Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation

The Holland America Line ship Amsterdam sits at port in Juneau on Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2018. The Amsterdam is one of nine ships that have received Notice of Violations for air opacity issued by the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Alaska negotiating settlements with cruise companies over air, water violations

Closed-door meetings decide how much cruises will pay for summer violations.

 

The small Southeast town of Gustavus borders Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. Like several Alaska sites, well water near the Gustavus Airport has been found to contain a harmful chemical, leaving a few residents reliant on bottled water provided by the state. (Courtesy Photo | National Park Service)

‘Emerging’ pollutant contaminates Gustavus well water

Some residents of the small town of Gustavus, near Glacier Bay National Park, are relying on state-provided drinking water after testing of private wells showed… Continue reading

 

Gov accepts climate change plan

Gov accepts climate change plan

The non-binding plan calls for carbon tax, reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

 

Opinion: DEC Cruise Ship Program protects Alaska’s air and water

Opinion: DEC Cruise Ship Program protects Alaska’s air and water

Each year over a million visitors travel to Alaska on cruise ships, which are essentially floating resorts. As you’d expect from any resort, they generate… Continue reading

Opinion: DEC Cruise Ship Program protects Alaska’s air and water
The Holland America Line ship Amsterdam sits at port in Juneau on Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2018. The Amsterdam is one of eight ships that have received Notice of Violations for air opacity issued by the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Air violations issued to eight cruise ships

It’s the highest number of violations handed out in all but four years.

The Holland America Line ship Amsterdam sits at port in Juneau on Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2018. The Amsterdam is one of eight ships that have received Notice of Violations for air opacity issued by the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
The Norwegian Pearl cruise ship, seen docking in Juneau on Tuesday in a screenshot from an Empire video. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
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Ship exhaust generates flurry of complaints

As exhaust emissions poured from the Norwegian Pearl’s exhaust stack, so too did complaints to the Department of Environmental Conservation.

The Norwegian Pearl cruise ship, seen docking in Juneau on Tuesday in a screenshot from an Empire video. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
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Alaska roadless rule opens for public comment

Alaska roadless rule opens for public comment

More timber may soon be harvested on the Tongass National Forest and the U.S. Forest Service wants to know what the public thinks about that.… Continue reading

Alaska roadless rule opens for public comment
Emissions from cruise ships cloud up the Gastineau Channel on July 5. (Photo courtesy Eric Adam)

As blue haze rises, so do cruise ship complaints

Complaints over cruise ship emissions are rising, according to the Department of Environmental Conservation, partly due to excessive blue haze from cruise ship exhaust stacks.… Continue reading

Emissions from cruise ships cloud up the Gastineau Channel on July 5. (Photo courtesy Eric Adam)

As blue haze rises, so do cruise ship complaints

Complaints over cruise ship emissions are rising, according to the Department of Environmental Conservation, partly due to excessive blue haze from cruise ship exhaust stacks.… Continue reading

DEC chiefs warn of health risks amid budget cuts

Leaders of the state agency charged with protecting Alaskans’ food and water are warning lawmakers that budget costs are increasing the dangers to Alaskans. Their… Continue reading