MSD Type 1 when docked ? Purasan, etc.

[Webzurfer]

This is not stictly a Liveaboard question, but this is where I will start.
I have been a part-time live aboard for a year and a half and after pouring through post after post and search after Internet search I had just about decided to install a Purasan Type 1 MSD, instead of a composting toilet.
This morning I learned that in Oregon, discharge from a Type 1 is allowed ONLY WHILE UNDERWAY. While underway, perfectly legal for all waters that are not designated NDZ. I have not yet directly contacted the State Marine Board or DEQ, but the words WHILE UNDERWAY are in italics in the Oregon Clean Marina Handbook.

So, I guess I am back to either maintaining and using a holding tank while docked or installing composting toilet.

Is this situation common? Suggestions?

Peggy, if you are reading this I have about devoured the content if your postings on this subject, and I thank you!

[Lepke]

I also live aboard. If you have power, an Incinolet beats the discharge problem. They run on 120 or 240v, but 2x what a excellent marine toilet cost. About $2000. Each flush is about 1 kwh.You have to run a exhaust vent in plastic pipe. When on shore power I use about $50/month electricity for everything. I have my boat setup so I can run off the inverter when cruising.
Incinolet uses a liner and flushing consists of stepping on a pedal, the liner drops into a burn pot where it and it's cargo is consumed. The remains are gray ash. There is no sewage smell, plumbing, or holding tank.
It's easier to follow the rules than deal with the aftermath of breaking them.

[HopCar]

Take a look at Raritan's Hold and Treat system. It allows you to hold the black water until it's legal to discharge it. If you're at the dock for a long time and your tank fills, it gives you an excuse to take a little cruise!

If you decide to go with a Raritan product, I'd love to have the chance to quote you on it.

[skipmac]

Not just Oregon. There are lots of areas on the east coast that are zero discharge zones. Doesn't matter how treated you can't discharge the results.

Then in the same area the local cities are dumping millions of gallons of completely untreated sewage but that's another story.

[ranger58sb]

Originally Posted by skipmac

Not just Oregon. There are lots of areas on the east coast that are zero discharge zones. Doesn't matter how treated you can't discharge the results.

I think that doesn't speak to OP's question... about whether its commonly legal in other US jurisdictions to discharge while NOT in an NDZ and NOT underway?

-Chris

[Webzurfer]

Thank you for your inputs. The most recent reply, from Ranger42 is right-on.
Nearly everything written about MSD Type 1 devices (and specifically the Purasan and Electro San) lead me to believe that they are acceptable and legal EVERYWHERE other than federal NDZ. There are no such NDZ in the Pacific Northwest.
So my lesson and word to the wise is be sure to look into state and local regulations.
I would still appreciate input regarding if the discharge of treated waste (as with a Type 1) is commonly prohibited in many or most marinas. And to repeat, as apparently prohibited in all marinas in Oregon, under state law.

Now to determine if a composting toilet MUST be a certified device. Not all the composers advertise as being Cerified by USCG...

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by Webzurfer

I would still appreciate input regarding if the discharge of treated waste (as with a Type 1) is commonly prohibited in many or most marinas. And to repeat, as apparently prohibited in all marinas in Oregon, under state law.

I have never used a Purasan type I so I don't know exactly what the treated waste looks and smells like but my gut reaction would be discharging even treated waste in a marina would not be terribly appealing to your neighbors.

Unless or until I learned it was completely clean, odorless and not esthetically objectionable I would dump the waste away from the marina.

[Hudson Force]

Current and tidal flow vary greatly among marinas. I believe some locations for a marina, such as at the end of a canal, would be more sensitive to these effluents than those out in open flowing water. 'depends on the situation.

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by Hudson Force

Current and tidal flow vary greatly among marinas. I believe some locations for a marina, such as at the end of a canal, would be more sensitive to these effluents than those out in open flowing water. 'depends on the situation.

Good point.

But I would still wait before dumping if the neighbors were sitting in their cockpit with cocktails, regardless of the currents.

[roverhi]

Have lived aboard with an Electrosan. If at all possible used the Marina Heads and almost exclusively for dumps. Occasionally used the boats head for the middle of the night or morning piss. Using the Marina's heads was not big thing, just one of the joys of living aboard. If you do end up with a long term marina stay might try and get a slip convenient to the facilities. At times just pissed in a bottle and dumped it in the shore heads. With all the kids and homeless pissing in the water, your additions don't and won't make a difference.

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by roverhi

With all the kids and homeless pissing in the water, your additions don't and won't make a difference.

And the fish. Don't forget the fish.

[Webzurfer]

Peter, I love that approach.
My Lady Friend also has a nice, "liveaboard" boat and her marina has bathrooms, shower, laundry...etc.
we use the the marina's heads exclusively, except for a middle of the night pee. It is not a hassle and I agree it adds to the "community experience" of being in a good marina.
My marina is in a better location, but offers nothing and does not want to further encourage liveabiards. We contract with a mobile service for pump out, but for about the cost of a year's service I could upgrade the boat to a zero-discharge solution.

And, SkipJac it is not just the fish, it is also the geese! Hundreds of them, each with a daily discharge as large a a human, I would say...

[psneeld]

Check the EPA website for NDZs...


If not in one...either Purisan or Electroscan perfectly legal...sitting or underway...though some local jurisdictions try to go beyond that and that is a debatable legal ramification.


No Discharge Zones (NDZs) | Vessel Water Discharge | US EPA

[bstreep]

As others have said, our Purasan is completely legal in our marina. But we think it would be rude to flush even a treated dump overboard. Look at the treat and hold system.



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[Lepke]

I few months ago, Washington state was considering a no discharge zone including all of Puget Sound. I don't know where that went.