California Sewage Ban
The US Federal Government has upheld a request by the State of California to impose a ban on the discharge of all sewage into California territorial waters to a distance of three miles off shore, whether treated or not.
Beginning in March 2012 the ban applies to the entire coast of California.
The ban will apply to all passenger vessels over 300 gross tons with overnight berths, and to oceangoing vessels over 300 gross tons equipped with a holding tank.
Enforcement will take place as part of routine USCG inspections and will focus on inspection records, visual inspections, evaluation of holding tank limits and the review of any sewage logs, if applicable.
A fact sheet on the California No Discharge Zone can be accessed by clicking here.