Boat Sewage Pump-out Systems and Hoppers In recognition of the important role of boat owners in helping improve water quality, the Central Coastal Board has installed boat sewage pump-out and hopper facilities across the Bays. The Minister for Environment, John Thwaites launched these Boat Waste Facilities on the 13th March 2003, which are available and free for use at St Kilda Marina, Sandringham Yacht Club, Patterson Lakes Marina and Yaringa Boat Harbour. • Why do we need Boat Sewage Pump-out Systems and Hoppers? • Sewage Pump-out Systems • Sewage Hoppers • Formaldahyde-free is best! • Funding for the Project • Three Ways to Cleaner Bays • Map of Sewage Pump-out Systems and Hoppers • Links for further information Why do we need Boat Sewage Pump-out Systems and Hoppers? Boat owners are key users of Port Phillip Bay and Western Port. Along with other water users, boaters enjoy activities such as: § boating and sailing § fishing § water-skiing § swimming § sight-seeing Recreational boating activities rely on healthy bays. Boating enthusiasts know that poor water quality affects the health of the bays and the activities they love. In a recent survey, boat owners identified water quality as the most important issue affecting them. Unfortunately, some boating activities can have a significant impact on water quality. The discharge of sewage and other waste from boats adds nutrients and pollutants to these valuable waterways and may pose a risk to marine ecosystems and human health. Sewage can also contain disease-causing bacteria, viruses and parasites. Please ensure that all your toilet waste and/or sewage stored in portable toilets or those connected to holding tanks are contained on-board for disposal ashore. See Map of Sewage Pump-out Systems and Hoppers. Top Sewage Pump-out Systems Boat sewage pump-out systems are designed for use by larger boats that have holding tanks. They incorporate a pump and hose arrangement to remove waste from the boat holding tank. These systems are connected to the main sewer or an on-site waste treatment system - just like a public toilet! Information on their use is provided at each site. Sewage Hoppers Boat sewage hoppers are designed for boats that use a portable toilet. The portable toilet is removed from the boat and emptied directly into the hopper, which is connected to the main sewer. Information on their use is provided at each site. Formaldahyde-free is best! It is strongly recommended that boat owners and operators use formaldehyde-free toilet chemicals and biodegradable toiletry products whenever possible. Formaldehyde is toxic to humans, animals and aquatic life and any products that contain it are discouraged from use across the Bays. Funding for the Project Funding for the installation of facilities at St Kilda Marina, Sandringham Yacht Club, Patterson Lakes Marina and Yaringa Boat Harbour was provided by both the Central Coastal Board and by the Commonwealth Government through the Natural Heritage Trust's Coasts and Clean Seas Program. Three ways to Cleaner Bays 1. Install an on-board sewage holding tank or portable toilet 2. Always use sewage pump-out systems or hoppers around the Bays for disposing of boat toilet waste. 3. Encourage other boat users to install holding tanks or portable toilets. Top Map of Sewage Pump-out Systems and Hoppers Top Links for further information Marine Safety Victoria EPA Victoria Blairgowrie Safe Harbour Yaringa Boat Harbour Sandringham Yacht Club Royal Geelong Yacht Club Docklands Boating Industry Association Yachting Victoria Royal Brighton Yacht Club Top

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