California Programs Aim to Clean Up Sewage in the Waterways

California’s clean boating mobile app, Pumpout Nav, has been updated to provide more resources for recreational boaters. The app was designed to help boaters find the nearest pumpout, and access information on how to pumpout as well as rules and regulations.

New updates to the app allow users to build their boating profiles by adding favorite pumpouts, using a pumpout log to track activity, and setting up reminders to manage their marine sanitation devices over time. Graphic updates will include a tutorial on how to use the app, updated pollution prevention information, and overall enhancements to improve the user experience. New states will gradually begin signing on to display their marinas on the app beginning in summer 2018. Pumpout Nav was developed by the San Francisco Estuary Partnership in partnership with The Bay Foundation.

To further help boaters dispose of sewage and learn more about the impacts of improper disposal Honey Pot Day is back for its 10th year.  Honey Pot Day is offered from June 1 to August 31 in four harbors: Marine del Rey, King Harbor, Port of Los Angeles and Port of Long Beach. The program provides educational materials and gives boaters a 30 percent discount off their first mobile pumpout.

“Honey Pot Day is an invaluable asset for local boaters,” said Anthony del Rosario, dockmaster, California Yacht Marina Wilmington. “It empowers them to acknowledge the adverse impacts of improperly discharging sewage directly into the waters while serving as a catalyst that inspires stewardship. I’ve noticed a shift to embrace clean boating with my tenants who’ve participated in the program and couldn’t be more thrilled about this.”

To sign up for the program, boaters should visit www.honeypotday.org. The website includes a short video on how to operate a sewage pumpout unit, two brief publications on the topic and an online quiz. Participants who complete the quiz receive a coupon for the discounted pumpout service.

The Honey Pot Day program and Pumpout Nav are funded by the California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways Clean Vessel Act Education Program and a Federal Clean Vessel Act grant through the Sport Fish Restoration Program.