Anchor Yacht Basin Becomes Maryland’s 126th Certified Clean Marina

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EDGEWATER, MD - The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recently certified Anchor Yacht Basin in Anne Arundel County as a Clean Marina. A family owned and operated marina and boatyard since 1965, Anchor Yacht Basin offers 125 slips, a marine sewage pump-out station, and gasoline and diesel fuel sales.

“While the process to become a clean marina took some time and effort, it helped us manage our marina operations in a more efficient and environmentally-friendly manner,” said Anchor Yacht Basin Manager Pete Mueller. “We wanted to do the right thing and our part to protect the Chesapeake Bay, but we needed guidance and technical assistance, which DNR’s Clean Marina Program freely offered. In the end, it was worth it.”

Anchor’s certification brings the total number of clean marinas in Maryland to 126, which represents 20 percent of the marine facilities in the state. Marinas, boatyards, and yacht clubs of any size are encouraged to learn more about the voluntary Clean Marina Initiative.

“We are always pleased to see family-owned facilities join in our initiative to protect our waterways. We really try to make the process flexible enough so that any facility - large or small - can participate,” said DNR’s Clean Marina Administrator, Donna Morrow.

Maryland’s Clean Marina 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 a percentage of recommendations in the Maryland Clean Marina Guidebook and pass a site inspection by DNR and industry representatives. Marina operators can either visit http://www.dnr.state.md.us/boating/cleanmarina/, email dmorrow@dnr.state.md.us or call 410-260-8770.

Recreational boaters can also join efforts to protect Maryland’s waterways. Boaters are encouraged to visit the Clean Marina webpage to learn how they can prevent pollution and sign the Maryland Clean Boater Pledge.

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March 7, 2008

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