Chesapeake Bay News

222 Severn/W&P Nautical, is the newest Clean Marina to be certified by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The marina, one of Annapolis’ oldest marine properties is home to a variety of marine businesses.

222 Severn covers an entire city block in the Eastport area of Annapolis. The property has been the site of boat building operations, including the famed Trumpy Yachts, since the early 1900s. The Templeton family has owned and managed the marina since 1974.

source: MD DNR

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Boating Services and Downtown Sailing Center in Baltimore held a ribbon cutting on September 24 to officially open the newly renovated marina located in the Inner Harbor.

The project included concrete piers which were recycled from the Inner Harbor Marina to enhance the existing marine facility. The newly configured dock layout will accommodate a larger number of people, allows for easier wheelchair access onto vessels, and provides more space for larger boats. The entire facility is designed to meet ADA requirements.

The total project cost was $300,000. State grants were provided through the DNR Waterway Improvement Fund. Revenue for the Fund comes from the one-time 5 percent excise tax paid when a boat is titled in the State of Maryland.

source: MD DNR

BluHaven Piers is the newest Maryland Clean Marina to be certified by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The marina is the 145th facility to adopt a significant portion of recommendations from the Maryland Clean Marina Guidebook and pass a site inspection.

BluHaven Piers is a small marina with that offers boat repair, covered slips and kayak rentals and sales. The marina changed hands in 2006 and is now managed by St. Mary’s College alumni, Darden Pickall and Dan Sweeney. They have overseen significant improvements to the property in the past five years including taming overgrown weeds, painting and operations.

The Clean Marina Initiative is a voluntary program that promotes and celebrates efforts of marinas, boatyards and yacht clubs to reduce their pollution.

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.

For more information, visit www.dnr.maryland.gov/boating/cleanmarina

source: MD DNR

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources Clean Marina Program has launched a contest to determine the 2011 Maryland Clean Marina of the Year.

Anyone can nominate a Clean Marina for the award (except program staff and contest sponsors). Nominations will be accepted through December based on services performed at the marinas during 2011. The goal is to hear from boaters, marine contractors, staff, and citizens about Maryland Clean Marinas that are excelling in their efforts to run a clean facility.

Winner(s) will be chosen by the Clean Marina Program based on demonstrated excellence in:

* Overall cleanliness of the facility (indoors and outdoors);

* Environmental services offered (recycling liquid and/or solid waste, pump-outs, vacuum sanders, pet waste pick up bags, absorbent pads at the fuel dock, etc.);

* Communicating and enforcing “clean marina” practices and goals to customers and contractors through rules, signs, and services.

Maryland launched the first Clean Marina Program in the United States in 1998 and to date has certified 143 facilities as Clean Marinas or Clean Marina

Partners. DNR has created this contest to celebrate the excellent work of these small businesses to protect our natural resources and comply with complex regulations.

Prizes for the Clean Marina of the Year Contest are being solicited from companies that provide marine services and products that can help Maryland Clean

Marinas protect our natural resources and/or comply with environmental regulations. The acceptance of donated prizes from any company is not an endorsement of that product or service by either the Maryland Clean Marina Program or the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.

Any company interested in donating a prize to the Maryland Clean Marina of the Year Contest should contact Donna Morrow at dmorrow@dnr.state.md.us or 410-260-8773.

Complete contest rules and a current list of Maryland Clean Marinas and Clean Marina Partners are available on line at

http://www.dnr.state.md.us/boating/cleanmarina/

source: MD DNR

Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is hosting three Clean Marina Roundtable workshops for marina and boatyard operators.

The roundtables will discuss Maryland’s Clean Marina Initiative, a voluntary program that promotes and celebrates efforts of marinas, boatyards and yacht clubs to reduce their pollution. Free copies of the Clean Marina Guidebook, award checklists and educational materials for boaters and staff will be provided. Participants will network with local Clean Marina managers and program staff to learn how they can meet award criteria.

“Although attending a workshop isn’t required to become a Clean Marina, it’s the best way for marina operators to learn about the program in a short amount of time,” said Donna Morrow, DNR’s Clean Marina Administrator. “By networking with other marina operators, participants will hear about practical ways to become a Clean Marina. Maryland’s waterways need everyone doing their part and the Clean Marina program is a tangible way for marinas to help.”

Dates and Locations:

January 11, Spring Cove Marina, Solomons
January 13, Port Annapolis Marina, Annapolis
January 20, Skipjack Cove Yachting Resort, Georgetown

All roundtables will run from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and there is no charge to attend. Weather permitting, a tour of the host facility will follow the roundtable discussion. In addition to helping reduce pollution and protect our waterways, Clean Marinas often enjoy discounted insurance rates, reduced clean up costs and improved relations within their community. All marine facilities are encourage to participate and seek the award.

Marine facilities of any size are encouraged to pursue the Maryland Clean Marina Award. To qualify, a facility must meet all permitting requirements and adopt a significant portion of recommendations from the Maryland Clean Marina Guidebook.

DNR staff and mentors offer assistance and site visits to marinas pursuing the award. They are re-certified every three years. To date, 143 facilities (roughly 23 percent of Maryland marinas) have achieved the designation.

Advanced registration is requested as space is limited. Marina managers 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. Information on the Maryland Clean Marina Initiative can be found at http://www.dnr.state.md.us/boating/cleanmarina/ or by contacting Donna Morrow at dmorrow@dnr.state.md.us or 410-260-8773.

source: MD DNR

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Waterway Improvement Fund has approved a project at Wicomico County’s Nanticoke Harbor totaling $1,605,000. The project includes maintenance dredging 13,600 yards of material and repairing two existing stone jetties totaling 1,373 feet in length.

“This project is beneficial to the commercial and recreational boating citizens of Wicomico County and visitors who use Nanticoke Harbor,” said Gary Mackes, Director of Wicomico Parks, Recreation & Tourism.

Dredging will make the harbor more accessible to recreational and commercial boats that use the facility. Currently, some boats must wait to come and go at high tide to avoid running aground in the shallow channel. Rebuilding the stone jetties will help to keep sediment from accumulating in the harbor. Over the years the jetties have settled, reducing their effectiveness. This also means they are covered by water in high tides, rendering them a hazard to anyone not familiar with their location.

The dredging will begin immediately, followed by the reconstruction of the stone jetties. The project could be completed by the end of March. The contract was awarded to Corman Marine Construction.

This project is funded entirely by the Waterway Improvement Fund, which is funded by the five percent excise fee boaters pay when they register a boat in Maryland.

Bob Gaudette, Director of DNR’s Boating Services, said jobs like the Nanticoke Harbor project support marine contractors.

“It really is a stimulus program for those in the marina industry. Contractors have indicated to me they would have laid off employees without the projects,” said Gaudette.

To learn more about DNR’s Waterway Improvement Fund, visit www.dnr.maryland.gov/boating.

source: MD DNR

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Clean Marina Program has certified Shamrock Marine at Pinehurst Landing Marina as the state’s 116th Clean Marina. Together with 25 smaller facilities designated as Clean Marina Partners, Maryland now boasts 141 certified facilities.

Pinehurst Landing Marina houses Shamrock Marine, which provides a full range of yacht repairs including 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 certification, 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 participate in keeping the marina and the waters clean.

“We feel like getting certified was the natural outcome of us cleaning up the property and improving things,” said Michael Hohn. “It’s nice to get recognized for doing the right thing.”

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.

source: MD DNR

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 Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has removed two sunken barges from the Somers Cove Marina, making it ready to welcome boaters this season. The barges sank in the marsh of Jersey Island near Somers Cove Marina approximately 20 years ago.

“For years, this area of the marina has been a bit of an eyesore. Now, we can begin the first stage of a beautification project in that section,” said Lloyd Tyler, executive director of Somers Cove Marina.

Beautification efforts include covering the land next to the project area with topsoil and grass, and planting new trees.

Steven’s Marine Construction was awarded the contract to remove the sunken barges. Fuel tanks from the barges were properly drained and removed before the barges were hauled out, which will result in safer navigation of the area. Following removal, the barges’ corroding steel was taken to Delmarva Recycling Inc. to be recycled.

“The commission is very supportive of this effort to remove the old barges,” said Somers Cover Marina Commissioner Ladell Dorman. “They were a potential hazard to navigation as well as a possible source of pollution.”

In conjunction with ongoing projects to replace an old dock with a floating dock, and to upgrade and repair the fuel dock, removal of the sunken barges has Somers Cove Marina ready to welcome boaters for the 2010 boating season.

This removal was made possible by $13,500 from the Waterway Improvement Fund, which is supported by the five percent excise tax boaters pay when registering a vessel in Maryland.

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