In the states at least on the Chesapeake Bay and tributaries the Clean Vessel Act helps subsidize the majority of the cost of constructing the pump outs so less of the cost is passed through to boaters. We had one installed at our Yacht Club and there is no cost for use and the condition of the grant is that all boaters (not just our Yacht Club) can use. It is also easier to dispose of the waste.
I would imagine the BVIs wouldn't have a grant program to help subsidize and disposal would be harder...so it would be more cost passed through to the boaters maybe?
The River Keepers organization also sponsors pumpout boats that patrol the popular Maryland anchorage and offer free pumpouts. Capt. Jay knows the story first hand, but there was a USVI pumpout boat that was bought with grant money. It did not go into service because there was nowhere to pumpout. On St. John one of the septic services has offered to schedule one of their septic trucks to pumpout from a pumpout boat, but that is not happening yet. In Marathon the City Marina has 220+ moorings and has a weekly pumpout boat service. It has made a big impact on the lagoon there.
For proper black water disposal it is going to take government commitment, money, and real incentives to make it happen. But, many private boats in the VIs do not have holding tanks.
Cheers, RickG
