Alaska environmental regulator cites cruise lines for air pollution violations
Environmental officials in Alaska have issued Notices of Violation to cruise lines for violating emissions rules during the summer cruise season.
Holland America Line had four violations from four ships, Princess Cruise Line received two violations and the Royal Caribbean ship Radiance of the Seas was cited twice on separate occasions for excessive emissions, the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation said.
The Norwegian Jewel was also cited.
Violations can result in fines of up to $46,192.
Environmental officers visually monitor emissions at ports throughout Alaska using an ‘opacity’ test
"Opacity is an indicator for overall air quality. So there are things that could be in the emissions. Things like nitrogen oxides or particulates. Things that can be breathed in and can potentially cause some health effects," cruise ship monitoring program manager Ed White told the Juneau Empire.
White said the level of fine is dependent on past history and whether measures have been taken to cut pollution.
"We base that on the compliance history of the ship or the reading or if the operator is taking corrective actions."
The number of notices issued was the highest since 2014.
Water quality citations were also issued to several ships for violations in Alaska this year.
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