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36 ■ Chapter 4 Waste, Oil, and Trash Disposal in Nebraska ◆ It is illegal to discharge waste, oil or trash into any state or federally controlled waters. This is for very good reasons: • Sewage carries disease and other pollutants that are harmful to people, aquatic plants and animals. • Trash thrown into the water can injure swimmers and wildlife alike. It can also plug engine cooling water intakes. • Pollution is unsightly and takes away from your enjoyment of the water. ◆ Vessel operators need to be aware of the following regulations for waste, oil and trash disposal that apply to both federally controlled and state waters. The Refuse Act prohibits throwing, discharging or depositing any refuse matter of any kind (including trash, garbage, oil, and other liquid pollutants) into the waters of the United States. Discharge of Sewage and Waste Nebraska law states that it is unlawful to place, leave or discharge waste or waste containers into or near any Nebraska waters. ◆ Every vessel with an installed toilet must have an operable U.S. Coast Guard- certified marine sanitation device (MSD) Type I, II or III. ◆ The types of MSDs are: • Type III MSD, the simplest and most common, consists of holding tanks or portable toilets. It requires only a small storage space and is simple to operate. Type III MSDs have the least effect on the environment because the waste is discharged on shore into a local sewage treatment facility or at a sewage pump-out station. • Types I and II MSDs are usually found on large vessels. Waste is treated with special chemicals to kill bacteria before the waste is discharged. Types I and II MSDs with "Y" valves that direct the waste overboard must be secured in the closed position by a padlock, non-releasable wire tie or removal of the handle, so that the valve can't be used either accidentally or intentionally. ◆ All installed MSDs must be U.S. Coast Guard-certified. Discharge of Trash The Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships places limitations on the discharge of garbage from vessels. It is illegal to dump refuse, garbage or plastics into any state or federally controlled waters. ◆ You must store trash in a container on board, and place it in a proper receptacle after returning to shore. ◆ If boating on federal waters, you must display a Garbage Disposal Placard in a prominent location on vessels 26 feet or longer. The Garbage Disposal Placard is a durable sign at least 4 x 9 inches that notifies passengers and crew about discharge restrictions. Pump-Out Station Sign Signs like these are posted at pump-out stations in Nebraska. Pump-Out Station Typical Marine Sanitation Device Garbage Disposal Placard Drainage to pump-out station "Y" valve must be sealed so waste cannot be discharged into the water Copyright © 2014 Boat Ed, www.boat-ed.com