Whitehall Yacht Yard Certified As 69th Clean Marina
Certification shows dedication to protecting waterways
ANNAPOLIS, MD — Whitehall Yacht Yard on Whitehall Creek in Anne Arundel County became the 69th marina in Maryland to earn certification as a Clean Marina. This designation indicates that Whitehall Yacht Yard has met the rigorous pollution-prevention standards established by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) through its Clean Marina Initiative (CMI).
“We are really glad and proud to have this certification,” said owner John White. “We had been interested in doing this for a couple of years, but it finally came together. Now I feel really well organized and prepared in case of an accident or emergency.” Whitehall Yacht Yard, a full-service boatyard, has about 130 slips and works on more than 200 boats on land each winter.
“Certified Clean Marinas show that ideas for preventing runoff and other pollution do not have to be complicated or expensive,” said Clean Marina coordinator Donna Morrow. “Marina managers themselves usually develop the best ways to reduce runoff and educate the boaters who use their marinas.” The CMI promotes voluntary adoption of measures that reduce pollution from marinas, boatyards, yacht clubs, and recreational boats.
Each Clean Marina implements measures to control pollution associated with vessel maintenance and repair; petroleum storage and transfer; sewage disposal; solid, liquid and hazardous wastes; storm-water runoff; and facilities management as applicable.
A Clean Marina is allowed to use the Clean Marina logo in its advertising and on its letterhead. Also, each receives a flag to fly at its facility, a page on the Clean Marina website at www.dnr.state.md.us/boating, and promotion in Clean Marina publications.
The goal of the CMI is to certify 25 percent of Maryland’s approximately 600 boating facilities as Clean Marinas or Clean Marina Partners by the end of 2004. To date, 172 boating facilities have taken the first step by signing the Clean Marina Pledge. Of these, 69 have become certified Clean Marinas, and 15 are now Clean Marina Partners.
For more information about the CMI, telephone DNR at 877-620-8DNR, ext. 8770, or visit the website www.dnr.state.md.us/boating.
Posted March 10, 2004