06/07/2022 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Division of Law Enforcement Operation "Leaky Bottom" As part of a holistic response to the ongoing manatee unusual mortality event (UME), the FWC is working with partner agencies to direct additional enforcement resources to issues directly related to water quality in Brevard and Indian River County waterbodies. Double digit growth in these counties, coupled with growing vessel sales, has amplified pressure on area waterways and the observed number of boating -associated environmental violations has increased. As the primary statewide boating enforcement agency in Florida, the FWC prioritizes boating enforcement and safety. Recently, the FWC Division of Law Enforcement conducted a multi -agency targeted enforcement action (TEA), focusing on marine sanitation device (MSD) compliance, user education regarding new pump -out record keeping requirements, derelict vessels and boating safety. A marine sanitation device is designed to receive, retain, treat, or discharge sewage onboard a vessel. Any vessel with installed toilet facilities must have an operable MSD on board. Marine sanitation devices also have a "Y" valve designed to enable environmentally safe treatment, pump -out or discharge of effluent after treatment. The "Y" valve must be always secured to direct waste to the MSD within Florida waters (three miles or the edge of the Gulf Stream, whichever is greater, off the Atlantic coast or nine miles off the Gulf of Mexico coast). "Y" valve settings were a particular point of interest for law enforcement officers during this detail, since if left in the open setting, raw sewage could be discharged directly into the water. More than 20 law enforcement officers from ten agencies spanning federal, state, county and city authorities participated in the operation April -May 2022. Officers conducted foot patrols checking vessels at marinas and water patrols focused on moored or anchored vessels on state waters. Officers performed 241 vessel inspections, 359 user checks, resulting in warnings (94) and citations (56), many for MSD violations (29). Officers also identified three additional derelict vessels in the region, which are currently being processed. Nine vessel owners were cited for actively dumping waste into the water, with 20 more vessels found with an unsecured "Y" valve. All liveaboard vessels were educated about the new law requiring a one- year pump out log capturing the date and location of MSD pump outs. Later in May, vessels cited or warned during the operation will be contacted by participating officers for follow up checks to ensure compliance. 342