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TESTIMONY OF 



ROBERT H. WAYLAND. M 



DIRECTOR. OFFICE OF WETLANDS. OCEANS. AND WATERSHEDS 



U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY 



BEFORE THE 



HOUSE COMMITTEE ON MERCHANT MARINE AND FISHERIES 



SUBCOMMITTEE ON COAST GUARD AND NA VIGA TION 



Msy 11. 1993 



My name Is Robert H. Wayland, III and I am the Director of the Office of 

 Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). 

 It Is a pleasure to be here today to discuss with you pollution from cruise ships. 



Merlne debris, whether from vessels or other sources, can have serious 

 adverse effects on marine life and our beeches and shorelines. EPA is concerned 

 about the impacts which marine debris can have, especially plastic debris, and has 

 a number of actions underway to assess and control sources of marine debris. 

 Because your letter of invitation focussed on enforcement aspects, I will first 

 address that issue. 



Statutory scheme : The primary statute governing the disposal of wastes 

 generated during the operation of vessels is the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships 

 IAPPS), which implements an International treaty commonly known as MARPOL. 

 Responsibility for MARPOL implementation and administration and enforcement of 

 APPS lies with the USCG. Although EPA does not directly implement MARPOL, 

 we are strong supporters of the convention and participate in treaty meetings in 



