Alaska Seeks Experts for Cruise Ship Wastewater Science Panel

Panelists to be named in December; first meeting planned for January

The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is recruiting experts in existing and emerging cruise ship wastewater treatment technology to serve on an 11-member science advisory panel. The volunteer panel will look at current and innovative wastewater technologies and evaluate installation issues. It will advise DEC on whether cruise ships are using technologically effective and economically feasible treatment options.

The science advisory panel is being established to provide stakeholders’ technical expertise to DEC. It is required by House Bill 134, which became law earlier this year.

The panel will look at the quality of wastewater effluent now produced by cruise ships. It will explore treatment technologies currently used on-board ships and at on-shore facilities as well as those new applications under development. The science advisory panel will also assist DEC by organizing one or more technology conferences similar to one held in February, 2009 (See: www.dec.state.ak.us/water/cruise_ships/2009_Tech_Workshop.html )

Members of the panel will serve on a voluntary basis for up to six years. DEC plans to name panel members by December 7 and hold its first meeting in January 2010. All science panel meetings will be open to the public. Those interested in serving on the panel may submit a resume and letter of interest by Nov. 30 to Marit Carlson-Van Dort, DEC special assistant, [email protected], Fax: (907) 465-5070, Phone: (907) 465-5871.