Final answer:
The statement is true; in Minnesota, watercraft toilets must be no-discharge devices, and waste must be retained on board for proper disposal after returning to shore. Proper waste management is crucial to protect water quality and prevent environmental contamination.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement provided is indeed true. In Minnesota, there are strict regulations regarding waste disposal on watercraft to protect the environment, specifically its water bodies. These laws require toilets on board watercraft to be no-discharge devices, meaning waste must be retained on board for proper disposal once the vessel has returned to shore. This regulatory approach is in line with efforts to prevent the contamination of waterways, from lakes to the ocean, with untreated wastewater that can have severe environmental impacts.
To contextualize, the importance of proper wastewater management cannot be overstated. Globally, an alarming amount of wastewater is released without adequate treatment. In the past, even once developed sewer systems were introduced, they often led to the direct release of waste into natural water sources, compromising both the environment and human health.
The infamous 'Great Stink' of London in 1858 is a historical example of the consequences of poor wastewater management. Moreover, regulations such as those mandated by the US Coast Guard and the Environmental Protection Agency aim to manage maritime waste, including ballast water (BW), to prevent ecological issues like the spread of invasive species and contamination.