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Maryland Clean Marinas Underway Spring, 2012 |
Greetings!
As the 2012 boating season gets under way, I hope the information in this issue will help you maintain a clean facility and stay abreast of important information.
If you have not earned the Maryland Clean Marina Award yet, I urge you to make 2012 the year you do. Just get in touch with the office at 410-260-8773. Best wishes for a successful season.
~~~_/) Donna Morrow Clean Marina Program Administrator |
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Pressure Wash Water Testing Data Available
The New Jersey Sea Grant Program has compiled metals testing data conducted by boatyards in several other states. The data is available on their website.
Maryland marinas are encouraged to compare test results from other facilities to the discharge limits for copper, zinc, and lead on page 15 of the General Permit for Discharges from Marinas 10-MA.
Maryland marinas and boatyards subject to the Permit 10-MA are required to begin collecting and professionally testing their waste water this September. The testing will include copper, zinc, lead, oil and grease, and total suspended solids (TSS). Discharge limits for these pollutants phase in over the next three years. Read the General Permit for complete information (pages 14-16).
A Free Guide to Selecting Pressure Washing Practices and Technologies Available
The Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management prepared an excellent guide for marina operators who are considering different treatment and disposal options for pressure wash water.
The comprehensive 2008 Guide is available at no charge on their website. |
Pressure Wash Water Disposal Design Help
The Maryland Clean Marina Program is preparing to offer free technical assistance to a limited number of marinas and boatyards to design a pressure wash water disposal plan. Technical design assistance will be provided by a professional engineer (P.E.) when the plan is approved.
An engineer would conduct brief site visits at approximately 15-20 marinas, evaluate disposal options with the marina representative, and provide a short written report that the marina can use going forward.
The P.E. would also prepare templates of wash water disposal options for small, medium, and large facilities. The Clean Marina Program will use the templates to assist facilities seeking the Clean Marina Award. When the program is launched later this spring, the Clean Marina program will make an announcement via this newsletter mailing list, our website, and a press release. The goal is for marinas to receive the desgin help this summer. Watch your email and our website for the announcement. |
Herrinton Harbour Named
2011 Maryland Clean Marina of the Year!
Herrington Harbour Marinas were awarded the inaugural Clean Marina of the Year Award by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR). In the photo above, Program Administrator Donna Morrow presents the Award to marina owners Steuart and Hamilton Chaney. They were chosen based on their demonstrated excellence in the overall cleanliness of the facilities, environmental services offered and by communicating and enforcing clean marina practices. The runners up were Spring Cove Marina (Solomons) and Tidewater Yacht Service Center (Baltimore).
Herrington Harbour Marinas were chosen from among roughly one dozen nominees. Customers, owners, and staff submitted nominations to DNR for their favorite Clean Marina throughout the 2011 boating season. Read more on the DNR website. The contest will be repeated in 2012 so watch for information later this season! |
New Training Requirements for Underground Storage Tanks
New requirements are coming into effect for operators of underground storage tanks. As required by the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) 26.10.16.05 owners of underground storage tank facilities are to designate a person or persons to serve as Class A, B, and C operator(s) for each facility by August 8, 2012.
Class A and B operators will be required to undergo formal training by a third party. Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) maintains a list of companies that have been reviewed and determined to meet the minimum qualifications as required in COMAR 26.10.16. A certified Class A or B operator for a regulated substance storage facility may train and certify a Class C operator without approval by MDE by meeting the requirements outlined in the regulations. A list of companies certified to provide training and more information on this rule can be found on MDE's website.
Class A operators will be trained and tested on several topics including spill prevention and reporting, record keeping requirements, and financial responsibility. Class B certification involves training and testing on topics such as performance of UST equipment system tests, emergency response and reporting procedures, and records completion and retention. Class C operators must be trained to properly monitor dispensing of fuel (or regulated substance), emergency response, and responding to alarms caused by spills or releases from a UST.
For more information, contact Melissa Rockey at [email protected] or 410-537-3938. This requirement applies to facilities that store motor fuel, used oil, and hazardous substances in UST systems. |
Pumpout Operations & Maintenance Grant Applications
The Department of Natural Resources recently mailed Operations and Maintenance (O&M) grant applications to over 350 marinas thought to have at least one pumpout station. (If we missed you and you wish to participate please call the number below.) The applications must be returned to DNR by April 15th for a marina to be accepted into the grant program for the 2012 boating season.
Marina operators should be pleased to see that the grant limit was raised by $750 to more accurately reflect the rising cost of expenses such as septic hauling fees. A detailed explanation of acceptable proof of payment was provide in the Terms and Conditions sent with grant applications. Please pay close attention to the Terms and Conditions.
The O&M grant program is funded by the US Fish and Wildlife Service and the Maryland Waterway Improvement Fund. If you did not receive a packet or if you need more information, please contact Christie Fuentes at [email protected] or 410-260-8772. |
Sponsor Outdoor Fun and Games!
The 2012-2013 Maryland Bay Game is seeking funds to print this fun and educational activity booklet. Now in its 15th year, the Bay Game will feature exciting games, puzzles, outdoor activities and great places for adventure.
This publication is destined to be the best ever! But we need your help. Sponsorships begin at $500 for a half page or coupon. Please contact Jill Kubatko at 410-260-8007 or [email protected] to donate. http://www.dnr.state.md.us/baygame/ |
Shrink Wrap Recycling Options
The Clean Marina Program is pleased to pass along the following information on an independent shrink wrap recycling program for 2012.
Mike Davidson's Boat Shrink Wrap Recycling Program
Boat shrink-wrap can be recycled and re-used in the creating of new products instead of sitting in landfills. Marinas can help by offering this new program as an alternative to putting shrink wrap in the regular trash.
How the Program Works
Mike Davidson's recycling program will run from March until June each year. The program will customize a schedule of pick-up times based on the volume and location of the marinas.
The marina will receive a certificate for their commitment to GO GREEN and offer environmentally friendly options to their boat owners. Theprogram includes the free delivery of promotional material to advertise this new program to your customers.
Please contact Janell Foster for any questions, concerns, to enroll in this program, and to discuss arrangements for pick-ups. [email protected]
Mike Davidson Enterprises
3051 Willow Grove Road
Camden-Wyoming, DE 19934
302-284-2393
www.mikedavidsonent.com
Other Options
Remember that in Anne Arundel county, boaters can recycle shrink wrap in curbside bins at home. Most counties on the Eastern Shore will recycle the wrap if it is brought to a landfill. Contact your county office of solid waste to learn about municipal options in your specific area.
In many areas, marinas can contract with their private waste haulers to set up a separate dumpster for shrink wrap recycling. A reasonable way to offset this expense is to charge customers (or outside contractors) a small fee of $2-3 when the boat is wrapped to pay for recycling.
The Clean Marina Program has decals showing how to remove shrink wrap for recycling. To request a supply, send an email to [email protected]
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BoatUS Foundation Seek Marinas for 2012
Cigarette Litter Prevention Program
Marinas have until April 6 to apply, and if selected they will receive a $500 grant to cover the cost of ash receptacles and a supply of portable ashtrays.
"Just last year, 43 participating marinas saw an amazing 50 percent average reduction in the amount of cigarette litter, which ultimately would have ended up in the water," BoatUS Foundation director of environmental programs Susan Shingledecker said in a statement.
The program is a partnership with Keep America Beautiful, a nationwide non-profit organization that encourages people to take greater responsibility for improving the environment in their local community. With funding from Phillip Morris USA, Keep America Beautiful provides each marina with a cash grant to purchase the cigarette ash receptacles and a supply of portable ashtrays for use on boats.
Marinas are asked to install the receptacles, distribute the portable ashtrays and educate their customers about the importance of proper disposal. Click here to apply. |
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Storm Water Sampling Reminder
Marinas that have the General Permit for Discharges from Marinas are reminded to collect a storm water sample for the first quarter of 2012. The quarter ends March 31st. Storm Water samples should be collected during the first 30 minutes of a rain event, during daylight hours. Simply collect in a clear jar or other vessel from the outfalls noted on your Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan. Use the Quarterly Visual Monitoring Form and directions available on Maryland Department of the Environment's website. |
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