Vessel Discharge
of Sewage
Pumpout Operation
Summary
Provide the service at convenient times and at a reasonable cost.
Pumpout stations should be available to customers at times that encourage their use. Traditionally, a fixed station is open during the same time that the fuel dock is open and is generally busiest on weekend mornings and evenings. Mobile pumpout vessels can operate on an as-needed basis or during fixed hours, depending on the needs of your customers.
In many cases, charging a fee is justified and appropriate. Pumpout fees should be kept at the lowest level possible to encourage their use. In New England, pumpout prices range from free to $50 (Ross and Amaral, 1992). EPA's report on pumpouts finds that boaters are willing to pay between $3 and $7 for the service (Ross and Amaral, 1992). In 1992 the highest number of pumpouts was at facilities that did not charge a fee, and the lowest number of pumpouts charged an average of $12 (Ross and Amaral, 1992). Some facilities offer the pumpout free to their customers and make up the revenue through slip fees or an environmental surcharge, which helps pay for all new environmental improvements. When pumpouts began to appear regularly on the coast, incentive offers, such as free pumpout to anyone who bought fuel, were used extensively to encourage use. Studies show that boaters are willing to pay for the service. In fact, when the cost is built into the slip fee or environmental surcharge, boaters often feel obligated to use the service. Marinas are encouraged to charge an appropriate fee that encourages use and helps offset the capital and operational costs of the pumpout system. If the marina is participating in the Clean Vessel Act Grant program, which provides a 75 percent to 25 percent matching grant for the installation of marine pumpout stations, then a maximum fee of $5 may be charged. A higher fee must be justified in the written proposal (Clean Vessel Act Technical Guidance, 1994).
Make the pumpout station user friendly.
Keeping the pumpout boat or area neat and tidy will encourage use and improve safety. If the pumpout is self-service, be sure the directions are clearly posted and all the necessary equipment for using the pumpout is in close proximity. If an employee is operating the pumpout, make sure that he or she is knowledgeable about the procedure as well as rules pertaining to MSDs and no-discharge areas.
Develop and adhere to a regular inspection and maintenance schedule for the pumpout station.
Once a pumpout is installed and operating properly, only minimal maintenance should be required. The pumpout manufacturer should be able to provide you with information on servicing the pump and pipes. In the past, some pumpout stations have been rendered unusable by lack of proper maintenance. It is important to have a pumpout station that is dependable. A standard maintenance schedule can ensure that the system continues to operate properly for the boater and helps protect your investment.