Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating
Waste, Oil, and Trash Disposal In Vermont and Federal Waters
It is illegal to discharge waste, oil, or trash into any Vermont
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.
Signs like these are posted at pump-out stations in Vermont.
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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.
Discharge of Sewage and Waste
- It is illegal for a vessel to discharge sewage into the
waters of Vermont.
- All vessels equipped with a marine toilet must have
a waste-water holding system to prevent the discharge of
waste products into surrounding waters.
- Any holding tank that is designed to allow discharge
into the water (such as those with a “Y” valve)
must have the openings sealed shut and any discharge lines,
pipes, or hoses must be disconnected and stored while the
vessel is on Vermont waters.
- Residential use of vessels with overnight sleeping facilities
is prohibited on waters that do not have sanitary waste
pump-out facilities.
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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 must also call
the Vermont Emergency Management and report the discharge.
- 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 Vermont waters can upset the balance of
the ecosystem, 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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