Congress passed the Clean Vessel Act (CVA) in 1992 to allow the Secretary of Interior to issue grants to coastal and inland States to fund the construction, renovation, operation, and maintenance of sewage pump-out stations and sanitary waste reception facilities. Prior to 1992, the United States Congress conducted a survey of states and found that there were an inadequate number of pump-out stations for Type III marine sanitation devices. For this reason the survey concluded that recreational vessels may be a substantial contributor to localized degradation of water quality. As a result of the Clean Vessel Act, boaters can expect to see more convenient and reasonably priced pump-out and dump stations, resulting in cleaner waters, creating a better habitat for fish and shellfish populations.
The Clean Vessel Act in Virginia provides financial assistance for the installation of sewage pump-out and sanitary waste dump stations. Federal funds may constitute no more than 75% of a project with the remaining funds (25%) supplied by the recipient.
If you would like to apply for a Clean Vessel Act Grant, please consult the links below for information and the application associated with the grant process.
To be eligible for CVA funds, must have a valid Certificate to Operate (CTO, Marina Permit) and be in good standing with the marina regulations (no active violations).
****PRIOR FUNDING DOES NOT GUARANTEE FUTURE FUNDING****
Steps to gaining approval for CVA funding:
(1) Submit your completed application to marinaprogram@vdh.virginia.gov to request funding; if you qualify, acceptance is confirmed in writing.
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- You must reapply for each funding request which allows VDH to confirm funding is available for your project.
- Until you receive approval in writing that your project is eligible, your funding is not confirmed.
- CVA funding is made available by the USFW; who may discontinue funding at any time.
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(2) Request a UEI # from the federal government – all facilities must obtain a UEI to be eligible for reimbursement
(3) Complete the maintenance agreement and email to marinaprogram@vdh.virginia.gov
(4) Complete your project and notify VDH staff at marinaprogram@vdh.virginia.gov; local health district staff will be notified to perform an inspection of new systems and to take photos of the completed project.
(5) Prepare your reimbursement packet and email to marinaprogram@vdh.virginia.gov;
Reimbursement packets should include:
- Virginia Substitute W-9 for Taxpayer ID Number – all reimbursements must have this form
- CVA Reimbursement Request – all facilities must use this template to create a reimbursement request invoice
- invoices for work performed and/or parts
- the proof of payment, which may be an endorsed check or zero balance invoice from your contractors
Your acceptance of USFW CVA grant funds requires compliance with:
- Federal Regulations
- As a facility receiving USFW funds, you may not charge more than $5/pumpout or dumpout. All recipients are added to our map to help boaters find affordable pumpout/dumpout locations
- Post a provided sign near pumpout/dumpout stations or in a prominant location visible to boaters, that your facility is a recipient of USFW funding
Manufacturers*
Keco Pump and Equipment
619-298-3800
Edson International
508-995-9711
EMP Industries
800-355-7867
*There may be other pump-out manufacturers available. The above can demonstrate BABA compliance as of 2025. Please contact the VDH Marina Program for more information.
VDH also partners with Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources to administer the Clean Vessel Act Program and protect the Chesapeake Bay.
Contact Information
Celeste Anderson
410-260-8772
celeste.anderson@maryland.gov
