Washington State Clean Vessel Program

Washington State is a participant in the Clean Vessel Act (CVA) Matching Grant Program – the primary funding source for marine sewage pumpout equipment, services and education in the United States. Since 1992, United States’ waters have benefited from a nationwide network of over 6,000 pumpout stations, measurably diverting millions of gallons of raw sewage from direct overboard discharge to upland treatment facilities. In Washington over 4 million gallons of raw sewage were pumped out of recreational vessels in 2012 and possibly more in 2013. The goal of this presentation is three-fold, 1. provide an overview of the broader CVA program, 2. the CVA program at work in Washington State, and 3. initiate discussion on future CVA activities and educational materials for boaters and stakeholders with potential to benefit both Washington and British Columbia waters