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- Marine life Along the New Jersey Coast
- Ecosystem Profile: Delaware Bay
- Ecosystem Profile: The Hudson-Raritan Estuary
- Marine Oil Pollution Cases in NJ
- Oil Pollution and Recreational
Boaters - Oil Pollution Laws for Recreational Boaters
- What if I Spill Oil?
- Preventing Oil Spills on My Boat
- How Do I Report a Spill?
- Video: Oil in Our Waters
Oil Pollution Laws for Recreational Boaters
Photo Credit: US Coast Guard
Discharging petroleum products like gas or oil into the water is illegal under both US federal and New Jersey state laws.
The Clean Water Act forbids the discharge of oil and other hazardous substances within the navigable waters of the US or any waters that affect natural resources in the US exclusive economic zone.
Under the Clean Water Act, any amount of oil spilled into the water causing a sheen or emulsification must be reported to the National Response Center.
The Coast Guard can fine recreational boaters up to $5,000 for breaking the law, and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection may add other fines. Polluters are also responsible for the cost of cleanup.