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** Archived Article - please check for current information. **

January 8, 2015Visiting boaters to SC waters reminded of numerous pumpout stations along the coast

Since the 1990s, South Carolina has participated in the federally funded Clean Vessel Act (CVA) Program, which aims to keep sewage from boats out of our state’s waterways.

The S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and marina operators work together utilizing federal funds to offer recreational boaters an inexpensive and convenient option for properly disposing of their sewage.

Pumping of sewage is done through the use of special boats that are outfitted with pumps and stationary shore side facilities. Participating marinas will empty the sewage holding tank of a recreational boat for $5 or less.

Participating South Carolina marinas receive financial assistance for the construction, renovation, operation, and maintenance of pumpout facilities. The renovations and new boat purchases bring our state coverage to over 50 coastal and 30 inland pumpout locations.

Eight public pumpout stations are located on Hilton Head Island along with four pumpout boats, with the newest placed just a few weeks ago. The pumpout boats are located at the following four marinas: Harbour Town Yacht Basin, Wexford Yacht Harbor, Broad Creek Marina, and Skull Creek Marina. Stationary pumpout units can be found at Windmill Harbour Marina, Palmetto Bay Marina, Shelter Cove Marina, and Freeport Marina. Due to abundant and sensitive oyster habitat in the area, Broad Creek (dissects Hilton Head island) is a No Discharge Zone, meaning no treated sewage can be discharged into the water, so pumpouts must be utilized. Find out more about these and other locations (PDF file) in South Carolina.

You can locate coastal and inland participating marinas and learn more about the DNR CVA Program by calling (843) 953-9062.


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