Vessel Discharge
of Sewage

Enforcement

Summary

• Formally advise your municipality that you have a pumpout facility available and provide pertinent information, such as times of operation and fees.
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• Encourage the local harbormaster to enforce existing state and federal regulations pertaining to Marine Sanitation Devices and the illegal discharge of boat sewage.

Encourage the local harbormaster to enforce existing state and federal regulations pertaining to Marine Sanitation Devices and the illegal discharge of boat sewage.

Marina operators do not have the legal authority to enforce MSD and no-discharge area regulations. This is the responsibility of the local, state, and federal governments. Section 312 of the Clean Water Act sets the standards for MSD operations and provides enforcement power to some federal and state entities. In Rhode Island a state law exists that grants local harbormasters the power to enforce MSD requirements and fine violators, where necessary. To enforce MSD requirements, several methods can be employed:

• Place in holding tanks a dye tablet that will disperse and be discharged from the vessel if overboard discharge occurs
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• Inspect Y valves to ensure they are sealed
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• Inspect MSDs and ensure they are properly operating

Work with your harbormasters so that they understand the importance of enforcing existing rules and regulations. If you know of any violations, report them immediately to the proper authority.