NO DISCHARGE ZONE

After three years of work, in May, 2007, the entire Lynnhaven River was designated a No Discharge Zone. We are the first tidal river in Virginia to have this designation and only the second No Discharge Zone in the State.

After two years of the No Discharge Zone, we believe it is contributing positively to reducing fecal coliform bacteria in the River and helping us to maintain 31% of the river as safe for shellfish harvest.

What does this mean to you, the boater?
NO BOAT IS ALLOWED TO DISCHARGE A HOLDING TANK INTO THE RIVER. If your boat has a deck mounted valve (a Y valve), you are required to have a lock on the valve at all times in the Lynnhaven River. And when your holding tank is pumped out, the pump operators will place dye tablets in your holding tank. If your system leaks or you discharge illegally, the discharge will be bright green in color.

The Coast Guard and the Virginia Beach Marine Police have the power to enforce this regulation and can levy fines for non-compliance.

Pump out facilities are available at all of our marinas and HRSD will come to your dock to pump out your boat at no charge. To schedule an HRSD pump out, fill out this online form. Click here for a copy of Virginia Department of Health NDZ brochure with a list of all pump out facilities in Virginia.

To Get a NDZ sticker for your boat, call our office at (757) 962-5398 or look for them in your marina office.

Thank you for helping us protect the river!