The Port of Seattle estimates that 150 cruises leave for Alaska from Seattle from May to September. These cruise ships generate approximately 35 tons of biomass (poop), each day and currently discharge this partially-treated material just 12 nautical miles from Washington’s shoreline.
The Cruise Ship Wastewater Management Report states that this issue and impacts to the environment that can be avoided through the diversion of waste from cruise ships through King County’s wastewater management system.
The Seattle Surfrider chapter is currently involved and monitoring progress on this issue. Contact seattle@surfrider.org to learn more.
