The State of Maryland holds many opportunities for boaters. With more than 17,000 miles of streams and rivers flowing into the Chesapeake Bay and 33 lakes with boating access, you can enjoy fresh or salt water recreation and see hundreds of different plants and animals. There's a lot to enjoy!
Unfortunately, these waterways are not entirely healthy. One of the biggest problems is that too many nutrients are going into the Chesapeake Bay's waters. These nutrients come from a wide variety of sources, ranging from manure from farms, to failing sewage treatment plants, and acid rain. Boats pumping human sewage directly overboard also contribute to the nutrient problem and can be a significant source of bacteria in areas where they gather and where there is little flushing of the waters. But, boaters can do something about this problem by properly disposing of their waste. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has developed a sewage disposal program through which sewage disposal stations for boats are installed at marinas. This program also provides information that boaters need in order to help, regardless of the size of their boat.
Tips for protecting our waterways
Use onshore restrooms when docked.
Report broken pumpout stations or changes to this information to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Water Resources Unit 410-260-8770.
Choose enzyme-based deodorizers for waste in holding tanks or portable toilets.
Avoid holding tank products that contain quarternary ammonium compounds (QAC) and formaldehyde. These products may disrupt sewage treatment plants.
Share this information with another boater.
What does the law say about proper disposal of sewage?
It is illegal to discharge raw sewage from a boat in Maryland waters.
If your boat has an installed toilet, federal law requires a U.S. Coast Guard approved marine sanitation device (MSD). If you have a Type I or II MSD, it must have a certification label.
The MSD either treats the waste and discharges it into the water (a Type I or II MSD), or holds the waste to be pumped ashore later using a Type III MSD). Because Type IIIs keep waste out of the water, they are the best environmental option.
Federal law states that if you have a holding tank for untreated waste with a "Y" valve, it must be secured in the closed position while operating in U.S. waters. Using a non-releasable wire tie, padlock, or removal of the valve handle is considered adequate securing of the device. You are not required to have an installed toilet on your boat and many people choose a portable toilet for their boat.
What do I need to do?
In order to keep sewage out of the water, you'll need some equipment on your boat. If you want to retrofit your boat, read the booklet entitled "Sewage Holding Tank Systems for Recreational Boats", by the American Boat and Yacht Council (410-956-1050) in cooperation with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. This booklet provides guidance about type and size of tanks, hoses, fittings, and plumbing arrangements best for you. Recent articles in national boating magazines will also help. The DNR website offers the Maryland boater an online "Pumpout Systems Guide."
Pumping a boat's holding tank:
Since different machines vary slightly, read and follow posted directions. In general, here's how it works:
Remove cap from boat's deck waste fitting.
Insert pumpout hose nozzle into deck fitting. (You may need an adapter to make it fit. Marinas generally have them available. They are also for sale in boat stores.)
Turn pump on. If there is a hose valve, open it to start suction.
When waste is no longer seen in sight glass, close hose valve and remove nozzle from deck fitting.
Put nozzle (with open valve) in bucket of water for 15 seconds to rinse hose. If desired, rinse boat's tank with water and pump dry.
Close valve. Put away hose. Turn off pump if requested. (Some are on timers.) Replace deck fitting cap.
First Timers:
When you want to pump out your boat for the first time, ASK FOR HELP. It is no more difficult than pumping gasoline, but facilities and machinery do vary. Generally the machines have instructions--if not, ask the manager to post them. In some marinas, dock staff will pump out the tank for you.
Portable Toilets:
Portable toilets are generally made of three compartments: the bowl, the fresh water tank, and the waste container. Emptying the waste container isn't hard.
Some marinas have a separate dumping station just for portable toilets. Others use their standard pumpout machinery with a different hose attachment for portables.
If you cannot find an onshore dumping station, you can take the waste container home and dispose of the waste down your toilet. Just remember to dilute it, particularly if your home is connected to a septic system. You can also ask the marina if you can use their onshore restrooms, but do not do so without permission.
Locating a Pumpout Station Near You
Each site offering pumpout services of some kind is listed as a number on the map. Each listing has the name of the facility, location by body of water, hours of operation, estimated water depth at the pumpout, fee, and phone number. We hope this online information helps boaters using Maryland waters to easily find facilities that are convenient and easy to use.
This list was compiled in June of 1996 and is believed to be accurate. However, it is recommended that you call ahead to verify the availability of services and other information.
KEY:
( X') Depth is reported at the pumpout facility at low tide.
( / ) Facility has dump station or facility for emptying portable toilets.
( * ) Open during off season
( ^ ) Overhead clearance to get to facility is limited.
Ft. Washington Marina -- Potomac River/Piscataway Creek (24 hours - 6' - $5 fee) 301-292-7700
Sweden Point Marina -- Potomac River/Mattawoman Creek (24 hours - 3' - FREE) 301-743-7613 ( / )
Goose Bay Marina -- Port Tobacco River/Goose Creek (9-5 W-Su - 3' -$5 fee) 301-934-3812 ( / )
Port Tobacco Marina -- Potomac River/Port Tobacco River (8:30-6 M-F, 9-6 S-Su - 4' - $5 fee) 301-932-1407
