MPOOP Marina Pumpout Program

1. Plumbed, or centralized, system - this system consists of a land-based pump station with suction plumbing located along the dock. If your facility has numerous liveaboard boaters, this type of system is the most effective way to collect waste because the vessel does not need to be moved from the slip to a stationary location.  
2. Stationary pump-out station - this system is one of the simplest and least expensive systems to install. It is often conveniently located near fuel or water sources where boaters access the station by docking next to it. This type of system is most appropriate for non-liveaboard facilities and/or facilities that serve transient vessels or commercial operators. 

NOT ELIGIBLE: Portable pump-out equipment including pump-out vessels and portable collection tanks (i.e. mobile carts) do not meet County requirements.

Signage

All marinas, regardless of size, must provide signage educating boaters about pumping out waste.

• CVA Pump-Out Signage

Financial Assistance 

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has a reimbursement-based grant program to help fund pump-out projects. The Clean Vessel Act (CVA) Grant Program can fund up to 75 percent of eligible project costs relating to: 

• site preparation
• permitting
• equipment purchase
• installation
• operations
• maintenance
• sewage hauling
• educational outreach (i.e. signage)

The CVA grant office accepts applications year-round, and grants are funded on a first-come, first-serve basis.

• CVA Website and Application

If you choose to seek CVA funding assistance, you are encouraged to first contact the CVA grant program to discuss your project. Each project is unique, and CVA staff can help you navigate your funding request. While completing the CVA grant process, marina owners can also apply for the required permitting as outlined below. 

Permitting

There are two permits necessary to install a pump-out system within Monroe County.

The first permit is a Sewage Collection and Transmission Permit from the Florida DEP. This permit ensures the effluent can be safely collected and processed by the receiving treatment plant. This permit application must include plan details and be certified by a Professional Engineer registered in Florida. The current application fees range from $250-500 depending on your project plans, which is reimbursable by the DEP CVA grant program. There are two types of permits issued: a General permit or an Individual permit, which also depends on your project plans. (NOTE: if your facility is not connected to central sewer, you may need an on-site performance-based treatment system and additional permitting through the Florida Department of Health.)

•  DEP Website

The second permit is a plumbing permit from the Monroe County Building Department. Permitting fees vary based on your project valuation, which is reimbursable by the DEP CVA grant program. 

• Monroe County Building Department

Important items to include in your Monroe County application are:

• DEP permit
• Engineered drawings and a site plan
• Plumbing and electric diagrams
• Specifications from the pump-out manufacturer

Sample Permits

For your reference, the Marine Resources Office has compiled sample pump-out projects that have been successfully completed in Monroe County including copies of permit applications, project drawings and other helpful resources below. 

Stationary System - Pilot House Marina

• CVA Reimbursement Sample
• DEP Wastewater Application and Permit Sample
• Monroe County Permit Sample

Plumbed System - Ocean Reef

• CVA Reimbursement Sample
• Monroe County Permit Sample

Plumbed System - Key West Harbor Yacht Club

• Monroe County Permit Sample

Plumbed System - Angler House Marina

• DEP Wastewater Application and Permit Sample

Contact Information

A list of engineers, contractors, and pump-out manufacturers who have installed pump-out systems within Monroe County is provided below for your convenience.*

*NOTE: There may be other design professionals, contractors, or pump-out manufacturers capable of providing pump-out services within Monroe County that are not on this list. If you are a design professional, contractor, or pump-out manufacturer and wish to be added to this list, please contact MPOOP@monroecounty-fl.gov.