New York Sea Grant's
Marina Pollution Prevention Web Site

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Another BMP that can help reduce small petroleum spills is encouraging the use of air/fuel separators in the vent lines of boats.  These devices allow air to leave the tank, but prevent fuel from being discharged from tank vents when the tank is overfilled.  They cost around $50 and are readily available from most marine suppliers.  In New York, state law requires that boats with built-in fuel tanks sold in New York after January 1, 1994, have air/fuel separators installed. Other devices like this fuel vent line surge protector (shown on the right) will not stop the flow of fuel but will gurgle or whistle when the tank is full, warning the operator to stop.  While they must also be installed in the vent line, they can be purchased for under $20.