GreenWorks - Boating Tips for Protecting Water Quality in New Hampshire

Boating Tips for Protecting Water Quality in New Hampshire

With summer in full swing, we can anticipate that over 105,000 motorized and non-motorized boats and jet skis are on New Hampshire's many waterways. Environmentally speaking, the impact from one boat may not be much, but the impact from many can cause problems, like shoreline erosion, pollution; and disturbances to wildlife. So, what can boaters do to minimize environmental impacts?

Fuel and oil are the most common pollutants from boating. To avoid spills, use a spill-proof gasoline container and do not top off your fuel tank. Visit the N.H. Department of Environmental Services (DES) website at http://www.des.state.nh.us/new_rules.htm for more information on new portable gas cans that are now available to reduce both water and air pollution. Fill portable tanks onshore and away from water. Make sure all used oil is stored in a tightly sealed container and recycled onshore. Use bilge pillows and engine pads to soak up spilled fuel and oil when refueling and when working on engine repairs and maintenance. Keep your engine tuned and repair gas and oil leaks immediately. Don't gun the engine, especially in harbors, since gunning releases a high percentage of unburned fuel directly into the water. If you own an outboard motor, for your next upgrade, consider buying a new, cleaner burning, fuel efficient and quieter, four-stroke engine or direct fuel-injected two stroke engine. They offer up to 50 percent better fuel economy and consume up to 50 percent less lubricating oil.

Overboard is no place for litter. And it is illegal to discharge boat sewage, and sink and shower wastes into New Hampshire's lakes and other fresh water. Boats must not even have a means of overboard discharge of waste either directly or indirectly. For more information on overboard discharge regulations go on-line to http://www.des.state.nh.us/factsheets/bb/bb-38.htm. In New Hampshire's coastal waters, it is currently illegal to discharge raw boat sewage. However, with impending legislation designating the coastal area as a "No Discharge Area" for boat sewage, no sewage discharges from boats will be permitted. Use pump-out facilities and dump stations for sewage holding tanks and dispose of porta-potty wastes properly. On-shore restrooms are the best alternative to on-board toilets. For locations of New Hampshire boat pumpout facilities, contact DES at: (603) 271-0698 or visit www.des.state.nh.us/wmb/cva/. A pumpout boat is available in the New Hampshire coastal region by calling (603) 670-5130 for an appointment.

Non-native invasive plants and animals are easily carried from infested waterbodies to ones that are free of invasive species. They spread quickly and will crowd out native species - degrading recreational areas and native habitats. Check boats and trailers and recreational equipment for zebra mussels and exotic plants such as milfoil or fanwort before entering any New Hampshire waterbody. Remove all materials from the boat and any equipment that has been in contact with an infested waterbody. For more information about exotic aquatic species contact, DES at (603) 271-2248 or visit www.des.state.nh.us/wmb/exoticspecies

Many of the cleansers, antifouling compounds, and paints used on boats also cause water quality problems or are toxic to aquatic life. Always wash boats on high ground, away from waterbodies to keep cleansers and rinse-water out of the water. To minimize the need for soap, rinse and scrub your boat with a brush or coarse cloth after each use. If necessary, use natural cleaners such as lime juice, borax, or baking soda. As a last resort, use nontoxic and phosphate-free biodegradable soaps sparingly. Even biodegradable soaps contain nutrients, which can cause algal blooms and other problems. Antifoulants are designed to release small amounts of pesticides into the water to keep barnacles and other marine organisms off hulls. Avoid them when possible. Boats removed from the water daily shouldn't need any protection. Scrape and paint your boat away from the water, using a drop cloth to catch the scrapings, and then dispose of them properly.

Boat wakes and propeller wash can stir up bottom sediments, disrupt aquatic plants, threaten wildlife and erode shorelines. New Hampshire law restricts boats to headway speed (no wake) within 150 feet of any shoreline. As a general rule, it is recommended that boaters create no wakes when close to the shoreline, and/or in coves or shallow areas to minimize erosion.

For more information about these topics, please request a copy of A Boater's Guide to Cleaner Water; A Boater's Guide to Sewage Pumpout; or Best Management Practices for New Hampshire Marinas from the DES, (603) 271-2975, or go on-line to http://www.des.state.nh.us/nhppp/marinas_fact_sheets.htm for more boater publications.