The foundation Environmental Protection in the Caribbean (EPIC) St. Maarten is encouraging the public to support the operation of its sewage Pump-out boat, Slurpy, which services the Simpson Bay Lagoon and surrounding waters. The organization is seeking an experienced boater to run Slurpy, offering a ready-to-go and unique business opportunity which also helps the environment.
EPIC’s Love the Lagoon Program is working to protect and restore the Simpson Bay Lagoon, one of the largest inland lagoons in the West Indies, a crucial ecosystem, and center of the maritime industry.
With high season having begun, many boats will be in need of a way to dispose of their wastewater in a hygienic and environmentally-friendly manner. To fill this need, EPIC purchased a sewage Pump-out boat with key support from donors, including CA Technologies, Island Global Yachting, Princess Port de Plaisance, and Wired Sailor. St. Maarten Shipyard is generously providing dockage, storage, and proper waste disposal free of charge. EPIC welcomes additional donations to the Pump-out boat project to help cover start-up costs.
Several marinas have already made use of the Pump-out boat and there is an unfulfilled demand for a proper wastewater disposal method for the hundreds of vessels found on the island during high season. According to international law, boaters must be at least 12 nautical miles from land to legally discharge untreated sewage. Slurpy provides boaters in and around the Lagoon a much more convenient, hygienic, and environmentally responsible option.
To learn more about being a Pump-out boat sponsor or operator, interested persons are encouraged to contact Natalia Collier at 545-3009 or visit www.epicislands.org.