East Shore Health's Pump-Out Boat 'Solar Shark' Wins 'President Award'

BRANFORD, CT — Ever heard of the Solar Shark? The East Shore District Health Department's fully electric, zero emissions, solar-powered pump out vessel was launched in 2019. It's the key part of the Shoreline Regional Pump Out Boat Program, which serves the towns of Branford, East Haven, Guilford, New Haven, and West Haven.

At the 2022 States Organization for Boating Access' Education & Training Symposium earlier this month, the health department was presented with the President’s Award for its successful use of the Solar Shark.

Since 2000, the Health District has administered the regional pump out service, which pumps out sewage from any recreational boats free of charge. It's funded by the Federal Clean Vessel Act grant through the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

According to health director Michael Pascucilla, the project originated as a partnership between the Health District, the town of Branford, and the Branford River Project. The boats operate Friday through Monday from May through October.

The Solar Shark, launched in October 2019, began operation in the spring of 2020.

"With program expansion, we have worked with a local marina to build and utilize the first ever fully electric, zero emissions, solar-powered pump out vessel, which replaced a gas-powered combustible engine vessel," Pascucilla said. "ESDHD is excited about the recognition and its ability to keep our waters and environment as clean and safe as possible for residents of the shoreline."