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boden36 · 06-09-2010, 18:16

We don't have a holding tank either. Much better to deliver it fresh than use huge amounts of energy pumping it up hill and down dale in order to put it through an ocean outfall.
Fish love poo, they chomp it down and get fat and healthy.
For the officious, we carry a PortaPotti, but have never had to use it.
If we are in a marina we use shore facilities.
The reality of life is that there are certain personality types that seize on issues (any issue), popularize them and then use them as a power base for personal power and prestige. Yachties are a popular target as they are seen as wealthy (untrue as we all know!!). People often like to stop others doing things they can't do themselves.
Regards, Richard.

Sam Plan B · 06-09-2010, 18:52

There is a reason they still sell "Y" valves.

Viking 1 · 06-09-2010, 20:23

THE SOLUTION TO POLLUTION IS DILLUTION

Astrid · 06-09-2010, 20:53

I think there is a sort of domino effect which takes place concerning sneaking a holding tank overboard (or not having one in the first place). It is unfortunate that those who follow regulations by having holding tanks and either use pumpout stations or have waste treatment and go beyond the territorial limit before pumping out, do not draw attention or receive commendations from those in power. The only ones who seem to get noticed are those who do not care to follow regulations.

Many activists may jump on minor problems because it gives them a sense of self worth, while politicians feel they must do something to justify their existence and continued re-elections. It is often easier to take on small groups, such as us in the cruising community, instead of trying to regulate or correct the major polluters--ie cities, industries and so forth . Our numbers are such that we cannot effectively make a stand.

I personally feel, and this is just my opinion, but the actions of a few put the rest of us on the radar screen and makes the entire sailing community the target for the pencil pushers and red tape experts ashore.

Troubadour52993 · 06-09-2010, 21:43

My heads go directly overboard, legal here where I'm cruising. I think it's criminal for cities to regulate boaters and then dump sewage from the city system without penalty, like in Milwaukee 2 billion gallons of sewage, storm water overflowed - JSOnline. It would take a hell of a lot of cruisers to dump 2 billion gallons.

Sam Plan B · 06-09-2010, 21:52

There is a large powerboat in the slip next to me. The boat owner is fond of pointing out that to me that he is using a bio degradable detergent to clean up the accumulated of seagull poop dotting his deck (gulls do love powerboats). He is all for the green movement and is scandalized when I dismiss it as merely the latest new thing. During his discourse said powerboat owner is observed putting away a six pack or two. This inevitably results in the beer running its course, said course terminating over the side and into the Potomac. When nature calls me, I go below to the head and rely on the "Y" valve to keep my holding tank empty. In the event of an inspection, I will have been found to have the "Y" valve properly turned and secured. The powerboat guy will likewise continue with his habits and keep his holding tank empty. There is a certain symmetry to life afloat.

ahnutts! · 06-09-2010, 21:59

I have a tank on my forward head and use it when anchored in marine parks that are "no discharge" areas. Otherwise I pump each poop overboard all by its lonesome. The management at our marina has been talking about putting in a pump out station. If and when they do I will use it. For now I will pump 12 times per poop and feed the crabs.

fstbttms · 06-09-2010, 22:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by Troubadour52993

My heads go directly overboard.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sam Plan B

When nature calls me, I go below to the head and rely on the "Y" valve to keep my holding tank empty. In the event of an inspection, I will have been found to have the "Y" valve properly turned and secured.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ahnutts!

Otherwise I pump each poop overboard all by its lonesome. For now I will pump 12 times per poop and feed the crabs.

Wow. Great attitudes. I'm sure the local hull cleaners love you. Jeezus.

**sarafina** · 06-09-2010, 22:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by ahnutts!

I have a tank on my forward head and use it when anchored in marine parks that are "no discharge" areas. Otherwise I pump each poop overboard all by its lonesome. The management at our marina has been talking about putting in a pump out station. If and when they do I will use it. For now I will pump 12 times per poop and feed the crabs.

grateful I am not sharing a marina with you...

Viking 1 · 06-09-2010, 22:49

In Nanaimo we have a pump out facility - For some reason boats from the Nanaimo Yacht Club come to the BC Parks docks at Newcastle Island (about 5 minutes from the yacht club) and pump their sewage tanks out there into the harbour, instead of at their own marina or using the local pump out facility. This kind of action upsets other responsible boaters so discharge responsibly and respectfully.

Sam Plan B · 07-09-2010, 06:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by Viking 1

This kind of action upsets other responsible boaters so discharge responsibly and respectfully.

That's what it's all about. Right thinking. The quantity of discharge is not the issue. The right attitude about discharge is. Believe in global warming, drink the Coolaid and all is well. Live your own life, think with your own mind and be damned. Yes, I pump my head overboard. That happens once or twice a day. That is what I choose to do.

fstbttms · 07-09-2010, 06:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sam Plan B

Yes, I pump my head overboard. That happens once or twice a day. That is what I choose to do.

So you choose to break the law. A law designed to protect the public health and local ecology. You choose to live aboard but can't be bothered to follow the rules.

osirissail · 07-09-2010, 07:37

There is reality and there is political reality - rarely ever do the two coincide. And political reality rules. The reality of MSD discharge in tidal flushed areas is as stated by others, miniscule. However in "locked" or non-flushing areas, it can be a major factor. So simple common sense works.
- - Political reality states that something must be done about all this water pollution and of course, governments and major political contributing corporations are totally exempt so let's go after the guys without any lobby power and claim loudly we have "solved the problem."