Sewage
Untreated sewage from boats
can spread gastroenteritis; contaminate shell fish beds and use up
vital oxygen in the water. Human waste also contains phosphorous
and nitrogen which both increase the levels of algae and reduce
water clarity. Chemicals such as chlorine, formaldehyde, ammonium
and zinc compounds, used to disinfect breakdown and deodorise
waste, are toxic to marine life.
Overboard discharge is
prohibited on most inland waterways and local byelaws exist for
tidal and coastal waters.
As the Recreation Craft
Directive states that provision must be made for holding tanks in
new build boats, more and more boat owners are getting them fitted
and using them. Marinas may find an increased demand for pump out
facilities from their berth holders, and installing them could
provide a competitive edge.
Whilst installation may be
seen as prohibitively expensive, some operators make charges to
pump sewage ashore which enables them to recoup some of the
costs.
Best Practice Advice Leaflets & Resources Marine Toolkit
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