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37 Chapter 4 ■ Discharge of Oil and Other Hazardous Substances Regulations issued under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act require all vessels with propulsion machinery to have a capacity to retain oil mixtures on board. ◆ You are not allowed to discharge oil or hazardous substances. The penalty for illegal discharge may be a fine up to $10,000. ◆ You are not allowed to dump oil into the bilge of the vessel without means for proper disposal. Fuel spills can be removed using absorbent bilge pads. ◆ You must discharge oil waste to a reception facility. On recreational vessels, a bucket or bailer is adequate. ◆ You must immediately notify the National Response Center if your vessel discharges oil or hazardous substances in the water. Call the toll-free number 800-424-8802 and report the discharge's location, color, source, substances, size, and time observed. ◆ If boating on federal waters and your vessel is 26 feet or longer, you must display a 5-by-8-inch sign made of durable material. The sign must be in a conspicuous place in the machinery spaces, or at the bilge pump control stat ion, stating the following: Discharge of Oil Prohibited The Federal Water Pollution Control Act prohibits the discharge of oil or oily waste upon or into any navigable waters of the U.S. The prohibition includes any discharge which causes a film or discoloration of the surface of the water or causes a sludge or emulsion beneath the surface of the water. Violators are subject to substantial civil and/or criminal sanctions including fines and imprisonment. Waste Management Plan ◆ Federal law requires ocean going vessels of 40 feet or longer with a galley and berth to have a written Waste Management Plan. ◆ The captain of the vessel is responsible for implementing the Waste Management Plan. ◆ The Waste Management Plan, identifying the vessel's name and home port, should be posted and include directives to all passengers and/or crew about: • Discharge of sewage and hazardous substances • Discharge of garbage and other food waste • Disposal of plastics, bottles, and cans • Applicable placards for additional information • Advising the captain in case of oily discharges or diesel spills. Oil Discharge Placard A 5 x 8-inch sign that states the law pertaining to oil discharge What To Do in Case of Discharge If your vessel discharges oil or hazardous substances into the water, notify the National Response Center by calling: • 1-800-424-8802. Stop the Spread of Nuisance Species! Introducing non-native species into Nebraska waters can upset the balance of the ecosystem, thereby harming the environment. Aquatic nuisance species, such as zebra mussels, quagga mussels, milfoil, and hydrilla, most often spread between waterways by hitching a ride on vessels and trailers. When transplanted into new waters, these organisms proliferate, displacing native species and damaging the water resource. To prevent spreading aquatic nuisance species: • Inspect your vessel and trailer, and remove any plants and animals you see before leaving the area. • Drain your motor, live well, and bilge on land before leaving the area. • Empty your bait bucket on land. Never release live bait into a body of water or release aquatic animals from one body of water into another. • Rinse your vessel, propeller, trailer, and equipment. • Air-dry your vessel and equipment for as long as possible. Copyright © 2014 Boat Ed, www.boat-ed.com