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Two Clean Marinas Certified In Annapolis
Annapolis, MD — The Yacht Basin Company in Annapolis and the Annapolis City Dock in Anne Arundel County have been designated the 110th and 111th certified Maryland Clean Marinas. Together with 24 smaller facilities designated as Clean Marina Partners, Maryland now boasts 135 certified facilities.
“I commend the managers of these two facilities for taking initiative and becoming a Clean Marina,” said Governor Martin O’Malley. “Frequenting these businesses is one way that all Maryland boaters can be involved in the effort to improve the quality of our waterways.”
The Yacht Basin has been a mainstay in the Annapolis harbor for over 70 years and serves locals as well as many visitors. The marina runs a busy fuel dock, its own pump-out boat, and laundry and shower facilities for slip-holders. To meet the Clean Marina Award criteria, marina manager Steve Grace made a few adjustments to existing practices. For example, the marina installed small oil-absorbers in all storm-drain outlets to clean stormwater before it is discharged into the creek. Marina staff also take many precautions when fueling vessels and keep spill response equipment close at hand.
“We have been meaning to pursue the Clean Marina Award for several years but always get busy with other priorities,” said Mr. Grace. “But once I called DNR out, it was done very quickly. I’m glad I didn’t wait any longer and am proud we accomplished this.”
The Annapolis City Dock is a bustling public dock which serves 8,000 – 10,000 visitors to Annapolis each year and also includes the dozens of public moorings throughout city waterways. The Harbormaster’s staff provides environmental education materials as part of every welcome packet and operates a pump-out boat that empties the holding tanks of visiting boats. Also, during a major renovation of the docks last year, several rain gardens were installed in the parking lots to capture and treat polluted run-off.
“The staff understands the need to be environmentally responsible in a city that is known for its environmental initiatives,” said Annapolis Harbormaster Ric Dahlgren. “Earning an award from the DNR is a nice thank you for all we do to educate visitors and protect our waterways.”
Marinas, boatyards, and yacht clubs of any size are encouraged to learn more about the voluntary Clean Marina Initiative, developed with both government and industry input. Marina operators can either visit http://www.dnr.state.md.us/boating/cleanmarina/, send an email to dmorrow@dnr.state.md.us or call 410-260-8773. Recreational boaters are also encouraged to visit the Clean Marina webpage to learn how they can prevent pollution and to sign the Maryland Clean Boater Pledge.
May 5, 2009 Contact: Josh Davidsburg
410-260-8002
jdavidsburg@dnr.state.md.usMaryland 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