WATERCRAFT DISINFECTION STATION
INSTRUCTIONS
Voluntary Disinfection stations are being established at Michigan boat launches
to help stop the spread of the VHS fish virus. The virus is deadly to fish (not
humans) and it can be spread when boats are moved from VHS infected water bodies
into non-infected water bodies. The public can help by using these stations to
disinfect their watercraft (boats, jet skis, trailers, etc.) prior to moving
them between water bodies. Persons wishing to set-up new disinfection stations
can use the information provided below.
Before starting, you should become familiar with the VHS
fish virus and Virkon®
Aquatic disinfectant.
This program is entirely voluntary and will be funded by
donations from anglers and boaters.
Michigan Lakes and Streams Association (MLSA) is spearheading
this campaign and should be commended for their efforts which are supported by
the MI DNR.
Here are the names of three MLSA members who stand ready
to answer your questions:
Jennifer Jermalowicz-Jones - 616-844-5050 -x12 / eMail:
JenniferJ@lakeshoreenvironmental.com
Arny Domanus - 906-358-9912 / eMail:
ARNYD@portup.com
Scott Brown - 517-914-1684 / eMail:
Scottb52@hughes.net
The following 3 easy steps will help you to set up a
disinfection station, and help stop the spread of the VHS virus and other
pathogens.
| STEP ONE: |
Authorization needed to set up station. |
| STEP TWO: |
Build a Disinfection Station |
| STEP THREE: |
Order your supply of Virkon® Aquatic packets |
STEP ONE: AUTHORIZATION
-
If your boat launch is owned and operated by the
State of Michigan, you need to get approval for a use permit from the DNR.
Applications for a permit can be found online at
www.michigan.gov/dnrlanduse
(click
here for the PR 1138-1 (non event application/permit to use state land).
-
An
example from Eagle Harbor, Mi is attached (click
here) - please use the same wording. Sign
and mail or fax to your local DNR administrator. If you are unaware of
which DNR office administers your access site, you may search by following
this link for the
Map of Contact Information
. Your use permit will be mailed to you with a list
of conditions and requirements to follow. If you have any questions
regarding the permit process, please contact Jason Fleming at
fleminja@michigan.gov or 517-241-2054. The fee for the permit will be
waived.
-
If your boat launch is County, Township, City or
Association owned and operated, that governing body needs to pass a resolution that
allows Virkon® Aquatic to be placed at the disinfection station. The
governing body should agree to be responsible for the station and its contents and
provide funding for Virkon® Aquatic packets if there is a shortfall
of donations.
-
If your boat launch is private, you can set up a
station immediately.
STEP TWO: BUILD A DISINFECTION STATION
-
The “SIGN” (see
example) has been edited and approved by the MI DNR and Dupont. Change the donation address to your local
entity. Also, where the sign says "Call: " - be sure to write the phone
number of the responsible party in permanent marker. Other states, change the name and phone # of Fisheries Division. Make
the sign at least 18” x 24” of sturdy plastic or metal. Our sign maker will make
one for you for $50 plus postage.
Contact Mark McEvers at Eagle River Studio
(906-337-0350) to order a sign or you may choose to have it made locally. It
must read exactly as written.
-
Post, sprayer and misc.: Plant an 8 ft 4” x 4”
into a hole so the finished post is 6 ft tall ($8). Buy a 2 gal garden sprayer ($18-30).
Spray paint it with some design so it won’t get stolen! A closet pole rod hanger
to hold the sprayer ($3). Bolt the sign onto the 4” x 4” at eye level. Secure
the Virkon® Aquatic bucket to the 4” x 4” so it won’t blow away. Cut a
pyramid top on the post to prevent ice/rain damage.
-
Using permanent marker on the top of the Virkon®
Aquatic tub, put “please close
tightly” and “open here” (with an arrow pointing to the bottom right corner).
| (click on an image for
a larger view) |
| Disinfection Station |
The Sign |
The Sprayer |
Virkon tub |
dig da hole |
put da post in da hole |
The Disinfection Station |
| |
STEP THREE: ORDER Virkon® AQUATIC
-
Estimate the number of boats launching into your lake
during the entire fishing season.
Let’s assume 10 per day on average.
Bad weather days: about 5/month?
Season: May – Sep? 25 days/month x 5 months = 125 days at 10
per day (on average) = 1250 boats to disinfect. If a boat has been out of the
water and completely dry for 4-5 days, or if a boat only puts in and out of your
lake and no other, then there is no need to disinfect. IF IN DOUBT - DISINFECT.
New estimate now 1000 boats to disinfect per season.
-
Virkon® Aquatic is now available in tubs
containing 100 foil packets. Each packet will make one gallon of 1% Virkon®
Aquatic solution. Smaller boats (<17ft) only need ½ gal to disinfect.
Assuming a 50-50 split of large boats/small boats, each tub will disinfect
approximately 150 boats.
-
Virkon® Aquatic packets are available from
Western Chemical: 1-800-283-5292 or on-line at
www.wchemical.com .
Shipping via UPS ground takes 3-5 days.
Examples of Disinfecting a boat
|
(click on an image for a larger view) |
 |
 |
 |
| Spray bilge water exhaust |
Spray tires |
Spray water intakes |
People who have helped with this project
|
(click on an image for a larger view) |
 |
 |
 |
|
Jack
Hartman with Don Keith, Keweenaw County Commissioner |
Jack with George Madison,
MI DNR |
Jack with Ed Kisiel,
Eagle Harbor Twp. Supervisor |
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