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If we all do a little,
we can do a lot! |
Key West was officially declared a No Discharge Zone on November 17, 1999.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, upon the recommendation of the Governor of Florida, approved an application by the City of Key West to make all city waters out to 600' a No Discharge Zone for boat sewage.
What:
The No Discharge Zone designation prohibits discharging sewage into local waters.
This does not apply to gray water from showers or sinks, only sewage. Through-hull
fittings for disposal of sewage should be closed and appropriate measures to dispose of sewage
implemented. The No Discharge Zone strengthens existing regulations under the Florida Clean
Vessel Act so that even chemically-treated sewage cannot be discharged overboard.
Boundaries:
City of Key West waters extend out 600' from shore. The No Discharge Zone applies within all
city waters. The State Clean Vessel Act also prohibits discharging raw sewage into state
waters and sewage may not be discharged at any of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary
SPA's (Sanctuary Preservation Areas) or the Western Sambo Ecological Reserve. Efforts are
underway to establish a No Discharge Zone for all waters in the Florida Keys.
Where:
Pump-out facilities are available for boaters at various locations in Key West. In addition,
mobile pump-out services are available. Pump-out facilities are currently available at:
Who:
All vessels--charter boats, live-a-boards, fishing boats, private vessels, commercial vessels,
houseboats, and floating structures are prohibited from dumping sewage into the ocean within
600' of the shoreline of Key West Vessels 26 feet or longer with an enclosed cabin with berthing
facilities (as noted in the Florida Clean Vessel Act) and floating structures with enclosed
living space must install a holding tank and close the through-hull valve from the toilet.
How:
Most pump-out facilities have universal deck fittings, but you should install a fitting on your
vessel that provides a tight seal from your holding tank. The boat can be pumped out where you
are by calling the mobile service, or you can tie up to a dock with a pump-out facility. Look
for the pump-out symbol shown on the previous page. A dock attendant may be available to assist
and a fee charged for the service. Most tanks can be pumped out and rinsed in less than 15
minutes. Dump portable waste in vessel pump-out facilities as well. Use biodegradable cleaning
products instead of toxic cleansers that damage the marine environment. On all marine sanitation
devices now in use, the valve directing the sewage overboard shall be closed and secured with a
tie, lock or strap to prevent discharge into the ocean.
Why:
The Florida Keys are famous for diving, fishing and boating. Tourism and commercial fishing
industries depend upon clean, healthy water. North America's only living coral barrier reef
lies just offshore. Coral reefs need clear, clean, nutrient-free waters to thrive.
Water quality is declining throughout the Florida Keys. One of the sources of pollution is an overabundance of nutrients from inadequately-treated sewage.
Sewage contamination is a health threat. Local beaches have reported increased levels of fecal coliform contamination, which can cause illness and diseases such as hepatitis, typhoid, cholera, dysentery, and gastroenteritis.
The increasing number of boaters in Keys waters contributes to water quality problems. We can all do our part to eliminate pollution from local waters by using vessel pump-out facilities and honoring the No Discharge Zone designation.
Penalties:
The City of Key West has drafted legislation to create penalties for violating
the No Discharge Zone for boater sewage.
Existing state laws permit a State or U.S. Coast Guard officer to board a vessel to inspect a marine sanitation device (MSD) if: * the owner or operator is aboard, with consent, or * there is knowledge or probable cause to believe a violation has occurred or is occurring, or * the operator refuses or is unable to display the MSD equipment required, or *the equipment is permanently installed and not visible unless the officer boards the vessel.
Violations are non-criminal infractions carrying fines of $50 (equipment) and $250 (discharge). If a houseboat or floating structure fails to comply within 30 days of being cited, the court can order removal of the craft at the owner's expense.
This brochure produced in cooperation with the above agencies by Reef Relief, P.O. Box 430, Key West, Florida 33040. Reef Relief Environmental Center & Store, 201 William Street, Key West. (305) 294-3100 fax 293-9515.
To find out more about our Clean Water Campaign, get informed on
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