Now I don’t expect people to publicly admit wrongdoing, especially in the politically correct environment we live in. No to mention the legalities. But if you would never do it, maybe you "know someone else" who has. I’m talking about dumping sewage in local waters. Weigh in with your thoughts on the matter – please be honest; use an alias if you need to. Perhaps the results of this week’s quiz will give us an idea of what’s really going on! (You'll find this week's Quick Quiz on the home page.) (Discussion topic and quiz by Trevor MacLachlan)
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Pretty Good Compliance....
...at my current marina, unlike the one I left. I still get mad thinking of Marina del Rey, a Los Angeles County - owned marina having only one pump out for 6100 boats for two decades and it was broken about half the time. How in the world can anyone seriously expect compliance under those conditions? I think it's better now, but it was a bunch of crap *x. At my current marina (Long Beach, Shoreline), there seems to be an attitude of compliance. Additionally, there are busy pump out boats that have regular service with a lot of the power boats that would be less likely to run over to the pump outs. I certainly have no problem discharging when I'm out three miles or so or emptying the holding tank. Rick D.
...at my current marina, unlike the one I left. I still get mad thinking of Marina del Rey, a Los Angeles County - owned marina having only one pump out for 6100 boats for two decades and it was broken about half the time. How in the world can anyone seriously expect compliance under those conditions? I think it's better now, but it was a bunch of crap *x. At my current marina (Long Beach, Shoreline), there seems to be an attitude of compliance. Additionally, there are busy pump out boats that have regular service with a lot of the power boats that would be less likely to run over to the pump outs. I certainly have no problem discharging when I'm out three miles or so or emptying the holding tank. Rick D.
In the can
I have a port-a-potty which can be plumbed for a pump-out but I haven't done so. It is a simple matter of taking the tank to the bathroom and pouring the contents down the toilet. It is actually much easier and faster than taking the whole boat to a pump-out. Not that I would even consider it, but trying to dump the holding tank over the side would be extremely obvious plus some might splash on the boat! Manny
I have a port-a-potty which can be plumbed for a pump-out but I haven't done so. It is a simple matter of taking the tank to the bathroom and pouring the contents down the toilet. It is actually much easier and faster than taking the whole boat to a pump-out. Not that I would even consider it, but trying to dump the holding tank over the side would be extremely obvious plus some might splash on the boat! Manny
Around our local waters there are plenty of ...
pump out facilities. Most all marinas have either a permanent or fixed system located at or near the fuel dock or portable units that you wheel to your boat. I am diligent about using them and all that I've used are free for the DIY. Some marinas have small businesses that do it for fee. The unit is on a motor craft, you schedule the pump out, they come to your boat and you pay about $15. I never empty the tank in our local waters. Just like I never dump trash onto the roadway when we travel by car. Terry
pump out facilities. Most all marinas have either a permanent or fixed system located at or near the fuel dock or portable units that you wheel to your boat. I am diligent about using them and all that I've used are free for the DIY. Some marinas have small businesses that do it for fee. The unit is on a motor craft, you schedule the pump out, they come to your boat and you pay about $15. I never empty the tank in our local waters. Just like I never dump trash onto the roadway when we travel by car. Terry
Great Lakes NDZ
Nothing black can be legally discharged into the Great Lakes and the Chicago harbors inspect the head systems yearly to confirm the system has been disabled or abandoned prior to receipt of yet another sticker that shows compliance. Never known anything else and since we eventually drink that water...well, you get the idea. A seminar attended a fews years back highlighted a quirk in the NDZ regs that elicited laughs from the (mostly) males in attendance: it's OK to hang off a backstay and pee (preferably/hopefully downwind), but it's not OK to pee into a bucket and dump the contents into the lake. Compliance vs non-compliance depending upon the sequence of events.
Nothing black can be legally discharged into the Great Lakes and the Chicago harbors inspect the head systems yearly to confirm the system has been disabled or abandoned prior to receipt of yet another sticker that shows compliance. Never known anything else and since we eventually drink that water...well, you get the idea. A seminar attended a fews years back highlighted a quirk in the NDZ regs that elicited laughs from the (mostly) males in attendance: it's OK to hang off a backstay and pee (preferably/hopefully downwind), but it's not OK to pee into a bucket and dump the contents into the lake. Compliance vs non-compliance depending upon the sequence of events.
can't dump anymore
the hose from the holding tank to the macerator became permeated ( present from the PO)and was stinking out the aft cabin. Last year I removed the hose and macerator and capped the tank. Unused thru-hull will now be used for the brand new wash down pump I just got from Sailboatowners.com. ;D
the hose from the holding tank to the macerator became permeated ( present from the PO)and was stinking out the aft cabin. Last year I removed the hose and macerator and capped the tank. Unused thru-hull will now be used for the brand new wash down pump I just got from Sailboatowners.com. ;D
Quiz should have included
Those of us who have USCG approved MSD type 1 devices (LectraSan) on our boats. I also have the ability to switch to holding tank if in NDZ waters. Down on the lower Potomac and Chesapeake Bay you need to go out of your way to find a pumpout and then hope it is working order. I know of several boats coming over 10 miles one-way from Colonial Beach to use the pumpout at our marina. I'm sure others were just going out into the river. The Potomac's major source of pollution is from District of Columbia and towns. Several times last year notices of "Stay out of the water" was posted due to high bacterial levels.
Those of us who have USCG approved MSD type 1 devices (LectraSan) on our boats. I also have the ability to switch to holding tank if in NDZ waters. Down on the lower Potomac and Chesapeake Bay you need to go out of your way to find a pumpout and then hope it is working order. I know of several boats coming over 10 miles one-way from Colonial Beach to use the pumpout at our marina. I'm sure others were just going out into the river. The Potomac's major source of pollution is from District of Columbia and towns. Several times last year notices of "Stay out of the water" was posted due to high bacterial levels.
Rules are rules
My sailing for the past ten years has been in salt water so there is no temptation to dump early or within inland waters. Never have, never will and expect others to do the same. The 30 gallon holding tank is large enough to wait until well off shore. I'm sure there are folks that have no respect for either rules or other persons. For those folks, I wish them a clogged head with a boat load of full tummy's. Moose
My sailing for the past ten years has been in salt water so there is no temptation to dump early or within inland waters. Never have, never will and expect others to do the same. The 30 gallon holding tank is large enough to wait until well off shore. I'm sure there are folks that have no respect for either rules or other persons. For those folks, I wish them a clogged head with a boat load of full tummy's. Moose
Wouldn't but couldn't anyway.
Up on the Great Lakes you better not have a hose between any part of the waste system and the water. When I bought the boat the Y-valve, hoses, and whale pump were already removed. It's head to tank and tank to deck fitting. Regardless I would never pump over the side. But I do admit to a rare whizz over the rail.
Up on the Great Lakes you better not have a hose between any part of the waste system and the water. When I bought the boat the Y-valve, hoses, and whale pump were already removed. It's head to tank and tank to deck fitting. Regardless I would never pump over the side. But I do admit to a rare whizz over the rail.
BVI might top the legally naughty list
I loved my BVI charter but have to wonder how long the 1000+ charter fleet can continue to avoid using holding tanks. We get into the discipline, hopefully, of doing the right thing in U.S. waters yet several miles into British waters, we bypass the tank or in some cases, don't even install them in the charter fleet. The waters were so swimmable and nice but being around dozens of boats at Virgin Gorda for example, knowing they were all pumping into my swim zone was very unnerving.
I loved my BVI charter but have to wonder how long the 1000+ charter fleet can continue to avoid using holding tanks. We get into the discipline, hopefully, of doing the right thing in U.S. waters yet several miles into British waters, we bypass the tank or in some cases, don't even install them in the charter fleet. The waters were so swimmable and nice but being around dozens of boats at Virgin Gorda for example, knowing they were all pumping into my swim zone was very unnerving.
My Gov't's Hypocrisy on Discharge Kills Me !
Here's a few excerpts from the Portland, Maine Press herald from just a few months ago! Quote Press Herald: "Every time a steady rain falls on Maine, millions of gallons of untreated sewage and storm water overflow collection pipes and spill into streams and coastal waters. More than half of that pollution pours out of pipes scattered around the city of Portland. Overflows in the city last year totaled about 1.8 BILLION gallons - about 30 million gallons for every inch of rain. Portland was supposed to begin a three-phase, 15-year cleanup plan in 1993. But as of the end of 2006, two years before the original deadline, the city had eliminated just six of 33 targeted overflows, according to the state." My Comment: Where is the outrage over 1.8 BILLION gallons of RAW sewage? Where is the ACTION instead of the LOUD VOICES of these folks telling others how to live. They tell me what light bulbs I should be using in my house or that I need to throw away the expensive Lectrsan sewage TREATMENT system I installed at a HUGE expense to help protect the environment? Quote Press Herald: "When we have (overflows), we're getting human waste, we're getting storm water and we're getting industrial effluent. It does have an effect on the ecosystem," said Joseph Payne, bay keeper for the nonprofit Friends of Casco Bay" "Why haven't they made progress when 36 other cities have?" said Sen. John Nutting, D-Leeds." More of my comments: That's a very good question coming from a supposedly "environmentally friendly" senator from one of the most environmentally friendly states in the country. Hmmm do they really care about the environment? Apparantly not! Making Casco Bay an NDZ is a total scam and a bunch of feel good BS to help a particular party look as if they do something when they really do nothing. The same bay, the above article was referencing, is the one made an NDZ (No Discharge Zone) just last year while our state government decided to look the other way on 1.8 BILLION gallons of raw sewage! When will the feel good attacks on boaters and other small segment groups stop and real legislation be accomplished? Maine is also the state where the US Green party was founded. 1.8 BILLION gallons and supposedly "environmentally friendly" Maine has done nothing except to go after a few boaters who already complied with the laws far better than our own state! The treated waste coming out of the Lectrasan I had was far cleaner than ANY of the 1.8 BILLION gallons allowed to be dumped into Casco Bay by our own GOVERNMENT!!!!!!! With the highest taxes in the country you'd think Maine would have the funds to fix our sewer systems but there is usually NO real action and only a bunch of empty talk and attacks on the "low hanging fruit" or the "easy targets". They attack these small segments of the population, like us "evil" boaters, because it's easy and it looks good in campaigns and in 30 second sound bites. Making themselves look good is priority #1 and it's usually done at the cost of the environment and in a class warfare style! After all we boaters are rich and we can all afford to rip our Lectrasan units out, which are cleaner than what the state dumps into the bay. Clearly, it's because us rich boaters are evil and "stole" our money from the "poor". I try VERY HARD to not dump within three miles., and I agree it's not wise, but we have VERY, VERY few working pump outs in Maine. How can I feel bad, the once a season I actually may have to dump my 6 gallons. 6 gallons vs. 1.8 BILLION I'm sorry it's just hard to feel guilty over the hypocrisy of it. That being said I have NEVER dumped inside the bay, even before legislation, and am usually at least a minimum of mile or two out and always on an outgoing tide if I absolutely have to dump. Just being honest, most are not... P.S. I have been paying dearly for this supposed "clean up" of the Portland issue for years in increased sewer charges but NONE of that money has been spent on it. We are now facing 10%-15% percent increases in our sewer bills over the next 6 years to "pay" for this.. We've been charged for it since 1993 but now they can't find the money??????!!!!!!
Here's a few excerpts from the Portland, Maine Press herald from just a few months ago! Quote Press Herald: "Every time a steady rain falls on Maine, millions of gallons of untreated sewage and storm water overflow collection pipes and spill into streams and coastal waters. More than half of that pollution pours out of pipes scattered around the city of Portland. Overflows in the city last year totaled about 1.8 BILLION gallons - about 30 million gallons for every inch of rain. Portland was supposed to begin a three-phase, 15-year cleanup plan in 1993. But as of the end of 2006, two years before the original deadline, the city had eliminated just six of 33 targeted overflows, according to the state." My Comment: Where is the outrage over 1.8 BILLION gallons of RAW sewage? Where is the ACTION instead of the LOUD VOICES of these folks telling others how to live. They tell me what light bulbs I should be using in my house or that I need to throw away the expensive Lectrsan sewage TREATMENT system I installed at a HUGE expense to help protect the environment? Quote Press Herald: "When we have (overflows), we're getting human waste, we're getting storm water and we're getting industrial effluent. It does have an effect on the ecosystem," said Joseph Payne, bay keeper for the nonprofit Friends of Casco Bay" "Why haven't they made progress when 36 other cities have?" said Sen. John Nutting, D-Leeds." More of my comments: That's a very good question coming from a supposedly "environmentally friendly" senator from one of the most environmentally friendly states in the country. Hmmm do they really care about the environment? Apparantly not! Making Casco Bay an NDZ is a total scam and a bunch of feel good BS to help a particular party look as if they do something when they really do nothing. The same bay, the above article was referencing, is the one made an NDZ (No Discharge Zone) just last year while our state government decided to look the other way on 1.8 BILLION gallons of raw sewage! When will the feel good attacks on boaters and other small segment groups stop and real legislation be accomplished? Maine is also the state where the US Green party was founded. 1.8 BILLION gallons and supposedly "environmentally friendly" Maine has done nothing except to go after a few boaters who already complied with the laws far better than our own state! The treated waste coming out of the Lectrasan I had was far cleaner than ANY of the 1.8 BILLION gallons allowed to be dumped into Casco Bay by our own GOVERNMENT!!!!!!! With the highest taxes in the country you'd think Maine would have the funds to fix our sewer systems but there is usually NO real action and only a bunch of empty talk and attacks on the "low hanging fruit" or the "easy targets". They attack these small segments of the population, like us "evil" boaters, because it's easy and it looks good in campaigns and in 30 second sound bites. Making themselves look good is priority #1 and it's usually done at the cost of the environment and in a class warfare style! After all we boaters are rich and we can all afford to rip our Lectrasan units out, which are cleaner than what the state dumps into the bay. Clearly, it's because us rich boaters are evil and "stole" our money from the "poor". I try VERY HARD to not dump within three miles., and I agree it's not wise, but we have VERY, VERY few working pump outs in Maine. How can I feel bad, the once a season I actually may have to dump my 6 gallons. 6 gallons vs. 1.8 BILLION I'm sorry it's just hard to feel guilty over the hypocrisy of it. That being said I have NEVER dumped inside the bay, even before legislation, and am usually at least a minimum of mile or two out and always on an outgoing tide if I absolutely have to dump. Just being honest, most are not... P.S. I have been paying dearly for this supposed "clean up" of the Portland issue for years in increased sewer charges but NONE of that money has been spent on it. We are now facing 10%-15% percent increases in our sewer bills over the next 6 years to "pay" for this.. We've been charged for it since 1993 but now they can't find the money??????!!!!!!
Poop Club
My boat is one of several behind our condo's. We formed a poop club and sold s**t shares to anyone who wanted to join. When we had enough to pay for the pump we purchased a portable pump out cart. All of our buildings have an RV cleanout so when the portable is full we empty and clean it out behind a building. This has been very successful.
My boat is one of several behind our condo's. We formed a poop club and sold s**t shares to anyone who wanted to join. When we had enough to pay for the pump we purchased a portable pump out cart. All of our buildings have an RV cleanout so when the portable is full we empty and clean it out behind a building. This has been very successful.
The potential damage to the environment from
pleasure boat sewage is nill and grossly overplayed. The use of a macerator will help get rid of any offending sights. Talk to them manufacturing plants and cities that are introducing hughe amounts of nitrates into the waters, they are the real culprits. There is a lot of hypocrisis about people who loudly denounce black water tank dumping in territorial waters but have no qualms about going overboard.
pleasure boat sewage is nill and grossly overplayed. The use of a macerator will help get rid of any offending sights. Talk to them manufacturing plants and cities that are introducing hughe amounts of nitrates into the waters, they are the real culprits. There is a lot of hypocrisis about people who loudly denounce black water tank dumping in territorial waters but have no qualms about going overboard.
Juan de Poopa
In my area, the water is cold and deep. Tidal ranges are fairly large, and vast amounts of water are flushed twice daily. The city of Victoria on the Canadian side of the Straight of Juan de Fuca dumps raw, untreated sewage directly into the water. I don't know the population, but it's the capitol of British Columbia. My neighbors leave more dog crap on my lawn than I can produce in my holding tank. Never would I pump out in harbors or anchorages, but sometimes in open channels. I make a point of cracking the Y valve when in Canadian waters.
In my area, the water is cold and deep. Tidal ranges are fairly large, and vast amounts of water are flushed twice daily. The city of Victoria on the Canadian side of the Straight of Juan de Fuca dumps raw, untreated sewage directly into the water. I don't know the population, but it's the capitol of British Columbia. My neighbors leave more dog crap on my lawn than I can produce in my holding tank. Never would I pump out in harbors or anchorages, but sometimes in open channels. I make a point of cracking the Y valve when in Canadian waters.
I have never smelled more urine than in
marina waters in the Bahamas; yet they have pristine waters. I wonder about the scope and accuracy of the study that prompted legislation affecting dumping of pleasure boats.
marina waters in the Bahamas; yet they have pristine waters. I wonder about the scope and accuracy of the study that prompted legislation affecting dumping of pleasure boats.
Too many ways to comply
I too am in Shoreline Village, and aside from the annual Toyota Grand Prix (that was this past weekend), it is a VERY convenient marina. There is an easy to access pump out station right at the VERY long dock as you enter/exit the marina. I recently cancelled my scheduled pump out service, since it takes me about 30-45 minutes to get the job done. I can do it before I go to work. I sail out to Catalina Island at least once a month, and will often take a day sail straight out to about the five mile marker (both to dump the tank, and to get the best wind). When none of that is available to me, like i said, it's 30-45 minutes work at the free pump out station. I recently replaced all of the hoses in the head. I removed the direct (toilet to overboard) hoses, and kept the 'pump out to the deck' and 'the discharge overboard' to empty the tank (took out about 10' of 'extra' hose in the process). I was worried that during the work, I'd have a spill, so I was very careful about cutting all of the hoses inside the boat and letting them drain into a bucket before removing them. God-awful stinky job, but after draining everything, and replacing the offensive hoses, and then giving EVERYTHING a good washing, my boat has never smelled better. I am a little neurotic about using biodegradable soaps and trying best i can to not pollute in general - that just extends naturally to the boat.
I too am in Shoreline Village, and aside from the annual Toyota Grand Prix (that was this past weekend), it is a VERY convenient marina. There is an easy to access pump out station right at the VERY long dock as you enter/exit the marina. I recently cancelled my scheduled pump out service, since it takes me about 30-45 minutes to get the job done. I can do it before I go to work. I sail out to Catalina Island at least once a month, and will often take a day sail straight out to about the five mile marker (both to dump the tank, and to get the best wind). When none of that is available to me, like i said, it's 30-45 minutes work at the free pump out station. I recently replaced all of the hoses in the head. I removed the direct (toilet to overboard) hoses, and kept the 'pump out to the deck' and 'the discharge overboard' to empty the tank (took out about 10' of 'extra' hose in the process). I was worried that during the work, I'd have a spill, so I was very careful about cutting all of the hoses inside the boat and letting them drain into a bucket before removing them. God-awful stinky job, but after draining everything, and replacing the offensive hoses, and then giving EVERYTHING a good washing, my boat has never smelled better. I am a little neurotic about using biodegradable soaps and trying best i can to not pollute in general - that just extends naturally to the boat.
Bucket and chuck it!
Where ever I go in the USA I save money since I never need a pump out. I sneek into your marina a night to fill my water tanks and throw away my trash to save dockage fees too. Wave to me when you see my Beneteau
Where ever I go in the USA I save money since I never need a pump out. I sneek into your marina a night to fill my water tanks and throw away my trash to save dockage fees too. Wave to me when you see my Beneteau
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