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"Leave No Trace"


Gray Water Mania

graywater signgraywater pit

Many campsites on the AT in Maine have a Gray Water Pit to make disposal of dirty water easy. These are holes in the ground filled with rocks for drainage.

What makes them appropriate:

  • they are located 200 feet from water
  • they concentrate dishwater and toothpaste so they aren't sprayed around the site.
  • they may have a screen that strains food scraps which you then pack out.

If your campsite does not have a Gray Water Pit you can:

    • strain out any food particles, and pack them out.
    • dig a sump = a hole six inches deep to pour water into, then cover up.
    • use the broadcast method to disperse waste water and toothpaste suds.
    • make sure you do either 200 feet from any water source.

       

      LEFTOVER FOOD

      Not long ago the idea was to burn trash and leftovers so nothing was left. The problem, to burn food requires an extremely hot fire. Often food and other items are not burned all the way and clumps remain. This invites animals and flies. With so many visitors, it doesn't take long until fire rings turn into disposal sites. Packing out waste, or better yet planning ahead so there is none, is a better alternative.

       

      TO SOAP OR NOT TO SOAP?

      Soap should never be used in a water source. Even bio-degradable soap can alter water's delicate PH balance and effect aquatic plants and animals by introducing phosphates. In Maine we have Mountain Tarns with small watersheds. These habitats are precious and seriously disturbed by any contamination. Alternatives to soap: Hand Sanitizes & Handy Wipes (make sure to pack out)

      Animated arrow Carry water 200 feet from any water source to use soap.

 

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Last updated - 7/10/11 12:04 PM
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Maine Appalachian Trail Club - P.O. Box 283, Augusta, ME 04332-0283