Pumpout Maps for Erie Canal Boaters

PRLog (Press Release) - Jun. 9, 2011 - No one wants to fish, swim or boat in polluted water. The health and value of the Hudson River is constantly threatened by pollution from industry, agriculture, and urbanization. Sewage discharges from vessels can degrade water quality, adversely affect public health and wildlife, and close swimming beaches.

The amount of bacterial pollution from one weekend boater's discharge of untreated sewage is equal to the amount from the treated sewage of 10,000 people during the same time period, according to the U.S. EPA. Boaters should be aware that all New York waters of the Erie Canal are designated as no‐discharge zones, where the discharge of treated or untreated boat sewage is prohibited.

Using pumpout stations is an easy way to protect New York’s environment and natural resources. A pumpout safely removes sewage from a ships holding tank, preventing contamination of our local waters and aquatic life. So, by helping keep the Hudson River clean, you may be lucky enough to see a sturgeon or catch a striped bass at your leisure.

Going Coastal, a grassroots nonprofit, has created a handy postcard sized map showing the exact locations of the over 68 pumpout facilities on the Erie Canal. The program is modeled after Going Coastal’s successful New York Harbor and Long Island pumpout awareness raising campaigns, which have informed over 100,000 boaters about accessible, free pumpouts in New York's waters since 2005. Maps are available at marinas and boating clubs. There is also an online version of the map at http://www.goingcoastal.org.

To help keep our waters clean, the Clean Vessel Act Program (CVA), passed by Congress in 1992, provides funds for construction and operation of sewage pumpout stations and dump stations for recreational boats, as well as for information and education programs that encourage boaters to use pumpouts. This pumpout map project was funded through a Clean Vessel Act grant provided by the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation.

Going Coastal, Inc. raises awareness of the coast’s immense value, promotes access and fosters stewardship through outreach and education programs, regional pumpout maps, clean marina initiatives, kayak maps, fishing line recycling, maritime cultural heritage surveys, eco‐caching trails, and book publishing. Their EPA Quality Award‐winning waterfront access guide “Going Coastal NYC” provides the full panorama of our urban coast. Find all of these resources on the website: http://www.goingcoastal.org.

Photo:
http://www.prlog.org/11532545/1