04 Aug

Lake Carriers support permanent residue-dumping exemption

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime News
(MINNEAPOLIS) -- While state environmental agencies around the Great Lakes want to halt the practice of commercial vessel dumping dry cargo residue, the Lake Carriers Association wants the exemption continued, the news Web site MinnPost.com reported. Boats sometimes need to rinse out coal, limestone and iron ore dust from their holds. A 1993 federal exemption has allowed them to do…
Read More
30 Jul

Mississippi River closed again after damaged barge leaks more fuel

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime News
(NEW ORLEANS) -- The Mississippi River has been closed again after the damaged barge that caused last week's massive fuel spill shifted and leaked more oil into the water, the Associated Press reported. The Coast Guard blocked traffic Wednesday in a two-mile-long zone at New Orleans. A new environmental problem was discovered at the river's mouth, where oil was discovered…
Read More
29 Jul

Showdown looming over coal residue dumping in Great Lakes

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime News
(MUSKEGON, Mich.) -- The long-dormant debate over the washing of ships' coal, limestone and iron ore residue into the Great Lakes is being re-awakened, the Muskegon Chronicle reported. Several state have argued that the practice is illegal, but Congress passed a temporary loophole in 1993. That loophole will expire Sept. 8 unless the Coast Guard approves new rules.   Click here…
Read More