Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating
Waste, Oil, and Trash Disposal In Nevada and Federal Waters

It is illegal to discharge waste, oil, or trash into any Nevada waters or waters under USCG jurisdiction. Discharge of any substance that may damage fish or wildlife in or on Nevada’s waters is illegal. 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 Nevada.

Discharge of Sewage and Waste It is illegal to discharge any treated or untreated sewage into the waters of Nevada. All sewage must be emptied at a sewage pump-out station. If you have a vessel with installed toilet facilities, it must have an operable marine sanitation device (MSD) on board and be designed to prevent discharge into the water. If your vessel does not have installed toilet facilities, you should consider carrying a portable toilet. 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 more than 65 feet in length must install a Type II or III MSD. All installed devices must be U.S. Coast Guard–certified and working properly.

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.

Garbage Disposal Placard

What To Do in Case of Discharge

If your vessel discharges oil or hazardous substances into the water, notify the U.S. Coast Guard by calling 1-800-424-8802. Also notify the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection by calling 775-687-4670 (daytime) or 775-687-5300 (after hours).

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 also must call the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection at 775-687-4670 (daytime) or 775-687-5300 (after hours) 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:

Discharge of Oil Prohibited

The Federal Water Pollution Control Act prohibits the discharge of oil or oily waste upon or into any navigable waters of the U.S. The prohibition includes any discharge which causes a film or discoloration of the surface of the water or causes a sludge or emulsion beneath the surface of the water. Violators are subject to substantial civil and/or criminal sanctions including fines and imprisonment.

Oil Discharge Placard A 5 x 8-inch sign that states the law pertaining to oil discharge

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

Outboard Emissions

Many powerboats and nearly all PWCs are equipped with two-stroke engines. Conventional two-stroke engines produce roughly 14 times as much ozone-forming pollution as four-stroke engines. Also, 25-30% of the fuel and oil mixture of two-stroke engines is discharged unburned with a portion lingering in the water column for a period of time.

New federal emission standards for marine engines are being phased in gradually. Many manufacturers are meeting these requirements currently with clean-burning engines already available. The new technology provides easier starting, faster acceleration, quicker throttle response, improved fuel economy, and a reduction in fumes and noise.

Even though vessel engines currently in use are not affected by the phase-in, retiring them will help aquatic environments.

Boaters Urged to Stop Spread of Invasive Mussels from Lake Mead

With the discovery of nonnative quagga mussels in the Colorado River system, including Lake Mead, boaters are urged to take positive action to avoid spreading this aquatic invasive species. Though this species is spread easily when boats are moved from one water to another, there are steps boaters can follow to help contain these unwelcome mussels. When removing a boat from any infected water, boaters should do the following.

• Drain the water from your motor, live well, and bilge on land before leaving the immediate area of the lake.
  
• Completely inspect your vessel and trailer, removing any visible mussels. Also feel for any rough or gritty spots on the hull which may be young mussels that can be hard to see.
• Empty your bait bucket on land.
• Flush the motor, bilges, hull, trailer, and any other exposed part with hot, soapy water.
• Clean and wash your trailer, truck, or any other equipment that touches the lake water. Mussels can live in small pockets where water collects.
• Air-dry your boat and other equipment for at least five days before launching in any other waterway.

Quagga mussels are biofoulers that obstruct pipes in municipal and industrial raw-water systems, requiring untold millions of dollars annually to treat. Each and every body of water that becomes infected with these creatures raises financial costs and has serious impacts on native wildlife and the local ecosystem.