Help with the General Permit for Discharges From Marinas

The Clean Water Act requires marine facilities that perform or allow vessel maintenance and/or pressure wash boats to obtain a General Permit for Discharges from Marinas from the Maryland Department of the Environment.

The Maryland Department of the Environment released the newest version of this General Discharge Permit for Marinas on January 14, 2011. The effective date is March 1, 2011. Please visit the MDE website to read the Permit and learn more.

Any facility covered by the General Discharge Permit must prepare a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) and submit it electronically to MDE. The Maryland Clean Marina Initiative has created a free template to assist Maryland marina operators in writing the required SWPPP. Marinas do not have to use this template but may find it helpful. MDE will also provide guidance on their website (above) to help marinas prepare the required SWPPP.

The Maryland Clean Marina Initiative has compiled the following documents that may assist marina operators in complying with the new Permit. (This information is provided for informational use only and does not guarantee compliance with the Permit or Clean Water Act.)

• Analysis of Boat Wash Wastewater Containment and Treatment Options for Compliance with MDE Discharge Permit 10-MA
• Certified Water Quality Testing Labs
• Compliance Deadlines Table
• List of Vendors of Wash Water Recycling or Containment Equipment
• Article Comparing Waste Water Treatment Options
• Wash Water Treatment Case Studies and Testing Data
• Guide to Selecting Pressure Washing Treatment Options