Niumalu residents concerned with air pollution from cruise ships docked in Nawiliwili Harbor met with a Holland America representative Thursday night to learn about an environmental in-depth feasibility study being conducted by the cruise line. The subject of the study,
Niumalu residents concerned with air pollution from cruise ships docked in Nawiliwili Harbor met with a Holland America representative Thursday night to learn about an environmental in-depth feasibility study being conducted by the cruise line.
The subject of the study, a seawater scrubber, is being developed and tested by the Holland American cruise ship “Zaandam.”
A seawater scrubber is a marine exhaust gas scrubbing system that removes sulfur oxide gas and particulates in order to reduce ship emissions.
Tina Stotz, an environmental professional with Holland America, explained that the cruise line chose to conduct the $1.5 million study because of “proven technology.”
“We know it (the scrubber) substantially minimizes harmful emissions,” Stotz said. “The goal of the project is to minimize sulfur dioxide and particulate matter.”
The device filters exhaust as it passes through a multi-sectioned scrubber, which mixes gaseous engine emissions with seawater (wash water). The wash water is then treated to raise the acidity level and separate solids from liquids before being discharged. The solids are collected as sludge and stored on the ship until the material can be properly discharged ashore. After the acidity level is raised in the wash water, the water is released back into the sea.
Stotz shared data from three tests done in Alaska and Canada.
Some of the Niumalu residents were not impressed with the presentation.
“They weren’t really talking about what we wanted them to talk about,” Carl Berg of 1,000 Friends of Kaua‘i said. “(Which was) will it be a cheaper alternative to burning cleaner fuel?”
Gary Craft of Niumalu said the community was concerned about being sick from the exhaust fumes that often drift into the area.
“We are certainly happy to see the industry is getting motivated,” Craft said in an e-mail. “But there was clearly no talk of fuel changing in (the interim) at all.”
Berg felt most of the presentation was about preliminary data in a pilot project that isn’t going that well.
“I’m disappointed that it’s not further along,” Berg said of the project. “I’m disappointed it (the scrubber) doesn’t work better. I’m disappointed that it puts out a pollutant. In the meantime, I would hope they would switch to cleaner fuel until the system works.”
Stotz said the Zaandam would be in Hawaiian waters to collect data for the project at the end of April.
“We will collect data in Hawai‘i and share it with you,” Stotz said.
As for the Niumalu residents, they feel the next step will be a demonstration against Norwegian Cruise Lines, another company responsible for emissions in the area.
“The idea is to not disrupt (NCL) service,” Berg said. “(We will) let the public know how badly they are polluting.”
Berg said the demonstration will be conducted in a “legal and orderly fashion” and should take place in a month’s time.
“This is a last resort to get their attention,” Berg said.
For more information on the seawater scrubber, go to www.hollandamericaline.com. Under the “About Us” tab, click the “Environment” tab, then click the “Seagoing Environmental Initiatives” tab.
• Rachel Gehrlein, staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 225) or rgehrlein@kauaipubco.com
