HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) Connecticut's Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is providing free sewage pumpout services for recreational boaters using Long Island Sound, Connecticut's rivers and Candlewood Lake.

DEEP Commissioner Rob Klee said he's pleased the new policy was in place in time for the July 4 holiday weekend.

Funding for the new Clean Vessel Act program comes from the Sport Fishing and Boating Trust Fund, which is supported by taxes on certain fishing and boating equipment, as well as boat fuel. It's part of an effort to keep coastal waters clean for recreation by safely disposing boaters' sewage.

DEEP has launched a new interactive map on its website to help boaters take advantage of the available pumpout services. Up until now, many facilities had charged a $5 service fee.