This week, the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that is has given preliminary approval to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation's proposal to establish a "No Discharge Zone" throughout the New York State Canal System.

At present, discharging treated sewage from approved marine sanitation devices is allowed.If the proposal is approved, boats will be prohibited from dumping sewage into all of New York's canals. Boat sewage discharge can have harmful levels of bacteria and chemicals such as formaldehyde, phenols and chlorine. This presents a danger to both water quality and marine life.

New York State has 524 miles of canals, including the Erie, Cayuga-Seneca, Champlain and Oswego canals; as well as Onondaga, Oneida and Cross Lakes. Currently, boats traveling in the canals may discharge treated sewage from approved marine sanitation devices. If the "No Discharge Zone" is established, boats will be required to use pump-out stations to dispose of waste.

A 30-day public comment period began March 15. Written comments to the EPA must be postmarked no later than April 14. For more information about No Discharge Zones, visit the EPA's website.