draft tomales bay vessel management plan - Gulf of the Farallones ...

Studies demonstrate a correlation between boating activity and elevated levels of fecal
coliform, especially in areas of poor water circulation (North Carolina Department for
Environmental Management [NCDEM], 1990; Sawyer & Golding, 1990; Milliken &
Lee, 1990; Gaines & Solow, 1990; Seabloom et al., 1989; Fisher et al., 1987). Fecal
coliform levels in marinas and mooring fields become elevated near vessels during
periods of high vessel occupancy and usage. The discharge of untreated sewage from
one weekend boater can result in the same amount of water-based bacterial pollution as
the discharge of treated land-based sewage of 10,000 people for the same time period
(Environmental Protection Agency [EPA], 2001). For more detailed information on
environmental impacts of sewage refer to the information on pathogens and nutrient
impairment in the Existing Environmental Conditions section of this document.
Eliminating discharges of human waste into Tomales Bay by providing vessel and landbased
sewage services will protect pathogen-impaired beneficial uses such as shellfish
harvesting and consumption, water contact recreation (e.g. swimming, scuba diving, and
fishing), and non-contact water recreation (e.g. boating and beach camping). Eliminating
discharges of human waste into the bay will also protect the aquatic ecosystem, including
marine habitat, estuarine habitat, cold and warm freshwater habitat, and wildlife habitat,
from other harmful constituents found in human waste. Additional information on
sewage impacts can be found in the Existing Environmental Conditions section and
Appendix I, of this document.
Without a single dump station or pumpout within Tomales Bay, there are currently
insufficient facilities in place to provide adequate disposal of sewage waste from existing
vessels. Given the known water quality impairment due to pathogens in Tomales Bay
and the potential risks associated with sewage discharge, GFNMS will collaborate with
the identified partners to pursue several strategies and activities. GFNMS staff are
expected to play an active role in the implementation of the Sewage Services proposed
actions described below, and CSLC staff’s role will be limited to input provided through
their involvement as a member of the TBIC.
Proposed actions:
STRATEGY SS-1: Plan for and implement adequate vessel-based sewage services for
Tomales Bay.
GFNMS with its partners would coordinate with existing public and private boating
facility operators to encourage development of adequate sewage pumpout and dump
stations. Coordination would include facilitation of necessary permits and pursuance of
public funding sources to support construction of sewage waste facilities.
Activity SS 1.1 Establish at least three portable toilet dump stations adjacent to Tomales
Bay.
Boaters use dump stations to empty portable toilet units (port-a-potties) carried onboard
their vessels. These facilities consist of a dedicated piece of equipment that typically
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