The Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) granted the Alaska Cruise Association’s (ACA) request to stay proceedings on its administrative appeal of the cruise ship General Permit.
The ACA requested the stay after DEC issued a permit that included limits on some trace metals that are not achievable through existing technology.
Commissioner Larry Hartig said his decision does not modify the terms of the General Permit, including the 2010 deadline for cruise ships to meet stricter pollution limits. During the period leading up to this deadline, the companies are required to examine ways to reduce the metals in the waste streams. ACA has implemented a water sampling program to test water the ships take on at different points coming into their treatment plants and more effective treatment methods.
The stay lasts until June 1, 2009.