Pollution from non-point sources, such as storm water runoff or ground water, or point sources, such as factories or sewage discharge pipes, have been shown to contribute greater that 90% of all pollutants in Long Island Sound Estuary. While the impact of a single boat on a body of water is insignificant, multiple boats in limited areas may have the possibility of impacting water quality. The Association of Marine Industries (AMI) and Long Island's Estuary Programs are working to educate boaters to assist them in preserving the best of both worlds - enjoying the experiences of boating while helping to safeguard the quality of these beautiful environments.

Boater's: Know Your MSD!
The Clean Water Act states "discharging of raw sewage directly into waters within the three mile limit is illegal." Increasing regulations throughout the northeast make it important to know how your vessel is equipped for sewage disposal. As a boater, you should know what type of head or MSD you have on board. Vessels use four types of sewage disposal systems. Some boats use portable toilets, which should be drained at dump stations.

Boaters with vessels over 26 feet typically have one of three types of Marine Sanitation Devices (MDS):

Type I & Type II devices use a variety of methods to treat sewage. These devices use electric currents, chlorine, or other chemicals to further disinfect the treated, ground sewage and then discharge. While boats with Type II devices can discharge treated sewage within the Federally recognized three mile limit at this time, they are not able to do so in designated No-Discharge Zones. Thus, it is highly recommended to convert a Type II into a Type III head with deck fitting for pumpout. Type III MSDs are designed to prevent the discharge from your vessel. These devices allow waste to be held on holding tanks and then removed at pump out stations onshore or by a pumpout boat. The Type III MSD is recommended in an estuary.

Pumpout Stations
New York Sea Grant and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation provide a Pumpout Facilities directory that lists current Marine District Pumpout Facilities on Long Island. Additionally, the AMI Boater's Guide lists pumpouts provided by members and in several Townships on Long Island (see map). Vessels can hail pumpout boats on VHF73 in East Hampton or Southampton Town waters or VHF 9 in Huntington Harbor.

No-Discharge Zones
Water quality is critical to the health of the estuary and to boaters, swimmers, and fisherman. An increasing number of harbors in the region, such as Huntington Harbor, Block Island, and Newport Harbor, are designated No-Discharge Zones. In a No-Discharge Zone it is illegal to discharge any boat sewage, treated or untreated, within a designated No-Discharge Zone. The Township of East Hampton expects to have an officially designated No-Discharge Zone in Three Mile Harbor and Lake Montauk in 1999.

What does a No-Discharge Zone mean to boaters?
-If you have a Type III MSD (ie. There is an operable holding tank onboard), simply enjoy the free pump-out services that are often provided in these areas. -If you have a Type I or Type II MSD, place the unit's "Y-valve" or thru-hull seacocks into the closed position and install a simple lock, such as a wire tie, and use shoreside facilities and pumpout facilities.