The
Green
Guide
to
Boat
Washdown
Systems
heading
The Green Blue
Making the environment second nature
A joint BMF and RYA Initiative
Photo courtesy of Alex Watkins
Green Guide to Boat Washdown Systems
Introduction
The washing down of a boat is a key element in a
regular maintenance programme. For many years,
boats have been washed down and the run-off water
has usually been allowed to run back into the nearest
watercourse unchecked and untreated. As greater
attention is paid to water quality in the UK, driven to a
large extent by European legislation such as the Water
Framework Directive and the Marine Strategy
Framework Directive, so interest is increasing in
washdown equipment and facilities which contain and
filter the run-off. These systems are being installed
in boatyards, marinas and harbours around the UK.
In other parts of the world where water quality
legislation is stricter than here (notably in parts of the
USA) such systems are commonplace.
This guide is intended for marina operators, harbour
authorities, boatyards, local authorities and port
authorities who are considering installing washdown
facilities. It aims to set out:
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Why a washdown system might be needed
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The legal framework
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What to consider when installing a washdown
system
The types and makes of system available, together
with details of how they work
Case studies of some systems already installed in
the UK
Why a washdown system might be
needed?
When boats are washed-down and scrubbed, with or
without a high pressure hose, the run-off water
usually contains a variety of pollutants, including
paint flakes and chippings, dissolved heavy metals
(usually copper from antifouling), residues from
cleaning chemicals used on hulls and topsides and,
increasingly, non-native species such as Didemnum
vexillum – more commonly known as “Carpet Sea
Squirt.” Without any kind of containment or filtration
system, this polluted water can flow into a nearby
watercourse – either directly or via a surface water
drain. There, the contaminants in the water can
accumulate in bottom sediment or enter the food
chain – causing harm to aquatic life, contaminating
the sea / river bed and reducing water quality.
The problem of build up of contaminants becomes
more acute in weak tidal estuaries and rivers, as well
as within locked basins and marinas and since many
boatyards and marinas are located within areas that
have conservation designations attached to them,
any harm caused to wildlife can mean the finger of
suspicion quickly being pointed at the recreational
boating sector.
Areas of silt adjacent to boat yards or any washdown
area will often experience higher levels of
contamination due to residues being washed back
into the water. This can cause problems if any
dredging is required since a dredging disposal
licence is more likely to be refused and / or costs of
dredging an area with contaminated silt will be
extremely high.
Non-native species can attach themselves to boat
hulls and are removed as part of the washdown
process. If they are washed straight back into the
water, fragments can survive and re-establish
themselves. One of the key ways to stop the spread
is to capture any fouling that comes off the bottom of
a boat and dispose of it on land.
As a further consideration, washing down boats uses
large amounts of fresh water and despite recent wet
summers, water as a commodity is becoming more
expensive and there have been restrictions on water
use in some parts of the country due to drought
conditions in recent years.
Green Guide to Boat Washdown Systems
The Legal Framework
Trade Effluent Consent
Under the Water Resources Act 1991 it is an offence
to allow any polluting, poisonous or noxious material
(including solid waste matter) to enter a ‘controlled
water’, without a consent. ‘Controlled waters’ include
all watercourses, canals, most lakes and reservoirs,
estuaries, lochs and coastal waters out to three
miles (surface waters) and water contained in
underground strata – known as groundwater.)
This legislation applies irrespective of whether the
substance was deliberately or accidentally released.
The key element of this legislation is that it is an
offence to cause or knowingly permit a water
discharge activity unless you are complying with an
environmental permit or exemption. Things that
count as water discharge activities include:
The Water Industry Act 1991 states that any liquid
produced wholly or in part from any trade or business
activity carried out on trade premises qualifies as
trade effluent and therefore requires consent from
the sewerage provider to discharge this effluent to
the foul sewer.
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discharging poisonous, noxious or polluting
matter or solid waste matter into inland
freshwater, coastal waters and relevant territorial
waters.
discharging trade or sewage effluent into inland
freshwater, coastal waters and relevant territorial
waters
Discharge Permit
Washdown water contaminated with antifouling
residue or other chemicals is considered to be trade
effluent and may be classified as hazardous waste
(depending on concentrations of substances
contained within it). Commercial facilities producing
this kind of run-off require a Discharge Permit from
the relevant environmental regulator to allow them to
discharge this water back to a watercourse.
England - Environment Agency
www.environment-agency.gov.uk
Scotland - Scottish Environment Protection Agency
www.sepa.gov.uk
Wales - Natural Resources Wales
www.naturalresourceswales.gov.uk
Northern Ireland - Northen Ireland Environment Agency
www.doeni.gov.uk
European Directives
There are two European Directives that are
potentially relevant to boat washdown.
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The EU Water Framework Directive, adopted in
October 2000, aims to ensure that inland water
bodies and coastal waters out to 1nm achieve
“good ecological status” by 2015.
The EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive,
adopted in July 2008, requires member states to
develop marine strategies in order for European
seas to achieve or maintain good environmental
status by 2020.
The WFD overlaps with MSFD in coastal waters.
Both Directives are designed to improve and protect
water management and water quality. The main
difference is that WFD focuses on the chemical and
ecological status of coastal waters whereas the
MSFD covers a broader range of pressures including
noise and litter.
Although the impacts of recreational boating have
been shown to be relatively minor within the context
of both Directives, it is in the sector’s interest to be
as proactive as possible to minimise any impact on
the environment and in doing so avoid any restrictions
the Directives may place on boating activities.
Green Guide to Boat Washdown Systems
What to consider when installing a washdown system
Installing a washdown system can involve significant
cost and potentially some disruption to business as
usual while the infrastructure is installed. The
following factors should be taken into consideration
when deciding what type, size and scale of system
might be the most appropriate for your facility:
1. Closed loop or discharge to foul sewer
or water body
A closed loop system is one that re-uses the
wash water once it is in the system. The water
storage tank is filled with either mains or
rainwater, used for washdown, filtered and / or
treated and then it goes back into the storage
tank again for re-use. Of course evaporation will
occur so the tank will need to be topped up but
the key point is that no washdown water –even
treated water - is discharged to either the foul
sewer or back into a nearby water body.
If you would prefer to discharge the washdown
water then you have the option of discharging to
either the foul sewer (for which you need a trade
effluent consent from your sewerage company) or
to a nearby water body (for which you would need
a discharge permit from the relevant Environment
Agency). Both the sewerage company and the
Environment Agencies are likely to want to see
water quality tests so that they know what is
being discharged.
For water to be discharged back to a water body, it
may need to be filtered and treated. It is likely
that the sewerage companies will accept lower
quality water since they will then treat it at a
sewage treatment works. Within a closed loop
system, the water does not need to be as clean if
it is primarily being used under high pressure to
remove fouling, rather than as rinse quality water.
If rinse quality water is required, then you may
want to consider supplying this fresh from mains
or from a separate rain water collection system.
It is worth taking into account the current location
of the nearest foul sewer when locating the
washdown facility to avoid undue expense
connecting to the foul sewer.
2. Space available
To some degree, the decision as to whether or not
to choose a closed loop system will depend on
the space you have available. A closed loop
system will generally require more space because
a storage tank will be needed – although the size
of this can also be scaled dependent on the
anticipated number of boats that will be washed
down and it can be sited underground. A system
that discharges to the foul sewer or back to the
water will require less space. The commercially
available systems generally require some form of
housing for the reclaim unit, the pumps and the
filters and these vary in size from a 1.5 x 1.0 x
1.2 metre metal “cupboard” to a small (20 foot)
shipping container measuring 6 x 2.4 x 2.6
metres. Space will also be needed for a
washdown pad, a settlement tank, the jetwash
equipment (if used), and pumping equipment.
3. Extent of groundworks necessary
Every system, whether a commercially available
one or a bespoke design, requires some form of
wash “pad” from where water can be collected,
ready for filtration. Usually these are concrete
pads which may have a small lip around the edge
to stop water escaping and / or are cambered to
allow water to drain through an interceptor or
grille and into a sump / settlement tank.
Many of the systems require a settlement tank as
the first stage of filtration. Washdown water runs
through an interceptor or a grille (to remove large
particles and biofouling) and then drains into a
settlement tank where the water sits for a period
of time to allow material suspended within the
water to settle. This kind of tank can either sit
below ground (in which case excavation beneath
or near the wash pad will be necessary) or above
ground, in which case a pumping unit will be
necessary to get the water from the drain beneath
the wash pad into the settlement tank.
Much of the solid matter washed from boats will
not enter the settlement tanks and filtration
system, and should be swept up and disposed of
into an appropriate waste container, usually as
hazardous waste.
Green Guide to Boat Washdown Systems
4. Budget
The cost of a washdown system will depend on
the size of the facility wishing to install it, how
many boats need to be washed down, the extent
of the groundworks required and the number and
complexity of the filters used to treat the water.
Some of the systems installed in the UK are “off
the shelf” units, but will require the ancillary
infrastructure necessary to operate them (such
as wash pad, settlement tank, pumping chamber,
jet wash). Others are supplied as a complete
solution while some boatyards and marinas have
gone for bespoke systems that meet their precise
needs and space requirements.
As a very rough guide, a smaller system catering
for around 200 boat wash downs per year and
with minimal groundworks may cost around
£15,000. A larger system, with significant
groundworks (including underground tanks) would
cost more in the region of £40,000 – £50,000.
In addition to the capital cost of the washdown
system, you also need to consider running costs.
These include the cost of the water (very low if a
closed loop / rainwater system is used), cost of
energy to run the system, filter changes (carbon
filters in particular can be very expensive),
emptying of interceptors and settlement tanks
and removal of material by a licensed hazardous
waste contractor and the cost of any coagulants,
flocculants, odour control chemicals and water
conditioners that may need to be added to
the system.
5. Likely number of boats to be
washed down
The number of boats requiring washdown will also
inform the size (and therefore price) of the system
you will require. With fewer boats to wash, a
smaller system can be installed as the amount of
water being used will be lower so the size of
settlement tanks, water storage tanks etc. can be
reduced. To some extent the intensity of use is as
important as the total number of boats being
washed. If a small system is used intensively
during the autumn for example, then reasonably
sized tanks will still be needed to allow for a high
frequency of use over a short period. If a large
number of boats are to be washed down, then a
two person jetwash system is more likely to be
needed, which produces higher runoff rates,
requiring a larger filtration unit and tanks.
6. Use of the system by boat owners or
marina staff
Some yards with washdown systems allow
customers to use the washdown themselves, and
some restrict use to trained operatives only.
Costs to customers are reduced if they can use it
themselves (and some systems allow a
customer’s own pressure washer to be attached)
and the facility can potentially be made available
for longer operating hours. The downside to not
having trained staff using it is that if filters get
blocked, pumps stop working, or any other
technical problem arises, damage may be done to
the system if people are not aware that it is not
operating properly.
7. Types of system available
The following section sets out six available
systems in the UK and gives details of how they
work, approximate costs and where they are
installed. Most of the suppliers responded to a
questionnaire about their products so for ease of
comparison, the questions are replicated for each
supplier. Where information was gathered direct
from an installed site, rather than from the
supplier, this is made clear.
Blastgreen
Cleenlife
Filtabund
Kirton
MarineKleen
Morclean
BLASTGREEN
www.fendercare.com/uk/what-we-do/our-services/surface-preparation/
Installed at Batson Boat Park, South Hams
District Council, Salcombe1
How much does the system cost to install?
The Salcombe system which was very much a
prototype cost around £40,000 to put in place.
What type of system is it?
The BlastGreen system is closed loop so all wash
water is treated and re-used.
Are groundworks required?
No – the system at Salcombe uses two portable,
bunded “lagoons” which can be placed on any flat
surface. After three years of successful operation
Salcombe are now going to install a concrete pad
with a settlement tank underneath.
How much are annual running costs?
Filter replacement costs £1,000 – 2,000. The
system has just completed its third year and filters
have been cleaned to try and get them to operate for
a second season.
How much space is required?
A 20 foot shipping container is required to house the
reclaim system and tanks. The lagoons are
portable.
How is runoff collected?
Currently the washdown water is collected inside the
lagoons and then pumped away to a reception tank
where it goes through a micofibre “sock” before
going through the filters.
How many stages of filtration are there?
There are three main filtration stages after the water
has passed through the initial microfibre sock to
remove larger particles. The filters are arranged as
two separate systems so that one system can be
backwashed whilst the other is in operation. The
carbon filter at Salcombe is not routinely used as the
wash water generally does not contain hydrocarbons.
What is the capacity of the system – i.e. how many
boats can be cleaned per day?
The Harbour Authority routinely programme five boat
lifts per working day. The boat remains in the hoist
until cleaned before being chocked to its final winter
storage position. At Salcombe around 150 boats per
season are washed down.
How is any solid hazardous waste removed and
disposed of?
Solid waste can be removed from the lagoons and
from the filters for correct disposal by licensed
waste carriers.
Does the system remove dissolved heavy metals?
The Mycelex resin towers will remove all harmful
heavy metals and hydro carbons.
Can it run on rainwater?
Yes
Have water quality tests been conducted on the
filtered water?
Unknown
How often do filters have to be replaced?
At Salcombe the filters are changed once per season.
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Some information on this system gathered from conversation with Salcombe Harbour Master
Case study
Batson Boat Park, Salcombe
Salcombe Town Car Park at Batson has, for many
years, been used for boat storage during the winter
months. In 2010 South Hams District Council
decided to install a washdown system due to
growing concerns about the amount of polluted
washdown water that was entering the estuary.
The Blastgreen scrubbing system has been
provided principally for environmental reasons.
With the increasing awareness of the
environmental impact of boating on the fragile
ecosystems of the Estuary, there is a increasing
awareness amongst the boat owning fraternity that
it is no longer acceptable to wash boats off and
allow the residue to go straight back into the
water. Salcombe is a Site of Special Scientific
Interest (SSSI) and therefore care must be taken
to protect both water quality and the seabed.
Blastgreen - working closely in partnership with the
Salcombe Harbour Authority - devised a system
which prevents the residues from pressure
washing activities entering the estuary ecosystem.
Adrian Kingsland, Sales Manager at Blastgreen,
commented “From our initial discussions with Ian
Gibson (Salcombe Harbour Master) the brief was
challenging, in effect the creation of a system to
capture, contain and remove any contamination
from the water used for power washing activities,
i.e. a "Closed Loop System". No prototype is ever
perfect and the assistance and feedback we have
received from the Salcombe Harbour staff has
proved invaluable.”
A hoist slips the vessels on the slipway and drives
them to the scrubbing system where the hull is
power washed before the Sublift parks the boat in
its cradle for the winter. The contaminated run off
from the power washing of the hull is collected in a
lagoon and is then pumped through an extensive
filtration process, the water is then reused.
The system is fitted into a 20ft shipping container
and has a large water storage tank which is filled
at the start of the season. This water is supplied
to the pressure washers from this tank. The first
line of defence in the Blastgreen system is two
semi-permanent lagoons which can be packed
away at the end of the season. Built from heavy
duty polyethylene material, these lagoons
incorporate a tough, water filled collar. Sublifts and
boat trailers drive easily over and into these
sumps, for washing, allowing the contaminated
water to be collected.
The fouled water from the lagoons is then pumped
through a number of filters including UV back to a
holding tank. The Filters are arranged as two
separate systems so that one system can be
backwashed whilst the other is in operation. Any
large marine or paint particles can easily be
collected, removed, dried and disposed of.
The attraction of the Blastgreen system is that it is
portable and self contained. All that is required is
a flat smooth area to layout the lagoons and the
container, a 240v supply which could be a
generator and a convenient water supply to fill the
tank and top it up as required.
The scrubbing system also has the benefit of
keeping the boat park clean and tidy; all the power
washing arisings are contained in one area and not
spread across the boat park. Scrubbing off as the
boats are slipped does slow down the slipping
process a little, but the advantages considerably
outweigh the disadvantages.
CLEENLIFE
Available through ASAP supplies
www.asap-supplies.com
Can it run on rainwater?
Installed at: Galleon Storage and Mooring,
Filters also used at Cox’s Boatyard
Have water quality tests been conducted on the
filtered water?
What type of system is it?
Yes – tests have been carried out for the Broads
Authority.
The system can work in both ways. It was
predominately designed to be a closed loop system
which removes Hydrocarbons and suspended Heavy
Metals which are in particulate format because the
discharged water could still contain some Dissolved
Heavy Metals (DHM).
Are groundworks required for this system?
Yes, ground works maybe required as two drains will
be needed in the wash down area - one for the wash
down water to drain into and also a larger one for the
collection sump.
Yes
How often do filters have to be replaced?
There are no set rules on this as it will entirely depend
on how much contamination is dislodged during wash
down and how dirty the water/boats are. A visual
inspection should be made before every use. The
second stage filter works from the inside out so a
quick look at the top of this element will give you an
idea of how full the element is becoming.
How much does the system cost to install?
We do not install the unit but the average cost for the
unit is £1500 - £2500 each.
How is runoff collected?
The runoff water is collected through the first drain
and is then collected into the collection sump.
How much are annual running costs?
How many stages of filtration are there?
The main item that may have an annual running cost
would be the 2nd stage filter element. These retail at
£125.00
The first stage is a very coarse filter. There are then
two main filtration stages:
How much space is required ?
Stage 1 is an 80 Micron washable filter insert to
remove large particles
The filter units can be permanently mounted needing
a space of 500 mm wide X 750 mm tall but they could
also be mounted on to a trolley.
Stage 2 is the MyCelx infused element which captures
any hydrocarbons and also any suspended heavy
metals.
How is any solid hazardous waste removed and
disposed of?
The first stage filter can be removed and cleaned.
Residue cleaned off will need to be disposed of by
following the local laws for the disposal of Hazardous
Waste. Any hazardous waste that is collected by the
2nd stage element is collected onto the element and
when this element is at full capacity this will need to
be removed and disposed of in the same way (please
note that this element is hydrophobic meaning that it
will not collect any of the water).
Does the system remove dissolved heavy metals?
The water that comes through the discharge line may
still have some dissolved heavy metals (DHM). A third
stage filtration has been looked into that will remove
these entirely but due to other circumstances this has
not been released at present. This is subject to a
patent application.
What is the capacity of the system – i.e. how many
boats can be cleaned per day?
This will entirely depend on how big the boats are,
how dirty they are and also how big the collection
drains are etc.
Case study
Cox’s Boatyard, Norfolk
During 2012 Cox’s Boatyard in
Norfolk designed and installed
their own bespoke washdown
system.
Eric Bishop, the boatyard
manager devised a closedloop system that uses
rainwater from the boatyard’s
roof for boat washdown, which
is then passed through a set of purifying filters.
The cleaned water can then be used again or
discharged safely into the Broads.
The system collects rainwater and stores it in a
6250-litre tank, from where it is piped to an area
used for pressure washing. Boats that need
cleaning are suspended from the yard’s crane,
which can lift up to 9.5 tons, and positioned above
a large concrete pad, with angled sides that funnel
the run-off water into a small, central drain and
tank. Here water-borne particles and debris, as
well as invasive species such as the so-called
‘killer shrimp’ (Dikerogammarus villosus) settle out
from the main body of collected water and sink to
the bottom. Killer shrimps are aggressive
predators that prey on native shrimps and young
fish, and they have recently been found in Barton
Broad, so any system that helps to prevent their
spread has great environmental importance.
Once the larger debris is removed, an automatic
pump sends the wastewater via a pipe to a 4000litre storage tank, which is situated alongside the
rainwater tank. When this second tank is two-
thirds full, the water is pumped at a rate of 85
litres per minute though two filters, which are
reusable and washable, to remove any remaining
pollutants. The filters were supplied by ASAP
supplies (www.asap-supplies.com). The pure,
filtered water can then be re-used or returned to
the river, meaning that even in a drought when
there is little or no rainwater, there is always an
ample supply of water available for washing down
the boats. Neither does cold weather cause any
problems, as all the pipes and cables have special
heat cables fitted to them to stop them freezing.
Eric Bishop says: ‘The system is part of a major
eight-phased development plan for the boatyard
and we are keen to implement any systems that
help preserve the future of the Broads for both
wildlife and for boat owners. It took only five weeks
to install, and it is already doing a great job. We
are looking forward to further improving our
services to boat owners in the future.’
This system cost around £20,000 to install and
was partly financed with a grant from the Broads
Authority.
FILTABUND
www.filtabund.co.uk
How often do filters have to be replaced?
Installed at: Tollesbury Marina,
Emsworth Yacht Harbour
Activated Carbon replaced every 2 months (approx.
£65). Limestone replaced every 6 months (approx.
£40). Geotextile surface replaced every 2 years (costs
dependant on size of system)
What type of system is it?
FiltaBund Total System Solution is a multi-stage,
combined water collection, processing and recycling
facility for washdown of boat hulls. Rainwater is
harvested to ensure a full tank of supply water is
always available. Wash water is processed and
returned to the tank for reuse (closed loop system). If
the supply tank is full, rainwater is diverted to the
marina, or sewer (if available).
Are groundworks required?
No groundworks are required. All parts of system are
surface mounted & semi-permanent.
How is runoff collected?
Runoff is collected on the supplied raised platform
bund, which can support up to 10 tonne axle load as
standard (larger loads accommodated with bespoke
design). Larger hoists can drive each side of the bund
with no weight limit.
How many stages of filtration are there?
Nine
How is any solid hazardous waste removed and
disposed of?
Swept up from the geotextile surface and disposed of
as hazardous waste.
Does the system remove dissolved heavy metals?
Yes
Can it run on rainwater?
Yes
Have water quality tests been conducted on the
filtered water?
Yes. 6 months of fortnightly laboratory testing has
been carried out at our demo site for copper, zinc and
ph. Periodic monitoring of suspended solids, chemical
oxygen demand, total hydrocarbons and other
chemicals. Results are comparable to UK industry
standard maximums for tap water for tested
contaminants.
How much does the system cost to install?
This depends on size of system, but typically between
£14k and £25k. The price includes full system supply,
install, commissioning and 2 years of consumables.
How much are annual running costs?
Approximately £1500, which includes replacement of
geotextile surface every 2 years, annual service and
filter media. With water saving of approximately £300,
annual running costs are around £1200.
How much space is required?
It depends on bespoke design and space available.
Typically, the bund would be anything from 6m x 4m to
12m x 6m. External processing units require
approximately 2m² of space.
What is the capacity of the system – i.e. how many
boats can be cleaned per day?
No limit for normal yard operations (i.e. single hoist
operating throughout day).
Case study
Tollesbury Marina, Essex
Tollesbury Marina had been considering the
installation of a boat washdown facility for several
years, particularly as it is a desirable requirement
of The Yacht Harbour Association’s Gold Anchor
Award Scheme. Tollesbury had also been looking
at all aspects of their internal housekeeping and
educational programme, to ensure that they
minimize all aspects of waste - landfill, power
resources, and coastal pollution.
Manager, Julian Goldie, had been aware that many
conventional washdown systems required expensive
capital development, and had been keen to explore
the alternatives. It was therefore timely that he
learned from the BMF that a new system – Filtabund
- was to become available and decided to involve
Tollesbury as a potential site for a new joint venture.
FiltaBund is an above ground filtration system
requiring no groundworks, onto and above which
boats can be pulled straight out of the water ready
for pressure washing. For Tollesbury it represented
an affordable and unique "turnkey" solution for the
collection and treatment of washdown water. It
consists of a high strength (up to 20tonne axle
load) surface mounted bund that sits beneath the
boat and a separate multistage filtration and
processing module. Washwater that falls onto the
bund passes through a multilayer geotextile
surface that removes paint particles, marine
debris, oil and biofouling such as non-native
species. The water then passes through a further
oil separation baffle to a sump, where it is pumped
to the external filtration module. The filtration
module contains multiple processing stages,
including limestone and activated carbon to
remove dissolved metals and a sand filter for
micro particle removal. Water is then collected in a
tank for reuse.
The system also harvests rainwater that falls on to
the bund to ensure a continuous supply of fresh
water. UV technology kills bacteria and the entire
system can be solar or wind powered to provide
additional power saving.
Julian is delighted that the system has been the
subject of very positive interest from key
stakeholders (including the Environment Agency, a
leading marine coatings company, several large
marina groups, as well as a number of
independent marinas, from all over the country)
and all have spoken highly of both the design and
the quality of the build.
Julian commented: ‘We have been more than
satisfied with the system. It is robust, low
maintenance, and fundamentally removes the risk
of antifouling contaminants returning to the water.
In the long run, we hope that more boat owners will
be attracted to marinas and boatyards that show a
responsible answer in avoiding water pollution
through antifouling run off. It has the added benefit
of re-using washdown water, and hence will reduce
overheads. I feel that we should always embrace
these new ideas that will in turn preserve the
environment for future generations of boaters.’
MARINE KLEEN
www.bywaterservices.co.uk
Installed at Yarmouth Harbour,
Isle of Wight2
What type of system is it?
This is a closed loop system.
How much does the system cost to install?
The reclaim unit costs between £15,000 and
£20,000. At Yarmouth the total cost of the system
was around £50,000. This included the cost of the
concrete pad, all the ground works (including
underground storage and settlement tanks) and the
reclaim unit itself.
Are groundworks required?
Groundworks were required for the system at
Yarmouth although it was installed as part of a major
harbour works programme. Concrete wash pad and
settlement tanks are needed in addition to the reclaim
unit itself.
How is runoff collected?
Water from pressure hosing falls onto the concrete
pad and runs through an interceptor into a collection
chamber. From there it goes to a settlement tank.
How much are annual running costs?
£500-£2000 dependant on usage.
How much space is required?
The foot print of the above ground equipment is
800mm x 1600mm
What is the capacity of the system – i.e. how many
boats can be cleaned per day?
5-10 boats can be cleaned per day. Larger capacity
systems are available.
How many stages of filtration are there?
There are five stages of filtration:
1. Coarse filter mesh
2. Settlement
3. Particle filter
4. Activated carbon filter
5. Further particle filter
How is any solid hazardous waste removed and
disposed of?
Solid waste is removed from the settlement tank and
disposed of via a licensed waste contractor.
Does the system remove dissolved heavy metals?
This system can be engineered to remove dissolved
heavy metals as an optional extra.
Can it run on rainwater?
Yes, rainwater can be used for topping up prior to
fresh water use.
Have water quality tests been conducted on the
filtered water?
Tests have not been done on water from this
particular system.
How often do filters have to be replaced?
It depends on usage but normally every 3 – 6 months.
2
Information on this system gathered from site visit to Yarmouth Harbour and discussion with Yarmouth Harbour Master
as well as from the manufacturer
Case study
Yarmouth Harbour
Yarmouth Harbour Commissioners (YHC) chose to
install a washdown facility in 2013 as there were
no facilities in place and there was concern about
polluted water, particularly from antifouling paint,
being washed into the harbour when boats were
pressure washed on the quayside. As the harbour
was undergoing a redevelopment it was an ideal
opportunity to install an integral washdown facility.
YHC also felt that the need for a facility would be
compulsory in the future so were keen to install it
in anticipation of that responsibility.
A large filtration tank had to be buried underground
but there was an opportunity to do this as part of
the groundworks when the harbour was being
redeveloped. There were a few initial teething
problems, for example one of the pumps was not
stainless steel so it had to be replaced. When
installing a system like this it is important to
ensure the connections to the drainage /
sewerage system are correct and appropriate. If
these are not done correctly then heavy rain may
have a detrimental impact on the system.
Without much guidance and limited choice it was
very difficult to decide which system to install.
YHC chose this system because space is limited
on the quayside and the structure above ground is
relatively small. The size of the box required allows
YHC to use the area for other activities such as
lifting out with the crane and general maintenance.
This appeared to be the most suitable system for
Yarmouth even though it was the first time that the
company had installed such a system for the
marine sector. Their previous experience was with
vehicle washdown systems inland. The supplier is
part of a much larger organisation with financial
stability and had a tried and tested maintenance
team in place, both were key factors in YHC’s
decision.
The facility is easy to operate and is being used by
boat owners, contractors and harbour employees. It
has had a positive response and is a big
improvement because it is the first time such a
facility has been installed. Boats are brought ashore
by a new crane (maximum load 5 tonnes). Due to
health and safety implications, the use of the crane
is limited but the washdown facility can be used by
anyone with permission from Harbour employees.
MORCLEAN
www.morclean.co.uk
Installed at: Dover Marina
How often do filters have to be replaced?
As a rough guide, every 6 months but it depends on
use
What type of system is it?
Morclean supply mechanical washdown systems
which can be either closed loop or can discharge to
foul sewer where connections exist and consents
obtained.
Are groundworks required?
A pad is needed with a small sump on / under the
pad. Water storage tanks can be surface mounted (as
at Dover Marina). A small pumping chamber is also
required to pump water from the sump above ground.
Morclean try to keep equipment above ground in
marinas as excavations near water are often
complicated and costly.
How is runoff collected?
Washdown water falls onto the pad (which has a small
bund around it, or can be sloped towards sump). The
water goes through an interceptor into the settlement
tank.
How many stages of filtration are there?
1. Settlement within interceptor / settlement tank
2. Water pre-treated – dosed with coagulants and
water conditioners
3. Hydrocyclone and multi cyclone treatment – water
is spun to remove suspended solids (hydrocyclone for
low volume use and multi cyclone for high volume use)
4. Water passed through carbon filters to remove
colouration and detergents
How is any solid hazardous waste removed and
disposed of?
The carbon filters are removable and replaceable. The
interceptor needs to be emptied and contents
removed by licensed waste carrier – if necessary a
hazardous waste carrier.
Does the system remove dissolved heavy metals?
No
Can it run on rainwater?
Yes it can be topped up with rainwater
Have water quality tests been conducted on the
filtered water?
Yes
How much does the system cost to install?
For the actual unit itself: £6-£8,000 for small system,
£18-£20,000 for a larger system – depends on usage
and frequency. To install a full system into a sizeable
marina would cost in the region of £30,000 (not
including groundworks) but including 2 person
pressure washer, reclaim unit, interceptor, storage
tank, remote controls, silt trap, pumping chamber,
hoses. A smaller system would cost in the region of
£15,000. However cost is extremely site specific.
How much are annual running costs?
This very much depends on wash quantities and
frequencies – servicing, energy, water, filters, emptying
of interceptor, coagulants and conditioners
How much space is required?
3m x 1.2 m for reclaim unit at Dover. Plus 6 cubic
metres for the settlement tank.
1.5 x 1.2 for a smaller system plus same size
settlement tank.
The whole reclaim unit will sit in a housing typically
3m x 3m
What is the capacity of the system – i.e. how many
boats can be cleaned per day?
No fixed capacities – it can be scaled.
Case study
Dover Marina
The Port of Dover works hard to provide a high
standard of environmental performance in all of its
activities. Its practices and standards are
independently assessed on an annual basis for
compliance with the internationally recognised
ISO14001 standard for Environmental
Management. This makes Dover Marina the only
marina in the UK to be certified to ISO14001, a
standard requiring continuous improvement in
environmental performance.
Environmental impacts at the Marina have been
successfully reduced through measures to reduce
energy and water consumption, minimise waste
and prevent pollution. Targets are set against all of
these aspects each year. The Port of Dover is also
a Carbon Trust Standard Bearer and the carbon
footprint of the Port has been reduced year on year
since 2006.
Over 95% of the waste disposed of at the Port of
Dover has achieved landfill avoidance through
recycling and energy from waste practices. In
August 2011, a new boat washdown system was
installed at the Port of Dover’s Marina.
This system is state of the art technology and is a
valuable addition to the Marina. Using
environmentally friendly filtration techniques, it
allows 95% of the water utilised to be recycled.
The effluent created is dealt with by our state of
the art hydrocyclone and filtration system which
prevents debris from draining back into the
harbour and removes the resultant pollutants and
protects our water courses.
With the boat suspended in the marina, it is
jetwashed with water fed from a storage tank via a
booster pump. Dirty water drains through a series
of settling, hydrocyclones, sand and carbon filters
removing all impurities, finally passing to a large
chamber from which the filtered, now clean, water
is automatically delivered back to the jet wash.
The new boat wash system demonstrates the
Port’s commitment to providing state of the art
facilities for the benefit of its marina customers
whilst at the same time illustrating the Port’s
continuous efforts to improve and build on its
environmental performance in every aspect of
the business.
KIRTON SERIES SEA CLEAN 1
www.kirton.co.uk
How much does the system cost to install?
What type of system is it?
£14,000 including a silt trap, 6000 litre interceptor,
reclaim, delivery and final installation.
This is a closed loop system where the fouling is
removed and the water is captured, filtered and
recycled for reuse.
How much are annual running costs?
Are groundworks required?
The water from the wash area will need to be collected
in a pit or silt trap that includes a mesh screen to
stop molluscs and larger particles before it overflows
into a 3 stage interceptor to settle out finer particles
and to neutralise the high alkaline detergents if used.
Below ground pipes are then required to transfer the
water from the interceptor up to an above ground
treatment plant.
How is runoff collected?
See above
How many stages of filtration are there?
The water passes through a course screen,
settlement, multi cyclone filtration, activated carbon
and 20 micron cartridge filters.
How is any solid hazardous waste removed and
disposed of?
Solid waste is collected in the interceptor and would
be emptied occasionally with a vacuum tanker.
Does the system remove dissolved heavy metals?
No. Organic material and detergents will be removed
by the activated carbon filter.
Can it run on rainwater?
The system will lose water from overspray and
evaporation. This water needs to be replaced and is
done via the final mains water rinse facility on the
reclaim. This could be substituted with rain water.
Have water quality tests been conducted on the
filtered water?
No tests have been carried out as this has never been
requested.
How often do filters have to be replaced?
This is dependent on the usage and how much
detergent is used if any. It is recommended however
that the carbon filters are changed every 3-6 months.
The cartridge filters should be replaced monthly.
The system is designed to run from a domestic 230
volt socket. Costs however will depend on running
time, frequency of filter changes and any maintenance
call out costs.
How much space is required?
The above ground system measures 1.2m x 1.2m x
1.5m high.
What is the capacity of the system – i.e. how many
boats can be cleaned per day?
The reclaim will treat and filter the water at the same
flow rate as the jet wash unit so will run as long as is
required.
Notes:
Notes:
Notes:
The Green Blue
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the British Marine Federation and the Royal Yachting
Association in 2005 to enable the UK recreational
boating sector to decrease its impact on the
environment by:
l
Raising awareness amongst industry and users
l
Reducing harmful discharges
l
Reducing environmental disturbance
l
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