T&T: Head discharge

[Bob Austin]

There are the options of Type I or II (Flow thru) MSD for live aboards.
Hopefully at least when the live aboards have a bowel movement they use the on
shore facilities.  The situation of not pumping out holding tanks holds true
for most marinas.  An exception is some areas in S. Florida, where there is a
necessity by ordinance to put pump out at each slip.

In the Pensacola area, we have weekly testing of water quality--both E. Coli
and Strep fecalis.  Our main boating bayou is below the acceptable level more
than 50% of the time.  The home owners had septic tanks--many were installed
over 50 years ago, so sewer hookups are now available.  The several package
treatment plants for housing projects were shut down and put into the main
sewer system.  I will bet that none of these multi million dollar projects
will improve the water quality to much degree.  I live on Peridio bay, where
there are no live aboards--and relitatively few houses--and we have
contamination about 20% of the time...There are a number of other
sources--animal and bird sources of contamination.....

I am not suggesting that boaters should pump their sewage into harbors.  But
they should use all precautions to avoid contamination of the environment.  If
you are in a harbor, at least go out to sea the 3 miles to pump the tank, and
exercise the engine every week or so...

Bob Austin.