Two New Clean Marinas Certified
20 Percent of Marine Facilities in Maryland Now Certified “Clean Marinas”

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ANNAPOLIS, MD — The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Clean Marinas Initiative recently certified Sunset Harbor Marina on the Middle River in Essex (Baltimore County) and Atlantic Marina on the Magothy in Pasadena (Anne Arundel County) as “Clean Marinas”. The two marinas certified today bring the total number of “Clean Marinas” in Maryland to 120, twenty 20 percent of the estimated 600 marine facilities in the State.

As part of the certification, both facilities undertook a thorough review of their fuel storage requirements, including permits and safety plans. Sunset Harbor Marina carefully collect waste materials such as used oil, gasoline, antifreeze, and batteries for recycling. As part of recent construction of a new boatel, Sunset Harbor Marina also constructed elaborate stormwater management systems.

“We had to get through the construction first, before we could focus on the certification. It turns out that a lot of what went into the first project helped meet the clean marina criteria so it worked hand in hand,” said co-owner John Becker.

Atlantic Marina on the Magothy (owned by The Brick Companies) is in the process of modernizing an older facility and saw the Clean Marina Award as a helpful part of the process.

“Reviewing the permits and safety plans was one step in the paperwork involved in most any business,” said Atlantic Marina on the Magothy Manager Alex Hazel. “The bonus was getting improvement ideas we could use throughout the property and getting recognition for it.”

Since its establishment in 1997, the Maryland Clean Marina Initiative has certified 120 marinas. The initiative, coordinated in partnership with the Marine Trades Association of Maryland, promotes voluntary adoption of pollution prevention measures and seeks to certify at least 25 percent (roughly 150 marinas) of Maryland’s marinas. Marinas are certified by DNR as “Maryland Clean Marinas” after they adopt recommendations in the Maryland Clean Marina Guidebook and pass a site inspection by DNR and industry representatives. Marinas, boatyards, and yacht clubs of any size are encouraged to learn more about the voluntary Clean Marina Initiative. For more information about Maryland’s Clean Marina Initiative, visit www.dnr.maryland.gov/boating, email dmorrow@dnr.state.md.us or call 410-260-8770.

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September 18, 2007

Contact: Olivia Campbell 410-260-8016 office I 410-507-7525 cell ocampbell@dnr.state.md.us

Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages more than 449,000 acres of public lands and 17,000 miles of waterways, along with Maryland's forests, fisheries and wildlife for maximum environmental, economic and quality of life benefits. A national leader in land conservation, DNR-managed parks and natural, historic and cultural resources attract 12 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