Congress passed the Clean Vessel Act of 1992 in recognition of a need to improve the quality of the nation’s boating waters. While the amount of waste contributed by boats is small in comparison to the many major discharges in the United States, the amount is still significant.

When disposed in enclosed waterways and areas of concentrated boat operation without adequate circulation of waters, the impact of boat sewage becomes amplified.

It is important that we begin to clean up our act and protect the waters that are vital to our lives and recreation. The purpose of the Clean Vessel Act is to provide funds to the states for the construction, renovation, operation and maintenance of pumpout stations and waste reception facilities.

Funding is provided to both public and private marinas through the state agency responsible for overseeing the program. In Connecticut that is the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP).

Clean Vessel Act grant funds are available to both the public and private sector. This includes all local governmental entities and private businesses that own and operate boating facilities. To participate in this program, the pumpout or dump stations must be open to the general boating public.

The Grant will reimburse recipients for up to 75% of the installation cost of pumpout and dump stations. This includes the cost of new equipment or the renovation or upgrading of existing equipment, as well as necessary pumps, piping, fitting, lift stations, on-site holding tanks, pier or dock modifications, signs, permits and other miscellaneous equipment needed for a complete and efficient station.

So, how do you quality for a CVA Grant?