HAZARDOUS WASTE

Most of us come into contact daily with hazardous substances, whether or not we recognize it. One of the easiest ways to figure out what products need special handling, use, and disposal is to read the back label on the product packaging.

If the label includes strong warning statements about personal health, you can suspect that the product can also have significant environmental implications if improperly disposed (as well as significant personal health implications if improperly used).

Some boat products that may be hazardous are solvents, varnishes, cleaners, bottom paints, as well as gasoline, diesel, oil, and antifreeze.

Most hazardous materials laws relate to the proper disposal of large amounts of product – which won’t apply to the individual boater using a quart here or a gallon there.

Local recycling and proper disposal options vary widely depending on where you live.

One of the most frustrating parts of being a consumer of hazardous substances is the fact that the labels often state “dispose of according to local and state laws.” This doesn’t help the average person much, since we often can’t find those laws. Given that situation, some advice we have is listed below:

HAZMAT TIPS

• Start reading labels!
• Before you buy a new product, read the label and figure out if you really need to use that strong a product.
• Buy only the amount you’ll need or share with a friend.
• Follow directions for use and safely store where the product container can’t capsize!
• Try alternative products or methods of cleaning.
• Schedule major maintenance work on land away from the water’s edge (maybe during winter storage?)
• Find your local “Household Hazardous Waste” collection days where you can safely dispose of this stuff. Check with your local public works department or check out www.earth911.org to find possibilities in your town.
• Put some fuel booster product in outboard tanks in the fall to avoid having stale fuel in the spring.

This may be even more important to remember if you are running
one of the newer engines, which is not burning as much fuel.

• Wherever possible, use less toxic propylene glycol antifreeze instead of ethylene glycol.

When launching your boat in the spring, see if you can capture the chemical instead of
letting it spew into the marina’s waters. Your marina may be able to reuse or recycle it for you.

FUEL/OIL DISCHARGE

Under federal law (the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 and the Clean Water Act) it is illegal to discharge any petroleum product into the water. By law, any oil or fuel spill that leaves a sheen on the water must be reported to the U.S. Coast Guard at 1-800-424-8802.

You are responsible for any environmental damage caused by your fuel spill. So…preventing spills will be beneficial for you and the boating environment!

It is also against the law to use detergent or other chemicals on a spill to disperse the oil or sheen. These products can cause the petroleum to sink into the water, causing more harm to marine animals and bottom sediments.

If you have spilled a petroleum product, immediately stop the source of the leak, use oil absorbent pads or booms, and notify your marina. Call the U.S. Coast Guard. Your marina may also know a state agency that needs to be contacted. If the spill is of any substantial size, we also recommend you call your insurance company.

Fines for discharging hazardous materials

Civil penalties:

Up to $25,000 per day, per violation. 33 U.S.C. 1319(d).

Injunctive relief. 33 U.S.C. 1319(b).

Criminal charges:

Negligent Violations: $2,500 to $25,000 fine or imprisonment for one year, or both. 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(1).

Knowing Violations: $5,000 to $50,000 fine or imprisonment for not more than three years, or both. 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(2).

Knowing Endangerment: Up to $250,000 fine or imprisonment for up to 15 years, or both. 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(3).

Click below for more information about how you can prevent fuel spills.

http://www.boatus.com/cleanwater/outreach/moreinfo1.htm

When changing your boat’s oil, to reduce the chance of a spill, temporarily turn off your bilge pump, and put a lid on the used oil container before transferring it to shore. Ask your marina for the closest oil recycling facility or check on http://www.earth911.org to find it yourself.