Signs like these are posted at marine sanitation pump-out
stations in Illinois.
 |
Illinois law states that it is unlawful to discharge any
sewage into Illinois waters directly or indirectly.
Federal law requires that every vessel with an installed
toilet must have an operable U.S. Coast Guard–certified
marine sanitation device (MSD) Type I, II, or III.
The types of MSDs are:
- Type III MSD, the simplest and most common, consists
of holding tanks or portable toilets. It requires only
a small storage space and is simple to operate. Type
III MSDs have the least effect on the environment since
the waste is to be discharged on shore into a local sewage
treatment facility or at a sewage pump-out station.
- Types I and II MSDs treat waste with special chemicals
to kill bacteria before the waste is discharged. Types
I and II MSDs with “Y” valves that 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.
All installed MSDs must be U.S. Coast Guard–certified. |
