GL: Flag this messageRe: Canadian Poop - Composting Toilets

[Rob Zanussi]

Mike, did you directly ask whoever replied to you if composting toilets
were allowed? From reading his response all he did was reiterate that
portable toilets were not allowed. There was nothing mentioned about
composting toilets.

>From reading the definition section of the act he cited and the sections he
quoted I see nothing that mentions composting toilets or that defines
how a toilet is considered built in. If I remember my criminal law classes
correctly, if an act does not have a definition, then you go to other
sources to see what is considered the definition there. In this case, I
considered real estate. When you sell your house you are allowed to remove
anything 
that is not secured to the house, unless that item is directly mentioned in
the sales contract. So, something secured to your home with 4 screws
is considered permanently mounted.

Further reading does not define what a holding tank is. Therefore I would
argue that the container into which the waste is composted falls into
that category. 

I am not aware of how your toilet is designed etc etc, but the ones I have
been looking at have the toilet portion above the deck and the rest
is mounted below. Let them put the dye in, it won't come out any thru hull
as there is none for it to come out of. If your toilet is retro fitted
as mine will be, you should have an access hole on your deck where the
pumpout access used to be. So as far as anyone can tell you are following 
the letter of the law and have the proper pumpout.

Finally, I would print out the reply you got along with the appropriate
sections, actually I would print out the entire act and carry both with me in
the event the potty police want to be picky. That way you can politely
discuss the applicable sections prior to them writing any ticket. (If you
did not
specifically ask about composting toilets, I would write him again and have
him address this issue and carry that with you)

In the meantime, I am going to try and contact the SAVE team (the OPP
boating enforcement section) and see what they have to say about this issue.

Rob





At 07:30 AM 2/24/2009 -0800, M S wrote:
>We have a Natures Head composting toilet. I would consider it built in since
>it is screwed to floor in the head compartment, but it can be removed for
>emptying by removing a few screws.  Seems to me thats at least as much effort
>as reconnecting a quick connect fitting on an overboard discharge hose.
> 
>The lawyers and judges will ultimately decide the legal definition of
>"portable", but if the patrol officer decides to hand out a ticket for all
>practicle purposes, it is illegal (it's cheaper to pay the ticket and move on
>than fight it).