Discharge of Sewage and Waste
![California Pump-Out Sign](https://ke-courses-production.s3.amazonaws.com/asset_files/production/2757/attachments/original/CA-pump-out-sign.jpg?1554999880)
Signs like these are posted at pump-out stations in California.
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 more than 65 feet in length must install a Type II or III MSD.
All installed devices must be USCG certified.
![Pump-out station MSD at pump-out station](https://ke-courses-production.s3.amazonaws.com/asset_files/production/1509/attachments/original/msd_pumpout_station.jpg?1503937928)
![MSD diagram Typical Marine Sanitation Device - Y valve must be closed - Drainage to pump-out station](https://ke-courses-production.s3.amazonaws.com/asset_files/production/1606/attachments/original/msd-diagram.jpg?1603906930)
No Discharge Areas
It is illegal to disconnect, bypass, or operate an MSD so as to discharge sewage on inland waters or on coastal waters anywhere within the three-mile U.S. territorial limit.
- In designated No Discharge Areas:
- No person may disconnect, bypass, or operate an MSD so as to potentially discharge sewage.
- No person shall occupy or operate a vessel in which an MSD is installed unless the MSD is properly secured.
- The No Discharge Areas in California are:
- El Dorado County: Lake Tahoe
- Los Angeles County: Avalon Bay Harbor
- Marin County: Richardson Bay
- Orange County: Dana Point Harbor, Huntington Harbor, Newport Bay (Upper and Lower), Sunset Bay
- Placer County: Lake Tahoe
- San Diego County: Mission Bay, Oceanside Harbor, San Diego Bay
- Ventura County: Channel Islands Harbor