GL: Canadian Poop - Composting Toilets

[M S]

Below is an email I recieved back regarding composting toilets. Sounds like
they are illegal. Apparently if they don't have a pump out fitting they are
considered portable. While I don't blame the gentleman for doing his job and
Canada is no worse than the US, it goes to show how illogical this issue is.
 
Also one last comment on the general issue of heads. I don't think most
boaters back holding tank and no discharge regulations (at least the
unreasonable aspects). I suspect this is an issue most boaters quitely grumble
about but are afraid to openly question for fear of being labled "non-green."
I have had a number of situations where talking to 1 or 2 others they complain
also, but once these same people get into a larger group they go silent.
 
Mike & Tammy
Valhalla II
 
***************
 
Regretably, the waters you are proposing to navigate do not allow for portable
toilets.  This is a long standing requirement in the Great Lakes region (where
the Trent-Severn waterway is located) that vessels with toilets are to be
fitted with either a holding tank or a marine sanitation device.  Vessels
outside inland waters can have temporary facilities.
We are exploring other regulatory options as new technologies emerge, but do
not anticipate such changes can help you this summer.
Details are set out in our current regulations, the Regulations for the
Prevention of Pollution from Ships and for Dangerous Chemicals, namely
sections 119, 120, and 121.
http://laws.justice.gc.ca/en/showdoc/cr/SOR-2007-86/bo-ga:l_2-gb:l_4//en#anch
orbo-ga:l_2-gb:l_4

 
Paul Topping
Manager, Environmental Protection               Gestionnaire, Protection de
l'environnement
Transport Canada - Marine Safety                Transports Canada - Sicuriti
Maritime
t: 613-991-3168        
f: 613-993-8196         e: paul.topping at tc.gc.ca