Tips for spill-proof fueling practices

Recreational sailors should spill-proof their fueling practices by filling fuel tanks slowly and carefully and by using absorbent pads or rags to catch drips and spills.

 Don't "top off" or overflow a fuel tank and leave 5 percent empty to allow fuel to expand as it warms, according to Long Beach beaches and marinas manager Mark Sandoval.

Never use soap to disperse fuel and oil spills, since it increases harm to the environment, and it is illegal, Sandoval stated in a recent edition of the Marina Reader.

"If possible, save maintenance projects for the boatyard," he added in the upcoming May article.

When performing work on the water, minimize the impact by containing waste, using tarps and vacuum sanders, and collecting all drips and debris for proper disposal.

Minimize the discharge of heavy metals that come from soft-sloughing antifouling paints by using a hard, less toxic, or nontoxic antifouling paint, Sandoval suggested.

Dispose of paints, batteries, antifreeze, cleaning products, oil, oil filters and other hazardous wastes at a hazardous waste collection facility or event.

For details, call 1-800-CLEAN-UP for a location near you; or to recycle paints, batteries, oil, oil filters and antifreeze.

Plan A-head! Manage sewage wastes properly - Never discharge sewage within 3 miles of shore. Use harbor pump-out stations and shore-side facilities. If you don't have an installed toilet, use a port-a-potty and empty it at harbor dump station or bathroom.

Never throw cigarette butts, fishing line, or any other garbage into the ocean.Take advantage of shore-side facilities to recycle plastic, glass,metal, and paper.

Reduce gray-water discharges - Use a phosphatefree soap to minimize the impacts of greywater on the</CF><CF12>  marine environment. Also minimize discharge by doing dishes and showers on shore whenever possible.