A Harbor, Not a Waste Dump

(This editorial appeared in Thursday's Boston Globe)

Peer pressure is strong among recreational boaters to make proper use of pump-out stations or so-called "honey wagons" - skiffs with holding tanks that suction out toilet waste from moored boats for later pumping into sewer lines. But state officials are taking extra precautions. They want federal permission for a total ban on discharges, including treated waste, within 3 miles of the coastline of Boston Harbor and Cape Cod Bay.

This is a case of regulations catching up to harbor advocacy and improvements in boater education. With almost two dozen pump-out stations for recreational boaters in Boston Harbor or along the Charles River, there is little excuse for defilement of the waterways. Most boaters appreciate that the $4.5 billion public investment in the clean-up of Boston Harbor argues for the strictest environmental standards. Others should be dissuaded by the $2,000 fine for dumping in a no-discharge zone.

The situation appears trickier for commercial boat operators. There are fewer pump-out facilities that can handle the larger excursion, ferry, and charter boats. Waiting in line to be pumped out is aggravating for recreational boaters. But for commercial operators, it can mean missed schedules and lost customers. The planned addition of three commercial pump-out facilities in Boston should help. Federal environmental officials should make sure that the commercial boats have adequate facilities before approving the state's plan.

No-discharge zones will be a boon to the Massachusetts coastline. But placing tighter controls on boaters remains just a small part of the effort to improve the state's water quality. The combined sewage and storm water overflows that pollute the state's beaches after heavy rainfalls and leaking home septic systems pose greater challenges. The no-discharge mandate must extend well beyond boaters.

(Readers, what do you think? We invite you to comment below. DB)