Support the Keys-Wide No Discharge Zone Now!

We need your help! Public comment on the proposed No Discharge Zone (NDZ) for boater sewage for all state waters in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary has been extended until October 26, 2001. Please take a minute to send in your letter of support for this clean water initiative.

As we all know, boater sewage is only one of many impacts contributing to the decline of Florida's coral reef ecosystem, however the numbers of charter, transient, private and live-aboard boats in the Keys has increased dramatically in recent years so that boater sewage is an unnecessary and significant source of pollution.

At Reef Relief's behest, the City of Key West established a No Discharge Zone in 1999 that has increased awareness and use of vessel pump-out facilities. The designation strengthens existing regulations under the Florida Clean Vessel Act so that even chemically-treated sewage (which still contains harmful nutrients) cannot be discharged overboard. We say, Pump it. Don't Dump it!

Installing a holding tank and using vessel pump-out facilities is an easy step that any boater can do. Over 30 vessel pump-out facilities are available for use throughout the Keys, with more being added. Nonetheless, many boaters, including charterboats taking visitors out to see the coral reefs, violate existing state laws prohibiting the discharge of sewage into the water on a daily basis.

At the request of the county commission and the Keys Sanctuary Water Quality Protection Program Steering Committee, as well as to enlist multi-agency support, the US EPA has proposed creating a No Discharge Zone throughout all the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary based on the need for added protection. Creation of the NDZ will enable county, state and federal enforcement officers to require holding tanks and use of vessel pump-out facilities by all boats in the Keys 26 feet or longer with an enclosed cabin with berthing facilities and all floating structures with enclosed living space. All such vessels will be required to install a holding tank and close the through-hull valve from the toilet.

Some marine industry groups have come out against the No Discharge Zone and are rallying their members and supporters to write in opposing the designation. So itâs important that those who care about protecting our coral reefs be heard.

Please, be a sea fan and take a minute now to write to:

Wesley B. Crum Email: crum.bo@epa.gov.
Chief of Coastal and Non-point Source Programs
EPA Region 4
61 Forsythe Street
Atlanta, Ga. 30303-8960

Points to Make:

* The coral reef ecosystem of the Florida Keys is a unique national resource that requires clear, clean, nutrient-free waters to thrive

* Keys water quality is declining from the impacts of multiple stressors, including an overabundance of nutrients from sewage

* Boats are one part of a comprehensive solution to improving water quality in the Keys that also includes implementation of advanced wastewater and stormwater treatment to reduce land-based sources of pollution

* All boaters who enjoy the Florida Keys have an opportunity and responsibility to protect this resource

* Express your strong support to the US EPA for recognizing that the Keys deserve special protection through the establishment a No Discharge Zone for all state waters in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.

For a printable brochure and more information, please click here.

For more info: contact Reef Relief email reef@bellsouth.net, P.O. Box 430, Key West. Fl. 33041 www.reefrelief.org , call (305) 294-3100.