Face it folks, it may be a gas to go tearing across Lake Havasu Arizona in your cigarette boat, but it's not a green activity. Getting green and staying green in your life and hobbies is going to become increasingly important, not just at Lake Havasu Arizona, but all across the U.S. and the rest of the world. That's not to say that there aren't types of boating that are green, like kayaking, canoeing, rowing or sailing, but in general, powerboating with a Sea Ray boat, Magic Power boat or cigarette boat is far from green. You may think that this whole green phenomenon has gone too far, but it's no joke. Power boating in places like Lake Havasu Arizona, Lake Powell and other places may soon be facing greater and greater restrictions to minimize the environmental damage that they cause. Just last fall, a judge in the U.S. District Court overturned a long-standing rule which made recreational boaters exempt from getting a water-pollution permit that is mandated under the Clean Water Act. The permits were formerly only confined to big, ocean-going ships, but starting on September 30th, 2008, all boats operated in the U.S. will have to obtain this permit. The Federal Pollution Permit is being implemented to keep track of grey water, bilge water dumping, runoff from the decks of ships, engine cooling water and oil and gas seeping into the waterways. It even covers the use of copper bottom paints. This is being enforced to address the issues of high toxicity in our lakes, rivers and coastal waters. If you own a Sea Ray boat or some other kind of power boat, you might be feeling a sense of outrage at reading this, but remember, the country's waterways aren't the exclusive province of boaters. They belong to all Americans and it's everyone's responsibilty to care for them. If you want to keep informed about boating responsibly, make sure to check out http://www.laketrash.com for more articles and updates on changes in the laws and more ideas for green boating practices.
Let's start with some suggestions for how to make your boating greener right away! The next time you head out to Lake Havasu Arizona, remember this: spill-proof your fueling routine. Take your time. Be careful and use a fuel collar or rags or absorbant pads to catch any fuel drips. Never fill your boat's tanks completely, as fuel expands as it gets warmer. Always fill your portable tanks on shore. You don't want that water spilling into the water right before your Lake Havasu party. Always keep your bilge clean. Never dump oily water overboard. Remember, you and your friends are going to be swimming and fishing in that water at Lake Havasu Arizona or Lake Powell or wherever you are, so try to keep it clean and green! And be sure to check out http://www.laketrash.com regularly for more advice on ways to keep your boating green!
