Key points
Exemption (small commercial passenger vessel; govenment vessel; other vessel for safety reasons)
A license is not required prior to the discharge of graywater to coastal waters from (a) a small commercial passenger vessel; (b) a commercial passenger vessel operated by the U.S. or a foreign government; or (c) a commercial passenger vessel if the discharge is made for the purpose of securing the vessel or saving life at sea, as long as all reasonable precautions have been taken to prevent or minimize the discharge.
Temporary authorization to discharge (large commercial passenger vessel)
Beginning of the effective date of Chapter 650 (not yet set) and prior to 1/01/06, the owner or operator of a large commercial passenger vessel may discharge graywater or a mixture of graywater and blackwater to coastal waters if the vessel is authorized to discharge graywater or a mixture of graywater and blackwater in Alaska pursuant to federal Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2001, Public Law 106-554, Section 1(a)(4) and Appendix D, Division B, Title XIV, Section 1404(b) or (c), 114 Stat. 2763, 2763A-316.
Authorization under a general permit (large commercial passenger vessel)
On and after 1/1/06, authorization under a general permit is required to discharge graywater or a mixture of graywater and blackwater from a large commercial passenger vessel to coastal waters. Chapter 650 refers to certain standards contained in the "federal Alaska Law" and requires the DEP to adopt routine technical rules to implement the requirements in Maine. The standards concern requirements for continuous discharge, keeping of a record book, and sampling and reporting requirements.
Legislative intent (large commercial passenger vessels)
The intent of the Legislature is that regulation of the discharge of graywater (and graywater/blackwater mixed) from large commercial passenger vessels that are equipped with wastewater treatment systems that require continuous discharge be consistent with the regulation of similar vessels in Alaska.
Report of unauthorized discharge (large commercial passenger vessel)
An owner or operator of a large commercial passenger vessel that discharges blackwater within a no-discharge zone, or discharges blackwater in violation of federal law outside a no-discharge zone, must immediately report the discharge to the DEP. A written report must be submitted to the DEP within 30 days of the discharge.
Starting 1/1/06, an owner or operator of a large commercial passenger vessel that discharges graywater without a license or in a manner inconsistent with a license must immediately report the discharge to the DEP. A written report must be submitted to DEP within 30 days of the discharge.
Agent for service of process (all commercial passenger vessels)
The owner or operator of a commercial passenger vessel shall continuously maintain a designated agent for service of process whenever the commercial passenger vessel is in coastal waters. The agent must be an individual resident of the State, a domestic corporation or a foreign corporation having a place of business in and authorized to do business in the State. "Agent for service of process" means an agent upon whom process, notice of or demand required or permitted by law to be served upon the owner or operator may be served.
Reports required from DEP
The DEP shall report back to the Legislature's Natural Resources Committee concerning air emissions from vessels, and small commercial passenger vessels.
