N. Hempstead Pump-Out Boat Grants Help Keep Waters Clean

The Town of North Hempstead was the recent recipient of two grants totaling $12,000 to renovate their two pump-out boats, allowing the boaters to be more efficient in removing waste.

The pump-out boats allow boaters to empty their waste tank into a holding tank on the pump-out boat. The waste is then taken to the Town Dock and loaded into the sewer lines.

If waste is dumped incorrectly, it can spread disease, contaminate shellfish beds and lower oxygen levels in water.

“These funds are so important for us in our efforts to keep Town waters clean,” Chief Bay Constable Mal Nathan said in a press release. “I encourage everyone to take advantage of our pump-out services. It’s responsible boating and it’s the law.”

The boats are currently 5 and 10 years old. The grants will help pay for 75 percent of the costs of new engines, fenders, wrap and replace one of the pumps. These renovations will allow the Harbor Patrol to have two boats in operation if necessary.

The New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation provided the Town with the grants and the contracts were provided through the Clean Vessel Act Grant Program, which offers funds for the construction, renovation, operation, and maintenance of pump-out stations and waste reception facilities for recreational boaters. The program also grants funds for educational programs that educate boaters on the importance of proper sewage disposal.

“Through the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation and the Clean Vessel Act Grant Program, we are able to make much needed renovations to our existing pump-out fleet,” Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth said. “The Town currently offers free pump-out service to anyone who requests it, and these refurbishments will allow us to be more efficient and help more boaters than ever before!”

Pump-out boats are available Thursday through Monday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. until the middle of November. The mounted pump at Town Dock is available 7 days a week, from 8 a.m. to midnight.

Image via TONH