Monday, August 4

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has imposed a fine of nearly $475,000 on Royal Caribbean International for not adequately reporting its waste management and handling practices. This fine followed an inspection carried out in Galveston, Texas, where allegations surfaced regarding improper waste offloading from eight ships at Pier 10. Investigations indicated that the cruise line brought both solid and hazardous waste into the U.S. from July 2019 to July 2024, which raised significant concerns about compliance with environmental regulations.

The EPA’s allegations against Royal Caribbean noted multiple failures in adhering to the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), including the company’s lack of revisions to its RCRA 3010 notifications and submission of inaccurate biennial reports. Additionally, the cruise line failed to maintain adequate records for hazardous waste determinations, didn’t comply with land disposal restrictions regarding incinerator ash, and neglected the obligations associated with large quantity generators of waste. These violations highlight serious shortcomings in the company’s reporting and management practices related to hazardous materials.

In response to the fines and allegations, Royal Caribbean expressed its cooperation during the settlement process. A spokesperson for the parent company, Royal Caribbean Group, emphasized that the issues with the EPA were primarily related to documentation errors and did not reflect any detrimental environmental impact. The company reaffirmed its long-standing commitment to sustainability and its pursuit of environmental stewardship, asserting that it strives to maintain waste management practices that exceed legal requirements.

As part of the settlement with the EPA, Royal Caribbean is obligated to implement several corrective measures within a 180-day period. These include maintaining proper records of the waste offloaded and accurately manifesting the amounts of hazardous waste removed from ships at domestic ports. Furthermore, the company is required to ensure that waste separation adheres strictly to RCRA regulations, aiming to enhance the integrity of its waste management protocols.

The settlement also stipulates that Royal Caribbean must update its Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) concerning waste management and submit these revised procedures for review by EPA Region 6. Additionally, stipulated penalties are included in the agreement to ensure compliance with the terms in a timely manner, reflecting the seriousness with which the EPA addresses violations of hazardous waste regulations.

Dr. Earthea Nance, the Regional Administrator, emphasized the importance of enforcing RCRA regulations, which are crucial in safeguarding natural resources and public health from the dangers posed by hazardous waste. The situation serves as a reminder of the regulatory framework in place to prevent environmental degradation and the responsibilities of large corporations to adhere to those standards to protect the environment and public health.

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