EcoBoating
By Elizabeth D. Knotts
Shell Recycling, N.C. Pumpout amd S.C. Cleanup Raleigh Joins Shell Recycling Program RALEIGH, N.C. - Residents of Wake County now have 12 places to dump their used oyster and other calcium-based shells, such as clams or mussels. Wake County Solid Waste and the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries have created oyster shell recycling drop-off areas at all 11 county waste convenience centers and the county’s landfill in Apex. A 2008 pilot program collected more than 5,000 bushels of shells from four oyster bars. This project lets such businesses and the public join the recycling effort. Collected shells are placed back in coastal waters to provide a place for baby oysters to attach and grow. Oysters are not just a food source for humans, birds and fish. They clean pollutants from the water and provide habitat for marine life. NC Looks at Tough Pumpout Rules RALEIGH, N.C. - Boaters in North Carolina may have to keep a log of their
pumpouts if a bill sponsored by Rep. Danny McComas (R-New Hanover) becomes law. The N.C. House passed the Clean Coastal Water and Vessel Act in May and sent it to the Senate where it was lingering in the Committee on Agriculture/Environment and Natural Resources in late June. If signed into law, it would give all marinas in the Wilmington area with more than 10 slips over 27 feet until July 1, 2010 to install and maintain pumpout facilities. It would also require vessel owners to maintain a log recording the date and location of pumpouts beginning with a pilot program in New Hanover County. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources would enforce the law with fines up to $10,000 per day for violations.
S.C. Vessel Cleanup Continues MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. - Perhaps due to the recession, boat owners are abandoning vessels along the South Carolina coast in increasing numbers. Abandoned
boats and equipment pose a serious threat to waterway safety, navigability and water quality. They may also harm shellfish beds and marshes. In 2002, the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control began working with federal, state and local agencies to address the issue. State legislators passed a law in 2008 to prohibit abandonment of watercraft and outboard motors on public lands or waters. Boat owners who break this law may face fines of up to $5,000 and up to 30 days in jail. Boat owners must also pay to remove their abandoned boats from the water or shore. Mount Pleasant is the latest coastal community hauling derelict vessels out of the water as part of the state’s Marine Debris Initiative. The city hired crews to pull abandoned boats out of Shem Creek. Abandoned vessels can be reported by calling the Creek and Beach Watch at (800)768-1516.
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