Anchor YB with signMaryland Clean Marina Initiative
Anchor YB with sign
Maryland Clean Marinas Underway 
Partners in Protection--Clean Marinas and YouFall 2010
USEFUL LINKS AND INFORMATION:
 
DNR Home  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Visit the Clean Marina exhibit at the U.S. Boat Shows in Annapolis!
 
U.S. Sailboat Show October 7-11
 
U.S. Powerboat Show October 14-17
 
The exhibit will be in Land Space 90 in the upper Yacht Basin lot, between the Marriott hotel and the Water Taxi stand. 
 
Also planned in Land Space 90 are exhibits on Water Trails, Boating Safety/NRP, and Somers Cove Marina.
Perform or Allow Boat Repair at Your Marina?  Pay Attention.
 
Draft Discharge Permit Now Available
 
Public Hearing Set 9/29/10
The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) has published a draft determination General Permit for Discharges from Boat and Vessel Maintenance (formerly the General Permit for Discharges from Marinas). 
 
Following a forum held in July and subsequent work group meetings, some changes and clarifications requested by members of the marine industry were made.  However, changes in the new Permit will be significant:
 
Some key changes include:
  • Requiring facilities that perform or allow boat repair and maintenance activities to get the Permit.
  • Requiring permitted facilities to sample stormwater discharges.
  • Requiring permitted facilities to sample and test the discharge of water used to pressure wash boats painted with antifouling paints for zinc, copper, and lead.
  • Prohibition of cleaning ablative paints in the water.  
  • Requiring permitted facilities to submit their Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan electronically to MDE.
 
Please visit MDE's website to review the DRAFT Permit to learn how this will affect your business.  Written comments are being accepted until October 5th and a Public Hearing will be held in Baltimore September 29th, 2010. 
Anchor YB with signTwo New Clean Marinas! 
Oxford Boatyard and Shamrock Marine Earn Award
 
Oxford Boatyard (TA County) and Shamrock Marine at Pinehurst Landing (AA County) are the newest facilities to earn the Maryland Clean Marina Award.  Oxford Boatyard is 144 years old and features a 75 ton travel lift.  The yard's specialties include custom cabinetry, electronics, mechanical, painting, and rigging services.  They also have a ship's store, two sewage pump-out stations, and large work sheds.  
 
Manager Graham Norbury sees to it that all hazardous materials are collected and removed by a licensed hauler for proper disposal.  Used engine oil, antifreeze, and batteries are recycled.  Additionally, Norbury prepared emergency response plans and ensures key staff are trained on those procedures.   The boatyard also maintains a pump-out station to empty sewage from holding tanks on boats.
 
Pinehurst Landing Marina houses Shamrock Marine, which provides engine and hull repairs.  The marina also rents about 20 slips on Bodkin Creek, just north of Gibson Island.  Owners Michael and Joanne Hohn purchased the property in 2005 and have cleaned up years of debris and improved overall organization of the business.
 
As part of the Clean Marina Award, the Hohns created up to date emergency response plans, organized the liquid waste from engine repairs (e.g., oil, gas, antifreeze) and instituted proper handling and recycling of these fluids.  Just as importantly, they have also begun education and outreach to their customers so they can also participate in keeping the marina and the waters clean. 
  
The Clean Marina Program is a voluntary program for marine facilities that want to reduce their impact on Maryland's waterways by implementing "best management practices" outlined in the Maryland Clean Marina Guidebook. Certification also includes passing a site inspection by DNR staff for the initial certification, and again every three years to maintain certification.  There are currently 141 certified Clean Marinas and Clean Marina Partners (smaller facilities with no ammenities) in Maryland. 
 
All marine facilities are encouraged to join the program.  To learn more visit http://www.dnr.state.md.us/boating/cleanmarina/  or contact [email protected] or call 410-260-8773
.
New Public Access Guide On Line

 
The very popular on-line Boating Access Guide got a major make-over this summer.  The web based guide provides the location of public boating access sites across the state.  It also provides site-specific details on amenities, parking, directions, and fees. 
 
DNR's Boating Services Unit worked for almost two years to produce new maps and collect data from local, state and federal partners for the updated site.  Boaters planning to use launch sites are encouraged to check the website before planning a trip.  While DNR has provided the maps, most boat ramps are operated by county departments of parks and recreation.  Contact information for these offices is provided on the new website and boaters should contact the counties for information on parking, fees, and permits which vary.
   
Anchor YB with signFree Shrink Wrap Decals
 
F
ree decals are available to marinas to put on the outside of shrink wrapped boats.  The decals have a diagram and instructions to ensure the wrap is removed properly in the spring, so it can be recycled. 
 
All straps, doors, and zippers must be removed prior to recycling and it saves time to cut them out as the wrap is removed.  To request a supply of the decals, contact Donna Morrow at [email protected] or 410-260-8773.  Supplies are limited.
 Freebies for Your Boaters
 
Everyone likes a freebie.  DNR's Clean Marina Program has several free items to help teach boaters the importance of keeping chemicals, debris, and other waste out of our waters.  In turn, they can help you run a cleaner marina.
 
1.  Clean Boating Tip Cards (Colorful, laminated cards with loads of useful information.)
2.  Petroleum Control Kits (An oil-sorbent pad and a brochure on preventing fuel spills in a handy zip top bag.  Includes phone numbers for USCG in case of a spill.)
3.  Clean Boating Tip Sheets (In depth information on six boating topics such as fueling and boat maintenance.)
4.  Clean Boater Pledge Brochures (Includes a Pledge boaters can sign and submit to DNR for a free thank you gift.)
5.  Clean Boating Posters (11 x 17" laminated poster suitable for a bulletin board with "clean boating tips.")
 
Marine facilities of any size are welcome to request these materials, while supplies last.
Contact [email protected] or call 410-260-8773.