Holding Tanks (are they required by law?)

[Douglas McMullin]

Im trying to figure out if I am required by law to have a holding tank on my CD25. (Located in Maine)

What are the rules about this? I understand the need for a holding tank, but I almost never use the head on this boat for anything. Can I take the damn thing out? (It would be nice to have the extra space)

Douglas McMullin
Swans Island Maine.



dmcm@pctech.net

[Walt Bilofsky]

Im trying to figure out if I am required by law to have a holding tank on my CD25. (Located in Maine)

What are the rules about this? I understand the need for a holding tank, but I almost never use the head on this boat for anything. Can I take the damn thing out?

You can't take the holding tank out unless you take the head out too.

Federal regulations require any vessel with an installed toilet to have an MSD (marine sanitation device), either Type I or II (which treat the waste before discharge) or Type III, which is a holding tank.

It is illegal to pump untreated waste overboard inland or within 3 miles of the coast. In addition, many areas, including basically all fresh water lakes, are declared "No Discharge" which means even treated waste can't be pumped overboard. In these areas, a holding tank is a must (if you want to use your head), even if you have a Type I or II device, and any device capable of pumping waste overboard must be secured to prevent discharge. Here in San Francisco Bay, I have a nylon tie-wrap securing the shutoff valve to my macerator pump.

Bottom line - don't remove your holding tank. If you have overboard discharge capability, check with the Coast Guard or state boating authority in your area to see what the local requirements and enforcement practices are.

For more info on MSD's and No Discharge zones, see <a href="http://boatsafe.com/nauticalknowhow/boating/4_2_f.htm"> this useful page</a> on <a href="http://boatsafe.com/">boatsafe.com</a>.

- Walt Bilofsky
Master, Inland Waters, Steam and Power to 50 Tons



bilofsky@toolworks.com