Peggy,

Did Senate bill 29 pass in Alabama? If it did do you know if the regulations for this bill have been issued? The bill staed that vessels would have annual inspections but I have not heard anything about these.

Thanks

What IS AL senate bill 29? I can't find any reference to it on any of the AL legislative sites.

Last year, AL did sign into law sanitation legislation (including in the Clean Boating Act 2001-59) that's supposed to go into effect Oct 1 of this year. But it's nothing to get excited about unless you think you should have the right to flush raw sewage directly overboard, 'cuz it's just about word-for-word the same as the federal marine sanitation law as set forth in 40 CFR 140 that AL is one of the last states in the country to decide to enforce.

Peggy,

You azre right this did become Act 2002-59. This is the section that I was concerned about that has to do with inspections. If they are going to start inspecting on 10/1 I would think they will need a some sort of regulations as to who do you call, how to arrange for an inspection, what and how are they going to inspect, etc.


Section 6. Every recreational vessel required to be registered in Alabama or residence boat on the waters of this state having a marine sanitation device installed on board shall be inspected annually by the department in the county where the recreational vessel or residence boat is domiciled or located to assure that the recreational vessel or residence boat is in compliance with the provisions of this act and department rules. When a recreational vessel or residence boat
meets the requirements of the department, an annual inspection decal will be issued. This decal shall be placed on the port side of the hull of each recreational vessel and shall be placed on the residence boat in a position to be clearly visible from the water. The department may, at the request of a recreational vessel or residence boat owner and as part of an ongoing public educational program, conduct courtesy inspections of recreational vessels and residence boats for 8
compliance with the provisions of this act and may, in its sole discretion, provide warning citations under such circumstances as it deems appropriate. The department may, at the end of five years from the effective date of this act, establish by regulation, a reasonable fee not to exceed fifty 13
dollars ($50) for the conduct of any mandatory annual inspections pertaining to the provisions of this act, which fees shall be credited to the State Water Safety Fund.

If it works the way it does in most states, you don't call them...they'll just surprise you by showing up for a random inspection. GA added a space on the registration form...fill it out and add the fee when you register the boat for the first time, renew, or transfer registration.

So I wouldn't worry too much about how to get your boat inspected, only make sure it'll pass an inspection. That means a holding tank in "no discharge" waters (non-navigable inland lakes and some areas on navigable waters) and/or a CG certified Type I or II MSD (treatment device--Type I if your boat is under 66', Type II if 66' or longer) on all navigable waters.

Peggy -- This subject sort of got my attention because my wife and I recently purchased a 44 foot Gibson Standard and during my snooping and "learning what we got here" excercises, I found that both foreward and aft heads (both electric) are equipped with macerators and below water line discharge. The discharge lines are equipped with sea cocks which are in the off position, where they will stay. Are you familiar with Minnesota maritime laws or is this a federal situation that I may be concerned with? I am perfectly happy with pulling out the raw water supply system and using on board fresh water to flush straight to the holding tank, as the mighty Mississippi river water does turn a little ripe after a few days in the tank, even with an additive.The boat had seen little use for two years and these systems need to be excercised to operate properly -- so if the Minnesota DNR, or Coast Guard were to go through the boat, would I have a problem with the waste system? Thankyou

There's nothing illegal about a below waterline thru-hull to supply flush water to the toilet...many toilets use "raw" flush water.

However, it is illegal under federal law--and most state laws too--to discharge raw untreated waste--iow, flush a toilet directly overboard or dump a tank--within 3 miles of the entire US coastline...which means that in MN, you're at least 700 miles from the nearest place you can legally use the macerator. In some states, it's even illegal for the boat to be equipped with the capability to flush directly overboard or dump a tank...I'm not familar with the specifics of MN law, but if I were you I'd find out what it says.

However, whether you can legally keep it installed or not, you can't use the macerator, y-valves etc...and it doesn't do any equipment any good to sit unused...lack of use is far more destructive than heavy constant use. And if you are boarded and inspected, the legal beagle who sees 'em is gonna make the same assumption I would--the only reason to have any equipment installed that you can't legally use within 700 miles is because you intend to use it illegally.

But since you're on the MS River and not in the Great Lakes, you CAN install a Type I MSD (CG certified device that treats waste and discharges it overboard legally) and make use of that thru-hull and seacock. You'd only need to use your holding tank if/when you decide to make your way to the Great Lakes or visit a "no discharge" harbor or marina. Check out the Lectra/San and PuraSan on the Raritan website at http://www.raritaneng.com Treatment is a MUCH better solution to onboard waste, from both a convenience and an environmental standpoint, than holding tanks.

Btw...you might want to check out the _link_ in my signature.

Alabama Senate bill, Alabama at this point has no intention of enforcing the bill as to inspections, they have no one that can inspect, Garner who is in charge of the Marine police says it is dead as they do not have funding for it. The thing is unenforceable anyway as you can put a potapotti on the deck and that is it. You could even have a bucket and be legal. Federal law will apply. I was going in the direction of getting the bill unsigned but upon the advice of a very wise lady, I withdrew that and notified the Governor of same. You will not see the (as they are saying they will be called)the Portapotti police anytime soon. I will keep board members posted as I am involved with this and the agencies involved.

Peggy -- I have looked at the waste removal configuration at both heads on the boat and have determined that the y-valve is the major constrictor in both areas and a definate cause of possible trouble. This can be safely removed but nothing can be done about the sea cock. Is there a safe way to permenantly disable the sea cock in such a manner as to allay any suspicions from an inspecting official? It would seem to me that if all connecting lines were removed, anyone (pottypatrol) in there right mind would see that to re-connect would be a major pain in the butt. I am not asking for a legal definition here, just some "kind of peace of mind" call to help me sleep.
As to the macerators, I will in no way consider the removal of these units. They have a very distinct purpose, are integral to the toilet, and when waste is pumped through them, directly to an on board holding tank, I think the intended purpose has been fulfilled in a safe and conscientious manner. Am I off _base_ here and looking for trouble?