FREE PUMPOUT BOAT SERVICE WILL NOT OPERATE IN 2013.

Regrettably, Going Coastal’s free pumpout service will not operate this boating season due to a lack of a consistent place to discharge waste into the city sewer system. This effectively prevents the boat from operating in these waters. In addition, Hammond’s Cove Marina reneged on its commitment to provide dockage right after hurricane sandy. As a result, the vessel has been reassigned to the Hudson River.

We are working to return pumpout boat operations next season. Before that can happen, the NYC Department of Environmental Protection needs to guarantee the boat has a consistent, functioning place to discharge waste. The mobile pumpout boat program filled a vital need for the hundreds of recreational boats docked and moored at City Island and Bronx marinas, Little Neck Bay and Flushing Bay. 

The Going Coastal pumpout boat has prevented more than 11,000 gallons of sewage from entering New York City waters to keep local waters clean. All pump-outs were provided at no cost to the boat owners. Going Coastal pumpout boat contributed to Long Island Sound being designated a No Discharge Area (September 2011), which makes it illegal to dump boat sewage within three miles of the coast. The No Discharge Zone designation requires there be at least one pumpout facility for every 200 boats with holding tanks.

It took three years to bring this service to Bronx/Queens waters, finally beginning pumpout boat operations Spring 2011.  Before the program was inaugurated, the operators of Hammonds Cove Marina invited the vessel to dock at the marina, which is a New York City Park’s concession situated on public land. The cost of the wet/dry dockage is tax-deductible and reimbursable by NYS Environmental Facilities Corporation.

As an all-volunteer organization, Going Coastal has been successful in raising awareness of clean boating and initiating clean marina practices across the city. Going Coastal maps the free pumpout facilities throughout New York State.  Maps are available at local marinas, online and for mobile devices by visiting the map pages on our website: www.goingcoastal.org.

All of these pumpout facilities must be available to all boaters for free or a minimal $5 charge as part of the Clean Vessel Act Program funding, administered by the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation, which will also assist your boat club or marina to install a pumpout station. If an operator does not allow free access to the pumpout station, you should contact us through the website.

Enjoy the Water!