Type I, Type II, and Type III MSD's still legal in Puget Sound
Type I, Type II, and Type III MSD's still legal in Puget Sound
If the EPA succeeds in establishing a No Discharge Zone for "all of Puget Sound" this information will change. However, there are currently *no* federally mandated NDZ's in Puget Sound, so the USCG regulations still apply. Only the EPA can establish a NDZ, except for local municipalities and specific marinas. When a local municipality or a specific marina establishes a NDZ, it only applies within the territorial limits of the municipality or the marina.
From the USCG web site:
202-475-3400
Vessel Requirements:
Vessel Manufacturers: Manufacturers may not sell or distribute vessels having an installed toilet facility unless it is equipped with an installed and operational MSD of the type approved by the U.S. Coast Guard to meet the requirements of 33 CFR Part 159. The term vessel includes every description of watercraft or other artificial contrivance used, or capable of being used, as a means of transportation on the waters of the United States.
Vessel Operators: No person may operate any Vessel having an installed toilet facility unless it is equipped with an installed and operable MSD of a type approved by the U.S. Coast Guard to meet the requirements of 33 CFR Part 159.
Approved MSDs: There are three different types of MSDs that can be certified by the U.S. Coast Guard to meet the requirements in 33 CFR Part 159, each having its own design, certification, and discharge criteria. For more information see 33 CFR 159.53.
- Type I is a flow through discharge device that produces effluent having a fecal coliform bacteria count not greater than 1,000 per 100 milliliters and no visible floating solids. This type of device is typically a physical/chemical based system that relies on maceration and chlorination. Type I MSDs are issued a Certificate of Approval.
- Type II is a flow through discharge device that produces effluent having a fecal coliform bacteria count not greater than 200 per 100 milliliters and suspended solids not greater than 150 milligrams per liter. This type of device is typically a biological or aerobic digestion based system.
- Type III is a device that prevents the overboard discharge of treated or untreated sewage or any waste derived from sewage. This type of device is typically a holding tank and may include other types of technology including incineration, recirculation, and composting.