Perhaps the author of this article should do at least a little bit of research before spouting off falsehoods:
http://www.ctpost.com/news/article/A-step-toward-a-cleaner-Sound-1351617.php
A No Discharge Zone designation DOES NOT have any impact on stopping boats from discharging WASTE. It merely makes it illegal for vessels to discharge TREATED waste. Thus, these vessels with their own EPA approved treatment systems must use municipal pump-out stations, where their waste is then (hopefully) treated and dumped into the same waters anyway!
And let's not forget that the discharge of UNTREATED waste in US waters has been illegal since 1972, not 2007 like the author incorrectly states.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
State targets boating discharge | CapeCodOnline.com
Here we go again:
State targets boating discharge CapeCodOnline.com
I have spoken with Assitant New Editor, Michael Medwar, about a possible follow-up to this article to further clarify that No Discharge Zone legislation doesn't "stop boats from dumping waste into local waters", but rather prohibits the discharge of TREATED waste by both recreational and commercial vessels.
State targets boating discharge CapeCodOnline.com
I have spoken with Assitant New Editor, Michael Medwar, about a possible follow-up to this article to further clarify that No Discharge Zone legislation doesn't "stop boats from dumping waste into local waters", but rather prohibits the discharge of TREATED waste by both recreational and commercial vessels.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Maryland Department of the Environment goes after Marinas, Boaters, and Gray Water
From 2010 Proposed Permit
Found at the Maryland Department of the Environment website.
Don't use your bilge pumps or bathe!
"Where the vessel does not have adequate storage capacity to eliminate such
discharges, gray water production and discharge should be minimized while moored or
in nutrient impaired waters subject to this permit (e.g.,the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries).."
"Bilge waters shall not be discharged to waters of the State if solvents, detergents,
emulsifying agents or dispersants have been added to the bilge (this includes soaps)."
Don't clean your bottom!
"Vessel washing can cause discharges of harmful pollutants either directly discharged to waters of the State or intermingling with storm water. The permit identifies specific conditions on where and how vessels are to be washed, where and how maintenance activities are to be performed and how to prevent exposure of storm water to these activities. Washing of boat bottoms painted with soft ablative paints, or paints which create a visible plume, may not be performed in water. Additionally, the removal of any paints while a vessel is in the water is prohibited. Discharges that contain visible oil sheen, persistent foam or floating solids are prohibited from being discharged to waters of the State."
Don't wash your boat!
"Recommend cleaning vessels on land in a non-compact area and for best filtration, at a
distance from surface waters"
Last year they tried to go after treated discharges from Type I and Type II MSDs. I knew gray water would be next. So for all those boaters with Type III MSDs (holding tanks) who think a "no discharge zone" is just fine, think again! They're coming after you next. They want us off the water!
I suggest we boaters start lighting up the switchboard at MDE: (410) 537-3000
Found at the Maryland Department of the Environment website.
Don't use your bilge pumps or bathe!
"Where the vessel does not have adequate storage capacity to eliminate such
discharges, gray water production and discharge should be minimized while moored or
in nutrient impaired waters subject to this permit (e.g.,the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries).."
"Bilge waters shall not be discharged to waters of the State if solvents, detergents,
emulsifying agents or dispersants have been added to the bilge (this includes soaps)."
Don't clean your bottom!
"Vessel washing can cause discharges of harmful pollutants either directly discharged to waters of the State or intermingling with storm water. The permit identifies specific conditions on where and how vessels are to be washed, where and how maintenance activities are to be performed and how to prevent exposure of storm water to these activities. Washing of boat bottoms painted with soft ablative paints, or paints which create a visible plume, may not be performed in water. Additionally, the removal of any paints while a vessel is in the water is prohibited. Discharges that contain visible oil sheen, persistent foam or floating solids are prohibited from being discharged to waters of the State."
Don't wash your boat!
"Recommend cleaning vessels on land in a non-compact area and for best filtration, at a
distance from surface waters"
Last year they tried to go after treated discharges from Type I and Type II MSDs. I knew gray water would be next. So for all those boaters with Type III MSDs (holding tanks) who think a "no discharge zone" is just fine, think again! They're coming after you next. They want us off the water!
I suggest we boaters start lighting up the switchboard at MDE: (410) 537-3000
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Monday, April 19, 2010
We won! (for now)
It took me a little extra time to get all the facts straight, but the proposed 2010 NDZ legislation for Maryland is officially dead. The confusion was from the Senate, where the committee passed the bill with amendments. It was quite decent what they had done (read it here - PDF format). They changed the bill into a "study" bill, with DNR taking the lead and having a due date of 12/1/11. That would have ensured no other NDZ legislation until at least the 2012 legislative session. However, that bill died in the House, and thus, nothing on this topic passed. What does this mean? For right now, it's over. But I would venture to guess that if Doug Gansler is re-elected as AG come November, he'll bring it up again for the 2011 session. And if he does, I'll be there to fight it.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Update: SB 513 was voted on in Education Health and Environmental Affairs, this afternoon.
"SB 513 was amended and turned into a “study bill.” The bill now says that the Department of Natural Resources shall study and make recommendations for initiating a no-discharge zone in all Maryland waters. The final report will be due to the Governor and General Assembly on or before December 1, 2011. Maryland waters will most likely not be deemed a no-discharge zone until the study is completed.
SB 513 will most likely be on the floor of the Senate tomorrow for approval by the entire Senate body. As we are only four working days from the end of the legislative session, I am unsure if the amended version of this bill will have time to get through the Senate and the House as is required for a bill to become a law."
I'm going to hope the lack of days remaining helps defeat this still horrible legislation. Considering that DNR reports to the AG's office, I'm not real confident this will be a fair and scientific study.
SB 513 will most likely be on the floor of the Senate tomorrow for approval by the entire Senate body. As we are only four working days from the end of the legislative session, I am unsure if the amended version of this bill will have time to get through the Senate and the House as is required for a bill to become a law."
I'm going to hope the lack of days remaining helps defeat this still horrible legislation. Considering that DNR reports to the AG's office, I'm not real confident this will be a fair and scientific study.
Monday, April 5, 2010
CALL TO ACTION - SB513 scheduled for a vote this week!
The Senate Bill still survives. If you're against this bill (SB513), then please take a few moments to call the Senators on the committee who will be voting on it this week. Here's a list (it's much shorter than the House). If you don't have time for all, please at least contact the first two. PLEASE BE NICE! Senator Conway has been known to swing her vote against mobs of callers who aren't nice.
*Joan Carter-Conway - 3145# - Joan.Carter.Conway@senate.state.md.us
Roy P. Dyson - 3673# - Roy.Dyson@senate.state.md.us
Richard F. Colburn - 3590# - Richard.Colburn@senate.state.md.us
*David C. Harrington - 3745# - David.Harrington@senate.state.md.us
Andrew P. Harris - 3706# - Andrew.Harris@senate.state.md.us
*Mike Lenett - 3151# - Mike.Lenett@senate.state.md.us
*Paul G Pinsky 3155# - Paul.Pinsky@senate.state.md.us
Edward R. Reilly - 3568# - Edward.Reilly@senate.state.md.us
James C. Rosapepe - 3141# - Jim.Rosapepe@senate.state.md.us
(To contact by telephone, enter the extensions above after 1-800-492-7122, followed by the # sign)
*Joan Carter-Conway - 3145# - Joan.Carter.Conway@senate.state.md.us
Roy P. Dyson - 3673# - Roy.Dyson@senate.state.md.us
Richard F. Colburn - 3590# - Richard.Colburn@senate.state.md.us
*David C. Harrington - 3745# - David.Harrington@senate.state.md.us
Andrew P. Harris - 3706# - Andrew.Harris@senate.state.md.us
*Mike Lenett - 3151# - Mike.Lenett@senate.state.md.us
*Paul G Pinsky 3155# - Paul.Pinsky@senate.state.md.us
Edward R. Reilly - 3568# - Edward.Reilly@senate.state.md.us
James C. Rosapepe - 3141# - Jim.Rosapepe@senate.state.md.us
(To contact by telephone, enter the extensions above after 1-800-492-7122, followed by the # sign)
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