Sewage
Heads or Marine Sanitation Devices
There are four types of Marine Sanitation Devices.
- Marine Sanitation Devices (MSD) Type I - This is a system that disinfects
broken up sewage with chemicals. It’s then discharged overboard. This is not recommended
because it discharges hazardous waste that can endanger the marine environment
- MSD Type II – This treats sewage to a higher level through maceration and biological
decomposition. This system requires the use of bio-catalysers such as specific bacteria flora to
break-up sewage; it is therefore les harmful to the environment if directly disposed
- MSD Type III – This is a system where a holding tank is used to retain sewage.
Sewage can be stored in a holding tank until you can dispose of it at a pump-out
station. Installation cost for a holding tank can be anywhere between $100.00 and
$600.00 depending on what’s already been installed
- Portable Self Contained Toilets (Port-a-Potty) –
These are portable toilets that should be emptied at a proper location
Sewage disposal at sea is an important source of pollution. Sewage acts as a nutriment
that increases algal growth in our waters which contributes to the eutrophication of our
Bay. Sewage also contains organisms that can cause illnesses such as gastroenteritis,
hepatitis and typhoid that are then transferred into the water causing potential health hazards.
Also, shellfish by filtering large water quantities, are concentrating harmful bacteria, virus and
protozoa which make theme toxic for human consumption.
Sewage from boats may contain chemical additives (chlorine and formaldehyde) that are also toxic for
both humans and the aquatic life.
 The two marinas located in the Shediac Bay are both equipped with pump-out stations.
These stations allow boats with holding tanks to empty their wastes free of charge. The SBWA strongly encourages
boaters to use these pump-out facilities. Most pump-out stations are identified with this logo:
In our area there are also the following locations where you can pump-out your sewage holding tank at no cost:
- Shediac Bay Marina, Shediac (506) 532-7007
- Pointe du Chene Marina, Shediac (506) 532-6800
- Cocagne Cape Port Authority Marina, Grand-Digue (506) 576-8002
- Cocagne Marina, Cocagne (506) 576-9256
- Sawmill Point Boat Basin Marina, Bouctouche (506) 743-1100
To view the pump-out stations in the Maritime Provinces please visit
http://www.atlanticgreenboating.com/en/marinas/.
Boaters not equipped with holding tanks are strongly encouraged to
acquire one. Holding tanks can be custom made for you boat. There is
certainly something to suit your boat old or new! For more details see
boating experts.
Holding Tank Maintenance Tips
- Do not use household product (drain cleaner, deodorizer
They destroy the natural bio-degradation process in your tank and can
damage the system’s rubber parts. To clean and lubricate the rubber parts,
flush with warm water, biodegradable laundry soap and baby oil
- Never use products with formaldehyde, ammonia or chlorine! They are toxic
- Rapidly repair leaks to avoid contamination
- To avoid clogging add 0.5l of vinegar once a month and use biodegradable paper
Products to minimize odours from holding tanks can be toxic to the environment.
As such, The SBWA recommends the use of non-toxic biological treatments. A list of such
products can be found on the
Camp Green Canada website.
Other Safer Holding Tank Products
Look for the EcoLogo to ensure that the product is environmentally
safe. You can find these products at your local Canadian Tire store.
Things to Practice While Pumping-out
Make sure to securely dock the boat and turn off the engine.
Ask the help of the Marina’s staff. Always have a bucket and a sponge or cloth handy while pumping in
case there are any spills. DO NOT leave the boat unattended while pumping!
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