Discharge of Sewage and Graywater
Signs like this one are posted at pump-out stations.
All vessels with an installed toilet are required to have a USCG–certified marine sanitation device (MSD) attached to the toilet. A macerator alone is not a certified MSD.
There are three types of MSDs.
- Type I: A flow-through device for vessels less than 65 feet in length that filters and treats sewage for overboard discharge with no visible solids.
- Type II: A treat-and-release system for vessels greater than 65 feet in length that treats sewage to a higher level than the Type I. This type requires more electricity to run.
- Type III: The simplest and most common MSD, consisting of a tank to hold untreated sewage for shore-based disposal or discharge beyond the U.S. territorial seas demarcation line. Most Type IIIs are holding tanks, but there are also vacuum collection systems, incineration systems, recirculation systems, and composting systems.
It is illegal to discharge untreated sewage from your vessel into any of Connecticut's waters. This prohibition includes waste from direct discharge toilets, holding tanks, portable toilet holding tanks, and even buckets. A Type III MSD may have a through-hull Y valve that directs waste overboard. The Y valve must be adequately secured while on all U.S. waters to prevent discharge of raw sewage. Use of a padlock or non-reusable seal or removal of the valve handle is considered adequate securing of the valve.
Like holding tanks, portable toilets also retain untreated waste and should be emptied only at a dump station or pump-out station facility. They are not considered MSDs.
State and federal law prohibits the discharge of untreated sewage from vessels into the waters of the state. Boaters may be fined up to $2,000 for discharging untreated waste in Connecticut waters and up to $25,000 for discharge of treated or untreated waste in a "No Discharge Area."
Graywater is defined as drainage from a dishwasher, shower, laundry, bath, or washbasin drain and generally may be discharged overboard in Connecticut. Some states prohibit graywater discharge.
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 USCG–certified Type I and Type II MSDs have a certification label affixed by the manufacturer. Holding tanks are not required to have a certification label.
