Jump to content

Keep our harbours clean – dispose of boat sewage properly


Recommended Posts

Keep our harbours clean – dispose of boat sewage properly  
 
As the busy boating season begins, boaties are being encouraged to help protect Northland’s harbours by disposing of their sewage properly. 
 
Northland Regional Council’s summertime campaign is reminding people of the rules on untreated boat sewage, as even very small amounts can contaminate shellfish and make water unsafe for swimming.
 
Under the marine pollution regulations, untreated sewage from boats must be discharged well outside of Northland harbours or at a pump-out facility.
 
A new interactive map developed by the council shows you the marine pollution rules and near-by pumpout facilities in relation to your location – check it out at:  Online Marine Pollution Map
Under Northland rules, it's illegal to stay overnight in a mooring area – even at anchor – without a proper way of treating or containing your boat's sewage. This means having (and providing proof if requested):

  • a well-maintained treatment system that complies with the Marine Pollution Regulations; or
  • a sewage holding tank (a permanently fixed on-board sewage system which is: constructed in impermeable materials, and plumbed to a toilet, and incorporates a sewage tank with a discharge outlet).

If you see an illegal discharge, report it to the council’s 24/7 Environmental Hotline on 0800 504 639.
 
Find out more – visit www.nrc.govt.nz/marinepollution

Nick Bamford
Environmental Monitoring Officer, Coastal

 

Boat sewerage DL-flyer-v2.jpg

 

Boat sewerage DL-flyerv2.jpg

Link to post
Share on other sites

But we don't have much control what happens with ships, or even our useless councils, but we can make sure we aren't contributing to the problem.

A whole turd pumped straight onto a shellfish bed can have a pretty big impact.

Every boat that has people overnighting should have a holding tank by now.

  • Upvote 1
Link to post
Share on other sites

"Every boat that has people overnighting should have a holding tank by now."

Should read, every boat that has people must have one.

Freedom campers that sh*t all over this country have a seaborne version as well.

Not quite sure about how enforce it but there must be a way.

Link to post
Share on other sites

We have a 80 l holding tank but at other times on previous boats we found that 2 lidded buckets of dry beach sand made a pretty good not so smelly holding tank, 1 bucket with a layer of sand to go in and then cover with sand after from the other bucket. Dump overboard where allowed and restock with sand at the next beach. Oops probably need a resource consent for removing sand from the beach!

Link to post
Share on other sites

As sailors I strongly feel we should all do our bit to ensure the environment is preserved wherever it’s practical/ realistically possible to do so. I’m aware of many boaties who have holding tanks that have NEVER been used. I don’t understand this mentality :-(

Link to post
Share on other sites

I always thought it was just a common courtesy not to sh*t in the same water others are swimming in.

 

Not sure on the need for all the rules though. I understand at a basic level the need to be able to stop people shitting in the water if you find a flagrant abuse, but as for the rules around how long you can anchor your boat in one spot and how far you must move said boat after a certain amount of time, whats that about?

 

And yes, easy target. the Far North District Council has some of the worst performing and most poorly maintained wastewater networks in the country, which is saying something. And that is before we start on septic tank disposal fields. There is a reason you don't swim at the beach after its rained. its so bad Auckland Council has set up a website...

 

https://www.safeswim.org.nz/

 

Waiheke is all on septic tanks, anyone want to go for a dip in Oneroa?

Link to post
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...