|
|||
Website Updates
Western Oregon Plan Decisions Released. Oregon State Office |
Portable Toilet InformationA toilet intended for river use should be leak proof, portable, and reuseable. It should not use plastic bags. (Plastic bags create a sanitation problem and they clog dump stations.) It should be large enough to accommodate the entire party for the complete length of the trip (think use-days: the number of people times the number of days). Many portable toilet systems are available which are sanitary, convenient, and dispose of waste directly into an authorized facility such as an RV dump station, sewer line, or sewage treatment plant. The BLM has installed dump stations at Clarno and Cottonwood take-out sites. The dump stations at these sites are designed to be used without water, as there is currently no water available. If you prefer a dump station equipped with water, please refer to the list of RV Dump Stations. Most of these RV dump stations are offered free of charge, and can really make clean-up a lot easier. Give them a try! EPA regulations prohibit dumping solid human waste into garbage receptacles and landfills. The other option is to use the Wag Bag manufactured by PETT, Inc. This is a personal bag system which is approved for disposal in a landfill. Used Wag Bags must be transported in a waterproof container with a screw lid or inside a dry bag until they are be disposed of in a trash receptacle. Wag Bags are available at REI and climbing and mountaineering stores. Toilet Resources for Drift Boat or Raft Trips:Scat Packer: Lightweight, easy to clean bucket and seat with screw lid, and separate transfer lid for RV dump station use. Two sizes available. Can be purchased without transfer lid to reduce cost. Cost: Moderate. Local and mail order river supply companies including Northwest River Supply. Eco-Safe RK Ammobox: Molded plastic tank that fits inside a 20 MM ammo can (included), comfortable seat and RV dump attachments. Cost: Moderate. Local and mail order river supply companies including Cascade Outfitters and Wyoming River Raiders. Low Cost Option: Purchase a standard 5 gallon pickle bucket (without the lid) for $3 from Wal-Mart and order a special "Gamma Seal" lid for $6 from Sportsman's Guide (800) 888-5222. For about $10, you have a low tech toilet, with a good seal, that holds about 40 use days. Toilet Resources for Unsupported Kayak or Canoe Trips:Eco-Safe SK Boombox: Compact and light weight molded plastic with self-storing seat. Handles 20 uses, and is RV dump station compatible. Cost: Moderate. Local and mail-order river supply companies including Cascade Outfitters and Wyoming River Raiders. Happy ToiletsThe general care of any washable, reusable toilet system that is compatible with an RV dump station. Before using any toilet system, add two inches of water to the container and an ounce of a bacteria or enzyme-based product to control odor and break down waste such as:
Avoid all chemical products and concentrated disinfectants such as pine oil. Before closing the system for transport, add just enough water to cover that day's deposits. It should not be necessary to add more bacteria or enzyme-based product. To avoid excess methane gas build up and extra weight and volume of contents, it is not recommended to urinate in the container. (Weekend trips would be OK. Week long trips or longer would not be a good idea). The BLM recommends that urine go on the ground in an area shaded from the sun, and solids go into the toilet. The only thing that should go into the toilet is deposits and toilet paper. No feminine hygiene products, no cardboard roll from the center of the toilet paper. Such items are trash to go in the everyday garbage for hauling out. Some people spray the inside of the container and lid with non-stick cooking spray to help remove the waste more easily. Stock an ammo can or container with toilet supplies for use while on the river:
Dumping:Items to facilitate dumping: (keep a box in car at the takeout)
|
||