Author: Samson Paulotti
Title: Alabama Clean Waters Initiative: Preserving Natural Resources

Article: Alabama is one of the states that have abundant water resources. And with mostly warm and sunny weather, the Alabama waters not only act as its community’s major water source but are favourite recreational venues as well.

Along with the popularity of water sports and leisure activities is Alabama community’s concern that without proper administration and preservation, their abundant water resources may be in danger of pollution. This is why it is encouraged that the community help conserve water resources, specifically, protect it from sewage contamination. If the major Alabama water resources are contaminated with bacteria from sewage, not only will there be less water supply but there will be an outbreak of bacteria and other water-borne diseases. This will make Alabama waters unsafe for swimming and shellfish harvesting as well.

A part of the conservation efforts of the Alabama Department of Conservation is the Clean Waters Initiative. It acts as a guide to both marina and boat owners in the proper disposal of sewage. Its main objective is to conserve Alabama’s natural water resources by information campaign regarding the Alabama Clean Vessel and Boating Act and the Dump No Waste Campaign.

Boat Owners: Dump No Waste

The Clean Waters Initiative advises both recreational and residential boat owners to have their marine sanitation devices inspected, and to follow proper waste disposal. Boat owners are advised to empty marine sanitation devices only at marina dumping stations or at sewage systems at home.

There are two types of marine sanitation devices: installed and portable. Installed devices are the recommended types and are usually emptied at pumpout stations only. Portable sanitary devices on the other hand, are the less expensive type and its ability to be manually operated raises safety and health concerns. These sanitary devices can only hold a limited amount of sanitary waste. If it reaches its maximum capacity while the vessel is far from waste disposal stations, the boat owner may be tempted to dump its contents on the water or risk vessel sewage contamination and damage.

Marina Owners: Their Role in Proper Waste Disposal

Because of the Clean Waters Initiative, almost all marina owners in Alabama now have pumpout and dump stations, which are capable of catering to both installed and portable sanitary devices. For uniformity and easy recognition, these stations are usually painted white and orange. In the event that pumpout stations are not present, marinas are not allowed to dock marine vessels with holding tanks still full of sewage.

Another important aspect of the Clean Waters Initiative is the mention of the Clean Vessel Act’s financial assistance for the installation or repair of pumpout and dumping stations. With this provision, marina owners won’t have to shoulder all expenses of installing these orange and white stations.

While the Alabama Clean Waters Initiative focuses on water resources conservation, its positive results will not be limited to water resources. Conservation of any type of natural resource produces a positive chain-reaction to the surrounding environment. Clean waters will also mean clean and fresh air, and lush vegetation. Samson Paulotti is an article writer for The Restoration Resource Alabama and Restoration Industry Resources

Syndication Source: ThoughtSearch.com

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Filed under: Healthy Home • Home Environment

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