DNR logo
cmi logoMaryland Clean Marinas Underway
IN THIS ISSUE...
TWO NEW CLEAN MARINAS
FALL BMPs FOR BOATYARDS
ANNAPOLIS BOAT SHOW PROMOTIONS

Quick Links
Subscribe to this newsletter at: Maryland Clean Marina Program
Thank you for subscribing.  We hope you will encourage others to join our readership by visiting our website.  
 
 
The facilities and services of the Department of Natural Resources are available to all without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, physical or mental disability.  This document is available in alternative format upon request from a qualified individual with a disability. 
::
FALL 2007 ISSUE
Welcome to the first electronic issue of Maryland Clean Marinas Underway!  By signing up for our new e-newsletter you are helping us to save money, and reduce the consumption of natural resources involved in printing and mailing thousands of newsletters each year. 
 
Please take advantage of the ability to forward the e-newsletter on to colleagues and encourage others to subscribe.
 
As the new e-newsletter evolves, readers are welcome to share ideas and suggestions for future articles by sending an email to  [email protected]
 
Donna Morrow
Editor and MD Clean Marina Program Coordinator
jbecker award 
Two New Clean Marinas! 
 

Sunset Harbor Marina (Essex) and Atlantic Marina on the Magothy (Pasadena) were both recently certified as Clean Marinas by the Department of Natural Resources.  They bring the total number of certified facilities in MD to 120, which is 20 percent of the estimated 600 marine facilities in the State.  The voluntary program, which is coordinated in concert with the Marine Trades Association of Maryland, aims to certify at least 25 percent (150) of the marinas in Maryland as a means to reduce non-point source run-off from this industry.

 

As part of their certification, both facilities undertook a thorough review of their fuel storage requirements including permits and safety plans.  Additionally, Sunset Harbor Marina takes care to collect waste materials such as used oil, gasoline, antifreeze, and batteries for recycling.  As part of recent construction of a new "boatel," they also constructed elaborate stormwater management systems.  Co-owner John Becker (pictured above, right) says,  "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."

 

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 combing through the paperwork found in most any business," said manager Alex Hazel.  "The bonus was getting ideas we could use throughout the property and getting recognized for it." he continued.

 

Marinas, boatyards, and yacht clubs of any size are encouraged to learn more about the voluntary Clean Marina Initiative.  Marina operators can either visit http://www.dnr.state.md.us/boating/cleanmarina/ , send an email to [email protected] or call 410-260-8770.

run off 
Fall BMPs for Boatyards
 
With fall, comes the hauling and pressure washing of thousands of boats.  If done carelessly, this wash water can result in the illegal discharge of chemicals and debris. 
 
Federal and State laws require that any facility which engages in boat repair activities, including pressure washing, must have a "General Permit for Discharges from Marinas".  The "General Discharge Permit" is issued by the Maryland Department of the Environment in five year increments, and is currently being updated.  MDE expects to have the new Permit out later this year. 
 
The Permit requires boatyards to filter the water discharged from boatyard activities.  Additionally, the permit requires a written "Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan."   The Clean Marina Program has a free template available to help marinas and boatyards prepare Stormwater Plans. 
 
Additional best management practices (BMPs) for boat repair activities this time of year include:
  • designating an area for major repairs as far from the water as possible;
  • when washing boats painted with ablative/soft bottom paint, use the lowest possible pressure or, preferably, a garden hose;
  • establishing a schedule for inspecting and cleaning filters and drains near pressure washing areas;
  • posting signs describing BMPs that contractors or boat owners must follow (e.g., "use tarps to collect debris"); and 
  • investing in vacuum sanders and requiring that anyone working in the yard use them.

Many more BMPs can be found in the Maryland Clean Marina Guidebook.  The chapter on Vessel Maintenance and Repair is especially useful this time of year.  Hard copies of the Guidebook can also be requested by sending an email to [email protected] or calling 410-260-8770.

Annapolis Boat Shows
cm display
Certified Maryland Clean Marinas exhibiting at the Annapolis Boat Shows should be sure to promote their special status.  Incorporating the Clean Marina logo into the marina's display is a simple way to show visitors that the marina has voluntarily taken steps to reduce pollution and been recognized by both their peers and DNR. 
 
Upon request, Clean Marina staff will be happy to provide any marina with free Clean Boater Materials to distribute in their booth.  Just email    to request our free materials including: pump-out locator guides, clean boating tip cards, and Maryland Clean Boater Pledge brochures.
 
DNR will be exhibiting in tent #82  and will promote Clean Marinas, Clean Boating, Safety Education, Water Trails in Maryland, and the Somers Cove Marina in Crisfield. Marina operators are encouraged to stop by to learn more about the Clean Marina Program and the many other boating related programs within DNR.