N. Hempstead Urges Boaters to Avoid Products Containing Formaldehyde

North Hempstead boat owners are urged by the Town to do the environment a favor and avoid using any products containing formaldehyde when treating their holding tanks.

Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth and the Town Board are bringing awareness to the negative impact the use of products containing formaldehyde can have on the environment when the items are used for treating the holding tank aboard a boat.

“Maintaining your boat’s waste system is important; it keeps it operating correctly and odor free,” Chief Bay Constable Mal Nathan said in a press release. “But please do it in an environmentally friendly way by using products that do not contain formaldehyde. It is better for you, your boat and the waterways.”

Formaldehyde, which is recognized by the EPA as a probable carcinogen, is often used as a deodorizer to treat sewage tanks on boats.

The chemicals and byproducts associated with formaldehyde can pass through wastewater treatment systems and flow into soil, groundwater and even nearby surface water, Bosworth says. “There are other, safer alternatives on the market and I think that once people become educated about the pitfalls of using formaldehyde, they will choose wisely and protect our water and environment.”

The Town also wants to remind boaters to always discharge at a pump out station. North Hempstead has two pump out boats and a stationary system at the Town Dock in Port Washington. The pump out boats offer no service charge for all pleasure boats in Manhasset Bay and the North Hempstead territorial waters of Little Neck Bay and Hempstead Harbor.

For more information, call 311 or (516) 869-6311.

Patch file photo