Two New Certified Clean Marinas And One New Pledge

Two New Certified Clean Marinas And One New Pledge
Maryland Clean Marina Initiative Increasing Participation
BALTIMORE, MD —Anchorage Marina in Baltimore City and West Shore Yacht Center in Baltimore county have become the 73rd and 74th marinas in Maryland to earn the prestigious Clean Marina Award. The Clean Marina designation indicates that Anchorage Marina and West Shore Yacht Center have implemented 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.
“We have a lot transient visitors here in the Inner Harbor, in addition to hundreds of seasonal slip-holders, so we knew that participating in this program was going to reach a lot of people,” said Dockmaster Shannon Leonard. “Getting certified didn’t cost us much at all—it just took time to get things organized and get the information out to our customers.”
At West Shore Yacht Center, co-owner Lisa Taylor commented, “The Clean Marina certification was part of our overall goal to bring the marina up to date and find ways to make a difference with our business.” West Shore’s Marina Manager Kimberly Schmitt added, “I am really glad to have this done. Now we know we are a lot better prepared in case of an emergency.” West Shore staff had to work hand in hand with the on-site service department, Eckhardt’s Marine Service. Ms. Taylor noted that, “Without their positive attitude and willingness to work with us on improvements, we couldn’t have become a Clean Marina.”
“Certified Clean Marinas show that common sense ideas can go a long way towards preventing pollution,” said Clean Marina Coordinator, Donna Morrow. “If marina managers need ideas, the program staff is here to help. If someone is committed to the process, they will not fail.” The CMI promotes voluntary adoption of measures to reduce pollution from marinas, boatyards, yacht clubs, and recreational boats.
Additionally, Maryland Yacht Club in Pasadena (Anne Arundel county) signed the Maryland Clean Marina Pledge on September 1, indicating their intention to become certified in the next year. There is a growing trend among independent yacht clubs to join the voluntary Clean Marina program demonstrating that their club members are careful and prudent boaters who value Maryland’s waterways.
The goal of the Clean Marina Initiative is to certify 25 percent of Maryland’s estimated 600 boating facilities as Clean Marinas or Clean Marina Partners by the end of 2004 and to prevent possible further federal regulation of the industry. Currently just 14 percent are certified, but over 27 percent of commercial slips in Maryland are now estimated to be at a Clean Marina. Of the 185 marinas that took the first step and signed a Clean Marina Pledge, 89 are now certified as Clean Marinas or Clean Marina Partners (much smaller facilities such as public boat ramps). All marinas, boatyards, and yacht clubs are encouraged to participate.
For more details about the Maryland Clean Marina Initiative, call the Department of Natural Resources at (877) 620-8DNR, ext. 8770, or check DNR’s website at http://www.dnr.state.md.us/boating/.