"No Discharge Zones" in Region 5

National Information

Contact

Sean Ramach (ramach.sean@epa.gov) 312-886-5284

"No Discharge Zones" are designated bodies of waters that prohibit the discharge of treated and untreated boat sewage. Completely enclosed freshwater lakes or bodies of water are by definition "No Discharge" areas, therefore all inland lakes are "No discharge" zones within Region 5. Because "No Discharge" zone waters have greater environmental protection, even vessels with Type I or II Marine Sanitation Devices (MSD) are prohibited from discharging treated sewage into these areas and they must be properly secured to ensure that sewage discharge will be prevented (i.e., closed seacock and padlock).

Illinois
Indiana
Michigan
Minnesota
Ohio
Wisconsin

Rules and Regulations

Map of "No Discharge" Zones in Region 5 waters.

The Clean Water Act (CWA) authorizes the designation of "no discharge zones" (NDZs). In a NDZ, all vessels are prohibited from discharging sewage, whether treated or not. The CWA provides 3 different procedures for designating NDZs:

under § 312(f)(4)(B), upon application by a State, EPA can designate a NDZ for a drinking water intake zone;
under § 312(f)(3) a State can create a NDZ if it determines that certain waters warrant greater environmental protection and EPA determines that adequate pumpout facilities exist; and
under § 312(f)(4)(A), upon application by a State, EPA can create a NDZ if it determined that certain waters warrant greater environmental protection.

Wisconsin Natural Resources Magazine: Tips to eco-friendly boating August 2002

Illinois

Illinois does not currently have any designated or proposed "No Discharge" Zones.
Waste disposal from watercrafts in Illinois Title 35 Part 308

Indiana

Indiana does not currently have any designated or proposed "No Discharge" Zones.
Waste disposal from watercrafts in Indiana IC 14-15-2-7

Michigan

As of January 15, 1976 Michigan waters of Lake Michigan, Huron, Superior, Erie and St. Clair and all waterways connected thereto, and all inland lakes were designated as "No Discharge Zones". This decision was made pursuant to section 312(f) (3) of Pub. L. 92-500.
Map of No Discharge Zones in Michiga (PDF) (1 pg, 533K)
Harbor Information from Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Michigan Boating Safety Handbook
Sate regulatory language and information Part 95 Watercraft Pollution Control

Minnesota

As of June 30, 1977 the Middle Mississippi River from Lock and Dam No. 2 at Hastings, Minnesota to the Coon Rapids Dam, and for the Minnesota River from its mouth to the end of the commercial channel near Shakopee, Minnesota was designated as a "No Discharge Zone" under 42 FR 33362.
As of August 31, 1977 under 312(f)(4)(a) the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA) was designated a "No Discharge Zone". 42 FR 4383
As of June 18, 1996 the Lower St. Croix River (from the mouth to Taylor Falls, Minnesota 42 FR 837, January 4, 1977) was designated as a "No Discharge Zone". 61 FR 30868
Map of No Discharge Zones in Minnesota (PDF) (1pg, 309K)
Boating regulations in Minnesota

Ohio

A petition was sent on August 31, 2004 by the State of Ohio to U.S. EPA requesting approval to prohibit the discharge of sewage treated or not, from all vessels into the waters of Lake Erie under its jurisdiction. They have stated there are approximately 353 marinas located with access to the lake of which 121 marinas have pumpout and /or dump stations for vessel sewage. (Volume 69, Number 168) [Page 53067-53068]
Map of No Discharge Zones in Ohio (PDF) (1pg, 110K)
Ohio Department of Natural Resources Environmental Boater's Guide

Wisconsin

As of March 22, 1976 Wisconsin waters of Lake Michigan and inland lakes were designated as "No Discharge Zones". 41 FR 11875
Ss of June 18, 1996 the Lower St. Croix River (from the mouth to Taylor Falls, Minnesota 42 FR 837, January 4, 1977) was designated as a "No Discharge Zone". 61 FR 3086
Map of No Discharge Zones in Wisconsin (PDF) (1pg, 238K)
Boating information in Wisconsin
Wisconsin Chapter 30 Regulations of Boating
Wisconsin Boating Rules (KB, about pdf)

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