DNR Adds Three Marinas To Its Certified Clean Marina Program
Recent additions located in Anne Arundel and Worcester counties
Annapolis –The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has certified three new Maryland Clean Marinas, bringing the total to 72. Eastport Yacht Club, Annapolis (Anne Arundel County), Bahia Marina, Ocean City (Worcester County), and Ventnor Marine in Pasadena (Anne Arundel County) are the newest Clean Marinas.
To become a certified Clean Marina, facility managers implement measures to control pollution associated with their specific marina activities such as vessel maintenance and repair; petroleum storage and transfer; sewage disposal; stormwater runoff; and facilities management. The Maryland Clean Marina Guidebook provides recommendations for all areas of marina and boatyard operations.
Eastport Yacht Club (EYC) is only the third yacht club in the state to earn the prestigious Clean Marina Award. Although a relatively small facility, with just 37 slips and some land storage, EYC sponsors many national and international regattas, including the Volvo Ocean Race. Marina Chairman Bill Phillips recognized the potential to educate not only club members but hundreds of visitors as well.
“By sharing information about clean and safe boating practices through bulletin boards and newsletters, all the members and visitors can see them. This is such an easy way to involve the entire club in our Clean Marina efforts,” said Phillips. Additionally, EYC invested in an oil-spill response kit, which is highly visible, and developed written emergency response plans. The club also has members actively involved in oyster restoration projects on their docks.
Bahia Marina is another small but very active marina on Isle of Wight Bay in Ocean City offering boat rentals, “head boats” for fishing trips, a waterfront restaurant, and a full supply store in addition to dockage and engine repair. Using Clean Marina cost-share grants in 2003, owner Shawn Harman installed a sand filtration system to clean pressure washing water and purchased a vacuum sander (to collect paint and debris) and an oil-spill response kit.
“Having the spill kit out where everyone can see it, as well as signs we added really lets customers see something tangible we are doing to be a Clean Marina. They have had only positive reactions to our participating in this program. We are glad to be a part of it,” said Harman.
Ventnor Marine in Pasadena is also a compact but highly efficient marina and boatyard with 135 slips, a fuel dock, and a boatyard. In addition to recovering from Tropical Storm Isabel, marina manager Robin Brashears and the entire staff has made time to complete the certification which has been a priority for some time.
“This has been a rebuilding year for us and completing the Clean Marina certification fit right in. We were able to rescue and review all our various permits and safety plans after the flood. As always, our entire staff participated in achieving certification. We’re in great shape for the 2004 season,” said Brashears.
The goal of the Clean Marina Initiative is to certify 25 percent of Maryland’s 600 marinas as Clean Marinas by the end of 2004, to avoid possible further regulation by Federal agencies. To date, 72 marinas have been certified as Clean Marinas. Another 15 boating facilities, such as public ramps, have been certified as Clean Marina Partners. Partners are much smaller boating facilities, such as boat ramps or maritime museums which, while they are not true marinas, have committed to reducing their own waste and educating their customers on clean boating practices. An additional 96 marinas have signed the Pledge. Boaters are encouraged to patronize Maryland Clean Marinas and Clean Marina Partners.
For more details about the Maryland Clean Marina Initiative or to order free pollution prevention materials for boaters, call DNR, toll-free in Maryland at (877) 620-8DNR, extension 8770 or visit www.dnr.maryland.gov/boating.
Posted July 9, 2004