Why is the discharge of boat sewage a problem?
Vessel sewage is much more concentrated than domestic sewage. Vessel sewage contains biological contaminants that can be harmful to humans. The chemicals used to treat vessel sewage can also pose an environmental and health risk. Some potential health hazards include infectious hepatitis, diarrhea, and cholera. A single discharge in a low flushing environment such as a marina can be detected for at least one square mile. Sewage acts as a fertilizer in the marine environment, leading to uncontrolled alga growth and subsequent depletion of dissolved oxygen. Low levels of dissolved oxygen can lead to the death of fish and valuable marine plant life. Shellfish beds, swimming areas and fishing areas may be closed because of sewage contamination.
