Boats And Water Pollution: Understanding The Impact

Boating is a popular recreational activity, but it can also contribute to water pollution. This pollution can come from individual boats, marinas, or fishing vessels. Boats can leak fuel oil, lubricating oil, and cooling water, which can contaminate the water. In addition, chemicals and paints used to maintain and repair boats can spill into the water, and sewage discharge from boats can increase bacteria and nutrient levels in the water. Marinas can also contribute to water pollution through poorly flushed waterways, storm runoff, and the physical alteration of shorelines and wetlands during construction. To minimise pollution, it is important for boat and marina owners to properly manage and dispose of waste and to carefully maintain their vessels.

Fuel and oil spills

Oil spills, even in small amounts, can have detrimental effects on aquatic ecosystems. Oil tends to attach itself to waterborne sediments, persisting in the environment and harming bottom-dwelling organisms that are crucial to the marine food chain. Additionally, the use of detergent or dish soap to clean up oil spills should be avoided. While it may make the spill disappear from sight, it actually breaks down the oil into smaller droplets, making it more challenging to remove and increasing its toxicity to marine life.

To prevent and mitigate fuel and oil spills, several measures can be taken:

• Regular maintenance: Proper maintenance of boats is essential to prevent spills. This includes ensuring that fuel lines, hoses, and gaskets are in good condition and do not leak.
• Absorbent pads: Placing absorbent pads in the bilge can act as a simple method to separate oil from water. These pads absorb oil before it is pumped overboard, and they should be changed frequently and disposed of at appropriate facilities.
• Filtration systems: Installing a filtration system can effectively remove oil from bilge water before it is discharged overboard.
• Spill response plan: Marinas that store large amounts of petroleum are required to have a Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) Plan. This plan outlines steps to prevent spills and the necessary actions to contain and remediate them.
• Reporting spills: In the event of a spill, it is crucial to notify the marina or fuel dock, as they should have the necessary equipment, such as absorbent pads and booms, to contain the spill. If a sheen is visible on the water, the U.S. Coast Guard National Response Center must be contacted.
• Avoiding detergent use: It is important to refrain from using detergents or dish soap to hide a spill. While it may disperse the oil, it increases toxicity and makes cleanup more challenging.
• Land-based maintenance: Whenever possible, boat maintenance and cleaning should be performed on land. This prevents chemicals, dirt, and dust from directly contaminating water bodies.

Poorly maintained sanitary waste systems

Boats with installed toilets are required to have a sanitation system to control pollution. These systems consist of an installed toilet, a waste-treating device (MSD), and/or a holding tank.

There are several types of MSDs:

• Type I: These devices treat liquid waste using chlorine tablets, UV disinfection, or other methods. They are usually flow-through discharge devices.
• Type II: These are biological or aerobic digestion-based systems that produce effluent with a low count of fecal coliform bacteria and suspended solids. They achieve better treatment levels than Type I devices due to their biological component.
• Type III: These are holding tanks that do not treat sewage onboard. They are designed to store sewage effluent and prevent its discharge overboard.

It is important to note that federal law prohibits discharging untreated sewage in inland or coastal waters. Even treated sewage discharge is restricted in certain areas, known as "No Discharge Areas." To comply with regulations, it is crucial to properly maintain and secure these sanitary waste systems.

However, if these systems are poorly maintained, they can significantly increase bacteria and nutrient levels in the water. Raw sewage, for example, increases the Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), contributing to lower oxygen levels and the growth of harmful algae blooms (HABs). These blooms block sunlight penetration, further decreasing oxygen levels. The excess phosphorus and nitrogen from sewage also harm fish and other aquatic life, making it difficult for them to survive.

To prevent these issues, boat owners should regularly empty and clean their holding tanks, using proper cleaning solutions and deodorizers. Additionally, pumpout facilities are available at onshore or mobile locations to help manage waste. By following these practices and regulations, boat owners can help reduce water pollution caused by poorly maintained sanitary waste systems.

Boat cleaning products

Boat owners often want to keep their boats in pristine condition, but the use of cleaning agents and other chemicals can be a major source of water pollution. These include cleaning agents and soaps, such as oil spill disbursers, degreasers, and laundry detergents, as well as personal care products like shampoos and body cleansers.

To reduce the impact of boat cleaning products on the environment, boat owners can take several measures. Firstly, they can opt for non-toxic cleaning products that do not harm humans or aquatic life. Vinegar, lemon juice, baking soda, cream of tartar, and borax are examples of kitchen ingredients that can be used for eco-smart and cost-effective boat cleaning. Additionally, boat maintenance and cleaning should be done away from the water whenever possible, and any dust, waste, or paint chips should be collected and disposed of properly to prevent them from entering water bodies.

By being mindful of the products used and properly managing waste, boat owners can play a crucial role in minimising water pollution and protecting marine ecosystems.

Construction at marinas

To reduce activities that cause nonpoint source pollution, marinas should be located and designed so that natural flushing regularly renews marina waters. In addition, predevelopment water quality and habitat assessments should be conducted to protect ecologically valuable areas. Grass and ground cover planting or, where necessary, structural stabilization measures can help prevent erosion during and after marina construction.

Stormwater runoff can be controlled by implementing pollution prevention strategies and properly containing hull maintenance areas. Marina fueling and sewage collection stations should be maintained and designed to make cleanup of spills easier.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has identified the following potential environmental impacts from boating and marinas: high toxicity in the water; increased pollutant concentrations in aquatic organisms and sediments; increased erosion rates; increased nutrients, leading to an increase in algae and a decrease in oxygen (eutrophication); and high levels of pathogens.

Garbage discharge

Boats contribute to water pollution in several ways, including the discharge of garbage and other waste. Garbage discharge from boats can cause distinct water quality problems in lakes, rivers, and coastal waters.

Boats generate various types of waste, including plastic refuse, food waste, sewage, and hazardous substances such as oils and fuels. Improper disposal of these wastes into water bodies can have detrimental effects on the environment. To address this issue, regulations and guidelines have been put in place to manage waste disposal and minimize the impact on aquatic ecosystems.

In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has identified boating and marinas as potential sources of environmental impacts, including high toxicity in the water and increased nutrient levels, leading to eutrophication and oxygen depletion. To mitigate these impacts, the EPA recommends proper marina planning and educating boaters about environmentally friendly practices.

Boaters can take several measures to reduce pollution from garbage discharge. These include having sturdy trash and recycling containers with lids on their boats, properly disposing of waste at designated facilities, and participating in cleanup events. Additionally, boaters should avoid dumping plastic refuse and garbage mixed with plastic into the water, as this is prohibited by the U.S. Coast Guard regulations.

Furthermore, boats over a certain length are required to have a Waste Management Plan. This plan outlines the procedures for handling and disposing of different types of waste, including garbage, sewage, and hazardous substances. By following these plans and regulations, boaters can help reduce the pollution caused by garbage discharge and contribute to the protection of aquatic environments.

Frequently asked questions