Pollutants

The following is a list pollutants that cannot be discharged in Canadian waters:

• Oil, oil-waste or fuel;
• Hazardous chemicals (including toxic cleaning products);
• Pesticides, herbicides, paint, etc.;
• Black water (sewage) or gray water (dishwater, runoff from showers, bathtubs, etc.); and
• Garbage or waste.

Reduce Pollution from Bilges

Oil, fuel and transmission fluid are a few examples of pollutants that harm the environment when pumped overboard – usually by automatic bilge pumps. Bilge cleaners, even the biodegradable ones, just break down the oil into tiny, less visible droplets – but it is still present. Absorbent bilge cloths are very useful because they are designed to absorb petroleum products and repel water.

Here are a few tips to help keep bilge pollution at a minimum:

• Make sure your bilge is clean before you turn on automatic bilge pumps. Only use them when needed and when the bilge contains only water; and
• Use towels or bilge cloths to absorb oils, fuel, antifreeze and transmission fluid. Dispose of used towels or bilge cloths in an approved garbage container.