Royal Caribbean Faces Nearly $475K Fine from EPA for Alleged Waste Reporting Issues
The Environmental Protection Agency has imposed a fine of almost $475,000 on Royal Caribbean International due to their failure to correctly report waste management practices.
An inspection conducted in Galveston, Texas revealed that waste was allegedly unloaded from eight of the cruise line’s vessels at Pier 10. The findings indicated that the company had brought solid and hazardous waste into the U.S. between July 2019 and July 2024.
The EPA stated, “RCL did not revise its Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) 3010 notifications, did not submit accurate biennial reports, did not maintain sufficient records of hazardous waste determinations, did not comply with land disposal restrictions for incinerator ash, and did not fulfill the obligations of a large quantity generator.”
Royal Caribbean reportedly cooperated throughout the settlement negotiations, according to the EPA.
According to a statement from a spokesperson for Royal Caribbean Group, “The alleged violations with the EPA were related to documentation mistakes, not environmental harm. Our company has a strong commitment to sustainability and responsible environmental management. We are dedicated to upholding best practices in environmental and waste management that exceed legal standards.”
The settlement requires the company to accurately document the waste offloaded and correctly report the amount of hazardous waste removed from ships at U.S. ports. The EPA emphasized that Royal Caribbean must sort waste according to RCRA regulations.
Additionally, “RCL will revise its Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and submit them for review to the EPA Region 6,” the release mentioned. “This settlement also includes stipulated penalties, ensuring that RCL meets the deadlines set forth in this agreement.” The company has 180 days to meet these obligations.
Regional Administrator Dr. Earthea Nance stated, “This settlement reinforces the necessity for companies to comply with vital RCRA regulations which are intended to protect public health and our natural resources from the threats posed by hazardous waste.”
