This guidance has been developed through inquiries made to appropriate government agencies, public and private marina operator associations, marina designers, naval architects and environmental scientists, as well as pumpout equipment manufacturers. In this way, the opinion of many of those concerned with marine sanitation pumpout equipment and usage has been considered. The guidance of the working group has been crafted by analyzing the responses of all these sources and, therefore, represents a broad spectrum of know-how and experience.
Although the guidance draws heavily upon experience with pumpout equipment, usage and regulation in the United States, it is only by way of example. It is believed that this experience parallels that of other leading boating market countries and is thus universally representative.
This document uses certain terms which may create confusion. Although the word marine”” is used in the title, it is not meant to exclude inland or freshwaters. Basically, this report should apply to any situation in which pleasure craft waste holding tanks are emptied by a shoreside pumping system. The word “”sewage” unless otherwise stated, means wastes associated with toilets (black water). Grey water which is considered as having less ecological and public health impact is not covered in this report. The report also does not address bilge water discharges.
This guidance is not intended to take precedence over professional engineering judgment or practice, It is also not intended to supersede or otherwise lessen responsibility for complying with local codes or standards. Nor is it intended to create conflict with other international accepted standards or best management practices. Furthermore, given the diversity of marina designs, layouts and individual environmental requirements, the application of this information should be appropriately interpreted to consider site-specific factors.
