It's the Law: On the Water With Your Vessel

Discharge of Oil and Other Hazardous Substances

• It is illegal to discharge oil or hazardous substances, or anything else into state or federally controlled waters.
• You are not allowed to dump oil into the bilge of the vessel without means for proper disposal.
• 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.
• On federally controlled waters, vessels 26 feet or longer must display a 5 x 8 inch placard near the machinery space or at the bilge pump switch stating the Federal Water Pollution Control Act.

Discharge of Trash

• It is illegal to discharge any garbage, refuse, waste, or sewage into or near the water.
• If boating on federally controlled waters, you must display, in a prominent location, a durable placard (sign) at least 4 x 9 inches on any vessel 26 ft. or longer. It must notify passengers and crew about discharge restrictions.

Discharge of Waste

• Vessels equipped with toilets or porta-potties must dispose of waste properly. Because there are so few marine pump-out stations in Montana, vessel operators should check on the local availability of waste disposal stations before using their onboard facilities.

Types of Marine Sanitation Devices (MSDs)

• Types I and II MSDs treat waste with special chemicals to kill bacteria. These MSDs must have the “Y” valve secured so that it cannot be opened 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 dump station or on-shore toilet.

Stopping the Spread of Harmful Species

Montana’s waters can be threatened by people who unknowingly transport non-native or harmful species of aquatic life or plants from one body of water to another.

How You Can Help

To prevent the spread of harmful species:

• Remove all mud and vegetation from your vessel, trailer (check axle, rollers, and hitch), motor and equipment when moving between waters.
• Wash all boats, trailers, and equipment in between trips. High-pressure hot water is best.
• Dry boats and gear in between trips.
• Drain and clean your live well, bait containers, and engine cooling system after every trip on the water.
• Pay particular attention to cleaning boats and equipment after fishing or recreating out-of-state.
• It is illegal to move live fish, aquatic invertebrates or plants from one body of water to another without authorization from Fish, Wildlife & Parks.