Chesapeake Bay News

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) and the Marine Trades Association of Maryland will hold a forum July 8 in Annapolis to offer an opportunity to learn more about the new General Discharge Permit for Boat and Vessel Maintenance. The forum is intended for operators of facilities that perform or allow boat repair.

MDE is reviewing appropriate changes to the General Permit for Discharges for Marinas. Changes to the permit address and update requirements related to bottom paints and wash water. Maryland’s waters must be protected from toxicity that could compromise aquatic life and public health now and in the future.

DNR’s Clean Marina Program and the Marine Trades Association of Maryland are assisting in the process by providing technical expertise and experience, and will provide ongoing compliance assistance.

Attendees will learn about the active ingredients in bottom paints from several paint representatives as well as how marina discharges are handled in other states. This forum is not a “public hearing” as no draft determination of the permit has been proposed for public comment. Rather, the forum is a chance to hear why changes are being discussed and to get industry suggestions to best meet new water quality standards.

The forum will run from 1:00 to 4:00p.m. July 8 in the meeting hall of the Calvary Methodist Church on at 301 Rowe Boulevard in Annapolis. There is no cost and operators of businesses that conduct—or allow—boat repair work on site are strongly encouraged to attend.

To register contact the Marine Trades Association of Maryland at susan@mtam.org or by calling 410-269-0741.

For more information on Maryland’s Clean Marina Program visit:

www.dnr.maryland.gov/boating/cleanmarina

source: MD DNR

Oxford Boatyard is the latest marine facility to join the ranks of Maryland’s Certified Clean Marinas. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) certified the facility March 30 following a site visit. Together with 25 smaller facilities designated as Clean Marina Partners, Maryland now boasts 141 certified facilities.

“Every new Clean Marina shows the commitment this industry has to protecting our natural resources,” said DNR Clean Marina Program Administrator Donna Morrow. “Nearly a quarter of the marine facilities in this State have come on board with this voluntary program. Clean Marina practices are not always easy but marinas and boatyards choose to implement them because they understand the importance of clean water. I hope others will follow this example and get involved.”

The full service boatyard is 144 years old and features a 75 ton travel lift to haul boats out for repairs and refits. 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.

“We’re glad to be a Clean Marina,” said Oxford Boatyard Manager Graham Norbury. “Once I made up my mind to do it, it took a few months, but the facility is cleaner for the environment, which makes it better for our staff and customers too.”

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 prepares emergency response plans and ensures key staff members are trained on those procedures. The boatyard also maintains a pump-out station to empty sewage from holding tanks on boats.

The Maryland Clean Marina Initiative is a voluntary program started in 1998 and administered by DNR. The program’s goal is to reduce non-point source pollution from marinas, boatyards and recreational boats. Marine facilities of any size can seek the Clean Marina Award.

The Clean Marina Guidebook, Award Checklist and Steps to Certification are all available at www.dnr.maryland.gov/boating. There is no cost to participate and benefits include recognition by the DNR, permission to use the Clean Marina logo, and a cleaner environment in and around the marina.

This information is provided as a public service of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. www.dnr.maryland.gov

The last of three informational roundtable meetings about the Maryland Clean Marina Initiative is scheduled for Tuesday February 23 at the Oxford Community Center, 200 Oxford Road, Oxford, Md. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), in cooperation with the Marine Trades Association of Maryland, is hosting the roundtables to introduce the program to marina, boatyard, and yacht club operators interested in becoming certified as a Maryland Clean Marina. Participants will network with local Clean Marina operators and talk with Clean Marina Initiative staff. Participants will learn how other marinas and boatyards have solved environmental challenges, what the advantages of Clean Marina certification are, and how best to start the process.

The roundtable will run from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and there is no charge to attend although advanced registration is requested.  Free program materials (i.e., Clean Marina Guidebooks, templates) will be provided along with refreshments.   Weather permitting, a tour of a nearby Clean Marina will follow the roundtable discussion to illustrate certain best management practices recommended by the Clean Marina Program.

Staff from the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) will also be on hand to discuss the next edition of the General Permit for Discharges from Marinas.  MDE is interested in learning more about current boatyard procedures to craft the new Permit and welcomes input from boatyard operators.

The Maryland Clean Marina Initiative was created in 1998 in response to §6217 of the Coastal Zone Reauthorization Act Amendments of 1990.  The goal of the program remains to reduce non-point source pollution from marine facilities through the voluntary adoption of best management practices.  Facilities that adopt a significant portion of the recommendations in the Maryland Clean Marina Guidebook, and which comply with all applicable environmental regulations, are eligible for the Clean Marina Award.  To earn the award, facilities must pass a site visit from DNR staff and the manager of another Clean Marina.  Certifications are good for three years, at which time facilities must be re-certified.

Advanced registration is requested as space is limited.  Marinas may register by sending an email to dmorrow@dnr.state.md.us. The roundtables are for operators and staff of Maryland marine facilities and not for product demonstrations, solicitation, or similar purposes.  Space is limited and there is minimum needed of at least six marinas registered in advance.  Roundtables may be rescheduled or cancelled due to inclement weather.  Information on the Maryland Clean Marina Initiative can be found at http://www.dnr.state.md.us/boating/cleanmarina/  or by contacting Ms. Donna Morrow at dmorrow@dnr.state.md.us  or 410-260-8773.

source: MD-DNR press release

Due to poor road conditions and the forecast for more snow, two Clean Marina Roundtables planned for this week have been rescheduled. The roundtable previously set for Tuesday, February 9 in Havre de Grace, has been moved to Friday, February 19. The meeting will be held at the Tidewater Marina from 10:00 a.m. to 12 noon.

The roundtable planned for Thursday, February 11 in Oxford, has been moved to Tuesday, February 23.  The meeting will be held at the Oxford Community Center from 10:00 a.m. to 12 p.m. as originally planned.

The roundtable meetings are intended to introduce the Clean Marina Program to marina, boatyard, and yacht club operators interested in seeking the Clean Marina Award. Participants will network with local Clean Marina operators and talk with Clean Marina Initiative staff. Participants will learn how other marinas and boatyards have solved environmental challenges, what the advantages of Clean Marina certification are, and how best to start the process.

New Dates and Locations:

* February 17 – Port Annapolis Marina
* February 19  – Tidewater Marina, Havre de Grace
* February 23  – Oxford Community Center

All roundtables will run from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and there is no charge to attend. Free program materials (i.e., Clean Marina Guidebooks, templates) will be provided along with refreshments.   Weather permitting, a tour of the host facility (or one located nearby) will follow each roundtable discussion to illustrate certain best management practices recommended by the Clean Marina Program. Advanced registration is requested as space is limited. Marinas may register by sending an e-mail to dmorrow@dnr.state.md.us and indicating which roundtable they wish to attend.

Staff from the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) will also be on hand to discuss the next edition of the General Permit for Discharges from Marinas. MDE is interested in learning more about current boatyard procedures to craft the new permit and welcomes input from boatyard operators.

The Maryland Clean Marina Initiative was created in 1998 in response to §6217 of the Coastal Zone Reauthorization Act Amendments of 1990. The goal of the program remains to reduce non-point source pollution from marine facilities through the voluntary adoption of best management practices. Facilities that adopt a significant portion of the recommendations in the Maryland Clean Marina Guidebook, and which comply with all applicable environmental regulations, are eligible for the Clean Marina Award. To earn the award, facilities must pass a site visit from DNR staff and the manager of another Clean Marina. Certifications are good for three years, at which time facilities must be re-certified.

The roundtables are for operators and staff of Maryland marine facilities and not for product demonstrations, solicitation, or similar purposes. Thre is a minimum needed of at least six marinas registered in advance. Roundtables may be rescheduled or cancelled due to inclement weather. Information on the Maryland Clean Marina Initiative can be found at http://www.dnr.state.md.us/boating/cleanmarina/  or by contacting Ms. Donna Morrow at dmorrow@dnr.state.md.us  or 410-260-8773.

source: DNR press release

The Maryland Clean Marina Initiative, in cooperation with the Marine Trades Association of Maryland, is hosting three informational roundtable meetings to introduce the program to marina, boatyard and yacht club operators. Participants will network with local Clean Marina operators and talk with Clean Marina Initiative staff. Participants will learn how other marinas and boatyards have solved environmental challenges, what the advantages of Clean Marina certification are, and how best to start the process.

The initiative will hold roundtables from 10a.m. to 12 p.m. at these locations:
# February 9 – Tidewater Marina, Havre de Grace
# February 11 – Oxford Community Center
# February 17 – Port Annapolis Marina

Free program materials (Clean Marina Guidebooks, templates) will be provided along with refreshments. A tour of the host facility (or one located nearby) will follow the roundtable discussion, weather permitting, to illustrate certain best management practices recommended by the Clean Marina Program.

Staff from the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) will also be on hand to discuss the next edition of the General Permit for Discharges from Marinas. MDE is interested in learning more about current boatyard procedures to craft the new Permit and welcomes input from boatyard operators.

The Maryland Clean Marina Initiative was created in 1998 in response to §6217 of the Coastal Zone Reauthorization Act Amendments of 1990. The goal of the program remains to reduce non-point source pollution from marine facilities through the voluntary adoption of best management practices.

Facilities that adopt a significant portion of the recommendations in the Maryland Clean Marina Guidebook, and which comply with all applicable environmental regulations, are eligible for the Clean Marina Award. To earn the award, facilities must pass a site visit from DNR staff and the manager of another Clean Marina. Certifications are good for three years, at which time facilities must be re-certified.

Advanced registration is requested as space is limited. Marinas may register by sending an email to dmorrow@dnr.state.md.us and indicating which roundtable they wish to attend. The roundtables are for operators and staff of Maryland marine facilities and not for product demonstrations, solicitation, or similar purposes.

Space is limited and there is minimum needed of at least six marinas registered in advance. Roundtables may be rescheduled or cancelled due to inclement weather.

Information on the Maryland Clean Marina Initiative can be found at http://www.dnr.state.md.us/boating/cleanmarina/ or by contacting Ms. Donna Morrow at dmorrow@dnr.state.md.us or 410-260-8773.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) Clean Marina Program certified Hartge Yacht Harbor as the state’s 116th Clean Marina. Maryland now boasts 141 certified facilities.

Hartge Yacht Harbor is a new business started in April on the site formerly occupied by the Hartge Yacht Yard. It has two marine railways dating back to the early 1900s, a haul out slip, a 50-ton travel lift, a state of the art paint building, 270 slips, and a sewage pump-out. Marina staff and on-site contractors offer a wide variety of boat and engine repairs.

“I was happy to hear from the new management when they took over operations,” said DNR’s Clean Marina Program Coordinator Donna Morrow. “Their commitment to comply with all the regulations and then taking extra strides to protect the environment—all while starting a new business—is to be commended. They demonstrated a can do attitude throughout the process and are now a great example of practical solutions to environmental challenges.”

To qualify for the Clean Marina award, office assistant Judy Hollerbach and staff throughout the yard made a number of improvements. The staff was trained on all aspects of waste management and pollution prevention and legally required safety and stormwater plans were completed.

The dockmaster, Buddy Raley, ensured that all waste collected for recycling is handled properly. The yard recycles used oil, oil filters, batteries, and antifreeze. Waste gasoline, solvents or old paints are handled by a licensed waste hauler for proper disposal as well.

“I learned so much by going through the Clean Marina process,” said Hollerbach. “As a new business we had to start from scratch on all the paperwork, but the guidance we got from Clean Marina staff really helped make sense of it all. The guys in the yard never failed to come through with great solutions to the challenges that we came across and we are very proud of what we’ve achieved.”

Marina manager Nancy Bray believes that protecting our environment is paramount to being a successful marine business. “We all should share in this responsibility” said Bray.

source: DNR press release

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has certified the Port of Snow Hill (Worcester County) as the newest certified Maryland Clean Marina Partner, bringing the number of Clean Marina Partners to 25. Along with 115 larger Clean Marinas, Maryland now boasts 140 certified facilities.

“I want to congratulate the Port of Snow Hill and its management for their Clean Marina certification,” said Governor Martin O’Malley. “The Port should serve as an example for other marinas and for all Marylanders, that with only a little extra effort we can all move towards a more sustainable future.”

Partners are small facilities, without many amenities who primarily serve small, trailered boats as opposed to long term slip holders. They are usually public boat ramps or landings, such as Port of Snow Hill, or community marinas, and educational facilities.

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. Approximately 23 percent of marinas in the state are now certified Clean Marinas.

The Port of Snow Hill is comprised of three small public parks, along the Pocomoke River. Each park offers slightly different amenities including fishing areas, two boat ramps, and short term dockage for boats up to 30’ in some areas and up to 40’ in another. The Sturgis Park area has a pump-out station, to remove sewage from vessel holding tanks. The primary thing that Park Manager Rick Merritt did to meet award criteria was to step up their environmental outreach to visitors on issues such as trash, recycling, and sewage.

“Using a bulletin board and materials provided by the Clean Marina Program helped us to increase our outreach to visitors about environmental and safety issues. We also give out oil absorbent pads and tip cards the program provided, which the visitors are happy to receive and use,” said Merritt.

“We are pleased to have another municipal boating facility added to the growing list of Clean Marina Partners. These facilities help us reach the many boaters who launch and retrieve smaller boats, instead of using marinas for long term dockage. Statistically, there are far more trailered boats using ramps, than larger boats kept in the water. It’s important that we connect with the boating facilities they use, to help educate this large group of boaters,” said Clean Marina Program manager Donna Morrow.

Marinas, boatyards, and yacht clubs of any size are encouraged to learn more about the voluntary Clean Marina Initiative developed with both industry and government input. Marina operators can visit http://www.dnr.state.md.us/boating/cleanmarina/, send an email to dmorrow@dnr.state.md.us or call 410-260-8773.

source: DNR press release

Annapolis Mayor Ellen Moyer, Delegates Ron George and Richard Sossi and Secretary John R. Griffin recognized 12 Marinas this year that voluntarily adopted best management practices to certified as Clean Marinas at an awards luncheon in Annapolis.

“Every Marylander has a role in helping to restore the health of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries,” said Governor Martin O’Malley. “I want to commend these business owners for making a significant contribution to this effort.”

Since 1999 DNR has certified 115 Clean Marinas and 24 smaller facilities designated as Clean Marina Partners. These facilities voluntarily adopt best management practices, exceeding legally required permits and plans, to reduce polluted run-off into adjacent waterways. The Maryland Clean Marina Initiative is a public-private partnership developed in response to federal legislation, requiring the State to reduce ‘non-point source’ pollution from marinas, boatyards, and recreational boats.

“As the capital of Maryland and the Sailing Capital of the World, Annapolis is a very popular destination for thousands of boaters a year. The Annapolis Harbormaster’s Office is now playing a key role in helping the state’s Clean Marina program educate the boating public on simple ways they can truly make a difference when it comes to protecting water quality and saving the Bay,” Said Annapolis Mayor Ellen Moyer. “Annapolis is honored to be a Clean Marina partner in this important environmental program and we encourage every marina in the Chesapeake Bay watershed to become a clean marina.”

To receive certification a marina must meet its regulatory requirements as well as implement a significant number of recommendations from the Maryland Clean Marina Guidebook in areas such as sewage handling, waste containment and disposal, and marina management. The marinas must meet minimum scores—75 to 80 percent – in each area of the Award Checklist and pass a site inspection.

The Clean Marinas receiving the Governor’s Citation were:

Annapolis City Dock

Annapolis Maryland Capital Yacht Club

Annapolis Yacht Club Sailing Center

Campbell’s Boatyard at Jack’s Point (Oxford)

Clark’s Landing Marine Center (Chester)

Gunpowder Neck Boat Club (Aberdeen Proving Ground MWR)

Mill Creek Marina (Naval Station Annapolis)

Nanticoke Harbor Marina (Nanticoke)

National Harbor Marina (Oxon Hill)

Tradewinds Marina (Baltimore)

West Basin Marina (Patuxent River Naval Air Station)

Yacht Basin Company (Annapolis)

The Clean Marina Initiative was developed as an alternative to further regulations of the marina industry. Through the efforts of a committee comprised of leaders in the marine industry and government representatives, the Maryland Clean Marina Guidebook was printed in 1998. Implementation of this program began in the winter of 1998.

Since 1997 the Clean Marina Initiative has used funding from several sources including NOAA and EPA and currently uses State Special Funds (Waterway Improvement). EPA’s Non-point Source Program also funded demonstration projects of pollution prevention equipment in selected watersheds for four years.

Marinas, boatyards, and yacht clubs of any size are encouraged to learn more about the voluntary Clean Marina Initiative, developed with both government and industry input. Marina operators can either visit http://www.dnr.state.md.us/boating/cleanmarina/, send an email to dmorrow@dnr.state.md.us or call 410-260-8773. Recreational boaters are also encouraged to visit the Clean Marina webpage to learn how they can prevent pollution and to sign the Maryland Clean Boater Pledge.

source: DNR press release