EPA Fines Royal Caribbean $475,000 for Waste Management Violations
In a recent environmental compliance settlement, Royal Caribbean International received a nearly $475,000 fine from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for multiple violations related to waste management and reporting. The EPA’s investigation, which took place at Pier 10 in Galveston, Texas, alleges that the company had failed to properly document the handling and disposal of hazardous waste from 2017 to 2024.
The waste, which was offloaded between 2017 and 2024, came under scrutiny after the cruise line was found to be non-compliant with the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). According to the EPA, Royal Caribbean failed to revise necessary notifications, submit accurate biennial (every two years) reports, and maintain adequate records of hazardous waste disposal, along with other infractions.
The final order asserted at least one of the eight cruise vessels generated and offloaded over 1,000 kilograms of hazardous waste in a month, substantially less than what was reported to the EPA.
Despite these violations, a Royal Caribbean spokesperson stated that the issues pertained to “documentation errors” rather than actual environmental harm. The company highlighted its long-standing commitment to sustainability, reassuring customers that it would continue to lead in environmental stewardship and implement best practices in waste management.
“Royal Caribbean Group has a long-standing commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. We remain committed to maintaining environmental and waste management best-in-class practices that go above and beyond legal requirements,” the statement read.
EPA’s Response and Future Requirements
The EPA’s settlement with Royal Caribbean stresses the importance of adhering to waste management regulations, particularly those outlined in the RCRA, which are designed to protect both natural resources and public health. As part of the settlement, Royal Caribbean is required to update its Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure proper documentation and separation of hazardous waste according to federal guidelines.
Additionally, Royal Caribbean will face stipulated penalties if they do not meet these new requirements within 180 days. This includes maintaining accurate records of the quantities of hazardous waste offloaded in U.S. ports, complying with land disposal restrictions for incinerator ash, and providing EPA Region 6 with updated SOPs for review.
“This settlement reinforces our commitment to ensure companies are adhering to crucial RCRA regulations that are designed to protect our natural resources and public health from the dangers of hazardous waste,” said EPA Regional Administrator Dr. Earthea Nance.
A Broader Industry Conversation: Can Cruises Be Eco-Friendly?
With the cruise industry under increasing scrutiny for its environmental practices, incidents like this raise questions about how sustainable cruising can be, despite ongoing efforts by major companies to reduce emissions and improve waste management systems.
The EPA will continue to monitor the company and the industry at large, pushing for improvements in waste handling and environmental accountability.
Though Royal Caribbean has reassured that these issues were administrative in nature, the settlement serves at the very least to remind the cruise line industry the importance of diligent record-keeping, as well as compliance with environmental regulations.
We at the Herd Law Firm are proud to fight for seamen, maritime workers and passengers in all types of personal injury and death claims. As maritime personal injury attorneys (and sailors ourselves!) located in northwest Houston, we never waver in our commitment to help these maritime workers, passengers, and their families when they are injured or mistreated.
11/1/2024
Image Credit: City of Galveston, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, EPA.gov
