MarAd And EPA Propose Incinerator Ships For Hazardous Wastes

The Maritime Administration and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency have announced an interagency program to develop the nation's capacity to destroy hazardous wastes at sea aboard specially equipped, hightemperature incinerator ships. In a report released recently, the agencies jointly called for the accelerated development of incinerator ships, and outlined the process by which the Federal Government can encourage the development of a U.S.-flag, commercial incinerator ship fleet.

The Report of the Interagency Ad Hoc Work Group For the Chemical Waste Incinerator Ship Program was prepared by a group established in February this year. In addition to MarAd and EPA, the U.S. Coast Guard and the National Bureau of Standards participated. A 1978 study indicated that at-sea incineration would be less than half as costly as land-based incineration.

EPA and MarAd have established an Interagency Review Board to coordinate and expedite all Federal Government activities related to legislation, funding, further environmental evaluation, design, construction, per- mits, and operation of U.S.-flag chemical waste incinerator ships.

The report is available in limited quantities from MarAd's Office of Public Affairs and from EPA's Press Office.

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First published in 1881 Maritime Reporter is the world's largest audited circulation publication serving the global maritime industry.