Think Green Clean with Boat Bilge Marina Laws
As all recreational boaters know, our favorite pastime is coming under an ever-increasing level ofgovernment regulation. Recently, the EPA has designated all recreational watercraft as potential point sources of water pollution. This designation is viewed by the boating industry as a precursor to more stringent boating regulations.
The EPA's concern is directed at boat bilges and the gasoline, diesel, motor oil and hydraulic fluids that accumulate there, and that are pumped overboard when the bilge pump is activated. We all recognize that our bilges do collect oil regardless of how well we maintain our boats and we must also recognize that, while the effect of one boat's dirty bilge is negligible, the environmental effect of thousands of oily bilges being emptied into our water is a serious problem. At the marina, we believe we've found a solution.
At the marina, we are required by law to prevent petroleum discharges into the water. In our example of pollution prevention systems we discovered a product called BIO-SOK® Like the absorbent bilge pads and poly tubes that we've all used, this product also absorbs any petroleum product that falls into the bilge. But, in addition to absorbing the oil, gasoline, diesel or hydraulic fluid, this product provides nutrients for tiny bacteria that eat and eliminate the petroleum, thereby preventing it from being pumped overboard. The BIO-SOK® lasts all season and is completely safe to humans. The manufacturer states that the BIO-SOK® will also reduce fumes and odors in the bilge. With the BIO-SOK® in the bilge, you won’t need to change an oil soaked pad that ends up being deposited in the marina's trash containers (also illegal.)
We've been informed that the marina can expect more frequent environmental inspections by law enforcement. We've also been informed that owners of boats observed pumping from the bilge 'any discharge of oily or oily waste which causes a film or sheen upon, or discoloration of, the surface of the water, will be subject to a penalty of $5,000.00 (40 CFR 110.1-11). We've also been informed that the marina can be held responsible for discharges that occur from our clients' boats. As a result, we've decided to implement a bilge discharge prevention program that is proactive, inexpensive and eliminates the problem. In order for this program to be successful, we must insist on 100% participation from all of our clients.
Before the first of January, we will begin to install a BIO-SOK® in the bilge of every boat currently in rack storage or in a wet slip. A dated sticker will be attached to show that the boat contains a bilge maintenance system designed to prevent petroleum discharge from the bilge. If your boat has two engines and separate bilges, an additional BIO-SOK® will be installed. Care instructions for the BIO-SOK® will be sent to you and posted for quick reference. In most cases, the BIO-SOK® will last a full year. The BIO-SOK® is activated when it comes into contact with oil fuel and/or petroleum products and water.
Other bilge absorption products may be used under the following conditions. Oil laden pads and tubes must not be discarded in any marina trash receptacles. Boats containing these absorption only devices will not qualify for a compliance sticker. This provision is necessary because, when full, these devices allow petroleum to be discharged from the bilge. In order to protect the marina and its complying clients, the marina reserves the right to conduct inspections of boats suspected of illegal discharge and to perform whatever remedy deemed necessary to ensure that future discharge will not occur.
By working together and eliminating the water pollution that results from the discharge of dirty bilges, we may be able to prevent the future restriction and regulation of our chosen recreational activity. It is important to bear in mind that, while the cumulative discharge of many boats has created the problem, the cumulative benefit of many boats eliminating oily discharge can also solve the problem. We all have a right to use and enjoy our water and our other natural resources, but with that right comes the obligation to protect the water for our own benefit and the future benefit of others. |
