The East Shore District Health Department (ESDHD) Shoreline Regional Pump Out Boat Program has partnered with a local marina, Pilots Point Marina in Westbrook, Connecticut to build the world's first full-size fully electric, zero emissions, solar-powered pump-out vessel - which will replace one of our gas-powered vessels.

The launch ceremony of the new pump-out vessel will take place on Monday, October 15 at the Bruce & Johnson's Marina located at 145 South Montowese Street, Branford, CT. The event is set to begin at 11:30 am and refreshments will be provided. ESDHD is excited to enhance their ability to keep our waters and environment as clean and safe as possible for residents and visitors of the Connecticut shoreline.

The Shoreline Regional Pump-Out Boat Program serves the waters of Branford, East Haven, Guilford, New Haven and West Haven. Currently, the recreational pump-out service operates Thursday through Monday, from May through October, and any recreational vessel may have their vessel's waste holding tank pumped-free of charge!

Since 2000, the Health District has administered a "Federal Clean Vessel Act" grant that provides funds to reduce waste in the Long Island Sound. Over the past 18 years, this program has pumped well over 300,000 gallons of sewage, which may have otherwise ended up in the waters of Long Island Sound.

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) has funded the new vessel at 75%, tasking ESDHD and the local community with fundraising the remaining money to build this vessel. Recently, there have been several fundraising events for our campaign, "Mission: Zero Emissions."  To support our efforts in funding the fully-electric solar powered pump-out vessel, community members can donate to our GoFundMe page here .

Please join us in the history making launch of the world's first full size solar electric pump-out vessel. To learn more about our free service, and help us celebrate and thank the many partners/sponsors that make this project possible.

For further information, please contact Daisy Hernandez at the East Shore District Health Department, at (203) 481-4233, email at:dhernandez@esdhd.org or visit our website at www.ESDHD.org