Marinas 



***By the winter of 1988-1989, initiate a comprehensive inter-agency study program to 

 develop policies and plans to control sewage discharges from boats. The study group tasks 

 should include: 



a) designation of critically sensitive poorly flushed coves and embayments where 

 illegal discharge of untreated sewage from boats is significantly contributing to 

 shellfish closures, habitat alterations, or reduced recreational use; 



b) review of the literature on the use of pumpout facilities by boaters; assessment of 

 behavioral issues, locational factors of key concern, and institutional constraints; 

 application of findings to Narragansett Bay 



c) preparation of an inventory of currentiy available pumpout facilities around 

 Narragansett Bay, their condition and capacity, and their present and anticipated 

 levels and patterns of use 



d) review of issues surrounding potential disposal of waste from pumpout facilities, 

 including capacity of treatment facilities and effects on those facilities of additives 

 used in boat waste holding tanks 



e) recommendation of sensitive embayments, constricted areas, or other poorly flushed 

 areas to be designated as "no discharge areas" 



h) assessment of the need to restrict anchorage in sensitive areas 



f) development of a monitoring strategy to be used in quantifying the impact of boat 



waste on critical areas, and in testing effectiveness of a pilot "no-discharge" 

 program 



g) review of boater education programs applied in other states to raise the level of 

 boaters' awareness regarding sewage disposal, solid waste disposal, use of 

 petroleum products, and use of chemical products such as anti-fouling paints and 

 cleaning solvents 



Using the findings of the study: 



**In cooperation with EPA the Coast Guard, and public boating service organizations such 

 as the Coast Guard Auxiliary, initiate a major education program aimed at 

 familiarizing boaters, harbor masters and marina operators with the effects 

 of non-point sources associated with marinas and boat use. Encourage boaters 

 to use MSDs and pump-out stations, and provide clear information on location of facilities 

 and procedures for use. 



**Initiate an education program to encourage good housekeeping practices 

 at marina sites. Oil spills can be minimized by equipping fuel pumps with nozzles 

 preventing overflow. Careful maintenance of pumps, hoses, and other fueling equipment 

 can reduce spills, and strict enforcement of anti-Uttering regulations can discourage 

 Uttering. Encourage marina operators to use protective vegetative buffer strips, 

 landscaping, and porous pavement or gravel to reduce runoff. 



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