"Cruising pumps about $16 million into state and local tax coffers annually and $1.7 million into the Seattle economy every time a ship docks there. But those benefits come at a cost. The very attractions that draw tourists to Alaska-bound ships, such as pristine sanctuary waters, marine wildlife and mountainous seascapes, can be harmed by pollution from cruise ships.

In a single day, the federal Environmental Protection Agency estimates, passengers aboard a typical cruise ship will generate:

• 21,000 gallons of sewage

• One ton of garbage

• 170,000 gallons of wastewater from sinks, showers and laundry

• More than 25 pounds of batteries, fluorescent lights, medical wastes and expired chemicals

• Up to 6,400 gallons of oily bilge water from engines

• Four plastic bottles per passenger – about 8,500 bottles per day for the Carnival Spirit. "

Lee Van Der Voo reports for InvestigateWest August 15, 2010.
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