Fish Factor: Dilution is solution to cruise ship discharges says Administration By LAINE WELCH - Dilution is the solution for pollution sums up the Parnell Administration policy when it comes to cruise ship discharges in Alaska waters.

A bill being moved quickly by state lawmakers will repeal a 2006 citizens’ initiative that requires cruise ships to meet Alaska water quality standards at the point of discharge, and instead create mixing zones for dumping sewage, hazardous chemicals and other wastes. Alaskans won’t know where those zones are, as House Republicans rejected amendments to require disclosure of the locations.

The measure, introduced by Governor Parnell, was passed already by the House and the Senate Finance committee, the last stop before the bill moves to a vote by the full legislature.

At a press conference, Parnell was asked what he would say to the many Alaskans who pushed for tighter controls on cruise ship discharges, and to the seafood industry which has worked for two decades to build a brand based in part on Alaska’s pure, pristine waters. 

“I would say that the standards to which cruise ships are currently being held, and will continue to be held with their advanced wastewater treatment systems, are among or surpass the most stringent in the world,” the Governor responded.  “I would say that the Dept. of Environmental Conservation’s   ability to regulate in accordance with federal and state law, and the stipulations they put on the mixing zones require that marine species not be harmed. I would just say that voters were likely unaware that there is no technology available, and the science advisory panel agrees, that would meet the point of discharge standards that have been set.”

“In the balance of protecting the environment and ensuring that our small businesses can still get the benefits of a million cruise ship passengers spending money in our economy,” Parnell added.  “We are making sure that cruise ships will continue to be held to the highest standards, that the environment will continue to be protected, and that our businesses will continue to grow.” 

“The conclusion of two scientific advisory panels is that the advanced wastewater treatment systems that are on board cruise ships now are really the best that there is,” said Lynn Kent, Deputy Commissioner of DEC.  “They do a very good job. They treat all of the wastewater that is discharged to a standard that meets all of Alaska’s water quality standards, with the exception of four criteria (for ammonia, copper, nickel and zinc). And even with the legislation that is pending right now, DEC has the authority to continue to look at new technologies that may become available in the future, and to push cruise ships to continue to do better with their waste water discharges.”

Kent was asked how DEC is going to make sure that marine species are not harmed.

“You said repeatedly in testimony that the dilution factor is going to make the water quality meet standards. But dilution doesn’t make those four heavy metals go away.  There is no way that you can test a moving mixing zone.  How are you going to make sure that those species are protected even though while being diluted there is going to be continuous flow of heavy metals into the environment?” queried a reporter. - More...
Friday PM - February 08, 2013

Viewpoints
Commentary
Opinions/Letters
Basic Rules &
Freedom of Speech

Borough assembly meetings By Bill Rotecki - Your Ketchikan Borough Assembly is considering changing its meeting schedule from the first and third Monday of the month with one two day policy session per year to meeting every third week and 4 shorter policy sessions per year. - More...
Friday PM - February 08, 2013

Cruise Ship Wastewater Legislation By John Kimmel - I would just like to clarify some misunderstandings about the new cruise ship waste-water bills currently in the Legislature. Opponents have said that the Governor is "gutting" the 2006 Cruise ship initiative. That is far from the truth. Cruise ships in Alaska are NOT dumping raw sewage into state waters. The Cruise ships treat their waste-water to a higher standard than others that discharges into Alaska waters. - More...
Friday PM - February 08, 2013

RE: Who's Left With The Bill By Amanda Mitchell - I would recommend all of our town's people to look into the history of our bus barn and into who was making a huge profit and holding all the cards. We, our city, owned the property, but the building was owned by another. It was such a loose contract and, if we decided that we no longer liked the terms, we were stuck with it or we would have had to forfeit the property over to the company. This situation sounds similar. - More...
Thursday AM - February 07, 2013

Underfunding has crippled state’s education system By Joan Pardes - Like everything else in Alaska, the state’s education problem is big. Despite being one of the richest states in America (CNN News), Alaska has one of the lowest graduation rates in the country (U.S. Department of Education).  But more distressing than lagging behind the poorest states is the undisputable fact that education is not a priority for Alaska’s lawmakers. - More...
Thursday AM - February 07, 2013

RE: Drug Testing By Michael Mateer - First I would like to say in defense of myself & my fellow drivers and equipment operators, we are paid well for what we do and we are hard working men and woman building a community. I find it rude and disrespectful that anyone would suggest that based on our rate of pay that we are are a bunch of drug users. I have lived in this town proudly for 12 years and have been involved in every Davis Bacon job since March 02. I HAVE HELD A CLASS A CDL FOR 30 YEARS accident free. - More...
Thursday AM - February 07, 2013

Repeal of citizens initiative on fast track By Norm Noggle - On the one hand we have a Congress and Governor who approve of $30 million to study the reasons for decline of the King Salmon, which I don't object.  If it takes $30 million to get some "proof" to understand the variety of ways humans have hurt the salmons life process, it's ok with me.  Who knows, it might even result in some positive changes, especially if it doesn't rub up against opposition from some big money interests.  And just maybe our local fisherman can increase their catch and provide more for their families. - More...
Thursday AM - February 07, 2013

Dumping in Southeast waters By Bruce Dixon - The recent legislation passed by the House allowing cruise liners to dump waste in Southeast waters is another example of poor stewardship to our beautiful State. How can we promote our pristine seafood and allow such devastation of natural resources in the same breath? Having worked as a deckhand and learned the value of the salmon species as well as the other sea creatures, it is a crime to dump raw sewage into the areas that we are eating from and swimming in on a frequent basis. Other industries are expected to and required by law to clean up after themselves and be good stewards to the environment and yet our lawmakers are allowing this travesty to occur. With the expulsion of these toxins we are inviting a slew of new health problems and bad press regarding the seafood industry. I cannot understand how one can bargain for the polluting and stripping of our resources in a way that could be avoided. Jobs are necessary but so is responsible stewardship of the ecosystem. - More...
Thursday AM - February 07, 2013

Hypocrite Thy Name is Democrat By Gene Peterson - Dear Mary Kauffman, I love Sitnews. It is always the first thing I read in the morning. But I have to take issue with one of your news stories: GOP bill would discharge cruiseship sewage in Alaska waters. When you use the Democrat's propaganda as news, there will be problems. It is like using PETA as a source of information on lamb chops, or the Ku Klux Klan on race. - More...
Thursday AM - February 07, 2013

HB 80 By Robert Rice - Our representatives are supposedly in office to represent the will of the people who elected them. The voters of Alaska passed an initiative in 2006 to protect our pristine waters from the pollution from the cruise ships. The arrogance of Governor Parnell and the legislature to blatantly overturn the initiative that was voted in by the people is unbelievable. I would be very curious to see how much this self-serving, parasite's 'personal wealth increases from when he inherited the governorship of Alaska. - More...
Thursday AM - February 07, 2013

CBS/KPU Solution and Thoughts By Jason Mitchell - Regarding CBS Southeast: All of this has been going back and forth, back and forth, with both sides blaming the other I recently took the time, to call both parties, and have close to an hour long phone conversation with both Ed Cushing, and some random guy who called me back when the local CBS lady couldn't help me, and said he was the owner. - More...
Thursday AM - February 07, 2013

Commercial Drug Testing By Geord Kleinschmidt - It was interesting to read about the City's decision to enforce the testing of contractors and their crews who work on City of Ketchikan jobs. The City might want to consider the unintended consequences of such action because I believe the problem is more widespread than one might imagine. - More...
Tuesday AM - February 05, 2013

Lack of Funding for the School District By Dave Timmerman - OK everyone, this is a plea for the community of Ketchikan. Many of you know I am on Ketchikan School Board. Well as a concerned citizen and parent I felt the need to push some of my feelings out there in the form of a letter to the community. This letter is not intended as the position of the School Board and I am not representing them in any way. This is from Citizen Dave. - More...
Tuesday AM - February 05, 2013

The decline of our fish By Arthur Kennedy - Wow! 30 million dollars to study our king salmon? There's nothing to study. It might take years to study when only common sense is needed to apply. King salmon need food, they need the herring. Stop harvesting the herring for commercial use. At least rotate the fishing of herring yearly. - More...
Tuesday AM - February 05, 2013

RE: Assault on Democracy? By A.M. Johnson - Outstanding!! Well stated Gene Peterson. Please know that I will join with you and encourage others bcc'd including our elected officials to pursue tort law legislation that will require "Looser Pays" in legal challenge to legislation that affects the public affairs. - More...
Tuesday AM - February 05, 2013

Sherman Roger Alexander vs United States: From our point of view By Nahaan (Son of Sherman Roger Alexander) - This writing is to provide the court room and judge a chance to reconsider finding Sherman Roger Alexander guilty of anything but being Haida. This writing is to tell of the native individuals experience against a US government. This letter is to initiate a shift in the power structure of Alaska and surrounding landmasses from an unjust way of life, to return instead, to a life in harmony and balance with the land and its original inhabitants. This letter is to provide the native corporations with an opportunity to show support for its shareholders who have had to stand in court rooms, shareholders who went without letters of support from the very organizations said to represent the tribes and native individuals. - More...
Tuesday AM - February 05, 2013

Who's left with the bill? By Ed Plute - $20 million for a hospital Ketchikan does not own? Wake up. A 10 x15 break room, $300,000? - More...
Tuesday AM - February 05, 2013

Life campaign By Rob Holston - "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of those who are doomed." - Proverbs 31:8.  Our local 40 Days For Life campaign begins Feb. 13.  It is a peaceful prayer vigil that is part of a national movement that has seen tremendous results.   - More...
Tuesday AM - February 05, 2013

Fair Tax Act By Patrick R. Burkett - The Fair Tax Act proposes a tax on all new merchandise and services in place of all income taxes, payroll taxes, corporation taxes, and taxes on dividends, interest, and capital gains. Critics of the Act, which proposes a 23% inclusive tax, have confused the issue by saying that this law is in reality a 30% tax. To clear up this misinformation, consider the following explanation. - More...
Tuesday AM - February 05, 2013

Re: What's the problem? By Paul Jarvi - Mr. Hanger's response was predictable and the name calling on your part was anticipated. I disagree with your opinions in some but not all of your letters to Sitnews. - More...
Tuesday AM - February 05, 2013

The Loud Whistle By Donald Petrey - Has anyone heard the loud far off whistle when you drive past the Bailey power house? That is the sound of all OUR hard earned money literally going up in smoke, smoke stack that is. I am in the process of going before the Ketchikan city council and asking them to make some policy changes and allow ALL private citizens and businesses if we choose to, to generate part of our own power and supply it back into the KPU power grid. - More...
Saturday AM - February 02, 2013

Assault on Democracy? By Gene Peterson - Thank you Sitnews for giving me the biggest laugh on the month. - More...
Saturday AM - February 02, 2013

New Credit Card Surcharges by Retailers By Marvin Seibert - Recently In July 2012, a federal court in New York ruled that merchants can impose credit card surcharges unless states pass laws to prevent it. - More...
Saturday AM - February 02, 2013

Degradation of Alaska’s clean water By Daven Hafey & James Sullivan - The Southeast Alaska Conservation Council does not support the governor’s proposal to allow the degradation of Alaska’s clean water. The Cruise Ship Wastewater Discharge Permits bill (SB 29 &HB 80) is a flawed piece of legislation that does not adequately address the issues of large passenger ship effluent discharge. Alaskans understand that the average cruise ship can discharge 800 cubic meters of partially treated effluent per day. That means potentially 634 million gallons per season. That is the equivalent of over 19,000,000 bathtubs worth of water with contaminants such as fecal coliform, ammonia, and dissolved metals like copper, zinc, and nickel dropped in the Inside Passage waters. There are numerous issues within this legislation that we find especially troubling. Here are some of the major ones: - More...
Saturday AM - February 02, 2013

100 Years of 16th Amendment By Wiley Brooks - February 3, 2013, another day of life in America! Many are excited about the Super Bowl.   Ironically, it's also a day to celebrate “The Super Tax!” Yes, the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 16th Amendment! - More...
Saturday AM - February 02, 2013

An American Idea By Glen E. Terrell - The FairTax is an idea whose time has come.  The congress, both House and Senate, republicans and democrats, has demonstrated time after time, the inability to restrain itself with the public purse.  The congress simply can’t govern effectively as long as the income tax is in place.  Even the “fiscal crises” legislation passed by the current congress added $74 billion MORE to the deficit; all to favor special interest groups.  In order to save America, congress must be denied the instrument of its folly; the income tax.  A solution has been filed away in a drawer somewhere by the congress for over 10 years.  It’s called The FairTax. It’s neither a republican nor democrat idea but truly an American idea! - More...
Saturday AM - February 02, 2013

RE: What's the Problem? By David G. Hanger - At no time have I ever initiated any kind of dispute with Paul Jarvi whatsoever. Paul Jarvi likes to insert himself into various subjects I present with personal insults to me, a “slay the messenger” tactic rather than dealing with the issues at hand. On Paul Jarvi’s part this is a persistent and chronic problem. What does anything the man put in his memo have to do with the issue of gasoline prices? Not a damned thing. Three sentences, three insults. - More...
Saturday AM - February 02, 2013

Heros of the Day By Dave Hull - Early Monday evening there was a car wreck near the north end of D-1 loop road. The roads were treacherous and someone ended up over an embankment and was trapped in their car. While emergency crews were attempting to get the driver out, two more accidents occurred in the same general area including a large truck that managed to take the bank on the opposite side of the road and stayed away from the crews working on the wrecked car. - More...
Thursday AM - January 31, 2013

Disregard for the Public Process By Daven Hafey - Public participation is the cornerstone of democracy.  We see it clearly expressed by our forefathers in their description of the ideal government: one that is ruled by the people, for the people.   Unfortunately, the democratic process is under direct threat in Alaska.  There has been a pattern of behavior in the Capitol Building recently, both by the Governor’s office and the Legislature, to whittle away at our revered democratic process. - More...
Thursday AM - January 31, 2013

What's the problem? By Paul Jarvi - Everytime I suggest Mr. Hanger may be wrong in his opinion he confronts me with unkind terms. What is your problem Mr. Hanger? - More...
Thursday AM - January 31, 2013

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