Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating
Waste, Oil, and Trash Disposal In South Carolina and Federal Waters
t is illegal to discharge waste, oil, or trash into any state
or federally controlled waters. This is for very good reasons.
- Sewage carries disease and other pollutants that are harmful
to people, aquatic plants, and animals.
- Trash thrown into the water can injure swimmers and wildlife
alike. It also can plug engine cooling water intakes.
- Pollution is unsightly and takes away from your enjoyment
of the water.
Vessel operators need to be aware of the following regulations
for waste, oil, and trash disposal that apply to both federally
controlled and state waters. The Refuse Act prohibits throwing,
discharging, or depositing any refuse matter of any kind (including
trash, garbage, oil, and other liquid pollutants) into the waters
of the United States.
Signs like these are posted at pump-out stations in South
Carolina.
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Discharge
of Sewage and Waste
Houseboats must have a waste-water holding system to prevent
the discharge of waste into surrounding waters. State law
prohibits houseboats from discharging any sewage, treated
or untreated, into the fresh waters of South Carolina.
If you have a recreational vessel with installed toilet
facilities, it must have an operable marine sanitation device
(MSD) on board.
There are three types of MSDs.
- Types I and II MSDs are usually found on large vessels.
Waste is treated with special chemicals to kill bacteria
before the waste is discharged. Types I and II MSDs with “Y” valves
that would direct the waste overboard must be secured so
that the valve cannot be opened. This can be done by placing
a lock or non-reusable seal on the “Y” valve
or by taking the handle off the “Y” valve.
- Type III MSDs provide no treatment and are either holding
tanks or portable toilets. Collected waste should be taken
ashore and disposed of in a pump-out station or onshore
toilet.
Vessels 65 feet or less in length may use a Type I, II,
or III MSD. Vessels over 65 feet in length must install a
Type II or III MSD.
All installed devices must be U.S. Coast Guard–certified. |
Discharge of Trash
The Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships places limitations on
the discharge of garbage from vessels. It is illegal to dump refuse,
garbage, or plastics into any state or federally controlled waters.
Many forms of litter can kill birds, fish, and marine mammals.
- You must store trash in a container while on board and place
it in a proper receptacle after returning to shore.
- If boating on federally controlled waters and your vessel
is 26 feet or longer, you must display a Garbage Disposal Placard
in a prominent location. The Garbage Disposal Placard is a durable
sign that is at least 4 x 9 inches and notifies passengers and
crew about discharge restrictions.
Discharge of Oil and Other Hazardous Substances
Regulations issued under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act
require all vessels with propulsion machinery to be able to retain
oil mixtures on board.
- You are not allowed to discharge oil or hazardous substances.
The penalty for illegal discharge may be a fine of up to $10,000.
- You are not allowed to dump oil into the bilge of the vessel
without means for proper disposal. Fuel spills can be removed
using absorbent bilge pads.
- You must dispose of oil waste at an approved reception facility.
On recreational vessels, a bucket or bailer is adequate for temporary
storage prior to disposing of the oil waste at an approved facility.
- You must notify the U.S. Coast Guard immediately if your vessel
discharges oil or hazardous substances in the water. Call toll-free
1-800-424-8802. Report the discharge’s location, color,
source, substances, size, and time observed. You also should
report the discharge to the Department of Health and Environment
Control by calling 1-888-481-0125.
- If boating on federally controlled waters and your vessel
is 26 feet or longer, you must display a 5 x 8-inch placard made
of durable material, fixed in a conspicuous place in the machinery
spaces or at the bilge pump control station, stating the following:
Oil Discharge Placard
A 5 x 8-inch sign that states the law pertaining to oil discharge |
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Waste Management Plan
- Ocean-going vessels that are 40 feet or more in length with cooking and sleeping facilities must have a written Waste Management Plan.
- The captain of the vessel is responsible for implementing the Waste Management Plan.
- The Waste Management Plan, identifying the vessel's name and home port, should be posted and should include directives to all persons on board about:
- Discharging sewage and hazardous substances
- Discharging garbage and other food waste
- Disposing of plastics, bottles, and cans
- Reading applicable placards for additional information
- Advising the captain in case of oily discharges or diesel spills
Stop the Spread of Nuisance Species!
 Introducing
non-native species into South Carolina waters can upset the balance
of the ecosystem, thereby harming the environment. Aquatic nuisance
species, such as zebra mussels and hydrilla, most often spread
between waterways by hitching a ride on vessels and trailers. When
transplanted into new waters, these organisms proliferate, displacing
native species and damaging the water resource.
To prevent spreading aquatic nuisance species:
- Inspect your vessel and trailer, and remove any plants and
animals you see before leaving the area.
- Drain your motor, live well, and bilge on land before leaving
the area.
- Empty your bait bucket on land. Never release live bait into
a body of water or release aquatic animals from one body of water
into another.
- Rinse your vessel, propeller, trailer, and equipment.
- Air dry your vessel and equipment for as long as possible.
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