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Toilet Emptying Ban In Boston Harbor

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Jul 7, 2008 6:50 pm US/Eastern

Toilet Emptying Ban In Boston Harbor

BOSTON (AP) ―

Click to enlarge 1 of 1: Aerial view of boats docked in Boston Harbor.
WBZ

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Federal authorities have announced new rules that make it illegal for boaters to empty their onboard toilets into the Boston Harbor.

The Environmental Protection Agency announced the "No Discharge" designation Monday after authorities installed enough facilities -- including a new pump boat -- to remove treated and untreated sewage from boats.

The move makes Boston the largest harbor to ban the practice. About 8,700 boats dock in the area, and about half are large enough to have onboard toilets.

The new rules seek to keep water, beaches and harbor islands cleaner and improve shellfish stocks. Environmental planners have been working on the new rules, affecting waters within about 3 miles of the shore between Winthrop and Hull, for years.

Violators can be fined up to $2,000.