In the interest of providing up to date information as we get it...
RBAW continues to meet with Parks and gather facts and push on this issue. So far we do know the following from Parks with a meeting scheduled next week to drill down into the specifics:
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Is the Clean Vessel Act (CVA) Grant Program ending?
No, we are not terminating the CVA Grant Program. The program continues to support ongoing operations and maintenance of more than 140 stationary pumpouts and dump stations and free mobile pumpout services at 10 marinas.
Why is State Parks ending the pilot program?
After assessing the CVA Grant Program, including a desk audit with our federal funding partners at U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, we determined the pilot program’s service model was not financially sustainable.
Why was the pilot program found financially unsustainable?
The average market rate per pumpout is between $25 to $35. The average cost of the pilot program’s service is $40 to $50 per pumpout. The service area was also limited, and the program lacked funding to provide the same service in other areas.
Is there an appeal process?
There is no formal appeal process, but we welcome comments. Please send comments to
boatpumpouts@parks.wa.gov.
Will this service be provided again?
That’s the goal. We are exploring alternate service models that would provide free mobile pumpout services in areas across Puget Sound. We will share information as it becomes available.
Who do I contact to express support for free mobile pumpout services in my area?
Contact
boatpumpouts@parks.wa.gov. Be sure to include your location.
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The public has many questions that we are compiling and bringing up with the Parks dept. including requesting information with regards to fixed location facilities, detailed statistics with regards to program usage and estimated market for the services (ie: how many boats with holding tanks are in the service area), more data about the costs compared to their market rate data and many more. The full FAQ can be found here:
https://parks.state.wa.us/DocumentCenter/View/14860/CVA_Mobile-Pumpout-Update_21JAN2020
regards
-tozz
(RBAW Director and Tyee YC delegate)