Going Coastal maps pump outs for Hudson River Boaters
No one wants to fish, swim or boat in polluted water. The health of the Hudson River is constantly threatened by pollution. Sewage discharges from vessels can degrade water quality, adversely affect public health and wildlife, and close beaches.
BROOKLYN, NY, August 20, 2010
Boaters should be aware that all New York waters of the Hudson River are designated as no-discharge zones, where the discharge of treated or untreated boat sewage is prohibited. 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.Using pumpout stations is an easy way to protect New York�EUR 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 40 pumpout facilities on the Hudson River. 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.
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 coasts 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.