Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of
Boating
Waste, Oil, and Trash Disposal in Kentucky and Federal
Waters
It is illegal to discharge untreated waste, oil, or trash into
any federally
controlled or Kentucky state waters and for very
good reasons.
 Sewage carries disease and is harmful to people, aquatic plants
and animals.- Trash thrown into the water can injure swimmers and wildlife
alike. It can also 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.
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.
 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.
- 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 have “Y” valves
that can direct the waste overboard.
It is illegal to discharge raw sewage into any public waters.
Treated sewage may be discharged from a marine toilet only
into legal discharge waters. Legal “discharge” waters
are Barkley Lake, Kentucky Lake, Lake Cumberland, Dale Hollow
Lake, and any of the major river systems.
The “Y” valve on a Type I or II MSD must be sealed
or locked while the vessel is on “no discharge” waters.
Discharge of Trash
It is illegal to dump garbage and plastics into federally controlled
or state waters. Many forms of litter can kill birds, fish, and
marine mammals.
- You should store trash in a container on board, and place it
in a proper receptacle after returning to shore.
- If boating on federal waters, you must display a Garbage Disposal
Placard in a prominent location on vessels 26 feet or longer.
The Garbage Disposal Placard is a durable sign at least 4 x 9
inches that 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 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 up to $10,000.
- You are not allowed to dump oil into the bilge of the vessel
without means for proper disposal. On recreational vessels, a
bucket or bailer is adequate. Fuel spills can be removed using
absorbent bilge pads.
- You must discharge oil waste to a reception facility.
- You must immediately notify the U.S. Coast Guard 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 Kentucky Division
of Water 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
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.
- Also
notify the Kentucky Division of Water by calling 1-800-928-2380.
Stop
the Spread of Zebra Mussels!
It is illegal to import or possess zebra mussels in Kentucky.
Zebra mussels 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.
To prevent spreading zebra mussels:
- Inspect your vessel, motor, live wells, and trailer, scraping
off any zebra mussels you see before leaving the waterbody.
- Flush vessel engines with uncontaminated water to remove any
mussels not found.
- Wash vessel parts that contact the water with hot water to
remove zebra mussel larva.
- Air dry your vessel and equipment in the sun for two to four
days before entering another waterway.
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