AK HB134

Requires commercial passenger vessel wastewater discharge permits to meet all applicable state and federal effluent limits and Alaska Water Quality Standards at the point of discharge.

Establishes an 11-member science advisory panel in the Department of Environmental Conservation with representatives from coastal communities, cruise ship industry, commercial fishing industry, and water quality organizations to evaluate wastewater treatment options.

Allows Department of Environmental Conservation to issue permits with less stringent effluent limits for up to three years if a vessel uses economically feasible, technologically effective pollution prevention methods but cannot achieve full compliance with water quality standards.

Requires the commissioner to provide preliminary report by January 1, 2013, and final report by January 1, 2015, detailing current pollution control methods, additional feasible treatment methods, and environmental benefits and costs.

Most provisions take effect immediately; sections regarding effluent limits and advisory panel expire December 31, 2015.