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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Drip By Drip, Small Oil And Gas Spills Controlled By New Boating Products

Conrad Jungmann

Environmental catastrophes like the Exxon Valdez oil spill might generally be viewed as major causes of water pollution. But experts say the biggest contributions of petroleum into the water comes from recreational and commercial vessels during refueling.

While these spills are generally small, averaging about a pint for a 25 gallon tank, the sheer number of boats makes this problem alarming.

“Sensational events that I attend are only a small percentage of the total pollution of refined products that get into the water,” said international oil spill expert, David Kennedy. “Most of it comes from recreational and commercial vessels during refueling.”

To eliminate this unnecessary and harmful problem several fuel-air separators have been introduced to protect the boat and the environment.

Racor Company has produced an inexpensive separator system called the “Lifeguard” which is available for both gas and diesel tanks for all sizes of marine vessels.

The technology behind Lifeguard is simple. It is installed on the vent-line hose where it lets air and vapors escape but returns fuel to the tank. A relief valve moderates pressure buildup that can occur during rapid acceleration.

Without a separator system, fuel is forced into the vent line by normal wave action and thermal expansion. Pressure pushes this excess fuel out the overflow line and into the water.

Many boat manufacturers, like Robalo, Duckworth and Bayliner are already installing the device in their boats. Several bills in Congress, including the Clean Water Act of 1994, could require the system as standard equipment for all marine vessels.

The product was introduced on the market two years ago and has since dropped in price considerably.

“If you can afford to own a boat you can certainly afford this product,” said Dyno Campbell, of Spokane Diesel Pump Repair. “Boaters need to become more responsible and protect their lakes, rivers and oceans.”