IV-428 



impact is a grossly polluted estuarine system which also affects 

 the portions of the coastal beaches around the mouth. 



Wastes from Watercraft 



Commercial and recreational boating on estuarine waters is the 

 most visible and picturesque water use. These watercraft, however, 

 constitute a continual threat to the quality of the estuarine 

 environment. An ocean liner with 1000 passengers is a small float- 

 ing city and accordingly has wastes that must be discharged. A 

 sailboat represents only one of the millions of pleasure craft 

 in this country and when large numbers of the craft are congregated 

 in a small area, a significant waste source is created. 



The pollutants discharged include sewage, oils, chemicals, and 

 other wastes, not infrequently involving accidental spills of 

 valuable and/or dangerous cargoes. The uncertainty of discharges 

 as to number, time, place, and frequency adds to the hazard and 

 control problem. Recent activities by both Federal and State 

 government agencies to combat pollution from vessels should rectify 

 this situation by requiring waste treatment devices (IV-5-11). 



