Discharge of Sewage and Waste (cont.)
A marine sanitation device treats waste with special chemicals to kill bacteria before the waste is discharged.
- To be approved, an MSD must meet the requirements as given in the Vessel Pollution and Dangerous Chemicals Regulations.
- MSDs are installed between the toilet and the “Y” valve.
- The “Y” valve must be secured to prevent accidental illegal discharge. 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.
- Only treated sewage from an approved MSD may be discharged directly overboard. The treated sewage must meet the standards as given in the Vessel Pollution and Dangerous Chemicals Regulations.
- The standard you must meet depends on whether you are operating in a “designated sewage area” or in an area that is not a “designated sewage area.”
- The sewage must be effluent (liquid) and not contain any visible solids.
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Black Water Regulations
Black water is defined as sewage that contains fecal matter and urine. It is illegal to discharge black water from a pleasure craft into Canadian waters.
Local Restrictions
Local waterways in Canada may have specific discharge restrictions in addition to those covered here.
- Be sure to check for local restrictions before you go boating.
- When operating on Ontario waters:
- Portable toilets are illegal.
- Pleasure craft are not allowed to discharge any type of sewage or sewage sludge overboard into the water.