EPA Guidelines for Boat Wash Downs, “Don’t Forget the Dogs” States AIRE Industrial
Meridian, Idaho (PRWEB) July 24, 2013 -- The notion of adding pets to a wash down procedure might sound odd, but aquatic hitchhikers like dogs as much as boats when it comes to getting a free ride. Invasive species are all about moving to new territories and an unwitting boat owner or pet lover might be giving a dangerous creature a ride to new horizons. The cost is over $100 billion a year in the United States to mitigate the impacts of non-native species.
Best practices advise thoroughly washing down not only the boat, but all equipment as well. Trailers, paddles, props, ropes and buoys are part of the wash down checklist. This list could include any tow behind toys, water skis, personal safety equipment and the family dog, anything that was exposed to the water. The lesson here is if it was in the water, something in the water could be on it.
The correct procedure is to use water hotter than 104F and or a pressure washer to remove unwanted plants and animals before leaving the area. If wash downs cannot be accomplished at the site, the use of vinegar or a salt-water solution are the second best options. Stay out of other waters for at least five days and do a hand guided visual inspection of the boat hull and the trailer before boating again. Sanding off gritty spots where potential lurkers can live is advised as well.
The importance of implementing a post boating procedure is not just for environmental stewardship; taking along mussels can foul an engine and injure steering equipment. Some invasive species can clog engines causing them to overheat. Others can attach to props and alter performance. Boat repairs are far more costly than preventative oversight. Not properly disengaging non-native hitchhikers can leave a body of water unusable for boaters and recreators alike.
Lakes and rivers serve as more than playgrounds, they are a water supply and a food supply as well. Some mussels have affected local water treatment plants causing millions of dollars damage. Abatement programs had to be implemented at substantial costs. Invasive marauders create oxygen deprivation and crowd out native fish such as trout and salmon, threatening local fishing and fisheries.
Public awareness can lead to public action. Responsible watercraft owners can enjoy the waterways and be good stewards of the lakes and rivers they traverse. A few minutes after a day at the lake can provide years of enjoyment for all. A wash down pad is an effective tool to capture the water and waste washed off a vessel and its equipment. Proper disposal aids in mitigating the invasive species damage.
For more information about wash down pad solutions, contact Aire Industrial, 2021 E Wilson Ln, Meridian, Id 83642, 1-800-247-3846 or visit http://www.aireindustrial.net where information, photos and supplemental chemical compatibility charts can be found.
About AIRE Industrial:
Located in Meridian, ID, AIRE Industrial has combined its technical knowledge and manufacturing expertise of flexible textiles to provide liquid containment products and spill prevention solutions for government agencies, military, agriculture, environmental containment, and the wild land fire suppression industries.
The founders of AIRE Industrial are outdoor enthusiasts, protectors of the environment, and take pride in using American sourced materials and keeping jobs local. AIRE Industrial offers a complete line of containment berms, flexible storage tanks and bladders as well as spill kits and containment products. AIRE Industrial has offices in Idaho, Washington, North Dakota, and partners in Europe, Asia, North Africa, New Zealand, The Middle East and South America. AIRE Industrial is a division of AIRE Inc. AIRE Inc. is the largest inflatable boat manufacturer in the U.S.
Tim Lewis, Aire Industrial, 800-247-3846, [email protected]
Share this article