It's the Law: On the Water
Discharge of Oil and Other Hazardous Substances
- It is illegal to discharge oil or hazardous substances.
- 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.
- 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 Federal Water Pollution Control Act’s law.
Discharge
of Waste
South Dakota law states that every vessel with kitchen or toilet facilities must be equipped and operated to handle or treat liquid and solid waste in a manner that will prevent pollution of the water.
Federal law states that every vessel with an installed toilet must have an operable USCG–certified marine
sanitation device (MSD) on board.
Types of MSDs
There are three types of MSDs.
- 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 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 in a closed position.
- 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.
Discharge of Trash
It is illegal to dump refuse, garbage, or plastics into federally controlled and state 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 federally controlled waters and your vessel is 26 feet or longer, you must display a Garbage Disposal Placard that is at least 4 x 9 inches and notifies passengers and crew about discharge restrictions.
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