Resolution MEPC.227(64) Summary
Resolution MEPC.227(64) outlines the 2012 Guidelines on Implementation of Effluent Standards and Performance Tests for Sewage Treatment Plants adopted by the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) on October 5, 2012. Key points include:
1. Purpose and Application
- Updates previous guidelines (MEPC.159(55)) to reflect current trends and advancements
- Applies to sewage treatment plants installed on or after January 1, 2016, on various ship types and areas
2. Technical Specifications
General Requirements:
Sewage treatment plants must meet specific effluent standards without relying solely on dilution.
Effluent Standards:
- Thermotolerant Coliforms: Not to exceed 100 thermotolerant coliforms/100 ml
- Total Suspended Solids (TSS): Not to exceed 35 Qi/Qe mg/l
- Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD5) without Nitrification: Not to exceed 25 Qi/Qe mg/l
- Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD): Not to exceed 125 Qi/Qe mg/l
- pH: Between 6 and 8.5
Additional Standards for Passenger Ships in Special Areas:
- Nitrogen and Phosphorus Removal: Specific limits for total nitrogen and phosphorus
3. Testing Considerations
- Raw Sewage Quality: Fresh sewage with appropriate total suspended solids concentration
- Duration and Timing: At least 10 days, capturing normal operational conditions
- Loading Factors: Testing under minimum, average, and maximum volumetric loadings
- Sampling Methods and Frequency: Representative sampling with at least 40 effluent samples
- Analytical Testing: Specific methods recommended for testing effluent parameters
4. Certification
- Certificate of Type Approval: Issued by the Administration after satisfactory testing
- Form of Certificate: Includes details of the sewage treatment plant, test results, and operational conditions
5. Renewal and Additional Surveys
Administrations should ensure continued performance in accordance with MARPOL Annex IV.
6. Familiarization and Maintenance
- Ship personnel should be familiarized with operation and maintenance
- Routine maintenance should be clearly defined and recorded
These guidelines provide a uniform interpretation of MARPOL Annex IV requirements and assist in determining appropriate parameters for sewage treatment plants.
