Dry Tortugas Anchorage

[seadaddler]

I know that there is no dumping from holding tanks while anchored in the Dry Tortugas but what about use from the sinks like while washing dishes and showering which both dump over board is this allowed in the Keys and Dry Tortugas.
I only have holding tank for the head tiolet only.
Nick

 

[Chuckbear]

Here is some information that might help;

Anchoring permitted between sunset and sunrise in designated area only, defined as the area of sand and rubble bottom within one (1) nautical mile of the Fort Jefferson harbor light. Overnight anchoring is not permitted in any other location in the area.
[*] Dry Tortugas is a "No Discharge Area", and this includes "gray water". Park Service suggests using paper plates and cups with plastic utensils to avoid dishwashing and/or use a pan to catch the water. Water from the head shower/sink can usually be kept in the bilge by turning off the "automatic bilge pump switch", assuming one's vessel has a deep enough bilge. Note: This last suggestion requires diligence in monitoring the bilge in the event any outside source of seawater is present. Obviously a waste holding tank system is necessary in the area.

Chuck

 

[Peggie Hall HeadMistress]

This will either sort out what you need to do or totally confuse you...

http://floridakeys.noaa.gov/regs/#byzone

Most of the maps etc are click-throughs that let you enlarge 'em to a readable size.

 

[Benny]

Never heard of gray water discharge restrictions in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and not even in the Ecological Reserves around the Tortugas. Gray water discharge has been recognized as an exception to the general ban in a similar way as as cooling water discharge. I have not heard that has changed. This in no way conflicts with sound ecological recommendations from the Park Service personnel. Holding gray water in the boat's bilge will promote bacteria growth and negate a safety concern for the boat. Be consious, limit the use of soaps and detergent and strain solid food particles. Solid garbage as well as sewage is unlawful to discharge. Become familiar with access, anchoring and fishing restriction.

Nevertheless, as a practical matter, ask the Marine Patrol Officers on site what are the restrictions and live by their interpretation.

 

[Peggie Hall HeadMistress]

Then you'd better read the Sanctuary regs at the link I posted too Benny...

'Cuz they include this:

"With certain exceptions, the following activities are prohibited in the Ecological Reserves (ERs) and Sanctuary Preservation Areas (SPAs) and Special Use (Research only Areas):

"Discharging any matter except cooling water or engine exhaust."



That would ban both gray water AND bilge water in addition to sewage. However, that doesn't apply to the whole Sanctuary, only to specific small areas of it.

 

[zeehag]

we were just there recently--anchoring at fort jefferson is ok and no black water discharge--was ok to wash dishes an bodies and hair...is ok to fish is not ok to pick shellfish /lobsters/conch,etc---have fun
lookout for the old drift net that was there fouling the sea floor for anchoring--made dragging a fact not a possibility..lol .. have fun..might see ye in a few.....
is no water or fuel or provisioning there but the natl park has a store that has rules and regs and AA batteries for cameras lol....have fun !!! is gorgeous!!!