There is a growing awareness of the potential sources of nonpoint source pollution from marinas and boating. (Photo courtesy of EPA)

Marinas and recreational boating are very popular uses of coastal waters. The growth of recreational boating, along with the growth of coastal development in general, has led to an increased awareness of the need to protect the environmental quality of our waterways. Because marinas are located right at the water's edge, there is a strong potential for marina waters to become contaminated with pollutants generated from the various activities that occur at marinas—such as boat cleaning, fueling operations and marine head discharge—or from the entry of stormwater runoff from parking lots and hull maintenance and repair areas into marina basins.

Pump out stations at marinas allow boaters to safely dispose of their sanitary system's contents without dumping wastes into the water.