Grants Available to Marinas for Pumpout Operations

Program Funded by Boaters Helps Keep Maryland Waters Clean and Safe

Maryland marinas can now apply for Pumpout Operations and Maintenance grants through the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. These grants reimburse marinas for the expense of operating and maintaining pumpout stations.

State and federal laws prohibit the discharge of raw sewage from boats, so reliable pumpout stations at marinas are essential for the thousands of boats traversing Maryland waters.

A list and a map of pumpout stations across Maryland is available here.

“Maryland was the first state to offer grants to ensure that pumpout stations are well dispersed and maintained across the state,” Center for Marine and Coastal Stewardship Program Manager Donna Morrow said. “These stations benefit the robust boating community in the state as well as the health of the Chesapeake Bay.”

In 2016, marinas participating in this program removed about 500,000 gallons of waste from recreational boats for proper disposal ashore. Participating marinas must agree to serve the general boating public during reasonable business hours; can generally charge no more than $5 per pumpout; and must deduct any pumpout charges from expenses before seeking reimbursement from the department.

State law requires marinas with more than 50 slips, as well as any new or expanding marina, to have a pumpout station. Grant applications and other information are available here.

The grants are made available through federal Clean Vessel Act funding and state Waterway Improvement Fund, which are both funded by fees and taxes paid by boaters.

Boaters are encouraged to report inoperable pumpouts to pumpout@dnr.state.md.us or by calling 410-260-8772.