New York Safe Boating - 2020 - 41

Aquatic Invasive Species

The discharge of sewage from the head of your boat
can ruin the recreational value of the waterway for beach
bathing, swimming, water skiing and snorkeling. Sewage
discharge will also contribute to the degradation of the
marine environment by introducing disease-causing
microorganisms into the waterways. Sewage released in the
vicinity of shellfish beds also poses a public health problem.
Ingesting contaminated shellfish can lead to diseases such as
dysentery, infectious hepatitis, and typhoid fever.

Aquatic invasive species (AIS) are non-native, harmful
aquatic plants, animals, insects or diseases that negatively
impact the environment, economy or human health. They
can be spread from one waterbody to another via clothing,
fishing gear, boats, and any other items used in the water
by boaters. When traveling to another body of water, these
aquatic hitchhikers may be accidentally introduced as they
like to hide in places such as the hull, live well, prop or trailer.
If AIS take up residence, they can cause or contribute to
habitat degradation and loss, as well as the the loss of native
fish, native wildlife, recreational opportunities and reduce
property values.

Different waterways have different rules regarding the type
of MSD allowed. All heads that discharge sewage overboard
are illegal on every waterway in New York State. The
discharge of gray water-wastewater from showers or sinks-
is also prohibited on some lakes. Consult with local officials
in the area where you boat.

Zebra mussels are a familiar aquatic invasive species to
many people in the northeast. These freshwater mussels
were originally brought over to the Great Lakes via ballast
water from ships in the 1980s, but are now spread by all
types of watercraft and recreational gear. The larvae are so
small that they can be transported to new bodies of water via
bait buckets and live wells without ever being seen. Zebra
mussels have quite a big impact as they outcompete native
mussels, alter food webs, clog pipes, foul beaches, degrade
water quality and much more.

If the body of water you're boating prohibits the discharge
of treated or untreated sewage, you must disable the MSD
in a manner that prevents any discharge. Some acceptable
methods are:

	padlocking overboard discharge valves in the closed
position;

	using a nonreleasable wire tie to hold overboard
discharge valves in the closed position;

	closing overboard discharge valves and removing the

To help protect our waters, New York State has enacted
regulations to combat the spread of invasive species. The
regulations require that anyone launching or retrieving

handle; and

	locking the entrance to the space enclosing the toilets.

To find the nearest pump out service, check out the following website:
NYS Environmental Facilities Corporation: www.efc.ny.gov
Any land locked lake located
completely within the borders
of New York, State Canal
System

No discharge of any sewage is permitted. All marine sewage must be kept
onboard the boat in a Type III MSD and pumped ashore at a marine pump
out facility.

The waters of Canandaigua
Lake, Skaneateles Lake,
Greenwood Lake (Orange
County), or Lake George

Any boat equipped with a toilet, sink, tub, etc. which results in the drainage
of any waste water whatsoever must have all such material drain into a
holding tank. The holding tank must be drained ashore at a marine pump
out facility. Any overboard lines from such a system must be either sealed
or removed.

The Great Lakes, Long Island
Sound or any tidal water

Boats may discharge sewage overboard only after it has been treated in
a US COAST GUARD certified Type I or II MSD. A Type I MSD may not be
used on boats over 65 feet in length.

Hudson River up to Albany,
many bays and inlets on Long
Island

Localities located in tidal areas may adopt a No-discharge zone provided
they follow the requirements of both federal and state law. Consult with
local officials in these areas.

Lake Champlain

Boaters may not discharge sewage. All marine sewage must be kept
onboard the boat in a Type III MSD and pumped ashore at a marine pump
out facility. All overboard discharge valves have to be secured and any
overboard lines must be disconnected and removed and any overboard
opening sealed shut.
41
http://www.efc.ny.gov
New York Safe Boating - 2020

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