Discharge of Sewage and Waste

All waters in New Hampshire are “No Discharge Areas.” It is illegal to discharge sewage—treated or untreated—into the water.

• If you have a recreational vessel with installed toilet facilities, it must have an operable marine sanitation device (MSD) on board. An MSD is a separate mechanism attached to the marine toilet. The macerator inside the toilet and the reservoir beside the toilet are not MSDs.
• If on inland waters, a vessel must have a holding tank with no through-hull discharge option.

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.