Indian River County has decided to provide a free mobile boat sewage clean-out service, which is good news not just for people who live aboard their vessels in and around Vero Beach, but also for the health of the Indian River Lagoon.
Dumping untreated sewage in Florida waters violates state and federal law but there are only two operable public pump-out stations in the county, according to Melissa Meisenburg, Indian River County’s senior lagoon environmental specialist.
To increase compliance with the law, the county intends to purchase a 23-foot pump-out vessel with a capacity of 350-420 gallons and a price tag of up to $121,250.
Instead of boats traveling to a stationary dumping facility – if they can find one – a pump-out boat goes to vessels that need to be emptied. The convenience will ensure a higher degree of participation, Meisenburg said. Once full, the pump-out boat will offload the waste to a dump station connected to the county’s sewer system.
A Clean Vessel Act grant from Florida Department of Environmental Protection will reimburse the county for 75 percent of the cost of the boat and the Indian River Land Trust has pledged up to $50,000 to cover the rest of the cost for the boat.
“We’re delighted that Indian River County is taking the initiative to reduce unnecessary pollutants from entering the Indian River Lagoon,” said Land Trust Executive Director Ken Grudens. “We are pleased to partner with the county in this effort to improve the water quality of this estuary of national importance.”
Once the boat is purchased, the county can apply for additional grants, with the same 75 percent match, to cover ongoing operation and maintenance costs, Meisenburg said. The service would require about $40,000 in operating costs each year, plus $25,716 for a part-time employee, she added.
The Clean Water Coalition of Indian River County has pledged $10,000 toward the county’s 25 percent of the operating costs for the first year of operation and maintenance.
“This is a game changer and should eliminate a direct source of pollution that is fouling our lagoon.” said island resident Judy Orcutt, president of the Clean Water Coalition.
The county expects to launch the free pump-out service in January 2026.
