Environment DEC
From the November 2003 issue
Pataki Hails Hudson River No-Discharge Decision
Governor George E. Pataki and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 2 Administrator Jane Kenney have announced the designation of a no-discharge area for the 153-mile stretch of the Hudson River between Battery Park in Manhattan and the City of Troy Dam in Rensselaer County. A no-discharge area is a designated body of water where discharge of treated or untreated boat sewage is prohibited.
This designation builds on existing standards in federal law prohibiting the discharge of untreated sewage from vessels within all navigable waters of the United States. It was recommended by the New York State Clean Vessel Act Plan-prepared by the Department of State's Division of Coastal Resources-and the Hudson River Estuary Action Plan- prepared by DEC. New York State applied to the EPA for the designation in 2000.
Hazardous Waste
Treated wastes often contain microorganisms, nutrients and/or chemical additives such as chlorine, formaldehyde or phenyls that can degrade water quality where discharged. Among the potential effects is nutrient loading, which can deplete oxygen levels in the water (hypoxia) and significantly damage fish and other aquatic life. In addition, the release of toxic materials and pathogens also can harm marine and estuarine life and potentially spread diseases such as hepatitis to humans who come in contact with contaminated waters.
Pumpout Stations
Vessels will be required to discharge wastes at 35 pumpout stations in the no-discharge area, a number sufficient to handle the expected volume of waste discharges. However, larger vessels (greater than 225 feet in length or 20 feet in draft) will be given a one-year waiver before having to comply with the new standard. New York State is exploring options to create more facilities for owners of large boats.
Adherence to regulations governing the no-discharge area will be enforced by NYS State Police, DEC ECOs, police from the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, county sheriffs, local police officers, harbormasters and bay constables.
