Clean Boating Practices Mean Better Water Quality
Studies have shown that carbureted two-stroke engines may discharge up to 20-30% of their fuel, unburned, into the air and water. In order to reduce the impact of motorized vessels on water quality, the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) has adopted new regulations, effective June 1, 1999, restricting the use of certain marine engines on lakes in the Tahoe Region. This pamphlet was published as part of a cooperative effort among TRPA, the State of California, and the State of Nevada, to inform boaters about the new rules, and help them determine whether their boats can be used on affected lakes, including Lakes Cascade, Echo, Fallen Leaf, and Tahoe.

In addition TRPA has established a 600-foot no-wake zone around Lake Tahoe, to minimize the noise impacts of motorized watercraft on residents, visitors and wildlife. The speed limit for all watercraft is 5 MPH or less in a zone extending from the shoreline to 600 feet from shore. For more information, please call the Tahoe Regional Planning at (775) 588-4547.


Which boat engines are still allowed on Tahoe Region lakes?

Vessels powered by the following engines are still allowed:

• Direct fuel injection (DFI) two-stroke engines
• Two-stroke engines that meet the California Air Resources Board (ARB) 2001 or the U.S.
   Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) 2006 emissions standard.
• Inboard engines
• Four-stroke engines Watercraft powered by the following engines will be allowed on Tahoe Region lakes until October 1, 2001: • Carbureted two-stroke auxiliary sailboat engines
• Carbureted two-stroke engines of 10 HP or less
• Electronic fuel injection (EFI) two-stroke engines purchased before January 27, 1999
• Any engine that meets U.S. EPA 2001 emissions standard, including Rotax fuel injection (RFI)
   two-stroke engines.
Which engines will no longer be allowed on Tahoe Region lakes, and when?

As of June 1, 1999:

• Carbureted two-stroke engines of more than 10 HP in which the fuel passes through the crankcase,
  except auxiliary sailboat engines. After October 1, 2001: • Any engine that does not meet the U.S. EPA 2006 or the ARB 2001 emission standard, including EFI
  or RFI two-stroke engines
• Two-stroke auxiliary sailboat engines
• Two-stroke engines of 10 HP or less
FAQ's--Frequently Asked Questions about the TRPA regulations

Q: Where do the engine regulations apply?
A: The regulations apply on Lake Tahoe, Echo Lake, Cascade Lake, and Fallen Leaf Lake.

Q: Who can enforce the ordinance?
A: TRPA may enforce the ordinance; the states and local counties may give warnings based on the ordinance.

Q: How can I tell if my two-stroke engine is direct fuel injected (DFI)?
A: At this time, all engines that are DFI are labeled with either a FitchTM or OptimaxTM logo.

Q: How can I tell if my two-stroke engine is electronically fuel injected (EFI)?
A: All EFI engineers are labeled as "electronic fuel injection" or "EFI."

Q: How can I tell if my two-stroke engine meets the EPA 2006 or ARB 2001 standard?
A: At this time, the only two-stroke engines that meet either standard are direct fuel injected, and are labeled with either a FichtTM or OptimaxTM logo. Recent regulations of the California Air Resources Board require all new two-stroke engines that comply with the ARB 2001 standard to have a manufacturer's label affixed showing the emissionlevel--low, very low, or ultra low emission. Some manufacturers have voluntarily labeled new engines to show that they meet ARB's 2001 standard or U.S. EPA's 2006 standard.

Q: Can I sell my engine if it does not comply with Lake Tahoe emissions laws?
A: Yes, these engines may still be used in other waters. Consult your local boat dealer about sales, trade-ins or
purchasing a new, compliant motor.

Q: What can I do to limit the environmental impacts of boating?

• Always follow the instructions in your owner's manual or seek the advice of your dealer.
• Never attempt to alter or adjust new technology outboard and PWC engines.
• Check, clean and flush your engine well away from the water.
• Refuel away from the water whenever possible. Use fuel spill prevention devices.
• Have gas and oil leaks repaired immediately upon detection.
• Use bilge pillows and engine pads to absorb oil and fuel, and dispose of them properly.
• Use proper disposal methods for contaminated bilge water.

Tahoe Regional Planning Agency
308 Dorla Court
P. O. Box 1038
Zephyr Cove, NV 89448
702-588-4547
www.ceres.ca.gov/trpa

California Department of Boating and Waterways
2000 Evergreen Street, Suite 100
Sacramento, CA 95815
1(888) 326-2822 (tollfree)
 www.dbw.ca.gov


   Nevada Division of Wildlife
   Law Enforcement Division
   P.O. Box 10678
   Reno, NV 89520
   (775) 688-1500
   www.state.nv.us/nvwildife