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Ches BayMaryland Clean Marinas Underway
Partners in Protection, Clean Marinas & YOU MARCH 2009
A New Maryland Clean Marina! 
 
Mill Creek Marina, at the Annapolis Naval Station, was certified as a Maryland Clean Marina Partner this winter. Recently upgraded piers and a great location make this a popular spot for naval personnel.
 
To meet Clean Marina Partner criteria, manager Ken Taylor simply improved outreach to slip holders, clarified and posted marina rules, and improved maintenance of stormwater controls on site.
 
The MD Clean Marina Initiative is coordinated in partnership with the Marine Trade Association of MD and promotes voluntary adoption of pollution prevention measures at marinas.  The program seeks to certify at least 25 percent of Maryland's marinas.  The program offers confidential assistance on technical issues and regulatory compliance to marine facilities of any size. 
 
There are now 24 Clean Marnia Partners (small facilities such as community piers or parks) and 109 certified Clean Marinas in Maryland, for a total of 133. This is approximately 22 percent of the estimated 600 marinas in the state.
Certified Clean Marinas receive free promotion on the program's website, at regional boat shows, and in several regional boating publications.  Clean Marinas also receive permission to use the Clean Marina logo in their advertising as well as a sign and a flag to denote their status.
 
Marina, boatyard, and yacht club operators are encouraged to learn more about seeking certification by visiting the Clean Marina website or by sending an email to [email protected].

Quick Links
Spill Response Kits
fuel spill kit
Many marinas wisely keep an emergency spill response kit on site.  The Maryland Clean Marina Guidebook (pg. 43) recommends keeping boom on site, equal to three times the length of the largest vessel a marina typically berths on site. This is so staff could encircle that vessel if it started discharging fuel. 
 
However, it is important to note that oil-sorbent booms do not last indefinitely. After several years, the material degrades and breaks down.  Marinas are strongly urged to inspect spill response kits this month.  Marinas should also have current phone numbers for the U.S. Coast Guard (800-424-8802), the MD Dept. of the Environment (866-633-4686), marina management, and private responders laminated and posted inside the spill kit. Spill response equipment should be protected from the weather but also be readily accessible.
 
Other items recommended for spill response kits include: gloves, trash bags, a boat hook, flash lights, a PFD, and anything that could help staff respond in all conditions (i.e., after dark, in a storm, etc.).
 
A quick internet search will uncover many vendors of spill response kits.  A good way to cut the cost of a new kit is to assemble the kit and store it in an old dock box the marina may already have.  For small marinas, "sweep" may be a fine alternative to pricier "booms."  Many excellent pre-made kits are also available.  Marina managers should talk to colleagues and product representatives for recommendations.
 
Staff training and regular equipment checks are key components to keeping a reliable emergency spill response kit.
OspreyDear   ,                             
 
Was that an osprey I just saw? In spite of the snowfall just a couple of weeks ago, spring is at the door.  We invite you to peruse this newsletter for ideas that can help you run a cleaner marina, boatyard, or yacht club this season.
 
 
As always, your story ideas and feedback on this newsletter are welcome.  Simply send an email to
[email protected]. 
 
Best wishes for a successful new season.
 
Forward to a Friend
 
 Fair Winds, 
 
Donna Morrow 
Editor
 

shrinkwrapShrink Wrap Recycling Returns to Maryland

Mondo Polymer Inc., will be travelling to marinas and boatyards throughout Maryland again this year to collect used shrink wrap. Mondo Polymer uses the material to manufacture heavy duty plastic highway barriers.  This is an excellent reuse of a product that would otherwise consume valuable space in Maryland landfills. 
 
Collection will run from approximately mid-April through mid-June.  If you would like to get on the list for periodic pick-ups, please contact Ron Wesel at [email protected] or 888-607-4790 or Tony Carver at [email protected],  by March 31.
 
Last year, Mondo Polymer estimates it collected and re-used about 188,000 pounds of unwanted shrink wrap!  This year, Mondo Polymer may partner with the Sea Scouts of Maryland who may assist in transporting material from marinas to central locations for bailing.  More details to follow, but if either organization comes to your marina, they are working together.
 
Guidelines for collecting and storing shrink wrap:
  • Cut out all strapping, windows, etc,
  • Compact the wrap into as small a bundle as possible
  • Try to keep the material free of debris
  • Moisture (outdoor storage) is not a problem

Contact Ron Wesel (see above) or Donna Morrow at the Clean Marina office ([email protected]) for more information.

marina (HHN)Seasonal Clean Marina Practices
                                      
Marinas and boatyards are about to become beehives of activity.  This is the time to train staff--old and new--on yard rules to keep things clean and running smoothly.  Facilities that allow "do it youselfers" (DIYs) must work even harder to prevent pollution from routine boat maintenance.  Even true marinas, where no repair work is done, can think "clean" this time of year.  Some suggestions:

1.  Write crystal clear environmental rules into all contracts--for "DIYs" and for contractors.   Be specific about what you want customers to do; do not give vague or general guidelines.  Clarify that no one may put hazardous materials in the marina's dumpsters, address precautions for sand or soda-blasting, let people know if you collect used oil or antifreeze for recycling, and so on.   The Maryland Clean Marina Guidebook offers sample contract language that any marina or boatyard can borrow.  Be prepared to enforce these rules as well.

2. Boatyards that do not already have vacuum sanders/grinders, should consider investing in one or two.  After a short adjustment, workers find they actually work faster than non-vacuum equipment.  The obvious bonus is there is no paint dust or residue on the ground, in the air, on the worker, or to clean off of neighboring boats or buildings.  Renting vacuum sanders to DIYs can help recoup their cost in a season or two!

3.  Stock up on oil-sorbent towels for the fuel dock.  Train dock staff to hand fuel nozzles to the customer wrapped with a small piece of oil-sorbent to catch minor drips.  Keeping a "no spill" jug (that captures fuel vent discharges from vessels) at fuel dispensers to share with customers is a pro-active way to prevent accidental spills. Do not use dish soap at the fuel dock to hide a spill.  This is only a sinking agent and the practice is illegal.  Report spills to the Coast Guard by calling 800-424-8802 and to Maryland Department of the Environment at 866-633-4686.
 
4.  Dealers and others can make their customers happy--and teach them clean boating habits--by giving them free petroleum control kits, clean boating tip cards, and other freebies provided by the Clean Marina Program (while supplies last).  To request materials simply email [email protected] or call 410-260-8773.
 
 Anchor YB with sign
5.  Boaters love their dogs, but no one likes what they leave behind.  Build or purchase a pet waste bag dispenser, and stock it with recycled plastic bags. The Chesapeake Bay suffers from too many nutrients. Pet waste only contributes to the problem.
 
Operating a facility with pollution prevention in mind at all times is the best way to minimize the risk of accidents.  This risk minimization is why many marine insurance underwriters now offer up to a 10 percent discount for certified Clean Marinas.  

The Clean Marina staff is available to assist marina operators in learning more about any of the topics above.  Additional resources are available in the Clean Marina Guidebook and on the program website.
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