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Ship Ballast Water
Ballast water is used to stabilize a ship. Any heavy material can be used, but water is commonly used today. The ship scoops water in Port A and releases it in Port B, somewhere else in the world when it doesn't need it anymore. Ocean-going vessel ballast water is filthy and contaminating oceans in much the same way a factory contaminates the air or ground. The ballast contaminants include not only chemicals but also the plant and animal species that are scooped in with the water. When plants and animals are introduced to new areas, from either ballast water or ships' hulls, they negatively impact the environment by competing with the native species and commonly overtaking them. This loss of native species often also negatively impacts the economy of the affected area.
In March 2005 a federal judge ruled the EPA must regulate ballast water from ships that enter U.S. waters. This decision lifts a long-standing exemption from such controls on ships. The EPA will have to create ways of preventing the release of chemicals and non-native species within three miles of U.S. shores.
This new ruling affects cruise ships as much as freighters and tankers. Cruise ships also have other waste to manage, like food scraps, laundry, and garbage. How many cruise ships compost food scraps? Is recycling common, especially pre-cycling to get rid of packaging waste before getting out to sea? Gray water recycling would be a natural. The general public consensus is that cruise ships dump all their waste into the ocean. With a growing cruise industry, that's going to start causing problems with water quality, problems that will trickle down to marine plant and animal life. And how does the environmental attitude about waste affect conditions on board for passengers and crew? Is there contamination? Are there health issues surrounding waste management?
Seeing how environmental awareness is increasing, that cruise lines are high profile, and travelers are multiplying, it seems evident that cruise lines will face tighter environmental regulations and scrutiny. Cruise lines: take action now, before it's regulated. Take action now before social pressures impact your income stream. Take the ECOnomically Sound approach and manage waste and energy issues today with a sustainable attitude.
Posted by Kit Cassingham
