2012 Ocean Ranger Guidebook Revision 3-7-12 - Alaska ...

2012 Ocean Ranger Guidebook 3-7-12
Note that for entry into Glacier Bay National Park an operator needs approval, one of the criteria for
approval is that there will be no wastewater discharges in the bay.
Citation: AS 46.03.463. Prohibited discharges; limitations on discharges.
(a) Except as provided in (h) of this section, a person may not discharge untreated sewage from a
commercial passenger vessel into the marine waters of the state.
(e) An owner or operator may not discharge any treated sewage, graywater, or other wastewater
from a large commercial passenger vessel into the marine waters of the state unless the owner or
operator obtains a permit under AS 46.03.100 and 46.03.462, and provided that the vessel is not in an
area where the discharge of treated sewage, graywater, or other wastewaters is otherwise prohibited.
Alaska WW GP:
(Glacier Bay citation)
1.1 ELIGIBILITY
Large commercial passenger vessels that operate in marine waters of the state are eligible to seek
coverage under this general permit (AS 46.03.462). The scope of the permit does not include waters of
Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve.
(Skagway Citation)
1.3.1 Discharges to water bodies included in the ADEC CWA Section 305(b) report or effective CWA
Section 303(d) list of waters which are “impaired” or “water quality-limited” are prohibited if the
“impaired” or “water quality-limited” designation is due to any of the pollutant parameters for
which effluent limits are included in applicable Effluent Limit and Discharge Reporting Tables (Table
1 through Table 7 of section 1.5).
Job Aid Item: 1.6.b
Text: Verify that overboard valves are closed / sealed in Alaska waters (AS 46.03.463(e))
What to check for: Check for open valves on any valves that could discharge wastewater in Alaskan
waters. Check valve opening regimes and other indicators of valve operations.
Background: Wastewater discharge is prohibited without a permit. Most operators go beyond closing
valves and lock valves while in Alaskan waters if the vessel typically does not discharge. One area to
check is arrival and departure from Skagway, where valves could be closed or opened.
Citation: AS 46.03.463. Prohibited discharges; limitations on discharges.
(a) Except as provided in (h) of this section, a person may not discharge untreated sewage from a
commercial passenger vessel into the marine waters of the state.
(e) An owner or operator may not discharge any treated sewage, graywater, or other wastewater
from a large commercial passenger vessel into the marine waters of the state unless the owner or
operator obtains a permit under AS 46.03.100 and 46.03.462, and provided that the vessel is not in an
area where the discharge of treated sewage, graywater, or other wastewaters is otherwise prohibited.
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