Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating
Waste, Oil, and Trash Disposal in Iowa and Federal Waters
It is illegal to discharge waste, oil, or trash into any state or federally controlled
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.
Pump-Out Station Sign
Signs like these are posted at pump-out stations
in Iowa.
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Discharge
of Sewage and Waste
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 over
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
The Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships places limitations on the discharge of
garbage from vessels. It is illegal to dump refuse, garbage, or plastics into any state
or federally controlled waters. Many forms of litter can kill birds, fish, and marine
mammals.
- 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.
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 must also call the Iowa Department of Natural Resources,
Emergency Response Unit at 515-281-8694 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:
Oil Discharge Placard
A 5 x 8-inch sign that states the law pertaining to oil discharge |
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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
Stop the Spread of Nuisance Species!
Introducing non-native species into Iowa waters
can upset the balance of the ecosystem, thereby
harming the environment. Aquatic nuisance
species, such as zebra mussels and hydrilla, 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.
To prevent spreading aquatic nuisance species:
- Inspect your vessel and trailer, and remove any
plants and animals you see before leaving the
area.
- Drain your motor, live well, and bilge on
land before leaving the area.
- Empty your bait bucket on land. Never
release live bait into a body of water or release
aquatic animals from one body of water into
another.
- Rinse your vessel, propeller, trailer, and
equipment.
- Air dry your vessel and equipment for as long
as possible.
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