Committee Teleconference. Good Neighbor Environmental Board; Request for Nominations to the Good Neighbor Environmental Board AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice of request for nominations. PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 445 SUMMARY: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is inviting nominations from a diverse range of qualified candidates to be considered for appointment to fill vacancies on the Good Neighbor Environmental Board. Vacancies are expected to be filled by late spring 2009. Additional sources may be utilized in the solicitation of nominees. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Good Neighbor Environmental Board was created by the Enterprise for the Americas Initiative Act of 1992. Under Executive Order 12916, implementation authority is delegated to the Administrator of the EPA. The Board is responsible for providing advice to the President and Congress on environmental and infrastructure issues and needs within the states contiguous to Mexico. The statute calls for the Board to have representatives from U.S. government agencies; the states of Arizona, California, New Mexico and Texas; local government; tribes; and a variety of non-governmental officials including the private sector; academic officials; environmental group representatives; health groups; ranching and grazing interests; and other relevant sectors. U.S. government agency representatives are nominated by the heads of their agencies. Non-federal members are appointed by the Administrator of the EPA. The Board meets three times annually, twice at various locations along the U.S.-Mexico border and once in Washington, DC. The average workload for members is approximately 10 to 15 hours per month. Members serve on the Board in a voluntary capacity. However, EPA provides reimbursement for travel expenses associated with official government business. Nominees will be considered according to the mandates of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, which requires committees to maintain diversity across a broad range of constituencies, sectors, and groups. The following criteria will be used to evaluate nominees: • Resident of a U.S.-Mexico border state, ideally within the border region itself. • Extensive professional knowledge of the unique environmental and infrastructure issues that are found in the region, including the bi-national dimension of these issues. • Representative of a sector or group that helps to shape border-region environmental policy. • Senior-level experience that fills a current need on the Board for a representative with that particular type of knowledge. E:\FR\FM\06JAN1.SGM 06JAN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 3 (Tuesday, January 6, 2009)]
[Notices]
[Pages 442-445]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-31453]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[EPA-HQ-OW-2007-1156; FRL-8760-3]
RIN 2040-2A03


Cruise Ship Discharge Assessment Report

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Notice of availability.

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[[Page 443]]

SUMMARY: EPA announces the availability of the completed Cruise Ship 
Discharge Assessment Report, which assesses five cruise ship waste 
streams (i.e., sewage, graywater, oily bilge water, solid waste, and 
hazardous waste). EPA prepared and invited public comment on the draft 
Cruise Ship Discharge Assessment Report as part of its response to a 
petition submitted by the Bluewater Network on behalf of a number of 
environmental advocacy organizations. Today's action is intended to 
complete this portion of EPA's response to the petition.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Laura S. Johnson, Oceans and Coastal 
Protection Division, Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds 
(4504T), U.S. EPA, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460; 
telephone number: (202) 566-1273; fax number: (202) 566-1546; e-mail 
address: johnson.laura-s@epa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. General Information

A. Interested Entities

    Entities potentially interested in today's notice are those who are 
interested in or addressing cruise ship waste streams. Categories and 
entities interested in today's notice include:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Category                                      Examples of interested entities
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Federal Government....................  U.S. Coast Guard, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S.
                                         Department of Justice.
State/Local/Tribal Government.........  Governments interested in or addressing cruise ship waste streams.
Industry and General Public...........  Cruise industry, environmental interest groups.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    This table is not intended to be exhaustive, but rather provides a 
guide for readers regarding entities likely to be interested in this 
notice. This table lists the types of entities that EPA is now aware 
could potentially be interested in this notice. Other types of entities 
not listed in the table could also be interested.

B. How Can I Get Copies of This Document and Other Related Information?

    1. Document Electronic Access. To obtain a copy of the report 
entitled Cruise Ship Discharge Assessment Report, please access our Web 
site at: https://www.epa.gov/owow/oceans/cruise_ships/disch_
assess.html.
    2. Federal Register Docket. EPA has established a public docket for 
this notice under Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OW-2007-1156. The public docket 
consists of the documents specifically referenced in this notice and 
other information related to this notice. The public docket does not 
include information claimed as Confidential Business Information (CBI) 
or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. 
Publicly available docket materials are available either electronically 
through www.regulations.gov or in hard copy at the Water Docket in the 
EPA Docket Center.
    3. Federal Register Electronic Access. You may access this Federal 
Register document electronically through the EPA Internet under the 
``Federal Register '' listings at: https://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/.

II. Background

    Cruise ships operate in every ocean worldwide, often in pristine 
coastal waters and sensitive marine ecosystems. Cruise ship operators 
provide amenities to their passengers that are similar to those of 
luxury resort hotels, including pools, hair salons, restaurants, and 
dry cleaners. As a result, cruise ships have the potential to generate 
wastes similar in volume and character to those generated by hotels.
    In March 2000, an environmental advocacy group called the Bluewater 
Network, representing 53 environmental organizations, submitted a 
petition to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), requesting 
that EPA identify and take regulatory action on measures to address 
pollution by cruise ships. Specifically, the petition requested an in-
depth assessment of the volumes and characteristics of cruise ship 
waste streams; analysis of their potential impact on water quality, the 
marine environment, and human health; examination of existing federal 
regulations governing cruise ship waste streams; and formulation of 
recommendations on how to better control and regulate these waste 
streams. The petition included specific requests related to sewage, 
graywater, oily bilge water, solid wastes, and hazardous wastes, as 
well as monitoring, recordkeeping, and reporting. In addition, the 
petition requested that EPA prepare a report of its investigations and 
findings. An August 2000 addendum to the petition requested that EPA 
examine and develop recommendations on how to address air pollution 
from cruise ships.
    EPA's full response to the petition and the addendum from Bluewater 
Network was signed by EPA's Assistant Administrator for Water on 
January 31, 2008, and can be accessed at the public docket established 
for the Cruise Ship Discharge Assessment Report. (See Unit I.B.) As 
part of this response, EPA prepared a draft Cruise Ship Discharge 
Assessment Report (draft Assessment Report) assessing five primary 
cruise ship waste streams, specifically, sewage, graywater, oily bilge 
water, solid waste, and hazardous waste. For each waste stream, the 
draft Assessment Report discusses (1) The nature and volume of the 
waste stream generated; (2) existing federal regulations applicable to 
the waste stream; (3) environmental management, including treatment, of 
the waste stream; (4) potential adverse environmental impacts of the 
waste stream; and (5) actions by the Federal Government to address the 
waste stream.
    On December 20, 2007, EPA published in the Federal Register a 
notice of availability and request for public comment on this draft 
Assessment Report (72 FR 72353). In addition to requesting comments on 
the draft Assessment Report, EPA solicited input on options, 
alternatives, and recommendations on how to address the waste streams 
assessed in the draft Assessment Report. EPA extended the initial 45-
day comment period on the draft Assessment Report by 15 days in 
response to public requests; the comment period ended on February 19, 
2008. EPA received 26 comment letters during the comment period and 
those letters can be accessed at the docket. (See Unit I.B. for 
details.)

III. This Action

    EPA announces the availability of the completed Cruise Ship 
Discharge Assessment Report (Assessment Report). Today's action is 
intended to complete this portion of EPA's response to the petition on 
cruise ship pollution submitted by the Bluewater Network on behalf of a 
number of environmental advocacy organizations.

[[Page 444]]

IV. Summary of Comments on the Draft Assessment Report

    EPA received 26 comment letters on the draft Assessment Report. 
Some comments related to information in the draft Assessment Report; 
some comments provided options, alternatives, and recommendations on 
how to address the waste streams discussed in the draft Assessment 
Report. Many of the commenters expressed concern over the potential 
environmental impacts of cruise ship waste streams. EPA carefully 
considered all comments when completing the Assessment Report. Based on 
these comments, EPA made changes to the draft Assessment Report to 
clarify information and in some cases, added new information.
    In particular, some commenters requested a fuller discussion of 
efforts by state governments to regulate and manage cruise ship waste 
streams. The completed Assessment Report includes an appendix with 
relevant information regarding such efforts by state governments to 
date. Other new information includes an additional section in each 
chapter identifying a range of options and alternatives (regulatory or 
non-regulatory) that address the five specified waste streams from 
cruise ships. Inclusion of any particular option does not imply any EPA 
recommendation or preference for future action, or that EPA has 
determined that any of these options are necessary or feasible, or that 
EPA believes a change to the status quo is warranted, or that EPA or 
any other entity has the legal authority to implement that option.
    In the completed Assessment Report, the options and alternatives 
listed to address the specified cruise ship waste streams are based on 
the public comments received, as well as other information gathered. A 
number of commenters recommended changes to discharge standards and/or 
geographic restrictions on discharges. Commenters also recommended 
increased monitoring, reporting, inspections, and enforcement of cruise 
ship waste stream discharges and management. Some commenters 
recommended a careful evaluation of cumulative impacts of multiple 
vessels discharging in one location. Other commenters recommended 
careful consideration and/or identification of sensitive or at-risk 
habitats when evaluating the potential impacts of discharges. These 
recommendations have been incorporated into the options and 
alternatives sections found at the end of each waste stream chapter of 
the completed Assessment Report.
    While some commenters requested regulatory action to implement 
their recommendations for addressing cruise ship waste streams, EPA 
does not commit, through the completed Assessment Report, to the 
formulation of any Agency recommendations on whether, and if so how, 
any existing regulations should be revised. Though the completed 
Assessment Report identifies possible options and alternatives 
representing a wide range of actions that could be taken to address the 
five specific waste streams from cruise ships, EPA did not conduct an 
analysis for each such discharge to determine if changes to the current 
regulatory scheme are warranted. However, EPA is completing its 
analysis of Alaska cruise ship sewage and graywater standards in a 
separate assessment of the adequacy of those legislative standards 
(which apply under special legislation only to those ships and to those 
discharges).
    As a part of a separate effort, recent legislation (Pub. L. 110-
299) directs EPA to conduct a study to evaluate the impacts of 
discharges incidental to the normal operation of commercial fishing 
vessels (regardless of size) and other non-recreational vessels less 
than 79 feet in length. Except for ballast water, the incidental 
discharges from those vessels are subject to a moratorium on National 
Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting that expires 
July 31, 2010.
    Some commenters questioned the draft Assessment Report's focus on 
Alaska and requested that similar assessments be conducted in other 
geographic regions. While much of the information about the treatment 
and discharge of sewage and graywater presented in the draft and 
completed Assessment Reports was collected in Alaska, the Assessment 
Report is not solely focused on conditions or impacts in Alaska. For 
example, the sections on potential environmental impacts in the sewage 
and graywater chapters compare these waste streams to national 
standards and criteria. The information provided in the completed 
Assessment Report should be helpful to stakeholders interested in 
evaluating potential impacts on a regional or waterbody basis.
    A number of commenters suggested that dilution should not be 
considered in evaluating potential impacts of sewage and graywater 
discharges from cruise ships. Other commenters suggested that dilution 
is a very important part of such assessments, particularly when 
discharges are from ships underway, and therefore should be discussed 
earlier and more frequently in the sewage and graywater chapters. The 
Assessment Report discussed dilution because it is relevant to 
assessments of potential toxicity, and in some locations dilution is 
relevant to a determination of whether receiving waters are attaining 
concentration-based water quality standards. The Assessment Report's 
discussion of dilution does not express any conclusion and should not 
be read to imply that dilution addresses all potential environmental 
impacts from these discharges.
    Related to this, one commenter suggested that the evaluation of 
Type II Marine Sanitation Devices for vessel sewage should always 
include a discussion of dilution while ships are underway. While a 
number of cruise lines have voluntarily agreed to discharge from a Type 
II Marine Sanitation Device only when the vessel is underway and 
offshore, as a practical matter, such restrictions are not required, 
either as a matter of circumstance or by law.
    Some commenters requested more information on potential treatment 
technologies for sewage and graywater treatment, such as cost, space, 
and safety information. More information on these technology options 
will be made available at EPA's Web site (https://www.epa.gov/owow/
oceans/cruise_ships/) upon completion of EPA's analysis of cruise ship 
sewage and graywater discharges in Alaska waters.
    One commenter noted that other waste streams and contaminants, such 
as hull coating leachate, deck runoff, ballast water, viruses, and 
pharmaceuticals, were not addressed in the draft Assessment Report. The 
Bluewater Network petition made specific requests related to certain 
identified cruise ship waste streams for which EPA was to conduct an 
assessment and produce a report of the investigations and findings. 
Those same five specified cruise ship waste streams from the petition 
(sewage, graywater, oily bilge water, solid waste, and hazardous waste) 
are assessed in the completed Assessment Report. There are a number of 
other waste streams that may be generated onboard cruise ships, some of 
which may be considered incidental to the normal operation of a vessel 
(e.g., ballast water, deck runoff, hull coat leachate). In responding 
to the petition, EPA did not attempt to assess such other waste 
streams, and therefore, the completed Assessment Report does not 
present an assessment of these other waste streams. There are EPA 
efforts

[[Page 445]]

underway, however, that reach beyond the scope of this Assessment 
Report. For information regarding EPA efforts relating to the 
occurrence of pharmaceuticals and personal care products, visit EPA's 
Web site at https://www.epa.gov.ppcp.
    In a separate effort, EPA developed a Clean Water Act (CWA) general 
permit that addresses a range of discharges incidental to the normal 
operation of commercial vessels, including some of the additional 
wastes identified by the preceding comment. By virtue of a court 
decision, which vacated the EPA regulation that had excluded these 
discharges from NPDES permitting, these discharges will become subject 
to CWA permitting requirements as of February 6, 2009. Except for 
ballast water, subsequent legislation (Pub. L. 110-299) exempts 
commercial vessels shorter than 79 feet and commercial fishing vessels 
(regardless of their size) from NPDES permitting requirements for these 
discharges for a period of two years (during which time EPA has been 
directed to conduct further study and analysis).
    One commenter urged EPA and other federal agencies to work at the 
international level on issues directly associated with discharges from 
cruise ships and other ocean-going vessels. Numerous federal agencies 
are presently working cooperatively through forums, such as the 
International Maritime Organization, to enhance international 
environmental protection standards. At present, the U.S. government is 
simultaneously supporting efforts to enhance international standards 
related to discharges of machinery space wastes, sewage, and garbage. 
In addition, among other efforts, the U.S. government is also working 
diligently to enhance and implement international standards relating to 
air emissions from ships, including measures to reduce greenhouse gas 
emissions. This work is ongoing and extensive.

    Dated: December 30, 2008.
Benjamin H. Grumbles,
Assistant Administrator for Water.
 [FR Doc. E8-31453 Filed 1-5-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P
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