stormwater, Marinas and the boat owner

Managing Nonpoint Source Pollution from Boating and Marinas

Because boats operate and are maintained directly in the water or near the shore, the growing number of recreational boaters and marina managers must take special care to manage activities that cause water pollution.

Individual boats and marinas usually release only small amounts of pollutants. Yet, when multiplied by thousands of boaters and marinas, they can cause distinct water quality problems. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has identified the following potential environmental impacts from boating and marinas: high toxicity in the water; increased pollutant concentrations in aquatic organisms and sediments; increased erosion rates; increased nutrients, leading to an increase in algae and a decrease in oxygen (eutrophication); and high levels of pathogens. In addition, construction at marinas can lead to the physical destruction of sensitive ecosystems and bottom-dwelling aquatic communities.

Water pollution from boating and marinas is linked to several sources. They include poorly flushed waterways, boat maintenance, discharge of sewage from boats, storm water runoff from marina parking lots, and the physical alteration of shoreline, wetlands, and aquatic habitat during the construction and operation of marinas.

Proper marina planning and an informed boating public will limit pollution from these sources, promote long-term economic benefits and environmental health, and help recreational boating to remain a fun-filled outdoor experience. Clean boats, clean boating habits, and clean marinas benefit the entire boating community as well as aquatic life.

Managing Boat Operation and Maintenance

When caring for boats, a significant amount of solvent, paint, oil, and other pollutants potentially can seep into the ground water or be washed directly into surface water. The chemicals and metals in antifouling paint can limit bottom growth. Many boat cleaners contain chlorine, ammonia, and phosphates -- substances that can harm plankton and fish. Small oil spills released from motors and refueling activities contain petroleum hydrocarbons that tend to attach to waterborne sediments. These persist in aquatic ecosystems and harm the bottom-dwelling organisms that are at the base of the marine food chain.

There are several ways boaters can reduce pollution from boats and marinas. They can select nontoxic cleaning products that do not harm humans or aquatic life. Using a drop cloth, cleaning and maintaining boats away from the water, and vacuuming up loose paint chips and paint dust prevent paint and other chemical substances from entering waters. Carefully fueling boat engines, recycling used oil, and discarding worn motor parts into proper receptacles can prevent needless petroleum spills. Draining water out of all waterlines and tanks during winter freezes eliminates the possibility of bursting pipes. And perhaps most important, keeping boat motors well-tuned prevents fuel and lubricant leaks and improves fuel efficiency. These guidelines not only can keep water clean, but also can keep boats running smoothly.

Managing Boat Sewage and Waste

Often underestimated or ignored by the public, the discharge of sewage and waste from boats, can degrade water quality (especially in marinas with high boat use). Fecal contamination from the improper disposal of human waste during boating can make water unsightly and unsuitable for recreation, destroy shellfishing areas, and cause severe human health problems. Sewage discharged from boats also stimulates algae growth, which can reduce the available oxygen needed by fish and other organisms. Although fish parts are biodegradable, when many fish are gutted and cleaned in the same area on the same day, a water quality problem can result. Like raw sewage, excess fish waste can stimulate algae growth.

Boaters should attempt to achieve zero discharge of all sewage into recreational waters. While on the boat, fecal matter and other solid waste should be contained in a U.S. Coast Guard-approved marine sanitation device (MSD). Upon return to shore, portable toilets should be emptied into approved shoreside waste handling facilities, and MSDs should be discharged into approved pumpout stations.

Additional information and brochures avaliable for download:

“Environmentally Responsible Boating”

“Clean Water Boat Tips”

“Protecting Fish Habitat – A Guide for Fisherman and Boaters”

“21 Steps to Making Your Boating Waters Cleaner”

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