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Help stop illegal discharge of boaters' sewage into London’s waterways

20th Mar 2009

British Waterways London is calling for boaters to put a stop to dispatching elsan units overboard, and to use of active sea toilets on the capital’s canals and rivers.

British Waterways has reminded boaters of the need to properly dispose of sewage to safeguard the environment, following several reports of illegal sewage disposal on London’s waterways.

Good water quality is vital to the safety and enjoyment of boaters, the wider community in and around our river and canal network, and the heritage and wildlife of the waterways.

Leela O’Dea, environment manager for British Waterways London said: “Pollution incidents such as the release of raw untreated sewage from boats are not just offensive, they are illegal. They pose a threat to human health and cause significant environmental damage. The consequences include, but are not limited to; the spread of gastroenteritis, contamination of shellfish beds, and depletion of oxygen in the water, fatal to fish and other aquatic wildlife, as well as most severely the toxic poisoning of our marine life by the chemicals used to disinfect, breakdown and deodorise our waste in elsan units.“

Simon Bamford, general manager for British Waterways London added: “While we realise this message only relates to a very small number of boaters on London’s network, we need your help to stop this illegal disposal. Please contact the incident hotline if you see anyone irresponsibly disposing of sewage.”

Boat owners agree to the legally binding terms and conditions of a boat licence, including guaranteeing not to ‘discharge anything into the Waterway from the Boat except unpolluted surface water that drains naturally or water from sinks or showers, washing machines and dishwashers provided that only phosphate free detergents are used on board the Boat’. Acting in compliance with the boat safety scheme at all times, evidenced by a valid certificate, is also one of the Byelaws.

In addition, Byelaw 40 of the General Canal Byelaws provides that no person shall throw or discharge into or on to any canal material of any kind. Breach of these Byelaws is a criminal offence and a breach of general environmental legislation.

British Waterways encourages any boaters uncertain as to whether their craft is in breach of these requirements to refer to chapter nine of the boat safety scheme essential guide or make direct contact with the scheme.

Over the coming year British Waterways London is intending to carry out inspections for sea toilets in an effort to stop the improper disposal of waste. In instances of boaters breaching their licence, this may lead to it being revoked and the removal of the boat from London’s waterways.

British Waterways, in conjunction with the Environment Agency, encourage witnesses to report any spotting of raw sewage being discharged into the waterway to the 24 hour incident hotline 0800 807060.

Last updated: 13/07/2009