St. Maarten Private Eye

Love the Lagoon, Environmental Protection in the Caribbean

Best Management Practices for Sewage
A previous issue of the Lagoon Log mentioned that Sewage enters the Lagoon from several districts (Lowlands, Simpson Bay, Cay Bay, Cole Bay, Sandy Ground, Marigot). Sewage which is often referred to as blackwater is comprised of bodily waste and waste intended to receive or retain bodily wastes. Though most of the sewage which enters the Lagoon comes from landbased sources , sewage from boats and marinas also plays a role in the pollution of the Simpson Bay Lagoon and contributes to the eutrophication (excess of nutrients) of certain parts of the Lagoon. Untreated sewage from a 20-gallon holding tank has the same environmental effect as discharging several thousand gallons of treated sewage. Overboard discharges of untreated sewage in relatively shallow and enclosed areas such as the Simpson Bay Lagoon can remain in the vicinity for days if not weeks.

Environmental Impact of Sewage Pollution;
• Sewage discharge results in dirty water, odors and sewage related floating debris.
• Holding tanks often contain toxic chemical additives that can contaminate or kill marine life.
• Sewage contaminated water poses a human health and safety hazard by increasing biological contaminants linked to skin rashes, diarrehea etc.
• Sewage contamination can lead to the closure of valuable shellfish beds (e.g. conchs), fishing areas and beaches resulting in significant economic loss to communities.

What Boaters Can Do to avoid Lagoon pollution by sewage.

• Ask your Marina management if the marina has proper sewage treatment facilities if not encourage them to look into it.
• Encourage marinas to provide sewage pumpout stations and patronize marinas that have proper sewagetreatment facilities.
• Use and properly maintain your marine sanitation device.

What Marinas can do to avoid Lagoon pollution by sewage.
• Purchase and install pumpout stations.
• Provide signs directing boaters to the nearest pumpout facility.
• Have pumpoutstations conveniently located with clear instructions and warnings against improper sewage disposal.
• Conveniently locate and install waste-dump facilities for small boats with portable sanitary facilities.
• Train staff to handle pumpout facilities.
• Marinas using sewage holding or septic tanks should have tanks regularly pumped and sewage should be trucked to a sewage treatment plant.
Make sure you read the next Lagoon Log for best Management Practices for Oil and Fuel use and storage.

Rueben J. Thompson
Project Manager Love the Lagoon,
Environmental Protection in the Caribbean (EPIC)

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