LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Response to Green Hornet
Wednesday, July 27, 2005
Dear Sir,
I am writing in regard to the commentary published 19 July, “Over the Side
Go the Pollutants,” written by the Green Hornet. Given the number of
inaccuracies and distortions, I felt compelled to respond to educate your
readers about the numerous environmental initiatives the cruise industry is
implementing to protect the world’s oceans.
There simply isn’t enough editorial space to refute every false claim made
by the commentary. However, I will address a few misconceptions. Anyone
wanting to know more about how specific waste streams are handled is invited
to call our office (703-522-8463) or visit our Website http://www.iccl.org/ to learn more.
I would especially encourage the Green Hornet to visit our website, as it
is apparent from the commentary that the author has little knowledge of
wastewater discharge or the current status of the technology used by the
cruise lines.
In June 2001, the members of the International Council of Cruise Lines (ICCL)
unanimously adopted environmental standards for all of their cruise ships,
which account for 90 percent of the North American cruise industry.
These Waste Management Practices and Procedures are based on principles
that include designing and constructing environmentally friendly cruise ships,
embracing new technology, complying with international and US environmental
laws, reducing waste and working with the regulatory community.
The author asserts that cruise lines operate beyond US environmental laws
and outside of the US Coast Guard’s jurisdiction. Nothing could be farther
from the truth.
Through the International Maritime Organization, the US and other nations,
including many in the Caribbean, have developed standards that apply to all
vessels engaged in international commerce.
These standards are set forth in the International Convention for the
Prevention of Pollution from Ships, known as MARPOL.
In addition, the ICCL’s Waste Management Practices and Procedures are
adopted into each member lines’ ship’s safety management system, thereby
holding ships accountable to those standards wherever they operate in the
world.
Contrary to what the author implies, ICCL member ships do not discharge any
raw sewage anywhere in the ocean. Effluent is treated and discharged no less
than four miles from the coastline, exceeding the US standard of three miles,
and at a speed of no less than six knots, unless the effluent is treated with
advanced wastewater purification (AWP) systems.
Studies have shown that these current practices result in high dispersion
levels with minimal negative impacts on the environment. The cruise industry
is committed to developing AWP systems for the treatment of black - and gray -
water.
The technology produces treated effluent that is purer than that produced
by sewage treatment plants of most municipalities and near drinking water
quality. The industry already has spent millions of dollars to develop and
install AWPs and is continuing to research and test new technology.
In addition, in December 2003, the ICCL partnered with Conservation
International to form the Ocean Conservation and Tourism Alliance (OCTA), a
joint initiative to protect biodiversity in top cruise destinations and
promote industry practices that minimize the cruise industry’s environmental
impact. A science panel named by OCTA currently is studying wastewater and AWP
technology for the purpose of assessing their effectiveness and establishing
standards.
Lastly, it is regrettable that a newspaper such as yours would print
something of this nature without attributing the misinformation to anyone is
particular.
The author, using the pseudonym “The Green Hornet” is merely parroting the
environmental advocacy group Oceana, which is known to use outdated and
embellished “facts,” and spread disinformation in an effort to discredit the
cruise industry.
The Cayman Islands’ geographic beauty is the main reason cruise ships
return time and again. Cruise passengers enjoy water activities such as scuba
diving, snorkeling and sailing – all for which the islands are renowned.
Keeping coastal areas clean is good for the environment, good for our
passengers and good for our business. Through continuous education and
commitment, we are doing our part to sustain this beauty.
Michael Crye
President
International Council of Cruise Lines
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