Unit Review

Section 1: Sewage Handling and Infrastructure

In this section, you covered:

The importance of prohibiting the discharge of sewage:
Regardless of No Discharge Zone (NDZ) status, certified Clean Marinas should not allow the discharge of treated or untreated sewage. Note: It is illegal to discharge treated sewage in NDZs and always illegal to discharge untreated sewage.

The considerations that go into installing a pump-out system:
The presence of the pump-out system reaffirms your commitment to maintaining water quality and sends the message that you are environmentally responsible. There are many considerations to take in as well as different options — go through the list to make sure you are making the best decision for your marina.

Providing restrooms on shore:
Provide clean, functional restrooms to encourage people not to use their heads while in port. In some states, it is mandatory. Also post signs to encourage their use vs. heads on ships and make them accessible 24 hours a day.

Maintaining septic systems:
If you have a septic system, maintenance and awareness are key. Be alert for signs of trouble, such as wet areas or standing water above the drain field, toilets that run slowly or back up, and odor. Septic failures can contaminate drinking water.

Providing facilities for live-aboards:
Your obligation as marina owner/manager is to provide a convenient sewage disposal system for live-aboards, while maintaining good water quality. Keep in mind that most live-aboards expect and are willing to pay a premium for extra service and more convenient slips.

 

Section 2: Sewage-related Service and Education

In this section, you covered:

Marine sanitation device (MSD) requirements:
In order to ensure sewage is managed properly boaters and staff must be familiar with the basic sewage equipment. Sanitation systems consist of an installed head (toilet), a waste-treating component, and/or a holding tank. There are three different types of marine sanitation devices (MSDs) that can be certified by the U.S. Coast Guard to meet federal regulations, each having its own design, certification, and discharge criteria.

Ways to encourage MSD compliance and services you can offer to help prevent violations:
For example, offer to inspect patrons’ MSDs annually to ensure that their “Y” valves are secured to prevent illegal discharge or encourage boaters to run dye tablets through their Type I and II systems outside of the marina. Also, include information about MSD requirements and sewage laws in contracts for slips, rentals, transients, and live-aboards.

How to handle graywater properly:
Graywater can contain detergents, soap, other chemicals, and food wastes. When it is released in the environment, it can pollute water, promote algae growth, and reduce oxygen levels as bacteria break down wastes and algae. Help your customers reduce the effects of graywater by taking several steps.

Educating boaters and employees about sewage handling, graywater and their role in protecting water quality:
As the generators and conveyors of sewage, boaters and employees need to be educated about its effects and proper disposal.