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 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

The Maryland Board of Public Works approved $1.39 million in Waterway Improvement Funds to be used for pier upgrades and replacements at Somers Cove Marina in Crisfield, Md. “Somers Cove Marina will continue to be one of Crisfield’s greatest assets. Boaters throughout the state will reap benefits from this project,” said Crisfield Mayor P.J. Purnell.

The marina’s fuel pier, which was originally built in the 1960s, will be extended by 66 feet and undergo other much-needed repairs. The fuel pumps and dispensers will be replaced with modern equipment and reconfigured to allow up to four vessels to be served at once, relieving congestion on busy weekends and holidays. Re-decking and repairing the fuel pier will improve both safety and functionality and the changes to the fuel dock will allow for easier approach and docking for boaters.

Additionally, an existing fixed pier that dates back to the mid-1970s will be replaced with a modern floating dock that will have 26 slips ranging from 40-50 feet in length. A new section of the floating dock will be able to accommodate vessels up to 100 feet. Floating docks are very popular with boaters because they rise and fall with the tides, alleviating the need to adjust dock lines often and making boarding safer. The marina already has a waiting list of boaters who want a slip on the new floating dock system.

“These necessary improvements will enhance services to Maryland boaters as well as the many transients who make Somers Cove Marina their first stop in Maryland on their way up and down the Intracoastal Waterway,” said Lloyd Tyler, Executive Director of Somers Cove Marina.

Somerset Paving and Marine, Inc. has been selected for the project, which will greatly improve service and safety for commercial and recreational boaters using the marina. The Waterway Improvement Fund is supported by the 5 percent vessel excise tax that is paid when a boat is titled in Maryland and is administered by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources for the benefit and safety of the boating public.

Work is expected to begin on the fuel pier in two to four weeks, and construction on the installation of the new floating dock will follow. All upgrades and repairs should be complete in time for boaters to enjoy them for the bulk of the 2010 boating season.

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

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 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) Water Improvement Fund has partnered with Perryville to increase tourism and stimulate the local economy, while increasing public access to the Susquehanna River. With $618,950 from the Waterway Improvement Fund, Perryville recently awarded a contract worth approximately $1.14 million to construct a new boating pier and twelve boat slips to Maryland based contractor Dissen and Juhn.

“This is a wonderful project that will both help the local economy as well as expand public access to the Susquehanna,” said DNR Director of Boating Services Bob Gaudette.

The new pier will be 575 feet long, and 10 feet wide, with a gangway connecting to a floating dock system that will provide 12 new boat slips for visiting boaters. Residents will also enjoy access to the pier for nature watching and town events. Construction will begin in December and is expected to be completed by November 2010.

“We view this project as an enhancement to the Lower Susquehanna River trail system, an economic stimulus through increased tourism and additional water access for this river front community,” said Perryville Mayor James L. Eberhardt.

“This project will greatly enhance water access, recreation, heritage tourism and hopefully be the impetus for the economic development of the town’s waterfront as well as the revitalization of the old downtown area,” said Town Commissioner Barbara A. Brown. “I am extremely happy that everyone who has worked with the town to make this project happen will see their efforts pay off.”

The Waterway Improvement Fund is supported by the 5 percent vessel excise tax that is paid when a boat is titled in Maryland. The project is also funded in part with federal funds from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and by Perryville.

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

The Yacht Basin Company in Annapolis and the Annapolis City Dock in Anne Arundel County have been designated the 110th and 111th certified Maryland Clean Marinas. Together with 24 smaller facilities designated as Clean Marina Partners, Maryland now boasts 135 certified facilities.

“I commend the managers of these two facilities for taking initiative and becoming a Clean Marina,” said Governor Martin O’Malley. “Frequenting these businesses is one way that all Maryland boaters can be involved in the effort to improve the quality of our waterways.”

The Yacht Basin has been a mainstay in the Annapolis harbor for over 70 years and serves locals as well as many visitors. The marina runs a busy fuel dock, its own pump-out boat, and laundry and shower facilities for slip-holders. To meet the Clean Marina Award criteria, marina manager Steve Grace made a few adjustments to existing practices. For example, the marina installed small oil-absorbers in all storm-drain outlets to clean stormwater before it is discharged into the creek. Marina staff also take many precautions when fueling vessels and keep spill response equipment close at hand.

“We have been meaning to pursue the Clean Marina Award for several years but always get busy with other priorities,” said Mr. Grace. “But once I called DNR out, it was done very quickly. I’m glad I didn’t wait any longer and am proud we accomplished this.”

The Annapolis City Dock is a bustling public dock which serves 8,000 – 10,000 visitors to Annapolis each year and also includes the dozens of public moorings throughout city waterways. The Harbormaster’s staff provides environmental education materials as part of every welcome packet and operates a pump-out boat that empties the holding tanks of visiting boats. Also, during a major renovation of the docks last year, several rain gardens were installed in the parking lots to capture and treat polluted run-off.

“The staff understands the need to be environmentally responsible in a city that is known for its environmental initiatives,” said Annapolis Harbormaster Ric Dahlgren. “Earning an award from the DNR is a nice thank you for all we do to educate visitors and protect our waterways.”

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is inviting marinas, boatyards, and yacht clubs to participate in informal roundtable discussions and learn more about Maryland’s Clean Marina Initiative.

“I encourage all marina operators who are not certified as clean marina’s to attend,” said Donna Morrow, DNR Boating Administrator. “Through small group discussions and networking, operators will learn how other marinas and boatyards have addressed environmental challenges and the benefits of becoming a certified clean marina.”

Interested operators can choose between two dates and locations:

Tues, Jan. 13 from 10:00 a.m. to 12 noon
Skipjack Cove Yachting Center in Georgetown (Cecil County)

Thurs, Jan. 15, 2009 from 10:00 a.m. to 12 noon
Mears Marina in Annapolis (Anne Arundel County)

Participants will receive an overview of the Clean Marina certification process, guidebooks and guidance. Weather permitting, a tour of the host marina will be provided. Advanced registration is requested by emailing dmorrow@dnr.state.md.us or calling 410-260-8773. Each roundtable is contingent upon at least six marine facilities registering by January 12.

Maryland’s Clean Marina Initiative, coordinated in partnership with the Marine Trades Association of Maryland, promotes voluntary adoption of pollution prevention measures. At total of 133 marinas, community piers and museums are certified as Clean Marinas or Clean Marina Partners. Marinas are certified by DNR as Maryland Clean Marinas after they adopt a percentage of recommendations in the Maryland Clean Marina Guidebook and pass a site inspection by DNR and industry representatives. This collective effort of marina and boatyard operators and recreational boaters is working to improve the quality of Maryland’s waterways. For more information visit www.dnr.maryland.gov/boating.