Puget Sound NDZ
Canadian Yachting
BC boaters will need to check out the new no-discharge zone before heading off to American waters in Puget Sound. A No Discharge Zone (NDZ) for Puget Sound and certain adjoining waters has been established. Boats may not release sewage, whether treated or not. The NDZ will help protect public health, water quality, and sensitive resources.
The Puget Sound is a unique and sensitive environment that is prone to poor water quality conditions. An NDZ addresses this source of preventable pollution from impacting our shellfish beds, beaches, and water quality.
Washington state boaters already practice good stewardship of our waters. The vast majority of vessels already have holding tanks for use at pumpout facilities or to hold their sewage (blackwater) until they reach the ocean for discharge. Help us keep the Puget Sound sewage free, see our recreational boating resources or our commercial vessel resources for more information.
The rule is effective as of May 10, 2018 for all recreational boats. Chapter 173-228 WAC was adopted on April 9, 2018. However, certain commercial vessels have a five year delay before the rule begins. There is no change for graywater discharges.
Originally published here.