Pump-out Stations

A pump-out is a device that is used to remove sewage from a vessel’s marine sanitation device (MSD). Pump-outs use one of three types of suction (diaphragm, peristaltic, or vacuum) to empty sewage from a vessel into a holding tank, or sometimes directly into a municipal waste system.

Keep Our Waters Clean! Use Pumpouts.

Scroll down to see if there is a pump-out facility in your area. Let us know if we’re missing your harbor!

Video from Washington Sea Grant on how to properly use a pump out station.

Pump-out Stations

A pump-out is a device that is used to remove sewage from a vessel’s marine sanitation device (MSD). Pump-outs use one of three types of suction (diaphragm, peristaltic, or vacuum) to empty sewage from a vessel into a holding tank, or sometimes directly into a municipal waste system. The diaphragm systems are the most basic, ideal for smaller harbors that want to pump up to 25 gallons per minute. Peristaltic systems are ideal for use in pump-out boats, for integrated pump-out monitoring, and use integrated plumbing for easier installation. Vacuum systems are the largest and can handle large volumes of sewage, up to 100 gallons per minute, and include a 2-tank system that can continually pump out sewage into one tank and empty waste into a sewer system from another tank.

There are several different types of pump-outs available for use in harbors.

  • Stationary dock-side pump-out: this system is mounted dock-side, has a long extendable hose that connects to the waste deck fitting of most vessels. Waste is pumped from a docked vessel into a holding tank on the dock, or in some cases flows directly into the city sewer system.

  • Mobile dock pump-out: this pump-out is on a mobile cart and hosts its own holding tank. A hose and electric motor are used to pump sewage from a vessel into the cart-mounted holding tank, which can then be transferred to a larger holding tank or city sewer system.

  • Pump-out boat: these systems are more mobile and can service larger vessels and travel within the harbor. The pump-out boat goes to the boater, and waste is pumped using on-board electric motors from a vessel directly into the pump-out boat’s holding tank, which is then taken to a fixed line on shore and emptied into sewer lines.

  • Fixed line, direct sewer connection: this is the least mobile of all the pump-out options. Fixed lines are directly connected to the sewer system. Boaters use a mobile suction hose assembly to pump sewage from their vessel directly into the dock-side mounted fixed connection.

Pump-out Facilities in Alaska

Southeast

  • Ketchikan - Casey Moran Harbor features a pump-out station.

  • Juneau - Douglas, Harris, and Statter Harbor feature seasonal pump-out stations.

  • Sitka - The Harbor Department provides three pump outs throughout the system. Crescent Harbor, Thomsen Harbor and Eliason Harbor.

  • Skagway - There is a pump-out facility for holding tanks, and garbage receptacles at each ramp in the small boat harbor.

Southcentral

  • Homer - The “Eco Barge” sewage pump-out station is seasonally located at the end of L float, near Ramp 4. Small vessels’ sewage holding tanks and/or porta-potties can be pumped at this facility. Contact the Harbormaster’s Office for key and instructions.

  • Seward - Small boat harbor features two pump-out stations.

  • Valdez - There are two stationary pump outs in each Harbor. Additionally, a mobile pump out cart and pump out skiff are available free of charge, however, you must contact the Harbormasters office to schedule the service.