MEPC 227/64 and MEPC 159/55 are resolutions adopted by the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) concerning the discharge of sewage from ships.
Understanding the Resolutions
Here's a breakdown:
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MEPC 159/55 (2006): This resolution established the initial discharge requirements and test protocols for sewage treatment plants onboard ships. It set the foundation for regulating sewage discharge into the marine environment.
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MEPC 227/64: This resolution effectively changes the discharge requirements and test protocols established by MEPC 159/55. The primary aim of MEPC 227/64 is to reduce the amount of nitrogen and phosphorus in treated sewage water discharged from ships. This helps prevent the acceleration of nitrification in the seas, which can lead to harmful algal blooms and other environmental problems. MEPC 227/64 went into effect on January 1, 2016.
In simple terms, MEPC 227/64 is an updated and more stringent version of MEPC 159/55, focused on minimizing nutrient pollution from ship sewage.
