Wastes generated during hull preparation (washing, scraping, sanding and blasting) contain residues of antifouling paint that are harmful to aquatic organisms. Boaters need to ensure that the wash water and paint residues from their boat hulls are captured – these wastes must not be allowed to enter the aquatic environment.

Lack of proper containment during antifouling paint removal can result in deleterious substances being released into the aquatic environment.

Environment Canada is responsible for enforcing the Pollution Prevention provisions of the Fisheries Act. The goal of this brochure is to promote the protection of water quality by fostering Best Management Practices (BMPs) among commercial and recreational boaters.

 

 

 

 

Antifouling paints and their residues contain heavy metals, such as copper, that are toxic to aquatic organisms, including salmon and shellfish. Wash water and solid residues from the washing, scraping, sanding and blasting of antifouling paints from boat hulls are “deleterious substances” under the Fisheries Act. Releasing these wastes to fish bearing waters is a violation of the Act.

"… no person shall deposit or permit the deposit of a deleterious substance of any type in water frequented by fish or in any place under any conditions where the deleterious substance may enter any such water." (From ss.36(3) of the federal Fisheries Act provisions on Pollution Prevention)

"… and upon conviction in a court of law, every person who contravenes this provision is guilty of a criminal offence . . . Maximum penalties are a fine up to $1,000,000 or up to 3 years in prison, or both." (From ss.40(2) of the federal Fisheries Act provisions on Pollution Prevention)

BC’s Environmental Management Act has similar provisions on waste disposal, as well as regulations on hazardous waste and contaminated sites.

 

 

 

Since the BMPs for Marinas and Small Boatyards in BC were published by Environment Canada in 1995:
	Government agencies continue to receive complaints about pollution from improper hull maintenance practices. Paints containing organotins (i.e., TBT) have been banned due to the unacceptable risk these pose to the Canadian aquatic environment. Agencies have tested samples of wash water from pressure washing of boat hulls and these were determined to be deleterious to fish. Boatyards in Washington State are required by permit to contain their wastes.
Toxicity testing of wash water.

 

Responsible boaters are the first line of defence:

Consider your options for alternative to toxic antifouling paints. Take your business to boatyards that implement best management practices and contain wastes from hull maintenance activities.

Keep the boatyard clean so that no wastes enter the aquatic environment. Use shrouding, tarps and drop cloths to capture paint scrapings and residues. Contain and treat runoff from pressure washing. Do not perform hull maintenance on tidal grids or at any facilities without containment. In-water hull washing must not release antifouling paint. Discoloured water is an indication that you may be harming the environment.

Example of a contained facility