California · Harbors and Navigation Code - HNC

HNC §780: (a) A person shall not disconnect, bypass, or operate a marine sanitation device so as to discharge sewage into the waters of this state, unless the particular discharge is expressly authorized or per

Misdemeanor

What this law says, in plain English

Unlawfully discharging sewage from a marine sanitation device into state waters, or violating no-discharge area rules, is prohibited. First violations in no-discharge areas are infractions; subsequent violations and violations in other waters are misdemeanors.

Read the full statutory text

(a) A person shall not disconnect, bypass, or operate a marine sanitation device so as to discharge sewage into the waters of this state, unless the particular discharge is expressly authorized or permitted pursuant to state or federal law or regulations. A violation of this subdivision is a misdemeanor. (b) The following prohibitions apply in no-discharge areas: (1) A person shall not disconnect, bypass, or operate a marine sanitation device so as to potentially discharge sewage. (2) A person shall not occupy or operate a vessel in which a marine sanitation device is installed unless the marine sanitation device is properly secured. The first violation of this subdivision is an infraction punishable by a fine of up to five hundred dollars ($500). A second or subsequent violation of this subdivision by any one person is a misdemeanor. (c) A person found guilty of a misdemeanor violation of subdivision (a) or (b) shall be subject to a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000) or imprisonment in the county jail not to exceed six months, or both that fine and imprisonment.

Verify at the official source: California legislative text

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