Overboard discharge

[BiXll]

OK, I know nothing about cruisers and am anticipating buying a cherry 87 St Tropez. The boat has been on a large lake so it has been set up to use holding tank and pump out. I am using it on the Ohio where EVERYBODY has overboard discharge. My question. If I keep this head as a number 1 unit only, (wal mart bag thing for number 2) seeing as it is electric flush, can I just run it to a below water line thru hull fitting? do I need the Mercator to keep water from coming in through the underwater fitting? Do the make 1 way thru hulls. HELP me understand how to do this

[WBO Admin]

Just because everyone has one doesn't mean it legal to pump waste over board, and I think it's illegal to discharge overboard in any inland waterway in the US. I would read up on that, the fines are pretty hefty these day.

Even in coastal areas I think the limit is 2 or 3 miles off shore

[BiXll]

I guess I will have to read up. We have 7 large marinas in our pool and only 1 pump out station at a private marina. Something is not right here

[Phil]

Yes it is illegal to discharge waste pursuant the Federal Water Pollution Act of 1972 as amended by the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972 and the Clean Water Act of 1977. That's a mouthful!

Basically for boats larger than 26 feet the requirement is to have "MARPOL Garbage Dumping Restriction" placard displayed (see West Marine), along with your written Waste Management Plan. Also a Discharge of Oil Prohibited sign displayed also.

While we are at it: a copy of "Navigation Rules and Regulations Handbook and Chapmans Piloting and Seamanship" on board. You may wish to contact a local Coast Guard Auxiliary to answer your questions on this matter. Chapmans has this topic covered, 67th edition, page 84.

One more thing: Depending on size of marina they should have a pump out station available, for a charge.
Hope this helps. Best prepare yourself so you will always enjoy your boating experience.

[kwright66]

EPA web site;
Discharge of Raw Sewage
It is illegal to discharge raw sewage from a boat in territorial waters (within the 3 mile limit), the Great Lakes, and navigable rivers. However, a Y-valve may be installed on any MSD to provide for the direct discharge of raw sewage when the boat is outside U.S. territorial waters. The valve must be secured in a closed position while operating in U.S. waters. As described under NO DISCHARGE ZONES above, use of a padlock, nonreleasable wire-tie, or the removal of the valve handle would be considered adequate securing of the device. The method chosen must be one that presents a physical barrier to the use of the valve.
NOTE: The boundaries of U.S. territorial waters are marked on some nautical charts. Changes to the boundaries are published in Coast Guard Local Notices to Mariners.