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What is a clean marina? Since 1997 DNR’s Clean Marina Initiative (CMI) has been working in concert with the Marine Trades Association of Maryland, the Boat U.S. Foundation for Clean Water, the Maryland D Department of the Environment, and several private marinas and boatyards to reduce pollution from marine activities. The CMI originated in response to Federal legislation seeking to reduce non-point source pollution from several industries, including boatyards. The CMI offers a Clean Marina Guidebook, confidential compliance assistance and field visits to ‘certify’ Clean Marinas. This voluntary program also provides many free tools to help marina operators achieve certification. DNR has certified approximately 20 percent of the marinas in Maryland and seeks to certify at least 25 percent. To be certified, marinas and boatyards must be in compliance with all applicable environmental regulations and permits, and adopt 70 to 85 percent of the best management practices found in the guidebook. DNR staff renews certifications in writing for two years following a Clean Marina certification and conducts another site inspection at least every three years. Site visits ensure any new staff members are familiar with the award criteria and that the same standards continue to be met. DNR also administers a Maryland Clean Boater Program, which provides free pollution prevention information and tools to boaters. Boaters can sign a Clean Boater Pledge on the CMI website, committing to put the information into action and share it. To learn more about the Maryland Clean Marina and Clean Boater Programs, please visit http://www.dnr.maryland.gov/boating/cleanmarina/
-Donna Morrow
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