Maryland DNR Certifies 100th Clean Marina
Increased Activity Moves Program Closer to Goal
ANNAPOLIS -- In a major increase in marina participation, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Clean Marina Initiative certified eleven new Clean Marinas during September and October this year. There are now 100 certified Clean Marinas and Clean Marina Partners (much smaller facilities such as public boat ramps). This is a major milestone for the program and Maryland’s marine industry. The marinas, boatyards, and yacht clubs certified this fall, in order of certification and listed with county are:

The Clean Marina designation indicates that these facilities have voluntarily 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.

“They have superceded their regulatory and permitting requirements to implement common sense pollution prevention practices,” said Clean Marina Coordinator, Donna Morrow. “Being in compliance with regulations and permits is a lot of work in itself. These facilities should be commended for taking additional, voluntary steps to protect the environment surrounding their businesses.”

Cutter Marine, Weaver’s Marine Services, and West Shore Yacht Center (all in Baltimore county) simultaneously participated in the 2004 Clean Marina cost-share grant program which funded pollution prevention items at marinas and boatyards. The grants were available in the Middle River and Back River watersheds to help improve water quality in these impaired systems. By becoming Clean Marinas, these three facilities received grants covering 75 percent of items such as vacuum sanders, oil and antifreeze recycling stations, and oil-spill response kits. Clean Marina grants have been offered in different watersheds around the state during the past four years, as federal funds have been available.

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 over 16 percent of marinas are certified, but nearly 30 percent of commercial slips in Maryland are now estimated to be at a Clean Marina. Of the 188 marinas that took the first step and signed a Clean Marina Pledge, 100 are now certified as Clean Marinas or Clean Marina Partners. All marinas, boatyards, and yacht clubs are encouraged to participate.

The Clean Marina Initiative was developed in cooperation with the Marine Trades Association of Maryland, Boat U.S. Foundation, and several marina and boatyard operators from throughout Maryland, which are part of the Maryland Clean Marina Committee.

For more details about the Maryland Clean Marina Initiative, call the Department of Natural Resources at (877) 620-8DNR, ext. 8770, or visit the DNR website at http://www.dnr.state.md.us/boating/

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to Maryland citizens and visitors. DNR manages more than 435,000 acres of public lands and 17,000 miles of waterways, as well as Maryland's wildlife and fishery species for maximum environmental, economic and quality of life benefits. A national leader in land conservation, the department manages natural, historic and cultural resources that attract 11 million visitors annually. DNR is the lead agency in Maryland's effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay, the state's number one environmental priority. Learn more at www.dnr.maryland.gov

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to Maryland citizens and visitors. DNR manages more than 435,000 acres of public lands and 17,000 miles of waterways, as well as Maryland's wildlife and fishery species for maximum environmental, economic and quality of life benefits. A national leader in land conservation, the department manages natural, historic and cultural resources that attract 11 million visitors annually. DNR is the lead agency in Maryland's effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay, the state's number one environmental priority. Learn more at www.dnr.maryland.gov