Gloucester’s Clean and Green Committee is seeking residents along Sarah Creek and the Perrin River who would like to volunteer to place signage on their docks to notify boaters that those areas are classified as No Discharge Zones (NDZ). The two waterways were recently designated as NDZs because of impaired shellfish harvesting due to fecal coliform counts.
According to the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), the establishment of an NDZ has been listed as one of the state’s approaches for improving water quality in the Chesapeake Bay region. Being designated as an NDZ means that it is illegal to discharge sewage waste from vessels, even those equipped with sewage treatment devices.
The signs, provided by DEQ, remind boaters that it is state law to use pump-outs to keep the waterways clean. The signs also feature a QR code where boaters can simply scan the sign with their mobile device and then will be taken to a website showing all nearby marinas with public pump-out capability.
“Having these signs placed along our waterways is a final step in this very important process toward keeping these areas clean and sustainable for our fisheries,” said Sherry Kosakowski, Gloucester’s Clean Community Coordinator. “We appreciate in advance the public’s assistance in helping us spread the word.”
For more information, or to arrange pick up of a NDZ sign, contact Kosakowski at 804-693-5370 or cleancommunity@gloucesterva.info.
