Porta Potties + Florida Keys

V

Valkyrie

New member
In another post JIm mentioned that there is a new regulation in effect for Boot Key Harbor mandating the use of a secured porta pottie with a pump out feature. I'm heading there later this week and just called Boot Key Harbor City Marina, which runs the mooring field, for verification.

I was told that the law banning porta potties in the Keys has been in effect for 20 years and I may stay in the harbor for a week if I sign a form stating that I will install an approved head with deck pump-out within a week. She also said that there is a mandatory pump-out weekly and if they can't pump out anything they will inspect the boat and levy a fine for not having a proper head.

I didn't want to argue with the woman, knowing that she didn't make the law, but I have no intent to dump ours overboard, rather intending to use a toilet or dump station.

How have others dealt with this situation in the Keys? I really wanted to stay at Boot Key Harbor for a month, but it now doesn't seem possible.

Nick
"Valkyrie"
 
Nick,
I will talk to you in further detail...but to make it breif...we need to talk to someone else in Boot Key. We don't like the answers your getting from the lady...there.

When I was there last year they had a dump station at the end of the dingy dock and I used it twice. They also have public rest rooms available.

Here is some info gathered at another of the discussion sites.


I spoke with a gentleman with the Federal Sanctuary in the Keys a few days ago. I suggest that anyone that has a question contact them for correct information. There seems to be a lot of misinformation out there.

Here are a few high points of our conversation. You of course, cannot dump wastes in the water. There is nothing wrong in having porta-pottis in the area.
(He said he has two on this 37' sailboat) There is nothing in Federal or State law that prevents someone from using a porta-potti.

It is my understanding that USCG exempts porta-pottis from "MSD" rules because they are not considered "MSD's" because they are removable.

He explained that the local issue in the Key's has to do with certain municipal regulations (as in Marathon) that mandates that boats must have a pump out fitting. The mobile pump out boats will not accept porta-pottis to dump. That is a regulation in the contract that you sign if you are on a mooring there. (owned by the city) You can modify many porta-pottis with a pump out hose and deck fitting if you wish.
Click to expand...

I think that your more pressing problem may be finding room at the inn.....it appears the harbor is full and there is a waiting list. This may change if the weather window opens and allows some of the folks there to take off for the Bahama's.
 
I'm wondering about my Air Head, a composting toilet. Neither a porta-potty in the purest sense, nor can it be pumped out.

Well, it could be pumped out but all that peat moss would wreck the hell out of a macerator.

Not going to the keys, but what starts in Florida rarely stays in Florida.
 
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