"The Hudson River has always been a national treasure, serving as a vibrant economic, recreational and cultural resource for local communities and the entire State," Governor Pataki said. "By reducing the discharge of harmful wastes into the river, we can ensure the health of this historic waterway."

A No Discharge Area is a designated body of water where the discharge of treated and untreated boat sewage is prohibited. The designation of this 153-mile stretch of the Hudson River as a No Discharge Area builds upon existing standards in federal law prohibiting the discharge of untreated sewage from vessels within all navigable waters of the United States.

Treated wastes often contain microorganisms, nutrients and/or chemical additives such as chlorine, formaldehyde or phenyls, that can degrade water quality in areas of the river where they are discharged. Among the potential effects from these waste discharges is nutrient loading, which can deplete oxygen levels in the water (hxpoxia) and significantly damage fish and other aquatic life. In addition, the release of toxic materials and pathogens also can harm marine and estuarine life and potentially spread diseases such as hepatitis to humans who come in contact with contaminated waters.

Vessels will be required to discharge wastes at pumpout stations located at various sites along the river. There are 35 such pumpout stations in the designated No Discharge Zone, a sufficient number to handle the expected volume of waste discharges. However, larger vessels (greater than 225 feet in length or 20 feet in draft) will be given a one-year waiver before having to abide by the new No Discharge standard. New York State is exploring options for creating additional pumpout facilities to make it more convenient for large boat owners to discharge sewage.

The creation of the No Discharge Area was recommended in the State Clean Vessel Act Plan, which was prepared by the Department of States Division of Coastal Resources and the Hudson River Estuary Action Plan, which is prepared by DEC. New York State submitted a request for the designation in 2000, which EPA reviewed to determine its feasibility.

Secretary of State Randy A. Daniels said, "The Hudson River is being transformed into a cleaner, healthier river. The designation of this No Discharge Area is a simple step that will produce dramatic results, helping us to once again realize the potential of the Hudson River."

The No Discharge Zone will be enforced by State Police, DEC police, State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation police, county sheriffs and deputy sheriffs, local police officers, harbormasters and bay constables.