SECTION 4: Management Measures

4-87 

## 4.12. M AINTENANCE OF 

## S EWAGE 

## F ACILITIES



### Management Measure for Maintenance of Sewage Facilities:

**E**



### nsure that sewage pumpout facilities are maintained in operational condition **and encourage their use.**

Management Measure Description
Boaters are becoming increasingly aware of the need to protect the environment and of their role in maintaining healthy waters. Boaters today want to do what is proper for the environment, and maintaining sewage facilities in good operating condition at all times so that they are always accessible to boaters helps boaters achieve their environmental goals. This measure is important because it is the simplest and most effective way to prevent the failure of sewage facilities and to ensure their availability to boaters. Sewage collection facilities, including sewage pumpout stations and portable toilet dump stations, help reduce the release of untreated sewage into marina and surface waters. Boaters can use the facilities, however, only when the facilities are operating properly. Nonfunctioning sewage collection and disposal facilities present a serious obstacle to boaters whose holding tanks are full, and in such circumstances boaters are left withfew choices for sewage disposal—travel elsewhere to find an operable pumpout or dump station, discharge sewage directly overboard, or cease using their boat toilets. The first of these options is very inconvenient; the second is illegal in no discharge zones and legal otherwise only through an approved marine sanitation device in appropriate waters; and the third would mean “stop using the boat” to many boaters. Also, an inoperable pumpout or dump station at one marina can create an excessive demand at stations in the same area that are operable. Long lines at thepumpouts can result, and these can be discouraging and tempt people to discharge illegally. Finally, if pumpouts are free to those with slips at a marina and the pumpout at that marina is inoperable, patrons will not likely be pleased with having to pay for a pumpout elsewhere.


### Applicability
This management measure is applicable to marinas with sewage disposal facilities.


### Best Management Practices

♦ Regularly inspect and maintain sewage facilities. Sewage disposal facilities can be kept operating properly with regular inspection and maintenance. Routine maintenance, performed according to instructions that come with the unit, can be done by marina staff, with major problems referred to qualified service personnel. Routine inspections of marina waste holding tanks and secondary containment areas will ensure their integrity. If septic tanks and leach fields are used for final disposal, the tanks will function most efficiently and at least cost if they are pumped out regularly to prevent overflows and clogging. Boatyards and marina facilities capable of servicing and repairing boat toilet and holding tank systems can promote annual marine sanitation device inspections and maintenance by offering this service to boat owners. During the off seasonor winter storage months, this service can generate additional income for a marina. It is also one way that marinas can play a proac tive role in boater education and the promotion of environmental

awareness.



### ♦ Disinfect the suction connection of a pumpout station (stationary or portable) by dipping it into or spraying it with disinfectant.4-88 National Management Measures Guidance

Although not a practice to protect water quality, part of pumpout station maintenance is protecting pumpout operators, whether marina staff or boaters, against infection and illness. Risk of contact with bacteria or viruses while handling the pumpout nozzle can be minimized by providing apail that contains water and a nontoxic disinfectant, such as common bleach, next to the pumpout station. The nozzle end can be dipped into the pail immediately following each use. Care should be taken to ensure that the disinfectant solution does not spill into marina waters. The mildest, least harmful disinfectant that will do the job is the best choice for this purpose. Use of the disinfectant solution can be added to instructions provided on how to use the pumpout.



### ♦ Maintain convenient, clean, dry, and pleasant restroom facilities in the marina. An effective way to encourage boaters to dispose of their sewage properly and not to discharge it overboard is to have good shoreside restroom facilities available for customers and guests. Surveys have shown that a factor important to boaters when selecting a marina is the cleanliness, condition, and convenience of its restrooms. The surveys show that boaters prefer to use restrooms that are • Clean and dry

• Close to docks and accessible at all hours • Well maintained and brightly lit

• Free of insects • Amply supplied with toilet paper and hand

towels • Equipped with private showers and dressing

rooms
• Safe



### ♦ Maintain a dedicated fund and issue a contract for pumpout and dump station repair and maintenance. Marinas and launch ramps can establish dedicated funds specifically to maintain pumpouts and dump stations in continuous operational condition. If a CVA grant was used to purchase and install the sewage station, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service requires that pumpout equipment be maintained in operational condition for boater use. BMP Summary Table 12 summarizes the BMPs for Sewage Facility Maintenance mentioned in this guidance.SECTION 4: Management Measures

4-89and pleasant restroom facilitiesrecommendedbathrooms attractused, reducing boat toilet4-90 National Management Measures Guidance