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New Maryland Clean Marina!
Paradise Marina on Rockhold Creek (Anne Arundel County) is the newest Certified Maryland Clean Marina. Joining 143 other Clean Marinas, Paradise Marina has adopted a significant portion of recommendations from the Maryland Clean Marina Guidebook, and passed a site inspection by DNR staff.
New marina owners John and Gail Hiser have undertaken major improvements to this older marina. They have repaired the docks and bulkheads, purchased a portable pump-out and a spill response kit, razed an old building, and built a sparkling new bath house. "Coming from a construction background helped me as we've improved the place. The permits and regulations took a long time, but I was determined to make this a beautiful place to be. It really feels like 'Paradise Marina' when you visit now," said Mr. Hiser.
In addition, they have invested heavily in new landscaping across the grounds, to reduce storm water run off and beautify the site. He communicates his new standards to his slip holders to maintain a clean, safe facility.
Maryland Clean Marinas are re-inspected at least every three years to ensure they continue to meet award standards. Marinas, boatyards, and yacht clubs of any size in Maryland are encouraged to participate in the program. Benefits include confidential compliance assistance, free promotion by DNR at regional boat shows, a free listing on the DNR website, use of the Clean Marina logo, and, in many cases, discounts on marine insurance! Information and free program materials are available by calling 410-260-8773 or visiting www.dnr.maryland.gov/boating/cleanmarina. |
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Baltimore Celebrates National Marina Day
Saturday June 11, several Baltimore Marinas are co-hosting a celebration of National Marina Day. Music, food, boat demonstrations, and more will be available at Tidewater Yacht Service Center (321 East Cromwell St. Baltimore, MD 21230) from 10am until 4pm.
There is no cost to attend and families are welcome. There will also be a swap meet, a fishing contest, a scavenger hunt, and seminars. The fun filled day is part of a national celebration of marinas as family friendly gateways to boating and stewards of the environment. Two of the event sponsors are also Maryland Clean Marinas: Tidewater Yacht Service Center and Anchorage Marina. For more information visit: www.tysc.com or call 410-625-4992.
National Marina Day is organized by the Association of Marina Industries (AMI) to promote marinas across the country. All marinas are encouraged to host their own event. Free materials to help are available at http://www.nationalmarinaday.org/ |
Maryland Clean Marina of the Year Contest
The Maryland Clean Marina Initiative is holding its first "Clean Marina of the Year Contest." We are seeking nominations for the best Clean Marina through the end of the year. Anyone can nominate a Clean Marina except program staff and contest sponsors. Complete contest information is available on the Clean Marina webpage.
The winner will be announced at the end of the year and prizes already include generous donations of a gift certificate valued at $1,400 from EMP Industries & Elias Environmental Solutions, a Bio-Remediating Spill Clean Up Kit donated by MESCO, and a supply of environmental boat cleaners from West Marine. Marine businesses that would like to donate a prize, or anyone wishing to nominate a Clean Marina should contact Donna Morrow at [email protected] or 410-260-8773. |
Marina Discharge Permit Help
As boatyards, marinas, and yacht clubs adjust to life under the recently re-issued General Permit for Discharges from Marinas 10-MA, many are wondering what to do with their wash water if they can no longer discharge it to state waters.
Currently, marinas must wash boats in a dedicated area. By September 1, 2012 marinas must contain their wash water. They must also begin laboratory testing of the water for five parameters. By March 1, 2013 waste water must meet numeric limits for Oil and Grease and Total Suspended Solids or it may not be discharged to waters of the state.
By March 1, 2015 wash water must also meet numeric limits for metals (copper, zinc, and lead) or it may no longer be discharged to waters of the state. Options include holding and hauling the water off site for treatemen, installing a closed loop wash water recycling systems, and discharging to water to the sanitary sewer with approval of the treatment plant operator.
The Clean Marina Program has created the following resources to help marina and boatyard operators comply with the new Permit:
- Table of all Compliance Dates/Requirement from Discharge Permit
- Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan Template
- Vendor List of Wash Water Treatment & Containment Equipment
Additionally, Marina Dock Age Magazine ran an article comparing different wash water recyling and treatment systems. This article, and all the items listed above, can be found on the Maryland Clean Marina Initiative web page.
These resources are an example of the help that Clean Marinas recieve by working directly with program staff. Additionally, certified Clean Marinas were in compliance with past permits, and are finding complying with the new permit much easier. Any facility not yet certified is encouraged to pursue the Clean Marina Award. Contact Donna Morrow at 410-260-8773 for assistance or information on becoming certified.
Steps to Certification as a Maryland Clean Marina are also outlined on our website. |
Free Boater Education Items
Marinas, boatyards, and yacht clubs can request free materials from the Clean Marina Program to teach boaters ways to prevent pollution. The program has clean boating tip cards, petroleum control kits, clean boater pledges, and posters that marinas can use to educate boaters and help maintain a clean facility. Distributing these items also fulfills several items on the Clean Marina Award checklist!
To request boater education items for your marina, boatyard, or yacht club simply send an email to [email protected] indicating which items you want and the quantity. |
Summer Clean Marina Practices
Summer is nearly here and marinas, boatyards, and yacht clubs are
getting busy. By taking a few simple steps, marinas can ensure cleaner operations and more enjoyment by their customers.
- Offer reliable pump-out service. Under Maryland law, marinas with 50 or more slips must have a pump-out. Boaters need reliable pump-out service wherever they go. Grants are available for 100% of the cost to purchase and install a pump-out, and for operations and maintenance expenses. Applications and information are available on our website.
- Fuel carefully. Fuel spills are dangerous and harmful to the environment. Post large, clear signs at fuel dispensers instructing boaters in proper fueling practices. Contact the Clean Marina Program to request free oil-sorb kits for boaters. Always have marina staff oversee fueling and make sure that you are conveying to customers the importance of focusing on what they are doing at the fuel dock at all times.
- Offer pet waste bags in dog walking areas. This keeps grounds clean for everyone's benefit and prevents contamination of storm water run off.
- Choose the right landscaping. Using native plants and grasses will require less watering and weeding. Well designed landscaping or "Bay-Scaping" can improve the look of your marina while filtering or slowing storm water run off which carries contaminants to our waterways.
More information about all these topics and many others related to marina operations is available at http://www.dnr.state.md.us/boating/cleanmarina/cmprogram.asp#guidebook |
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