2015 New York Safe Boating - 41

Aquatic Nuisance Species

discharge of sewage from the head of your boat can ruin
the recreational value of the waterway for beach bathing,
swimming, water skiing and snorkeling. Sewage discharge will
also contribute to the degradation of the marine environment
by introducing disease-causing microorganisms into the
waterways. Sewage released in the vicinity of shellfish beds
also poses a public health problem. Ingesting contaminated
shellfish can lead to diseases such as dysentery, infectious
hepatitis, and typhoid fever.

Aquatic nuisance species are non-native, harmful aquatic
plants, animals or microscopic organisms that can travel to
other waters via your clothing, pets, boats, and any other
items used in the water. When you go to another lake or
stream, these aquatic hitchhikers can take up residence in the
new	body	of	water.		Two	examples	of	aquatic	hitchhikers	that	
have been problems in New York State are Eurasian Milfoil
and Zebra Mussels.

Different waterways have different rules regarding the type of
MSD allowed. All heads that discharge sewage overboard are
illegal on every waterway in New York State. The discharge
of gray water-wastewater from showers or sinks-is also
prohibited on some lakes. Consult with local officials in the
area where you boat.

People often don't realize that many "native" fish in their
lake may actually be non-native baitfish that were introduced
to the waterway by a careless fisherman. Although
sometimes these non-native species make themselves at
home and do little apparent harm, sometimes there are
severe consequences when non-native species invade a
waterway.

If the body of water you're boating prohibits the discharge
of treated or untreated sewage, you must disable the MSD
in a manner that prevents any discharge. Some acceptable
methods are:

For	example,	invading	non-native	species	will	compete	
for food with game fish populations and other native
species, and may reduce their populations. Some species
will colonize on foreign objects-like boats-and can ruin
boat engines. Some lakes and rivers are now unusable by
boaters and swimmers at certain times of the year because
of degradation of the environment by non-native species.
Combating the infestation of non-native plants and animals
has dramatically increased the operating costs of drinking
water plants, power plants, and dams.

	padlocking overboard discharge valves in the closed
position;

	using a nonreleasable wire tie to hold overboard
discharge valves in the closed position;

	closing overboard discharge valves and removing the
handle; and

	locking the entrance to the space enclosing the toilets.

To find the nearest pump out service, check out the following website:
NYS Environmental Facilities Corporation: www.efc.ny.gov
Any land locked lake located
completely within the borders
of New York, State Canal
System

No discharge of any sewage is permitted. All marine sewage must be kept
onboard the boat in a Type III MSD and pumped ashore at a marine pump
out facility.

The waters of Canandaigua
Lake, Skaneateles Lake,
Greenwood Lake (Orange
County), or Lake George

Any boat equipped with a toilet, sink, tub, etc. which results in the drainage
of any waste water whatsoever must have all such material drain into a
holding tank. The holding tank must be drained ashore at a marine pump
out facility. Any overboard lines from such a system must be either sealed
or removed.

The Great Lakes, Long Island
Sound or any tidal water

Boats may discharge sewage overboard only after it has been treated in a US
COAST GUARD certified Type I or II MSD. A Type I MSD may not be used on
boats over 65 feet in length.

Hudson River up to Albany,
many bays and inlets on Long
Island

Localities located in tidal areas may adopt a No-discharge zone provided
they follow the requirements of both federal and state law. Consult with
local officials in these areas.

Lake Champlain

Boaters may not discharge sewage. All marine sewage must be kept
onboard the boat in a Type III MSD and pumped ashore at a marine pump
out facility. All overboard discharge valves have to be secured and any
overboard lines must be disconnected and removed and any overboard
opening sealed shut.
41
http://www.efc.ny.gov/default.aspx
2015 New York Safe Boating

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