Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating
Waste, Oil, and Trash Disposal In Arizona and Federal Waters

It is illegal to discharge waste, oil, or trash into any federally controlled or Arizona waters. This is for very good reasons.

• Sewage carries disease and other pollutants that are harmful to people, aquatic plants, and animals.
• Trash thrown into the water can injure swimmers and wildlife alike. It also can plug engine cooling water intakes.
• Pollution is unsightly and takes away from your enjoyment of the water.

Vessel operators need to be aware of the following regulations for waste, oil, and trash disposal that apply to both federally controlled and state waters. The Refuse Act prohibits throwing, discharging, or depositing any refuse matter of any kind (including trash, garbage, oil, and other liquid pollutants) into the waters of the United States.

Signs like these are posted at pump-out stations in Arizona.

Discharge of Sewage and Waste State law prohibits vessels from discharging any sewage into the waters or onto the shorelines of Arizona. Use portable toilets provided on the shore or the floating portable toilets. Consult a lake map for the locations of portable toilets. If you have a recreational vessel with installed toilet facilities, it must have an operable marine sanitation device (MSD) on board. 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 U.S. Coast Guard–certified.

Discharge of Trash

It is illegal to dump garbage, plastics, debris, or filthy or smelly objects or substances into Arizona waters or shorelines. Many forms of litter can kill birds, fish, and other aquatic wildlife.

• You must store trash in a container while on board and place it in a proper receptacle after returning to shore.
• If boating on federally controlled waters and your vessel is 26 feet or longer, you must display a Garbage Disposal Placard in a prominent location. The Garbage Disposal Placard is a durable sign that is at least 4 x 9 inches and notifies passengers and crew about discharge restrictions.

Trash Placard

What to Do in Case of Discharge

If your vessel discharges oil or hazardous substances in the water, notify the U. S. Coast Guard by calling 1-800-424-8802. You should also report instances of water pollution to the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) by calling 1-800-234-5677.

Discharge of Oil and Other Hazardous Substances

Regulations issued under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act require all vessels with propulsion machinery to be able to retain oil mixtures on board.

• You are not allowed to discharge oil or hazardous substances. The penalty for illegal discharge may be a fine of up to $10,000.
• You are not allowed to dump oil into the bilge of the vessel without means for proper disposal. Fuel spills can be removed using absorbent bilge pads.
• You must dispose of oil waste at an approved reception facility. On recreational vessels, a bucket or bailer is adequate for temporary storage prior to disposing of the oil waste at an approved facility.
• You must notify the U.S. Coast Guard immediately if your vessel discharges oil or hazardous substances in the water. Call toll-free 1-800-424-8802. Report the discharge’s location, color, source, substances, size, and time observed. You also must call the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality and report the discharge.
• If boating on federally controlled waters and your vessel is 26 feet or longer, you must display a 5 x 8-inch placard made of durable material, fixed in a conspicuous place in the machinery spaces or at the bilge pump control station, stating the following:

Discharge of Oil Prohibited

The Federal Water Pollution Control Act prohibits the discharge of oil or oily waste upon or into any navigable waters of the U.S. The prohibition includes any discharge which causes a film or discoloration of the surface of the water or causes a sludge or emulsion beneath the surface of the water. Violators are subject to substantial civil and/or criminal sanctions including fines and imprisonment.

Oil Discharge Placard A 5 x 8-inch sign that states the law pertaining to oil discharge

Waste Management Plan

• Ocean-going vessels that are 40 feet or more in length with cooking and sleeping facilities must have a written Waste Management Plan.
• The captain of the vessel is responsible for implementing the Waste Management Plan.
• The Waste Management Plan, identifying the vessel's name and home port, should be posted and should include directives to all persons on board about:
  • Discharging sewage and hazardous substances
  • Discharging garbage and other food waste
  • Disposing of plastics, bottles, and cans
  • Reading applicable placards for additional information
  • Advising the captain in case of oily discharges or diesel spills

Outboard Emissions

• Many powerboats and nearly all PWCs are equipped with two-stroke engines. Conventional two-stroke engines produce roughly 14 times as much ozone-forming pollution as four-stroke engines. Also, 25-30% of the fuel and oil of two-stroke engines is discharged unburned with a portion lingering in the water column for a period of time.
• New federal emission standards for marine engines are being phased in gradually. Many manufacturers are meeting these requirements currently with clean-burning engines already available. The new technology provides easier starting, faster acceleration, quicker throttle response, improved fuel economy, and a reduction in fumes and noise.
• Even though vessel engines currently in use are not affected by the phase-in, retiring them will help aquatic environments.

Stop the spread of aquatic pests!

Giant salvinia, quagga mussels, crayfish, and mud snails most often spread between waterways by hitching a ride on vessels and trailers. When transplanted into new waters, these organisms proliferate, displacing native species and damaging the water resource and your vessel.

Inspect Your Boat!

To prevent spreading these aquatic pests:

• Thoroughly inspect your vessel’s hull, outdrive, trim plates, trolling plates, prop guards, transducers, and trailers. If you see any “hitchhikers,” remove them. Remove aquatic plants clinging to the trailer frame, axles, wheels, hitch, motor’s lower unit, and interior vessel spaces.
• Spray down your vessel and trailer before leaving any lake or stream or at home before setting out for a new boating location.
• Drain all bilge water, live wells, and bait buckets before leaving any waterway. Leftover bait should not be released or transported.