SPRING 2017 Little Things That The 411 on Compostable Toilets Matter Compostable toilets are increasing it’s lighter in weight. One boater Basic Oil Spill laws in popularity. Two common ques- found by using a compostable toilet, tions are: what do composting toilets it would replace it’s roughly 150 and important accomplish and why are they in- pounds system for 35 pounds (when contact numbers. creasing in popularity? Compostable the latter is at its heaviest). Thirdly, toilets are considered Type III Marine compostable toilets have been found It is illegal to discharge fuel, Sanitation Devices (MSDs). These to have less offensive odors. An oil, oily wastes, and hazardous toilets separate liquids from solids; additional bonus to this is without a waste into the navigable waters when separated, the solids sit in a strong smell, there’s no need to use of the U.S. including the territo- lower compartment that gets mixed funky chemicals that can be hazard- rial seas (up to 12 nautical miles with a peat moss, sawdust, or coco- ous for the environment. Lastly, you from shore) or contiguous zone nut husk fibers and oxygen. Next, can cruise the seas for long periods if the spill causes a film, sheen, bacteria work their magic to break without stressing about finding the or discoloration of the water down the solid waste into compost. closest pumpout station. Depending surface or causes a sludge or Do not dump the solids overboard; on the model and usage, users are emulsion beneath the surface the compost can be used as soil looking at emptying approximately of the water. Under federal amendment for plants or can be every month to once a year. The dis- law, violators are subject to placed in a bag for disposal on land. advantages of composting toilets can the cost of cleanup and civil In some systems, the solid tank may include their size and their electricity and criminal penalties. Under hold a month of everyday use for usage. Sizing depends on the model California state law, the Cali- two people. The cost for this system but some of the toilets are taller than fornia Department of Fish and varies, ranging from $600 to $2,000. most, so it might take some getting Wildlife prohibits the discharge used to or some initial reconfiguring of petroleum or any other sub- Liquids are collected in the smaller of the toilet room before installation. stance harmful to fish, plants, forward tank. The liquid tank will In regards to electricity, some com- and birds. Report spills immedi- hold approximately four days use per posting units have a vent to circulate ately. Cleaning up the problem person if used exclusively. Do not air, which helps facilitate the com- is critical no matter how small dump the liquid overboard; dump posting process. This fan can either the spill. Even small amounts the liquid to a shore side restroom or come with the toilet or is installed of oil can harm aquatic life. to a dump station. separately, so electric power usage To report spills, contact your This alternative toilet system ap- may or may not increase depending marina, and BOTH the Califor- on the situation. nia Office of Emergency Re- peals to boaters for various reasons. sponse at (800) OILS-911 and First off it’s a waterless system, so If you’re in the market to replace the National Response Center there’s no plumbing required. Not your current sanitation system, (800) 424-8802. all composting toilettes need to be check the information available on installed; with less complex plumb- the web to familiarize yourself with ing comes saved time and money on the ins and outs of each system. maintenance and repairs. Secondly, A California Clean Boating Network Publication presented by The Bay Foundation, California State Parks Division of Boating And Waterways, California Coastal Commission, and the San Francisco Estuary Partnership. This publication is partially funded by the Division of Boating and Waterways Clean Vessel Education Program and the Federal Clean Vessel Grant Act Program. Destination Series: SANTA CATALINA ISLAND Catalina Island, just 26 miles off the coast of Los Angeles County, offers an island get-a-way that is sure to please. Whether you stay at Avalon, Two Harbors, or anchor in one of the many coves, this island has something for everyone. People have enjoyed the benefits of Catalina for 8,000 years. Today, the romantic City of Avalon welcomes thousands of tourists from around the world, with a wide array of activities to partake in, from zip lining and SCUBA diving to enjoying fine dining and shopping. Avalon has 266 moor- Photo: John Hollenbeck ings, which fill up quickly on popular boating weekends and are assigned on a first come first serve basis, so plan accordingly. To obtain a Two Harbors is located at the western end of Catalina Is- mooring, standby at the harbors main entrance land. This rustic seaside village has a year-round population for an assignment; no moorings are assigned of less than 200 people. Two Harbors is a great place to en- over VHF marine radio. Mooring rates vary ac- joy outdoor activities and take in the beautiful landscapes cording to vessel length, starting at $21.00/ day and seascapes. Moorings are available at Two Harbors and and check-out time is 9:00 a.m. several other coves and bays in Catalina. For pricing and to make a reservation (3 night minimum required) visit Avalon Harbor is a leader in environmental stew- www.visitcatalinaisland.com. A sewage pumpout station is ardship. The harbor is a No Discharge Harbor; seasonally located at the Isthmus Pier, in addition to a free no sewage, treated or untreated, may be dis- mobile pumpout service offered to Cat Harbor boaters. charged. This law is strictly enforced; all vessels are required to place dye tablets into each on- board head. A free sewage pumpout is available Avalon Harbor hosts an annual Underwater SCUBA on a floating dock located near the Casino build- cleanup in February each year. This year 404 volun- ing and, for a fee, boaters can call Head Pumper teers removed 5,200 pounds of trash from the harbor. on CH 68 for a mobile pumpout. Photo: John Hollenbeck ­­­­­­Refuel­­­­­­Your­­­­­­Boating­­­­­­Fun­­­­­­with­­­­­­ Honey­­­­­­Pot­­­­­­Day:­­­­­­Free­­­­­­Mobile­­­­­­Pumpout­­­­­­ Refillable­­­­­­Propane­­­­­­Cylinders Service­­­­­­Starting­­­­­­6/1 Author: Heidi Sanborn, Executive Director, Honey Pot Day is back, California Product Stewardship Council offering boaters a complimentary mobile Propane fueled boating adventures are easier pumpout service. than ever with refillable 1 lb. propane cylinders! Honey Pot Day is Over four million 1 lb. propane cylinders are offered from June 1 sold every year in California. Consumers spend – August 31, 2017 in around $4.00 per disposable cylinder, just to four Southern Califor- nia harbors: Marina be able to use about $0.30 worth of propane Visit www.honeypotday.org to sign up del Rey, King Harbor, gas. When finished, how do you get rid of these and obtain a free mobile pumpout. Port of Los Angeles, cylinders? Some folks sneak them into their Photo: Grace Lee garbage bins, since they cannot go into regular and Port of Long Beach. recycling, or call their local Hazardous Waste This program, established in 2009, focuses on reducing hauler. Some people buy adapters to refill them, bacteria levels in local harbors. Dumping one toilet flush of which is extremely dangerous as they are not untreated boat sewage can cause the same environmental manufactured to be repressurized. Many people impact as 10,000 flushes from a homeowner’s toilet pro- use and leave them in parks costing $3.50 each cessed by a municipal sewage treatment plant. By offering to recycle - taking limited park funds away from a convenient and free service, boaters are incentivized to park improvements. Refillable 1 lb. propane cyl- properly dispose of sewage and keep our local waters clean. inders are an exciting new alternative that not only saves money and hassle, but are good for Since the program’s inception, over 950 boaters have been the environment, and our marinas and parks too! educated about the adverse effects of discharging sewage directly into waterways, and nearly 27,000 gallons of sew- The ReFuel Your Fun Campaign was developed age were properly disposed. The combination of installed by the California Product Stewardship Council pumpout facilities, mobile pumpout services, and education using CalRecycle grants to promote the use of programs such as Honey Pot Day, are helping boaters learn refillables over disposables and has partnered more about the importance of proper waste disposal and with retailers such as West Marine, U-Haul, REI, improved water quality. and Kamps Propane to offer the sales, refill and/ or exchange of refillables at over 290 locations “I found the videos to be very informative and have in California & 440 locations nationwide. Thanks changed my mind about dumping in the ocean even within to the campaign, refillables are now sold online acceptable dumping region. Will use mobile and stationary through Walmart and Home Depot as well. pumps,” commented one 2016 Honey Pot Day participant. To find locations where you can ReFuel Your Fun, To sign up for the program (starting June 1st), boaters go to http://refuelyourfun.org/find-retailers- should visit www.honeypotday.org, which includes direc- near-you/. Is your local marine retailer on the tions to watch a short video, read three brief publica- list? If not, ask them to offer refillables today! tions, and take an online quiz. For more information, Want us to recruit a propane dealer to be a contact Georgia Tunioli at [email protected] or refill or exchange location? Contact Jordan at (213) 576-6648.