Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating
Waste, Oil, and Trash Disposal In Indiana and Federal Waters
It is illegal to discharge waste, oil, or trash into any Indiana
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.
Signs like these are posted at pump-out stations in Indiana.
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Discharge
of Sewage and Waste
It is illegal to discharge untreated waste into any state
or federally-controlled waters.
If you have a recreational vessel with installed toilet
facilities, it must have an operable marine sanitation device
(MSD) on board that is approved by the Indiana Department
of Environmental Management. You may get more information
on treatment systems by contacting them at 1-800-451-6027.
There are three types of MSDs.
- 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.
- 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.
A Type I or II MSD can be operated lawfully on Lake Michigan only
if maintained according to U.S. Coast Guard regulations.
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
Indiana prohibits littering in state waters. The Act to Prevent
Pollution from Ships places limitations on the discharge of garbage
from vessels. Many forms of litter can kill birds, fish, and marine
mammals.
- It is illegal to dump refuse, garbage, or plastics into any
state or federally-controlled waters.
- You must store trash in a container while on board and place
it in a proper receptacle after returning to shore.
- If boating on federal 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.
Garbage Disposal Placard
Discharge of Oil and Other Hazardous Substances
Regulations issued under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act
require all vessels with propulsion machinery to have a capacity
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 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 Indiana Department of Environmental Management and report
the discharge.
- If boating on federal 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
Prevent the spread of nuisance species
in Indiana’s waters!
An increasing number of non-native aquatic plants and animals
are invading the waters of Indiana. When moved into new waters,
these species rapidly multiply, causing significant economic and
ecological damage. Do your part to help prevent the spread of nuisance
species.
- Inspect your vessel, trailer, and equipment (motor,
anchors, centerboards, rollers, axles) and remove any plants
and animals.
- Discard unused bait in the trash or leave it with
someone fishing in the same waterbody.
- Drain water from the motor,
live well, bilge, and transom wells while on land and before
leaving any waterbody.
- Rinse vessel and equipment with tap water
(preferably hot) or at a car wash.
- Dry vessel and equipment in
the sun for at least 5 days.
- Learn how to identify aquatic nuisance
species.
Introducing non-native species into
Indiana waters can upset the balance of
the ecosystem, hurting the environment. Common nuisance species
are:
- Eurasian Watermilfoil: A prolific aquatic plant found
in lakes in Indiana. It interferes with boating and displaces
native plants. It is easily spread when plant fragments are caught
and moved on boat trailers, propellers, or anchors, or in wet
wells. Plant fragments can initiate new plants and become well-established.
- Zebra Mussel: A tiny D-shaped mollusk that can clog
water intake pipes, damage vessel engines, and alter native species
populations. Adult zebra mussels can attach to and be moved on
vessel hulls, engines, and other equipment. Microscopic larvae
can get trapped and moved in the water of vessel engines, bilges,
bait buckets, and live wells.
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