Connecticut, Maryland Recognize Clean Marinas
The Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection has recognized three new certified Clean Marinas while Maryland's Department of Natural Resources recently certified a sailing center as a Clean Marina and a harbor as a Clean Marina Partner, according to recent press releases.
Clean Marina is a certification for recreational boating facilities acknowledging their efforts to go beyond regulatory compliance and participate in voluntary measures to keep state waters clean.
The Ritts Marine Center, Brewer Pilots Point Marina, South & East Yards and North Yard were recognized in Connecticut. The Annapolis Yacht Club's Sailing Center in Anne Arundel County and Nanticoke Harbor in Wicomico County were recognized in Maryland.
To become certified as a Connecticut Clean Marina, marina operators must show voluntary operation at standards beyond compliance in seven categories: mechanical activities, painting and fiberglass repair, hauling and storing boats, fueling, facility management, emergency planning, and boater education. Certified Clean Marinas are authorized to fly a Clean Marina flag and to use the Clean Marina logo on their publications and letterhead. DEP will also promote certified Clean Marinas through the Clean Marina Program public outreach efforts.
In Maryland, the Annapolis Yacht Club's Sailing Center installed rain barrels and container gardens throughout the property to reduce runoff, expanded solid waste recycling to the area, and installed a well-supplied emergency spill response kit.
To meet Clean Marina Partner criteria at Nanticoke Harbor, staff collected fishing line for recycling, posted emergency response plans, and strictly control any repair work that boat owners complete on trailered boats.