Chapter SPS 386

Register December 2011 No. 672

Chapter SPS 386

BOAT AND ON-SHORE SEWAGE FACILITIES

SPS 386.01   Applicability.

SPS 386.02   Definitions.

SPS 386.03   Petition for variance.

SPS 386.04   Contract applicability.

SPS 386.05   Approval required.

SPS 386.06   Holding tank, toilet and appurtenances.

SPS 386.07   Overboard discharge inactivation.

SPS 386.08   On-shore disposal facilities.

SPS 386.09   Alternate facilities.

SPS 386.10   Operation and maintenance.

SPS 386.11   Prohibited facilities.

Ch. SPS 386 Note Note: Chapter H 80 as it existed on September 30, 1980 was repealed and a new chapter H 80 was created effective October 1, 1980; renumbered to be chapter ILHR 84 effective June 1, 1983; renumbered to be chapter ILHR 86 effective March 1, 1985. Chapter ILHR 86 was renumbered Chapter Comm 86 under s. 13.93 (2m) (b) 1., Stats., and corrections made under s. 13.93 (2m) (b) 6. and 7., Stats., Register, February, 1997, No. 494. Chapter Comm 86 was renumbered chapter SPS 386 under s. 13.92 (4) (b) 1., Stats., Register December 2011 No. 672.

SPS 386.01 SPS 386.01 Applicability. This chapter as authorized by s. 30.71, Stats., for the abatement of water pollution through control of the discharge of sewage from boats maintained or operated at any time upon the inland or outlying waters of the state, defined in s. 29.001 (45) and (63), Stats., shall be applicable to any boat which is equipped with a toilet.

SPS 386.01 Note Note: Section 29.001 (45) and (63), Stats., provides: All waters within the jurisdiction of the state are classified as follows: Lakes Superior and Michigan, Green Bay, Sturgeon Bay, Sawyer’s harbor and the Fox river from its mouth up to the dam at De Pere are outlying waters. All other waters, including the bays, bayous, and sloughs of the Mississippi river bottoms, are inland waters.

SPS 386.01 History History: Cr. Register, September, 1980, No. 297, eff. 10-1-80; renum. from H 80.01, Register, May, 1983, No. 329, eff. 6-1-83; correction made under s. 13.93 (2m) (b) 7., Stats., Register, February, 1994, No. 458; corrections made under s. 13.93 (2m) (b) 7., Stats., Register, April, 2000, No. 532.

SPS 386.02 SPS 386.02 Definitions. The following definitions shall apply in the interpretation and enforcement of this chapter.

SPS 386.02(1) (1) “Department” means the department of safety and professional services.

SPS 386.02(2) (2) “Approved” means written approval from the department.

SPS 386.02(3) (3) “Boat” means every description of watercraft, other than a seaplane, on the water, used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on water, s. 30.50 (2), Stats.

SPS 386.02(4) (4) “Deodorant” means a substance or process which masks or destroys offensive odor.

SPS 386.02(5) (5) “Holding tank” means a permanently installed container which receives the discharge from one toilet or more and retains the sewage for shore disposal.

SPS 386.02(6) (6) “Maintain and operate” means to moor and occupy or to navigate, steer, sail, row or otherwise to exercise physical control over the use or movement of a boat.

SPS 386.02(7) (7) “Owner” means the person who has lawful possession of a boat by virtue of legal title or equitable interest therein which entitles that person to such possession.

SPS 386.02(8) (8) “Portable toilet” means a self-contained unit with a flushing device which retains sewage in a holding tank for disposal to a sewage system acceptable to the department.

SPS 386.02(9) (9) “Recirculating system” means a holding tank with all necessary appurtenances to provide for the recirculation of flushing liquid and for the receiving, venting and shore removal of sewage.

SPS 386.02(10) (10) “Sealed” means making a toilet incapable of discharging sewage into the waters upon which a boat is operated or moored.

SPS 386.02(11) (11) “Sewage” means human body wastes.

SPS 386.02(12) (12) “Toilet” means any device, facility or installation designed or constructed for use as a place for receiving sewage directly from the human body.

SPS 386.02 History History: Cr. Register, September, 1980, No. 297, eff. 10-1-80; renum. from H 80.02 and am. (1) Register, May, 1983, No. 329, eff. 6-1-83; correction in (3) made under s. 13.93 (2m) (b) 7., Stats., Register, April, 2000, No. 532; correction in (1) made under s. 13.92 (4) (b) 6., Stats., Register December 2011 No. 672.

SPS 386.03 SPS 386.03 Petition for variance.

SPS 386.03(1) (1) Procedure. The department shall consider and may grant a variance to an administrative rule upon receipt of a fee and a completed petition for variance form from the owner, provided an equivalent degree of safety is established in the petition for variance which meets the intent of the rule being petitioned. The department may impose specific conditions in a petition for variance to promote the protection of the health, safety and welfare of the employees or the public. Violation of those conditions under which the petition is granted constitutes a violation of these rules.

SPS 386.03(2) (2) Petition processing time. Except for priority petitions, the department shall review and make a determination on a petition for variance within 30 business days of receipt of all calculations, documents and fees required to complete the review. The department shall process priority petitions within 10 business days.

SPS 386.03 Note Note: Copies of the petition for variance form (SBD-9890) may be downloaded at the Department’s Web site at http://dsps.wi.gov through links to Division of Industry Services forms.

SPS 386.03 History History: Cr. Register, September, 1980, No. 297, eff. 10-1-80; renum. from H 80.03, Register, May, 1983, No. 329, eff. 6-1-83; r. and recr. Register, October, 1984, No. 346, eff. 11-1-84; cr. (2), Register, February, 1985, No. 350, eff. 3-1-85.

SPS 386.04 SPS 386.04 Contract applicability. Applicable provisions of this regulation shall be construed to be a part of any order or agreement, written or verbal, for the installation of a holding tank, recirculating system, provisions of a portable toilet or shore disposal facility or appurtenances thereto.

SPS 386.04 History History: Cr. Register, September, 1980, No. 297, eff. 10-1-80; renum. from H 80.04, Register, May, 1983, No. 329, eff. 6-1-83.

SPS 386.05 SPS 386.05 Approval required.

SPS 386.05(1) (1) General. Any prefabricated tank, portable toilet or toilet proposed for installation in boats used upon the inland or outlying waters of the state shall receive the approval of the department. The manufacturer of any prefabricated tank, portable toilet or toilet shall submit, in duplicate, plans and specifications showing construction details for such facility. The owner of a custom built tank or toilet shall similarly submit such details in duplicate for approval prior to installation. The department may require the submission of other information or the unit itself, in the case of a portable toilet, to complete its review.

SPS 386.05(2) (2) Approved unit listing. The department shall keep a current list of approved prefabricated tanks, portable toilets and toilets for installation on boats and shall provide a copy of such current list to the bureau of law enforcement, department of natural resources.

SPS 386.05 History History: Cr. Register, September, 1980, No. 297, eff. 10-1-80; renum. from H 80.05, Register, May, 1983, No. 329, eff. 6-1-83.

SPS 386.06 SPS 386.06 Holding tank, toilet and appurtenances.

SPS 386.06(1) (1) Material. Each holding tank and toilet shall be constructed of a plastic which is resistant to acid, alkali and water; stainless steel with comparable resistance or other approved material. Metal combinations shall be galvanically compatible.

SPS 386.06(2) (2) Holding tank strength. A holding tank, with all openings sealed, shall show no signs of deformation, cracking or leakage when subjected to a combined suction and external pressure head of 5 pounds per square inch. It shall be designed and installed so as not to become permanently distorted with a static top load of 200 pounds.

SPS 386.06(3) (3) Temperature resistance. All materials used shall be capable of withstanding a temperature range of from -22º F. (winter storage) to the maximum operating temperature obtainable when operating in an ambient temperature of 140º F.

SPS 386.06(4) (4) Mounting. The tank and toilet shall be rigidly and permanently secured in place in such manner that the tank, toilet and piping will not fall.

SPS 386.06(5) (5) Capacity. The capacity shall be sufficient to receive the waste from the maximum number of persons that may be on board during an 8-hour period. The passenger rating shall be that indicated on the boat’s capacity plate or that of a boat of similar size should the plate be illegible or missing.

SPS 386.06(5)(a) (a) Holding tank. The capacity shall be determined on the basis of contribution of 41⁄2 gallons per person per 8-hour day for a toilet of the hand pump type. If standard waterflush toilets are installed, the minimum capacity shall be at 131⁄2 gallons per person per 8-hour day.

SPS 386.06(5)(b) (b) Recirculating toilet. The capacity of the tank of a recirculating type unit shall be determined on the basis of a contribution of one-quarter gallon per person per 8-hour day.

SPS 386.06(6) (6) Controls. Each holding tank shall contain a sewage level device which actuates a warning light or other visible gauge when the tank becomes three-fourths full. The light or other device shall be located so that it can be readily observed. The sewage level device shall be in operable condition at any time the boat is used. Such water level indicator shall be installed so as to be removable and be of such design and of such size as to make a watertight seal with a tank opening that is sufficiently large to accommodate the sewage level device.

SPS 386.06(7) (7) Maintenance.

SPS 386.06(7)(a) (a) A separate manhole shall be provided in the top of the tank for maintenance purposes. A plate or cap capable of making a watertight seal shall be provided on the opening which shall be of sufficient size to readily permit cleaning and maintenance.

SPS 386.06(7)(b) (b) Deodorant. Any deodorant used in a holding tank, approved portable toilet or recirculating toilet shall be easily obtainable and constitute a minimum hazard when handled, stored and used according to the manufacturer’s recommendations and form no dangerous concentration of gases nor react dangerously with other chemicals used for the same purpose.

SPS 386.06(8) (8) Openings for piping. Openings shall be provided in each holding tank for inlet, outlet and vent piping. The openings and pipe fittings shall be so designed as to provide watertight joints between the tank and the piping. Plastic opening fittings shall be of the rigid serrated type. Inlet openings should preferably be such that they could accommodate fittings that would be connected to piping of a minimum nominal inside diameter (I.D.) of 11⁄2 inches. Outlet openings shall be such as to accommodate at least 11⁄2 inch I.D. piping. Vent pipe openings shall be able to accommodate fittings for at least a one-half inch I.D. pipe, and should preferably be located at the top of a conical frustum or cylindrical vertical extension of the tank which is at least 2 inches in diameter at the base and 2 inches or more in height.

SPS 386.06(9) (9) Piping and fittings.

SPS 386.06(9)(a) (a) Size. The piping from a toilet to the holding tank shall be at least as large as the trap of the toilet fixture. The piping from the holding tank or toilet to the pumpout connection shall have a nominal inside diameter of at least one and one-half inches.

SPS 386.06(9)(b) (b) Material. All waste and venting piping shall be made of galvanized steel, wrought iron or yoloy pipe; lead; brass; type M copper; or flexible or rigid plastic pipe. Assembly shall be made with threaded fittings in the case of ferrous or brass pipe; lead or solder type fittings in the case of lead and copper pipe; and with threaded fittings, insertable clamp type fittings, or weldable fittings in the case of plastic pipe. Clamps, usable only with plastic pipe, shall be made of stainless steel. All piping materials and fittings shall be capable of withstanding a pressure of at least 75 pounds per square inch and a combined maximum suction and external pressure head equivalent to 50 feet of water.

SPS 386.06(9)(c) (c) Location. No piping, other than that for venting, associated with the boat sewage system shall pass through the hull. The vent pipe shall terminate with an inverted U-bend, the opening of which shall be above the maximum water level in the toilet or holding tank. At least one vent terminal shall be constantly open to the atmosphere. The terminal of the outlet pipe shall be of the female connection type and be located above the holding tank in a manner that makes gravity discharge of the contents impractical. It shall have an airtight capping device marked “WASTE” and the cap and flange shall be embossed with the word “WASTE”.

SPS 386.06(10) (10) Electrical system. The electrical system associated with the boat holding tank or toilet system shall conform to accepted practice and create no hazards.

SPS 386.06(11) (11) Portable toilet. Each portable toilet shall meet the material requirements and temperature resistance requirements of subs. (1) and (3). Exposed surfaces shall be of reasonably smooth and cleanable material. Capacity of the flush tank and holding tank shall be adequate for the intended use. Portable toilets shall be designed to prevent spillage of contents of the holding tank when the toilet is tipped or portable toilets shall be secured on board.

SPS 386.06 History History: Cr. Register, September, 1980, No. 297, eff. 10-1-80; renum. from H 80.06, Register, May, 1983, No. 329, eff. 6-1-83.

SPS 386.07 SPS 386.07 Overboard discharge inactivation. No boat equipped with a means of discharging sewage directly from a toilet or holding tank into the water upon which the boat is moored or is moved shall enter inland or outlying waters of the state until such means of discharge is inactivated. An owner or operator of a boat equipped with such means of discharge shall contact a representative of the department of natural resources or a local law enforcement official with respect to inactivation before entering state waters. Overboard discharge inactivation shall include as a minimum either disconnection of the toilet piping, removal of the pumping device, securely plugging the discharge outlet, sealing of the toilet bowl with wax or other method approved by the official contacted. The inspecting official shall provide the boat owner or operator with a signed written statement as to the method of inactivation accepted. The owner or operator shall give information as to the inland or outlying waters he or she plans to navigate and as to the time of stay on such waters.

SPS 386.07 Note Note: Discharge of wastes from boats in any form would be contrary to s. 29.601 (3), Stats.

SPS 386.07 History History: Cr. Register, September, 1980, No. 297, eff. 10-1-80; renum. from H 80.07, Register, May, 1983, No. 329, eff. 6-1-83; correction made under s. 13.93 (2m) (b) 5., Stats., Register, February, 1994, No. 458.

SPS 386.08 SPS 386.08 On-shore disposal facilities.

SPS 386.08(1) (1) Pump. A self-priming pump, suitable for pumping sewage, shall be provided for the on-shore removal of sewage from boat holding tanks and toilets; the installation of which shall be in accord with the appropriate state and local regulations. Head characteristics and capacity shall be based on installation needs for the site. The pump may be either fixed in position or portably mounted.

SPS 386.08(2) (2) Suction hose. The suction hose shall be of non-collapsible quality, preferably made with reinforcement. A quick-connect dripproof connector shall be fitted to the end of the hose that is attached to the boat piping outlet.

SPS 386.08(3) (3) Discharge hose. Quality flexible hose, compatible with the pump characteristics, may be used. All permanent piping shall conform to the state plumbing regulations. [ chs. SPS 382 and 384]

SPS 386.08(4) (4) Sewage disposal requirements.

SPS 386.08(4)(a) (a) Public facilities. When connection to a public sanitary sewer is economically feasible, the disposal piping shall be designed to discharge thereto. [ ch. SPS 384]

SPS 386.08(4)(b) (b) Private facilities. When a public sewer is not available, a private sewage disposal system installed in compliance with applicable state plumbing regulations shall be provided unless adequate private treatment and disposal facilities are already available. [ chs. SPS 382 and 383]

SPS 386.08(5) (5) Water supply requirements. The on-shore disposal facility shall be served by a water supply piping system to permit flushing of the facilities serviced. If a potable water supply is the source for flushing, the distribution piping shall be protected from backsiphonage and backpressure.

SPS 386.08(6) (6) Plan approval. Every owner, personally or through an authorized representative, shall obtain written approval from the department prior to award of any new or modified construction of shore disposal facilities set forth in this section. Three sets of plans and specification of such new or modified shore disposal facilities to be constructed for the purpose of pumping out boat holding tanks and toilets, receiving sewage from portable toilets, and disposing of the sewage shall be submitted to the department for review as to acceptability. Plans and specifications shall cover in detail the materials to be used, the pump characteristics, the water supply system, and when applicable, the size and construction of the septic or holding tank, results of soil percolation and boring tests and layout of the soil absorption system. Location of all wells within 50 feet of the absorption system, the surface water high water level and the general topography of the area shall be shown on the plans.