The state has launched a new pumpout boat to cope with heavy recreational traffic on Candlewood Lake in the northwest corner and is soliciting volunteers to oversee the sewage-collection vessel.
Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) said Wednesday the boat will be on the lake on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Boaters must schedule a pumpout at 860-985-9474 during the scheduled hours.
At 5,000 acres bordering five towns, Candlewood is Connecticut’s largest lake and one of the state’s most popular recreation destinations, DEEP said. It has two state boat launches, six town launches, 10 marinas, and two yacht clubs along its shoreline.
DEEP said it is aware of only one other pumpout station operating on the lake.
The pumpout boat is funded through a grant from the Clean Vessel Act, which provides federally funded matching grants for qualifying projects that provide boat sewage disposal facilities, the agency said.
Those interested in volunteering to oversee the lake pumpout program can contact Gwendolynn Flynn of the DEEP at gwendolynn.flynn@ct.gov or 860-447-4339.
