Texas boaters would not be allowed to dump their raw sewage in Texas inland waters or within three nautical miles off the Gulf Coast under a bill approved by the state Senate.
Current law regulates boat sewage discharge on only 25 inland lakes that provide fresh drinking water and Clear Lake south of Houston.
The bill by Sen. Carlos Uresti, D-San Antonio, would expand the ban to all inland waters, including rivers, estuaries and coastal bays. Game wardens or marine safety officers would be allowed to board and inspect boats suspected of dumping sewage.
The bill now goes to the House.
Copyright AP - Associated Press
