Marine Sewage Pumpout Station Grant Program

The Marine Sewage Pumpout Station Grant Program is administered by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality through its Division of Coastal Management. The program is funded under the federal Clean Vessel Act of 1992, which aims to reduce water pollution from recreational vessels by increasing the availability and accessibility of pumpout and dump station facilities. The program is designed to support marinas and other boating facilities in providing convenient and environmentally responsible sewage disposal options, thereby improving coastal water quality and supporting sustainable recreational boating. The primary purpose of this grant program is to provide financial assistance for the installation, construction, renovation, or expansion of marine sewage pumpout and dump stations. These facilities allow boaters to properly dispose of onboard sewage, reducing illegal discharge into coastal waters. Eligible project types include fixed pumpout stations, portable pumpout systems, combination pumpout and dump stations, and improvements or expansions to existing facilities. Funding may also support engineering, planning, and necessary infrastructure such as piping connections to sewage systems, provided these are directly tied to pumpout functionality. Funding is structured as a matching grant, where the program will cover up to 75 percent of total project costs, with a maximum award of $20,000. Applicants are required to provide at least a 25 percent match, which may include cash contributions, in-kind services, and certain associated costs such as engineering or permit fees. However, the program explicitly excludes funding for unrelated infrastructure such as restroom construction, municipal treatment facilities, or general sewage system repairs unless directly required for pumpout operation. All costs must be documented and justified, and reimbursement is contingent upon compliance with all program requirements. Eligibility for the program includes marinas, gas or service docks, seafood dealers, and other boat docking facilities located within North Carolina’s designated coastal counties. These include both private and public entities, such as commercial operators and municipal facilities. Applicants must ensure that pumpout services remain accessible to recreational vessels for a minimum operational lifespan, typically at least five years. Facilities must also comply with local permitting requirements, including health, environmental, and construction approvals, and must demonstrate proper sewage disposal arrangements through municipal systems, septic systems, or licensed haulers. The application process requires submission of a detailed proposal outlining the project scope, equipment specifications, location, operational plan, and cost breakdown. Applicants must also provide supporting documentation such as maps, engineering details, permits, and evidence of sewage disposal arrangements. Additional required materials include certifications related to tax compliance, lobbying restrictions, and conflict of interest policies. Applications must be submitted to the NC Department of Environmental Quality, and no project work may begin until a formal contract is executed. Evaluation of applications is based on several criteria, including geographic need, environmental impact, and accessibility to boaters. Priority is given to areas with limited existing pumpout infrastructure, particularly in environmentally sensitive regions such as the Albemarle-Pamlico estuary. Additional consideration is given to facilities that serve high volumes of transient boaters, offer free or low-cost pumpout services, or are located in areas with significant boating activity and environmental vulnerability. The program operates on a recurring basis, although specific application deadlines are not explicitly stated in the provided materials. Applicants are encouraged to coordinate with program staff for guidance and clarification. Following approval, projects are subject to inspection and verification prior to reimbursement. Facilities must maintain compliance with operational requirements, including public accessibility and fee limitations, and failure to do so may result in repayment obligations. Program contacts are available through the Division of Coastal Management, with application materials submitted to their office in Morehead City, North Carolina.