The San Francisco Estuary Project's
Boater Education Program

The San Francisco Bay-Delta Estuary has been designated as an estuary of national significance and has been included in the National Estuary Program because of the need to protect and improve its water quality and natural resources. In its Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan, the San Francisco Estuary Project identified pollution as one of the five most critical environmental issues affecting the Estuary.

There are many sources of pollutants to the Estuary, including sewage and gray water discharged from vessels. Vessel discharges have been shown to have localized effects on water quality and public health, especially in marinas and harbors with minimal water flushing. Vessel wastes from houseboats and other liveaboard vessels have been a particular concern in parts of the Estuary, specifically Richardson Bay, Alviso Slough, Redwood Creek and the Delta.

The Estuary Project received a Clean Vessel Act grant from the California Department of Boating and Waterways in 1994 to develop and implement a dynamic education/outreach program that is intended to encourage boaters to use pumpout and dump stations rather than discharging directly into San Francisco Bay and the Delta.

Boater Education Materials

The following publications are available free from the Estuary Project. Contact Karen McDowell (510) 622-2398.

Fact Sheets
Each fact sheet presents the latest information on issues related to boat sewage discharges and the environment in engaging, understandable, non-technical language. Fact sheets are two-color and illustrated with technical drawings and cartoons. Four are available:

Clean Boating Guides
Each piece includes a map that shows boaters where to find pumpout and dump stations throughout the Bay-Delta region. Boaters can also learn more about the San Francisco Bay-Delta Estuary's natural resources, the environmental impacts of boat sewage pollution and how to boat clean and green. Two are available:

Slide Show
A 15-minute professionally narrated slide show presents the San Francisco Bay-Delta Estuary's rich environmental resources and its many recreational uses. Then it tells how boat sewage discharges impact these resources and uses. Finally, it gives boaters step-by-step guidance on how to use pumpout and dump stations so they can help minimize the environmental impacts of their sport.

Marina Tenant Insert
This flyer, aimed at marina berthers, summarizes information about MSDs and pumpout stations.

The San Francisco Estuary Project is a cooperative federal/state program whose primary goal is to restore and protect water quality and natural resources while promoting effective management of the Bay and Delta. The Estuary Project has developed and published a variety of publications, including boater education materials, pumpout maps, technical reports, information sheets, pollution prevention guides and other materials that are available free or for a nominal charge by calling (510)622-2465.

San Francisco Estuary Project
c/o San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board
1515 Clay Street, Suite 1400
Oakland, CA 94612

December 2005