Publications and Fact Sheets for Boaters

Tips to Lessen the Environmental Impacts of Coastal Boating [pdf]

Best Management Practices for N.H. Marinas – Pocket Version [pdf]
NH DES, July 2006 - The pocket version highlights best management practices for achieving environmental compliance, pollution prevention tips and suggestions for educating boaters about facility rules and water quality issues. The basic rule of thumb is “NO DISCHARGE” to surface water or to the ground without at permit. This version was created for marina staff and can be used as a training tool.

Best Management Practices for New Hampshire Marinas: Guidelines for Environmental Proactive Marinas
NH DES, December 2001- The best management practices in this document are consistent to the 2006 pocket version. The difference is the 2001 document offers detailed overview on environmental rules and regulations. This version was created for marina owners.

Eco-Safe Boating Tips [pdf]
These cards are designed to be kept in boats as a quick reference guide. The cards contain information on eco-safe fueling practices, engine maintenance, low polluting marine engines, boat washing, pump out stations and other useful tips. These cards are copy-right free and may be downloaded and printed as needed. Consider laminating it for long-term usage. Eco-Safe Boating Tips cards were funded in part through a Pollution Prevention grant from the US EPA.

A Boater's Guide to Sewage Pumpout
It is illegal to discharge raw sewage and gray water (shower and sink waste) from a boat into New Hampshire inland waters or within three miles of the coast in tidal waters. Learn more about how to use marine pumpout stations.

Attention Boaters! Are you unknowingly spreading exotic aquatic plants?
Have you been boating, fishing or recreating on waterbodies with exotic aquatic plants? Over 55 waterbodies in New Hampshire are now impacted by exotic plants. Learn what you can do to stop the spread.

Marine Engines and the Environment: Low-Pollution Engines Reduce Air and Water Pollution
Cleaner, low-pollution outboard marine engines are better for the environment, easier to maintain, and more fuel efficient, which translate directly into saving money for you, the consumer. Read more about the problems of older marine outboards and the benefits of four-stroke and direct fuel injection two-stroke engines.

Don't Drink Untreated Surface Water! What lake and riverfront residents should know
Some residents and visitors think of New Hampshire as still rural and pristine, and believe it is safe to use lake or river water for drinking. Regardless of the presumed safety of this practice in the past, drinking untreated water from lakes, ponds and streams is NOT safe and DES strongly cautions against this practice! Read why.

Keep Gasoline from Your Drinking Water
Gasoline is one of the most dangerous products commonly found around the home, yet people sometimes use it and store it with little care. Learn how to safely use gasoline around your home, camp or boat.

Marina Project Wrap Up Survey
For over five years, the NHPPP provided environmental assistance to New Hampshire marinas. Outreach efforts included fact sheets, workshops, site visits and guidance documents, but did all these educational tools improve environmental compliance and the water quality of our lakes? The NHPPP is surveying marinas to determine improvements in best management practices, such as wash water management, winterization techniques and fluid management. With cooperation of New Hampshire marinas and their efforts to reduce discharges to surface waters, we expect improved results to be available soon.

Related fact sheets: Click on a link below to read about the following topics.

Absorbents/Shopwipes

Batteries

Boat Washing and Engine Winterization for Boat Owners

Boat Washing Procedures

Clean Vessel Act

Engine Winterization

Exotic Aquatic Plants

Lake Nutrients

Management of Bilge Wastewater for Marinas

Management of Engine Test Tank Wastewater for Marinas

Mercury-Containing Lamps

NH Clean Marine Engine Initiative

Outboard Marine Engines

Storage Tanks

Storm Water

Sumps and Floor Drains

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