Watershed Management Bureau

  New Hampshire's Clean Vessel Act Program

    CVA Education

New Hampshire Education

• New Hampshire has a Boat Inspection Program that works not only to identify vessels that are not in compliance with the laws but also to educate boaters.

• The Department of Environmental Services (DES) distributes educational materials such as key chains, pamphlets, brochures, and Fact Sheets dealing with many issues including boater sewage disposal and keeping our waters clean.

• Representatives from DES attend boat shows and other conventions to pass out educational materials and to answer questions.

• Marinas are contacted and urged to participate in the Clean Vessel Act (CVA) by applying for grants to build pumpout and dump station facilities.

• This website is another way we educate the public about boating issues.

Federal Education

• The CVA provides a portion of its total funding for educational outreach regarding the effects of boater sewage and the means by which boaters can avoid improper sewage disposal.

• The first goal of the federal education program is to inform boaters of the importance of proper boater sewage disposal.  The awareness campaign kicked off in February 1996 at a Miami Boat Show.  The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service released its awareness campaign products including the pumpout symbol and slogan.  It also announced the pumpout grant awards.

• Partnerships were established between the US Fish and Wildlife Service, US Coast Guard, the Environmental Protection Agency, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, marine industry organizations, and others to assist with outreach efforts.   Together, these agencies and organizations work with marine interests to distribute materials and educate boaters on the use of pumpout and dump stations.  Other agencies and marine community groups may join this partnership.

• The second goal informs boaters and marina operators of sewage disposal problems, educates them on the use and advantages of pumpout and dump stations, and where to best locate such stations.  This program complements and unifies existing State programs, sending a clear message:  "Keep Our Water Clean - Use Pumpouts."

• Major national CVA educational products include a poster distributed to more than 22,000 marinas, press and training packets, and various public service announcements for radio, television, and print media.  Individual States are producing their own educational products as well.

• Boaters and anglers can call 1-800-ASK-FISH, a toll-free number established by the Sportfishing Promotion Council, to find the location of pumpout and dump stations, and to report malfunctioning facilities.

Updated: May 15, 2002