Maine § 423. - Discharge of waste from watercraft
Full text of Maine Maine Revised Statutes § 423. — Discharge of waste from watercraft, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 423.. Discharge of waste from watercraft
1. Discharge from watercraft prohibited. A person, firm, corporation or other legal entity may not discharge, spill or permit to be discharged sewage, septic fluids, garbage or other pollutants from watercraft:
A. Into inland waters of the State; [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 688, Pt. B, §14 (RPR); PL 2003, c. 688, Pt. B, §15 (AFF).]
B. On the ice of inland waters of the State; or [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 688, Pt. B, §14 (RPR); PL 2003, c. 688, Pt. B, §15 (AFF).]
C. On the banks of inland waters of the State in a manner that the pollutants may fall or be washed into the waters or in a manner in which the drainage from the banks may flow into the waters. [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 688, Pt. B, §14 (RPR); PL 2003, c. 688, Pt. B, §15 (AFF).]
2. Holding tank required. A person, firm, corporation or other legal entity may not operate upon the inland waters of the State a watercraft that has a permanently installed sanitary waste disposal system if it does not have securely affixed to the interior discharge opening of the sanitary waste disposal system a holding tank or suitable container for holding sanitary waste material so as to prevent its discharge or drainage into the inland waters of the State.
3. Watercraft defined.
4. Watercraft defined. For the purposes of this section, "watercraft" has the same meaning as in Title 12, section 13001, subsection 28.
5. Penalty. Notwithstanding section 349, subsection 2, a person who is charged with a civil violation of this section is subject to a civil penalty, payable to the State, of not less than $500 and not more than $10,000 for each day of that violation.
Source: official Maine text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Maine § 423.
What does Maine Revised Statutes § 423. cover?
Section 423. ("Discharge of waste from watercraft") is part of the Maine Revised Statutes, the codified statutory law of Maine. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Maine § 423.?
A common citation format is "Maine Revised Statutes § 423." (Maine). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Maine law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Maine official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Maine attorney.
How does Maine § 423. apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Maine can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Maine.