to trash or not to trash???

[Dave Slepoy]

I just got done replacing the sanitation hoses on my Catalina 28 (1991). In the process I removed the macerator pump assembly and ran s straight hose. My understanding is that it is NOT legal to discharge overboard ANYWHERE IN THE UNITED STATES waters. Is this true or are there certain areas I could use this on a futre trip to the canals in the Great lakes and Lake Champlain areas??? I fits no good to me then maybe I'll sell it or keep it in case I go off shore...((( big cahnce of that ever happening (((!!! Thanks Dave

 

[RonD]

Discharge

Any holding tank discharge is not legal in US waters anywhere within the US 3-mile limit (as deliniated on the charts). I'm not certain, but I don't think it is legal to discharge into the great lakes, either. Certainly not Lake Champlain. There are often a combination of Federal, State and Local laws affecting such discharges. On many inland waters, the holding tank through-hull valve is supposed to be rigged to prevent its opening (removal of handle, or safety wiring it shut).I'm not sure what you meant by "I removed the macerator pump assembly and ran s straight hose." Is that a direct hose from the holding tank to a through-hull fitting? If so, you might fill your holding tank (and beyond) with water the second you open that valve!Suggest you get Peggie Hall's book and read it thoroughly.

 

[Dave Slepoy]

response

I ran a straight hose to the PUMP OUT FITTING, therefor bypassing any connection to the thru fitting for discharge. I have Peggys book and I also got a Guide book on the Champlain Canal to the St Lawerence (sp). It was in there that they mentioned "dumping" and it surprised me. I always thought it was illegal in US waters. Thanks

 

[Dave]

No Discharge on the Great Lakes

No discharge is allowed on the Great Lakes. I'm not sure if disconnecting the macerator and plugging the thru-hull is a legal requirement, but it is SOP on Great Lakes boats in any case.

 

[Lauraine]

We sail on Lake Ontario.

There is no discharging into any of the Great Lakes. We removed the macerator and plugged the thru hull to avoid any problems, especially going into Canada, where this is strictly enforced.