Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
Abstract
Presented in this paper is a synopsis of the status of MARPOL Annex authorizations, current federal
and state sewage and graywater regulations, latest EPA/GAO action and the International Council of
Cruise Lines mandatory waste management practices. The efforts of Holland America Line Westours
to comply with pollution regulations and a review of their upgraded sewage and graywater treatment
equipment, procedures and internal reporting in excess of the regulations are examined. Through
this examination and understanding of the current regulations and capabilities available for both
existing vessels and new designs, it is hoped educated decisions can be made about future
regulations.
1
Industry has reacted with tighter controls with in the (IMO) and found in the International Convention for
trade organizations such as the International Council of the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973, as
Cruise Lines (ICCL). Additional regulations in other modified by the Protocol of 1978, better known as
sensitive areas could follow. Holland America Line MARPOL 73/78 for Annex I through V with the
Westours (HALW), operator of ten cruise vessels with Protocol of 1997 covering Annex VI. See table 1.
an additional four under construction, has enhanced its
sewage and graywater pollution prevention machinery, An additional Annex was also under consideration to
operating procedures, record keeping, training and enact regulations for the phase out of toxic anti-fouling
survey arrangements in order to bring a new level of paints. This will be considered instead as a separate
confidence in its operations in sensitive areas through Convention at the next IMO meeting in June 1999 with
ultrafiltration processes and increased managerial the U.S. taking the lead. Conventions and Annexes
oversight. Following is a review of the regulations and come into force 12 months after the date when not less
the enhanced ultrafiltration process. than 15 countries approve and the combined merchant
fleets of which constitute not less than 50% of the gross
MARPOL CONVENTION tonnage of the world’s merchant fleet. The United
States has yet to approve Annex IV (Sewage) and
International pollution control regulations for ships are Annex VI (Air Pollution). Annex VII (Ballast Water) is
set forth by the International Maritime Organization in the draft proposal stage. See table 2.
MARPOL IV vs. U.S. SEWAGE REGULATIONS installed. Untreated sewage discharge is permitted
outside the 12-mile limit.
MARPOL Annex IV, to which the U.S. is not USCG 33 CFR 159.3 for Marine Sanitation Devices
signatory, allows treated sewage discharge for vessels (MSD) governs requirements for all vessels for
over 200 GRT or more than 10 persons on board when discharge within 3 nautical miles off the coast in the
operating between 4 and 12 nautical miles from land territorial seas with either a Type I or Type II
with operational requirements as per IMO Resolution designation dependent upon vessel size. An additional
ME.2(VI). See table 3. Alternately, a holding tank to Type III MSD applicable for any vessel allows any
the satisfaction of the Flag Administration may be device, i.e. a holding tank, that is designed to prevent
2
the overboard discharge via containment onboard for from the international MARPOL regulations as shown
the duration of the voyage. These requirements vary in table 3.
USCG USCG
Regulated Item Type I MSD Type II MSD MARPOL IV
(Vessels 65 ft. or less) (Any Vessel)
Suspended Solids No visible floating solids Less than 150 mg/l Less than 50 mg/l
Fecal Coliform Bacteria Less than 1000/100ml Less than 200/100ml Less than 250 /100ml
Biochemical Oxygen
Demand BOD5 No requirement No requirement Less than 50 mg/l
Residual Chlorine No requirement No requirement As low as practicable
MARPOL Annex IV Regulation 1 (3) defines sewage areas where “greater environmental protection” is
not only as drainage and wastes from toilets and urinals required are granted under Section 312 (F)(3) when
but also “WC scuppers” and all sick bay wash basins adequate pump -out facilities are provided or in the
and drains which may be interpreted to mean the floor event a drinking water intake zone is established under
drains in all the toilet areas that are normally handled as Section (F)(4)(B). These areas include fresh water lakes
graywater. This is not a problem for a vessel that has a including the majority of the Great Lakes, sensitive
combined graywater and sewage system, but could pose seawater bays and sounds. See table 4 for a full listing.
complications for those who don’t, if Annex IV of the
MARPOL Convention ever comes into force. U.S. PROPOSED MARPOL IV AMMENDMENTS
regulations do not specifically list WC scuppers, but
rather define sewage as wastes from toilets and other A draft text of the revised Annex IV of MARPOL
receptacles intended to receive or retain body waste. 73/78 was set out in annex by the Marine Environment
Protection Committee (MEPC) at the 44th session
Two types of Type II MSDs have generally been
Agenda item 12 on 20 October1999 (MEPC 44/12).
approved in the past, biological where microorganisms
The draft text was prepared based on the modified
reduce the sewage to acceptable levels and
version of Annex IV contained in annex to MEPC
physical/chemical where sewage is mechanically
37/12/10 and MEPC 38/8/6. These amendments were
macerated and strained to low levels. Both usually
developed by the previous Correspondence Group led
depend upon chlorine to bring the final fecal coliform
by Germany, and the proposed amendments to
bacteria count to USCG/IMO levels. This may be a
regulations 9, 11 and 12 of the modified version of
point of contention as chlorine itself is coming under
Annex IV contained in MEPC 43/11/2, which was
scrutiny as a pollutant. Manufacturers have had
developed by the Correspondence Group led by
difficulty in receiving approval of their equipment in
Singapore. (ref. 4)
Canada for this type of treatment, but no action has
been taken against foreign vessels that have MARPOL
The US maintains its position that it cannot support the
compliant MSDs. A third Type II has recently been
ratification of Annex IV in its current form. The US
approved using physical and biological processes
supports the continued review and discussion of the
combined with ultrafiltration and ultraviolet light to
proposed amendments to Annex IV, however, the
produce near drinking quality water.
problem remains that the amendments have not yet
addressed most of the concerns that the US has with the
The United States passed the Federal Water Pollution
requirements of Annex IV. The main reasons for the US
Control Act (FWPCA) in 1972 with reauthorization in
not accepting Annex IV are because of difficulties
1985 as the Clean Water Act. Section 312 of the Act is
related to the definition of sewage, applicability, on-
codified as 33 USC 1322 to eliminate the discharge of
board treatment, nutrient sensitive resources, effluent
untreated sewage into the waters of the United States.
standards and reception facilities. In summary, the US
Various states have petitioned and been approved under
feels that fundamental amendments to Annex IV are
40 CFR 140.3/4 for limited no discharge areas for both
needed. The US states the proposed amendments have
treated and untreated sewage (ref. 20). Zones with no
not addressed these basic problems. (ref. 3)
sewage discharge permitted, treated or non-treated, for
3
Table 4. FEDERAL CLEAN WATER ACT NO DISCHARGE ZONES
Type 312(f)(3) which protects aquatic habitats where pump out facilities are available
Type 312(f)(4)(A) which protects special aquatic habitats or species
Type 312(f)(4)(B) designed to safeguard human health by protecting drinking water intake zones
4
Table 4. FEDERAL CLEAN WATER ACT NO DISCHARGE ZONES , continued
Type 312(f)(3) which protects aquatic habitats where pump out facilities are available
Type 312(f)(4)(A) which protects special aquatic habitats or species
Type 312(f)(4)(B) designed to safeguard human health by protecting drinking water intake zones
FEDERAL MURKOWSKI ACT Pollution Control Act, as amended (33 U.S.C. 1251 et
seq.), the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships, as
On December 21, 2000 U.S. Congress passed ``Title amended (33 U.S.C. 1901 et seq.)
XIV--Certain Alaskan Cruise Ship Operations'' of the
Miscellaneous Appropriations Bill (H.R. 5666) in the (b) Ensure that cruise vessels do not discharge untreated
Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2001 (P.L. 106- sewage within the waters of the Alexander Archipelago,
554) known as the Murkowski Act for the Senator from the navigable waters of the United States in the State of
Alaska, to regulate sewage and graywater in Alaska for Alaska, or within the Kachemak Bay National Estuarine
large cruise vessels with 500 or more passengers. Research Reserve.
Specifically excluded from this were vessels of the
United States operated by the Federal Government and (c) Prevent the unregulated discharge of treated sewage
vessels owned and operated by the government of a and graywater while in ports in the State of Alaska or
State, such as the entire fleet of nine Alaska State traveling near the shore in the Alexander Archipelago
ferries. The legislation is currently under a Notice of and the navigable waters of the United States in the
Proposed Rulemaking by the USCG under 33 CFR 159 State of Alaska or within the Kachemak Bay National
to accomplish the following: Estuarine Research Reserve unless underway and
proceeding at a speed of not less than six knots and not
(a) Ensure that cruise vessels operating in the waters of less than one nautical mile from the nearest shore.
the Alexander Archipelago and the navigable waters of
the United States within the State of Alaska and within (d) Ensure that discharges of sewage and graywater
the Kachemak Bay National Estuarine Research from cruise vessels are monitored for compliance by
Reserve comply with all applicable environmental laws, examination of environmental compliance records and
including, but not limited to, the Federal Water procedures; inspection of the functionality and proper
5
operation of installed equipment for abatement and of 53 organizations, asking the EPA to take regulatory
control of any discharge; and incorporate a plan for action on measures to address pollution by cruise ships.
sampling and testing. The petition specifically calls for an investigation of
wastewater, oil and solid waste discharges from cruise
Additionally, inspections may include unannounced ships, and the implementation of policy or regulatory
inspections of any aspect of cruise vessel operations, changes if necessary to assure that these discharges do
equipment or discharges and require a logbook not threaten the marine environment. In response to the
detailing the times, types, volumes or flow rates and petition, EPA agreed to study cruise ship discharges
locations of any discharges of sewage or graywater. and waste management approaches.
Until such time as the formal regulations are in place, A Cruise Ship White Paper (ref. 6) by the EPA dated
treated sewage and graywater may be discharged inside August 20, 2000 provides preliminary information
of one mile and at speeds less than 6 knots provided regarding cruise ships and waste management practices.
that: Preliminary recommendations regarding EPA’s
1. The discharge satisfies the minimum level of response to the petition are given stating the options
Secondary treatment effluent quality specified presented in the paper should not be interpreted as
in 40 CFR 133.102: Agency recommendations or as a decision on the
(a) BOD<INF>5</INF> Biological Oxygen Bluewater Network petition. The Cruise Ship White
Demand Paper recommends the following EPA actions:
(1) The 30-day average shall not exceed 30 mg/l. (1) Conduct an assessment of:
(2) The 7-day average shall not exceed 45 mg/l. • the volumes and characteristics of cruise ship
(3) The 30-day average percent removal shall not waste streams and their potential impact on water
be less than 85 percent. quality and the marine environment;
(b) SS (Total Suspended Solids) • the effectiveness of existing programs (regulatory
(1) The 30-day average shall not exceed 30 mg/l. and non-regulatory) for managing those waste
(2) The 7-day average shall not exceed 45 mg/l. streams; and
(3) The 30-day average percent removal shall not • options for better environmental management of
be less than 85 percent. cruise ship waste streams including the issuance of
(c) pH. The effluent values for pH shall be regulations and/or voluntary environmental
within the limits of 6.0 to 9.0 management programs such as public-private
2. The geometric mean of the samples from the partnerships.
discharge during any 30-day period does not (2) Solicit additional information from the
exceed 20 fecal coliform/100 ml and not more petitioners, other environmental groups, the cruise
than 10 percent of the samples exceed 40 fecal ship industry, government agencies, and the public
coliform/100 ml; for incorporation into the assessment. Hold public
3. Concentrations of total residual chlorine information hearings in Los Angeles, California
may not exceed 10.0 mg/l; and, (Sept. 6, 2000); Juneau, Alaska (Sept. 8, 2000); and
4. Prior to any such discharge occurring, the owner Miami, Florida (Sept. 12, 2000) where there is a large
demonstrates test results from at least five amount of cruise ship traffic as a way to solicit this
samples taken from the vessel representative of information.
the effluent to be discharged, on different days (3) Once the assessment is drafted, make it available
over a 30-day period, as per 40 CFR Part 136 and to the public.
demonstrates continued compliance through (4) Establish an interagency workgroup with EPA
periodic sampling. and the Coast Guard in primary roles to review the
assessment and take appropriate action.
Administrative civil penalties for violations can be up to (5) Continue to support Coast Guard, State and
$10,000 per day for each day during which the violation industry efforts to improve cruise ship waste
continues, except that the maximum amount of any class management practices while assuring that these
II civil penalty under this section shall not exceed efforts are consistent with national policy and
$125,000.00. regulations.
6
(1) Determine the effluent dilution characteristics in behalf of the administration. The primary focus is
the wake of the cruise ship; safety, but also included is environmental protection.
(2) Track the longer-term location and mixing
dynamics of the effluent plume; STATE REGULATIONS
(3) Provide preliminary information on whether
discharge plumes behave as predicted by the model; Various state, county and city regulations also come
(4) Assess the utility and feasibility of monitoring into effect within their jurisdiction. An example is
fecal coliforms (tracers of sewage) in the wake of the Washington State RCW 90.48.080. The criteria
cruise ship. developed on the international and national level
theoretically should allow for the operation of properly
Results are pending, with one comment being “dilution maintained MSD in the navigable waters of the U.S.
is the solution to pollution” which was supported by the This is dependent upon interpretation of the Clean
previous Rosenblatt & Son/ICCL “Cruise Ship Waste Water Act, state and local regulations as to the
Dispersion Analysis - Report on the Analysis of definition of the harmful effects of discharges and the
Graywater Discharge ” September 14, 2000. (ref. 11) sensitivity of the surrounding water such as captive
freshwater and remote saltwater bays with poor tidal
GAO ACTION action.
In February 2000 the Resources, Community and States that have stricter sewage discharge regulations
Economic Development Division of the United States such as Washington with 14 fecal coliform bacteria per
General Accounting Office released a report on cruise 100 ml, as opposed to the Federal 200/1000 ml limits,
ship pollution (ref. 9) at the request of House are precluded from enforcement without the special
Representatives John D. Dingell and Henry A Waxman. sewage area designation. However, there is no
87 illegal discharges in U.S. waters were noted between prohibition from enforcement of State pollution
1993 to 1998, all oil, garbage or plastic related. standards as they apply to graywater discharge (ref. 5).
However, concern was noted regarding the large These definitions can be strict and subject to
volume of wastewater from sinks, showers, drains and interpretation, as an example the Revised Code of
sewage systems that cruise ships legally discharge at Washington RCW 90.48.080 defines pollution as:
sea and the possible effects of these discharges on
sensitive marine life. “such contamination, or other alteration of the
physical, chemical, or biological properties of any
IMO ISM CODE waters of the state, including changes in temperature,
taste, color, turbidity or the odor of the waters, or such
In 1998, new amendments to IMO SOLAS Chapter IX discharge of any liquid, gaseous, solid, radioactive, or
entered into force to make mandatory the International other substance into any waters of the state as will or is
Safety Management (ISM) Code, which had been likely to create a nuisance or render such waters
adopted by the IMO in November 1993 (Assembly harmful, detrimental or injurious to the public health,
resolution A.741(18)). Chapter IX applies to passenger safety or welfare, or to domestic, commercial,
ships and tankers from that date and to cargo ships and industrial, agricultural recreational or other legitimate
mobile drilling units of 500 gross tons and above from beneficial uses, or to livestock, wild animals, birds, fish
July 1, 2002. These requirements are administered by or other aquatic life.”
USCG under 33 CFR 96. The ISM Code establishes
safety management objectives which: Effective July 1, 2001 the state of Alaska enacted the
• Provide for safe practices in ship operation and a first state law in the country to regulate cruise ship
safe working environment; pollution. The legislation requires cruise ships to:
• Establish safeguards against all identified risks; and • Register with the state.
• Continuously improve safety management skills of • Maintain records of black (sewage) and graywater
personnel, including preparing for emergencies. pollution.
• Sample its discharges at least twice per year.
The Code requires Safety Management System (SMS) • Allow the state access to the vessel for the purpose of
Plans to be established by owners or any person who additional sampling if the state requests. Pay a fee of
has assumed responsibility for operating a ship. A plan $0.75 - $1.75 per passenger, depending on number of
for the above objectives, details of resources and shore- passengers, to the state to pay for the administration
based support must be developed in a Safety of this program.
Management Manual which is kept on board and
audited periodically, usually by the Class Society on
7
The law also prohibits the discharge of untreated management practices that are equivalent to or better
sewage, provides standards for total suspended solids than those described, and which are shown to meet or
(TSS) and fecal coliform in treated sewage and gray exceed international and federal environmental
water discharges, authorizes the Alaska Department of standards, will also be acceptable.
Environmental Conservation (ADEC) to establish
standards for additional pollutants in sewage and gray Member lines have agreed to communicate to ICCL the
water, and generally allows discharges only at distances use of equivalent or other acceptable practices and
greater than one mile from shore and speed more than 6 procedures. As appropriate, such practices and
knots. It provides for civil penalties of $500 - $100,000 procedures shall be included as a revision to the
for an initial violation of these provisions, plus $10,000 attached document. As an example, when improved
maximum per day for each day of continuing violation. systems for treating sewage and graywater are perfected
It makes it a misdemeanor to, with criminal negligence, and shown to meet the requirements for MSDs and
violate the law or an A DEC order or regulation accepted by appropriate authorities, the new systems
enforcing it, or make false statements. Some of these and associated technology will be included in the
provisions already exist in federal law, but the attachment as a revision. ICCL and its Environmental
legislation gives the state a more active oversight and Committee will work with the U.S. Coast Guard, the
enforcement role. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and other
appropriate agencies to further implement the above
FLORIDA MOU and ICCL POLICY commitments.
8
pollution from shipping. The rules aim to help owners: The United States approved MARPOL Annex V
• control operational pollution (Garbage) in December 1987. The IMO Annex was
• provide public validation of onboard implemented by law via the Act to Prevent Pollution
environmental performance from Ships 33 USC 1901-1911. Garbage consisting of
• demonstrate a pro-active approach to victual, domestic and operational waste is regulated by
environmental protection. the USCG in 33 CFR 151.51 to 151.77, see table 5.
This system enables owners to highlight substantial
investment in particular aspects of pollution control, IMO Special Areas are areas where the discharge of all
while demonstrating a high all-round level of garbage, with the exception of ground food waste at
environmental performance. greater than 12 miles, is prohibited and include the
Mediterranean Sea, Baltic Sea, Black Sea, Red Sea, the
The core LR EP rule requirements demand a level of Gulfs from Ras al Hadd to Ras al Fasteh, North Sea and
environmental performance in excess of international the Antarctic. The wider Caribbean Region, which
legislative requirements and cover: includes the Gulf of Mexico, has the same Special Area
• oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and oxides of sulphur status with ground garbage permitted at greater than 3
(SOx) emissions miles.
• refrigerants and fire-fighting agents
• oil pollution prevention MARPOL Annex V Regulation 9 and 33 CFR
• garbage handling and disposal 151.55/57 both require strict development of an
• sewage treatment onboard Waste Management Plan and to report and
• hull anti-fouling systems maintain records of refuse discharge. Willful violators
• ballast water. are guilty of a Class D felony and subject to fines of up
Compliance leads to assignment of the LR to $250,000 per individual or $500,000 per organization
Environmental Protection EP letter notation. as well as prison terms of up to 6 years.
Compliance with additional more stringent
requirements in a range of specific areas, such as Additionally, the solid waste disposal from vessels is
graywater treatment and protected fuel tanks, will lead subject to further restrictions as per 33 CFR 151.65
to assignment of supplementary characters, further with 24-hour notice required before arrival with the
enhancing recognition of owners’ proactive following wastes from a foreign port excluding Canada:
commitment to the environment ahead of international (a) Garbage regulated by the U.S. Department of
requirements. Agriculture’s' Animal and Plant Health
Inspection Service (APHIS) 7 CFR 330.400
SOLID WASTE and 9 CFR 94.5
(b) Medical Wastes
(c) Hazardous waste as per 40 CFR 261.3
Plastics, synthetic ropes, fishing nets, and plastic bags Disposal Prohibited Disposal Prohibited
Floating dunnage, lining and packing material > 25 miles off shore Disposal Prohibited
Paper, rags, glass, metal, bottles, crockery, and simila r refuse > 12 miles Disposal Prohibited
All other garbage, paper, rags, glass comminuted or ground (1) > 3 miles Disposal Prohibited
Food waste comminuted or ground (1) >3 miles > 12 miles (2)
9
HOLLAND AMERICA LINE WESTOURS CASE STUDY
Holland America Line Westours is a cruise ship 1995 Holland America made a significant commitment
company operating ten large passenger vessels in establishing the "Seagoing Environmental
worldwide, and marks its 130th year in business in Awareness" (S*E*A) committee to coordinate and
2002. In 1872 the Dutch steamship Rotterdam was expand the environmental program and maintain a high
launched in answer to the high demand for travel to level of commitment. The S*E*A program reaches
America. Up to this point the English and Germans from the corporate headquarters out to all the Holland
dominated the lucrative European steamship business. America Line Westours fleet. The program acts as a
With the opening of a canal linking the city of communications hub for the individual ship's sanitation
Rotterdam with the North Sea a new era was born in and environmental committees and communicates their
transporting travelers, immigrants and cargo from observations, recommendations and needs to the
Holland to America - the Holland America Line. company's planning and operations management. These
committees also oversee the development of
Today, Holland America’s fleet of passenger vessels educational programs for employees and guests that
includes the 1,214-passenger ms Noordam (1984), the highlight environmental subjects.
1,266-passenger sister ships ms Statendam and ms
Maasdam (1993) ms Ryndam (1994) ms Veendam PREVIOUS SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT
(1996) ms Rotterdam (1997) ms Volendam (1998) ms
Zaandam (1999) ms Amsterdam (2000) ms Prinsendam The previous sewage only treatment system was
(2002) with four new class vessels under construction. manufactured by Hamworthy, which consisted of four
In addition to these larger vessels, Holland America separate treatment tanks of 38 tons each. The approved
also operates the Windstar Cruises fleet of four motor MSD was designed to take only black water and
sailing ships, three each of approximately 150- biologically treat the effluent to an acceptable quality in
passenger capacity, msy Wind Star, msy Wind Song and three stages with chlorine injection into the final
msy Wind Spirit and one large motor sailing vessel msy effluent.
Wind Surf.
Effluent testing was initiated in 1998 and discovered
The company is proactive instead of reactive and well that the units did not meet discharge requirements.
ahead of the learning curve of regulatory compliance. Fortunately, the holding of wastewater in port had
This approach takes compliance of existing regulations already initiated. The manufacturer was contracted to
into account, anticipates new regulations and initiate an improvement program for operation, which
incorporates pollution prevention strategies into the consisted of a complete overhaul of the system to
process. In 1994 a corporate committee was founded to replace blowers, diffusers, level switches and contact
coordinate the environmental efforts being made on the time controls for treatment. The effluent was also
vessels and expand that effort. The committee's treated with chlorine dioxide rather than chlorine to
challenge was to coordinate and expand an already help achieve the bacterial load reduction required for
impressive environmental program. compliance.
Holland America Line Westours is committed to At that same time Holland America began researching
maintaining a clean and healthy environment for its wastewater treatment technologies and discovered the
passengers, employees and the communities visited by previously land-based ZENON system at Seatrade in
the company's ships. Holland America's concern with 1999. Holland America Management have always tried
the environment predates most of the legislation to stay ahead of the combined black and graywater
governing waste disposal. Environmental issues are treatment curve on new regulations, a demonstration
regarded as integral with all of the functions of installation was carried out for the ms Statendam. After
operating the ships and are included in everything from successful start-up and refinement of the system for
job descriptions to performance evaluations. cruise ship applications, the installation onboard the ms
Environmental sensitivity and impact of the vessels is Zaandam and four other vessels were carried out at a
regarded as a high priority of the total operations. In cost of approximately $2,000,000 per vessel.
10
ms ZAANDAM
PRINCIPAL CHARACTERISTICS
Holland America Line Westours has installed a The ZENON system is a typical application of the
ZENON Environmental Inc. immersed membrane company’s proprietary ZeeWeed/ZenoGem
bioreactor wastewater treatment system on the ms technologies, which combine bio-oxidation and
Zaandam. This system is designed to process a membrane ultrafiltration into a single process such that
maximum of 187,562 gallons per day (710 m3 /day) of system operation is simplified and space requirements
all blackwater and graywater (i.e. accommodation, are minimized. The Zaandam system features the same
laundry, galley and Somat pulper effluent) generated processes that have been applied in hundreds of
aboard the ship. The system is designed to produce ZENON’s land-based municipal wastewater treatment
effluent (permeate) with Biological Oxygen Demand plants. Four basic processes are used in the system:
BOD5 < 15 mg/l, TSS < 2 mg/l and fecal coliform <
10/100 ml. Commissioned in May 2001, the system’s Equalization - The graywater streams are combined and
performance has been fully validated and was certified temporarily placed in a holding tank to equalize the
as a Type II MSD by the United States Coast Guard in biological and solids loading, and provide a reservoir
October 2001. The actual performance has exceeded from which the bioreactor can be fed at a constant rate.
the design specifications; effluent BOD typically ranges
between 2 and 5 mg/l, and both TSS and fecal coliform Bio-oxidation - The organic content of the mixed liquor
count are below detectable limits. In practice, the actual is processed biologically in an aerated bioreactor.
combined gray and black wastewater generation rate is
approximately 15 per cent less than the design capacity, Membrane Ultrafiltration - The bioreactor mixed liquor
or approximately 158,503 gallons per day (600 m3 /day). is filtered through a hollow-fiber ultrafiltration
Holland America has installed the same system on other membrane system. The membranes are immersed
vessels engaged in the Alaskan passenger trade and directly in the bioreactor and operate under vacuum,
governed by the Murkowski Act (i.e. ms Statendam, causing the purified water to permeate though the
Volendam, Veendam and Ryndam) membrane surfaces into the hollow cores of the fibers.
11
UV Disinfection - Prior to overboard discharge or ZeeWeed are proprietary hollow-fiber ultrafiltration
reuse, the permeate is exposed to ultraviolet light to kill membranes that are immersed within the bioreactor, in
any residual bacteria which may have penetrated the direct contact with the mixed liquor. The ZeeWeed
membranes. hollow fiber membranes are contained in bundles called
modules, which are assembled into cassettes of 8-12
ZeeWeed - ZenoGem Process modules. The membrane modules are directly
immersed in the aeration tank, in direct contact with the
The ZENON ZeeWeed ZenoGem process combines mixed liquor. Through the use of a centrifugal or
the best features of biological processing and positive displacement pump, a vacuum varying between
membrane filtration. Used individually, neither method 2 and 9 psi is applied to a header connecting the
provides a satisfactory solution given the space membrane modules. The vacuum draws the treated
constraints aboard a cruise ship. Stand-alone biological water through the hollow fiber membranes. The treated
treatment for gray and black water is limited by water passes through the hollow fibers and is pumped
available tank volume, which is typically inadequate to out by the permeate pump. All particulate matter and
achieve the required SRT and HRT levels necessary to the mixed liquor solids are rejected at the surface of the
satisfy the effluent quality requirements. Membrane membrane. The ZeeWeed membranes are
filtration alone is not suitable for processing blackwater automatically back pulsed on a regular basis using
or graywater, either individually or combined, as collected permeate. A coarse bubble air diffuser is
conventional membrane systems foul rapidly when located at the base of each membrane module. The
processing either type of waste in their raw form. The airflow provided by the diffuser scours the external
ZENON system utilizes a proprietary process, whereby surface of the membrane transferring the rejected solids
the combined blackwater and graywater streams are away from the membrane surface. This airflow also
biologically treated and concentrated in a tank provides a portion of the biological oxygen
containing ZeeWeed® membrane modules. ZeeWeed® requirements. Supplemental coarse or fine bubble
utilizes hollow-fiber ultrafiltration membranes, figure 1, diffuser grids may be used to supply the remainder of
that are tolerant of high concentrations of suspended the biological oxygen requirements. Sludge is wasted
solids. This feature allows high solids levels to be directly from the aeration tank at the operating MLSS
achieved in the bioreactor, thereby minimizing the concentration between 10,000 – 15,000 mg/l. Figure 2
working volume required. In addition, the ZeeWeed® shows a simplified process flow diagra m, illustrating
membranes produce extremely high quality effluent that the major process stages.
does not require chlorination to achieve USCG and
IMO discharge criteria. Figure 1. ZeeWeed® Membranes
12
ZeeWeed ® ZenoGem®
Ventilation Bioreactor UV
Disinfection
Permeate
Discharge
Overboard
Screening Permeate
Backpulse
Tank Reuse
Collection
Tank
Bioreactor
Waste Tank
Overboard
Black Water Discharge
(Sewage) > 12 Miles
Macerator/
Recirculate
The membrane module is the building block of the and Oocysts, resulting in a clear effluent independent to
system. An individual membrane module is the settling characteristics of the sludge. ZeeWeed®
smallest replaceable unit within any ZeeWeed membranes exclude any particles larger than 0.035 µm
filtration system. ZeeWeed hollow fiber membranes in size. Figure 3 illustrates the relative particle sizes
are strong polymeric membranes cast on the outside that are separated or rejected by typical filtration
surfaces of porous support lumens. ZeeWeed processes; ZeeWeed falls within the ultrafiltration
membranes create an absolute barrier to biomass, solids range.
Approximate
100 200 1000 10,000 20,000 100,000 500,000
Molecular Weight
Crypto
sporidium
Aqueous Salt Carbon Black Paint Pigment Giardia Human Hair
Cyst
Endotoxin/Pyrogen Yeast Cell Beach Sand
13
The membrane fibers are assembled in individual • One (1) offload pump for discharge of solids
modules, with the ends of each fiber potted in ashore;
polyurethane resin in top and bottom headers. The • Two (2) bioreactor feed pumps which transfer
modules in turn are configured in cassettes, which are water from the break tank to the bioreactors;
immersed in the bioreactor mixed liquor. • Two (2) bioreactor tanks, converted from a single
existing potable water tank, each equipped with
fine-bubble diffuser aeration systems;
• (24) ZeeWeed® membrane cassettes, twelve
immersed in each bioreactor (6 per train), with
aeration supplied to each train by a blower;
• One (1) bioreactor waste water tank port double
bottom tank no. 3;
• Two (2) permeate pumps;
• Two (2) mixed liquor recirculation pumps, used to
keep the bioreactor tank contents mixed and to
periodically pump waste from the bioreactors to the
bioreactor waste water tank;
• One (1) UV disinfection unit.
PROCESS DESCRIPTION
Graywater Equalization
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approximately 700 kg/day are filtered from the ZeeWeed® Membrane Ultrafiltration
combined raw blackwater/graywater influent stream.
The holding tank is aerated to inhibit the development The cassettes are immersed in the tub assemblies
of anaerobic conditions, which would cause odor contained within the bioreactor tanks, in direct contact
problems and generate potentially dangerous explosive with the mixed liquor. Through the use of a positive
gases. A macerator pump recirculates the contents of displacement pump, a vacuum is applied to the top
the solids holding tank to chop large size solids and headers of the membrane modules, which draws clean
keep the solids in suspension. All waste solids are water (permeate) through the hollow fiber membranes
pumped off the ship directly from the solids collection while the solids rejected by the ZeeWeed membranes
tank to shore approximately every four weeks. Contents overflow back to the bioreactors. To minimize
of this mixture can include plastics and other prohibited membrane fouling, air is introduced to the bottom of the
compounds from such items as condoms. membrane modules to scour the external surface of the
hollow fibers and move the rejected solids away from
Bioreactor Feed System the membrane surface. This airflow also provides a
portion of the oxygen that is required for biological
The screened filtrate is pumped directly from the process.
collection tank to the two bioreactor tanks. The pumps
operate when water in the collection tank is above the Bioreactor Waste
low-level set point and liquid in each bioreactor is
below the high-level set point. The pumps shut off Typically 10 to 15 m3 /day solids concentrated and
when the low-low level in the collection tanks or high- generated in the bioreactor mixed liquor are
high levels in both bioreactors are reached. periodically pumped to double bottom tank 3 port by
discharging a portion of the bioreactor contents. This
Bioreactors concentrated effluent is than pumped overboard
whenever the vessel is outside the 12-mile limit as
The bioreactors are converted potable water tanks. The established in compliance with MARPOL regulations
ZeeWeed® membrane modules are contained in open- and federal laws.
topped ‘tubs’ installed in the main bioreactor tanks,
isolated from the main bioreactor volume by a vertical UV Disinfection
partition and horizontal floor which span the width of
each bioreactor tank (Note: the tank modifications The permeate is subjected to a final polishing stage and
included the construction of a cofferdam to separate the is discharged through a UV disinfection unit to assure
bioreactor tank from the adjacent potable water tank). residual bacteria that may have penetrated the
Organics (BOD5 /COD) in the screened wastewater are membrane system is killed. A high level of ‘kill’
bio-oxidized and converted to CO2 , H2 O and bio-cells efficiency is achieved given the extremely low turbidity
in the bioreactors. Dissolved oxygen required for bio- of the permeate produced by the ZeeWeed
oxidation is supplied by two aeration systems that membranes.
consist of two air blowers and a fine bubble diffuser
array installed in the bottom of each bioreactor. System Operation Control
Recirculation pumps transfer the mixed liquor in the
bioreactor to the two ZeeWeed membrane ‘tubs’ for The system is controlled via a PLC in either fully
solid-liquid separation; the mixed liquor then flows automatic mode or manual modes, which are accessed
over the edge of the tub partition back into the main and manipulated via a Human Machine Interface
bioreactor volume. A portion of the mixed liquor (HMI). The HMI enables the operator to start and stop
volume (bioreactor waste) is periodically pumped to the system and make adjustments to the default settings
double bottom tank 3 port to limit the mixed liquor that govern the system in various operation modes.
suspended solids concentration to approximately 10,000
to 15,000 mg/l. Liquid levels in the bioreactors are EFFLUENT QUALITY
monitored and maintained at a constant liquid level by
controlling the permeate (effluent) production rate. The The treated water is almost potable and would meet
permeate flow rate increases or decreases in proportion Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) drinking-
to corresponding changes in the mixed liquor level until water standards with the exception of a few parameters,
the capped (pre-set) maximum or minimum permeate most notably the total dissolved solids (TDS) and
flow is reached. Alternatively, limiting the differential nitrate limits. The performance criteria for the ms
pressure measured through the membranes can be used Zaandam system did not require either parameter to be
to regulate production. controlled, however, the process could be modified to
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reduce both to comply with EPA requirements if the best existing match for the ZENON system’s
specified by a client. capabilities.
The membranes are installed and accessed for biological processes. The cassettes are supported by
maintenance through watertight doors installed on the upper and lower steel rails; the cassettes are installed by
bioreactor aft bulkhead. A fine bubble diffuser grid positioning them by the watertight doors, hoisting them
was installed in the bottom of each bioreactor; the up to the level of the rails, pushed into location and
grid provides the air required to support the secured with bolts; Figure 6 illustrates the diffuser grid
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and membrane module installations. Although the trains, mixed liquor is recirculated between the tubs and
ZeeWeed tub volume constitutes a portion of the total the main bioreactor volumes by pumps to assure the
bioreactor volume, there was no need to install a solids stay in suspension and are well mixed; the liquor is
diffuser grid as the membrane modules feature coarse pumped from the bioreactors to the tubs, then overflows
bubble diffusers, which provide air to facilitate from the tubs back to the bioreactors.
ZeeWeed operation. Operating in two separate
All process equipment, with the exception of the four port side, primarily to accommodate their large size, but
blowers, was installed in the machinery space also to provide a measure of noise isolation (sound
immediately aft of the bioreactor. The blowers were attenuating enclosures will be installed on all future
installed in the space outboard of the bioreactor on the installations).
All system functions are controlled by the operator by a applied to the membranes. The HMI displays all
Human Machine Interface (HMI) located on the main critical system parameters, including instantaneous
electrical and motor control center panel. The operator flow, TMP, pH, mixed liquor temperature and total
may regulate permeate production of each train dissolved solids (TDS) concentration, and permeate
separately by setting the production flow rate or turbidity. The system will also record total daily
limiting the differential transmembrane pressure (TMP) permeate production.
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Figure 8. – Human Machine Interface Control Panel
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Figure 9. – Onboard Test Laboratory
CONCLUSIONS
The Holland America Line Westours sewage and additional onboard Environmental Engineers and the
graywater waste management system onboard the ms next generation of combined sewage/graywater
Zaandam was found to far exceed the International and treatment plants that help promote clean water
U.S. Regulations and industry standard marine practice. operations.
Additional ZENON bioreactor ultrafiltration systems
retrofitted to the fleet operating in Alaska ensure Holland America is now exploring additional steps in
compliance with the recently enacted Murkowski improving operations including reuse onboard of the
legislation. Four newbuildings currently under ZENON permeate as non-potable technical water for
construction will be outfitted with similar systems. service in the laundry and engine room. Another
possible area of conservation is the technology to dry
A commitment has been made by Holland America the sludge for incineration.
Management to raise the traditional bar of operation,
maintenance and performance of the MSD that has been As the question of detrimental invasive species in
traditionally installed on vessels. This radically new ballast water comes to the environmental forefront,
and different waste treatment system approach requires feasibility of using the 600 tons per day of clean
minimal maintenance and attention and has proved very permeate for ballast looks promising. This may be the
reliable. This leadership role is enhanced with the ultimate clean and environmentally sound solution to
addition of a new environmental engineer position to the often dangerous regulations to exchange ballast
aid in enhancing operation of all pollution prevention water 200 miles out at sea, which is also impractical
equipment onboard each vessel. due to routing. Due to the double duty served, systems
such as ZENON could be an effective alternative to the
Holland America has taken the extra step to review all added space, weight and cost of ballast water treatment
chemicals used onboard and standardize to compatible plants. This commitment by Holland America to
cleaning agents, environmentally compatible solvents follow each and every waste stream to finality is an
and eliminated all products that could create foaming or example that would go a long way to protect the marine
disrupt the biological ecosystem necessary for the environment, if everyone in the marine industry would
bacteria to survive and flourish. Operation procedures follow their lead.
for each waste stream such as galley cooking oil have
been developed to ensure correct handling and disposal.
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REFERENCES
1. Dixon, Doug “Enhanced MARPOL Oil Pollution 14. Peterson, Randall; Monti, Sandro; Kopser,
Prevention - Holland America Line Case Study” Christopher “Application of Membrane Bioreactor
SNAME Pacific Northwest Section Meeting, Technologies to Ship Gray and Black Water
March 17, 2000 Treatment” Maritime Environment International
2. Dixon, Doug and Hughes, Greg “Coastal Cruise Conference, Genoa, Italy, March 17, 2000
Ship Waste Management” SNAME Joint 15. Bluewater Network “Petition to EPA to Address
California Sections Meeting, May 13, 1999 Cruise Ship Pollution”, March 17, 2000
3. Bonomo, Frank “Questionnaire on Annex IV of 16. International Maritime Organization (IMO) Web
MARPOL 73/78” USCG Position Statement Site www.imo.org
4. USCG email on MARPOL IV Signing, Frank 17. International Council of Cruise Lines (ICCL) Web
Bonomo to Doug Dixon, 9 January 2002 Site www.iccl.org
5. EPA Memorandum from Carol Ann Siciliano, 18. Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation
Attorney, Water Division (LE-132W) to Ann (ADEC) Web Site
Prezyna EPA Office of Regional Counsel Region X www.state.ak.us/local/akpages/ENV.CONSERV/pr
re: State’s (Washington State Department of ess/cruise/cruise.htm
Ecology) Authority to Prohibit the Discharge of 19. North West CruiseShip Association (NWCA) Web
Sewage and Graywater from Vessels, September 4, Site www.alaskacruises.org
1992 20. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Web Site
6. EPA “Cruise Ship White Paper” United States Cruise Ship Discharges
Environmental Protection Agency, August 22, www.epa.gov/owow/oceans/cruise_ships
2000 21. Holland America Line Environmental Policy Site
7. ICCL “Cruise Industry Waste Management www.hollandamerica.com/aboutus/policies/environ
Practices and Procedures” International Council of mental.htm
Cruise Lines, May 14, 2001, Revised December 22. U.S. Navy Shipboard Environmental Information
14, 2001 Clearinghouse Web Site
8. IRAC “Boating/Sewage Compliance Matrix” http://navyseic.dt.navy.mil/
Interagency Regulatory Analysis Committee 23. EPA Web Site
9. GAO “Marine Pollution - Progress Made to www.epa.gov/owow/oceans/vessel_sewage/vsdnoz
Reduce Marine Pollution by Cruise Ships, but one.html No-Discharge Zone for Vessel Sewage
Important Issues Remain” United States General
Accounting Office Report GAO/RCED-00-48,
February 2000
10. EPA Oceans and Coastal Protection Division
“Cruise Ship Plume Tracking Survey” July 30,
2001
11. Kim, Don K., P.E., M. Rosenblatt & Son “ICCL
Cruise Ship Waste Dispersion Analysis - Report on
the Analysis of Graywater Discharge ” September
14, 2000
12. Florida Department of Environmental Protection
(FDEP) “MEMORANDUM OF
UNDERSTANDING Florida-Caribbean Cruise
Association (FCCA)” March 14, 2000.
13. IMO “International Convention for the Prevention
of Pollution from Ships, 1973, as modified by the
Protocol of 1978 (MARPOL 73/78)” International
Maritime Organization, consolidated edition 2002.
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