The 1999 Session of the Arkansas Legislature enacted a Marine Sanitation Law for our state, Act 1101 of 1999.  This law, under the Arkansas Department of Health, establishes a program of "No-Discharge" for marine toilet wastes from boats on our recreation and drinking water lakes.

Currently, many vessels discharge marine toilet wastes into these impounded lakes, because there are inadequate numbers of pump out facilities to accommodate the needs of the rapidly growing population of large boats on our lakes.  The new marine sanitation law provides for an annual permit fee which is specifically appropriated for an inspection program, and to fund the purchase and installation of additional pump out facilities at marinas throughout  the state.

The Governor has established an advisory committee on marine sanitation made up of members of the boating community, marina operators, marine repair facilities, U.S. Coast Guard personnel, and Health Department personnel.  This committee resolves the many issues and problems which arise in the implementation of a marine sanitation program.

Additional information on the marine sanitation program can be obtained from the Arkansas Department of Health in Little Rock, at 1-800-482-5400, Extension 2171.