Crappy news today, Florida Keys Pumpout stops Jan 31

[Dulcesuenos]

I was just told today that funding is cut, and jan 31 free pump out stops.


Keys faces cuts to free pump-out program | Florida Keys | Waterwayguide.com News Updates

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[rognvald]

Should the Florida taxpayer be responsible for free pump outs for privately owned recreational boats? Will this have an impact on those who use this service? Should we expect an increase in pollution as a direct result? Is there an issue of personal responsibility for those who choose to boat in these waters? These are questions that are relevant to this discussion and need to be answered.

[a64pilot]

Have free pump out stopped, or just a free pump out boat?
I admit a free pump out boat would be nice, a luxury actually and maybe ought to be part of a paid mooring field, not so sure though unless you pay you should get this for free.
Are you in a paid field?

Read the article, sounds like free continues until 2017? I hate to say it, but for reason I own't get into government costs are escalating, it's either go further in debt, raise taxes or cut services, or all three.

Sounds like the free part of the mobile pump out goes away, but I bet it will still be heavily subsidized.
I bet too that free pump outs will still exist, just you will have to go to them, they won't come to you for free.

[oldragbaggers]

Originally Posted by rognvald

Should the Florida taxpayer be responsible for free pump outs for privately owned recreational boats? Will this have an impact on those who use this service? Should we expect an increase in pollution as a direct result? Is there an issue of personal responsibility for those who choose to boat in these waters? These are questions that are relevant to this discussion and need to be answered.

Those who live ashore pay water and sewer charges, why should boaters expect this to be a free service? The idea that the cruising lifestyle should be "free" seems to be a pervasive one. I just hope that this doesn't translate to more polluted anchorages because of people dumping overboard who don't want to pay for the service.

[fstbttms]

Looks to me like the pumpout boat is a commercial operation, funded by a federal grant. If this is the case, they cannot charge more than $10/pumpout. Somehow, I think everybody will survive. Although I expect the pumpout company will be taking a hit. Maybe a big one.

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by oldragbaggers

Those who live ashore pay water and sewer charges, why should boaters expect this to be a free service? The idea that the cruising lifestyle should be "free" seems to be a pervasive one. I just hope that this doesn't translate to more polluted anchorages because of people dumping overboard who don't want to pay for the service.

This is exactly the crux of the matter. I have no problem paying for a pump out, I certainly pay for sewage services at home. However, I also fear that charging will encourage some boaters to dump instead of pump.

[fstbttms]

Originally Posted by skipmac

...charging will encourage some boaters to dump instead of pump.

That's guaranteed, IMHO.

[DumnMad]

Perhaps they discovered that a small quantity of macerated stuff pumped fresh into the seawater is healthier for the environment that sending it through the sewerage system.

[MarkSF]

"Perhaps they discovered that a small quantity of macerated stuff pumped fresh into the seawater is healthier for the environment that sending it through the sewerage system."

Yes, because raw sewage is so much healthier than the treated stuff.

That's why effective treatment of sewage has always been such a step backwards for human health. Not to mention safe drinking water, that's been a nightmare.

[DotDun]

Originally Posted by DumnMad

Perhaps they discovered that a small quantity of macerated stuff pumped fresh into the seawater is healthier for the environment that sending it through the sewerage system.

Ah, apparently not much experience with the US EPA. I doubt that will ever happen. FWIW, the EPA has rules about no dumping of gray water in the Florida Keys. I'm glad there is no one enforcing that on recreational vessels.

[Kenomac]

Every boater has, and has always had the option for free pump out. With any additional fee, boaters will in the future, have a choice of whether or not they wish to pay and where they wish to pump.....


Using an official pump out station only seems to be an issue and concern in the USA and Turkey.

[letsgetsailing3]

Originally Posted by skipmac

This is exactly the crux of the matter. I have no problem paying for a pump out, I certainly pay for sewage services at home. However, I also fear that charging will encourage some boaters to dump instead of pump.

This is why it's in the public interest to subsidize the activity.

[smj]

Originally Posted by DotDun

Ah, apparently not much experience with the US EPA. I doubt that will ever happen. FWIW, the EPA has rules about no dumping of gray water in the Florida Keys. I'm glad there is no one enforcing that on recreational vessels.

Could you provide a link to that? My understanding is the EPA has no regulations concerning the dumping of grey water.

[thomm225]

So are you saying this is crappy news, or news about crap?

[fstbttms]

Originally Posted by smj

My understanding is the EPA has no regulations concerning the dumping of grey water.

You are correct sir!


"...the discharge of graywater from boats into the sea around Florida is currently not prohibited."

Florida FDEP Wastewater - Vessel Discharge