Chesapeake Bay News

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.

At the 10th Annual Clean Marina Awards Ceremony held at Clark’s Landing Shady Oaks Marina in southern Anne Arundel County, ten marinas received Governor’s Citations praising their accomplishment of becoming a certified clean marina.  The award ceremony was timed to coordinate with National Marina Day, August 9 to recognize marinas as family friendly gateways to boating and stewards of the environment.

“The voluntary efforts of clean marina owners and managers to reduce pollution and help protect our rivers and the Chesapeake Bay are truly commendable,” said Governor Martin O’Malley. “The bay-friendly operations offered by each of these local businesses exemplify the role we all play to preserving this natural treasure.  Action is needed across the State to ensure healthy water and land, and these marinas are to be commended for doing their part.”

Marinas are certified by DNR as a Maryland Clean Marina after they adopt recommendations in the Maryland Clean Marina Guidebook and pass a site inspection by DNR and industry representatives.

“Our livelihood – boating – depends on a healthy Chesapeake Bay,” said Bob Brandon, Owner of Tidewater Yacht Service Center in Baltimore City. “We have to do all that we can to preserve the bay to ensure continued quality boating experiences for today and tomorrow. From the beginning construction of our facility – we strived to build an environmentally-friendly boating center.”

The newly certified clean marina Tidewater Yacht Service Center incorporates many green building features and operations including a living green roof; environmentally-friendly products for sale; and a special water drainage system in the parking lot to prevent run-off from polluting the bay.

Since its establishment in 1997, the Maryland Clean Marina Initiative has certified 130 marinas. The initiative, coordinated in partnership with the Marine Trades Association of Maryland, promotes voluntary adoption of pollution prevention measures.

The following ten newly certified Clean Marinas received Governor’s Citations today:

Anchor Yacht Basin, Edgewater (Anne Arundel County)
Atlantic Marina, Pasadena (Anne Arundel County)
Baltimore Marine Center, Baltimore City
Buzz’s Marina, Ridge (St. Mary’s County)
Cedar Hill Marina, Bivalve (Wicomico County)
Chesapeake Yacht Club, Shady Side (Anne Arundel County)
Clark’s Landing , West River (Anne Arundel County)
Riverside Marine, Baltimore (Baltimore County)
Tidewater Yacht Service Center, Baltimore City

A tour of the Clark’s Landing Shady Oaks Marina following the ceremony showcased some of the best management practices implemented to become a clean marina including: oil filter recycling; an emergency spill response kit; a sewage pump-out station; a waste management plan for chemicals; and native plantings.

“The Clean Marina Initiative is a great sustainable business effort that benefits the health of our environment, waterways, and local business,” said Jeff Truesdale, Managing Partner at Clark’s Landing. “We are honored that all of Clark’s Landing waterfront facilities in Maryland are certified clean marinas.  Each of our employees are specially trained to encourage our boaters to use clean boating practices.”

With more than 25 years of experience, Clark’s Landing is proving to be a sustainable leader in the marine industry by encouraging boaters and sailors to commit to clean boating habits. Clark’s Landing has locations in Maryland, Virginia and New Jersey offering new and certified pre-owned boat sales, service, storage, parts and boat brokerage.

A complete list of certified Clean Marinas and program information can be found at www.dnr.maryland.gov/boating.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recently certified Clarks Landing at Shady Oaks Marina as a Maryland Clean Marina. The marina has a marine railway and small workshop surrounded by lush grounds and a mix of outdoor and covered slips.

“Maryland’s recreational boating industry – invaluable to our state – depends on healthy waterways to sustain it,” said Governor O’Malley. “As we mark the tenth anniversary of the Clean Marina Initiative, the voluntary leadership, foresight and commitment of marinas like Clark’s Landing at Shady Oaks is commendable and represents another step in securing a more sustainable future.”

Clarks Landing at Shady Oaks’ certification brings the total number of clean marinas in Maryland to 127, which represents 20 percent of the estimated 600 marine facilities in the state. Marinas, boatyards, and yacht clubs of any size are encouraged to learn more about the voluntary Clean Marina Initiative.

“Clarks Landing has set a goal of getting all of our Maryland locations certified as Clean Marinas,” said Operations Manager Nancy Pack. “After certification of Clarks Landing in Shady Side last year, and we knew we could rely on the DNR for assistance and answers, and getting Shady Oaks certified was not difficult.”

“Clarks Landing is proving to be a leader in the marine industry by pursuing the award for each of its locations,” said DNR?s Clean Marina Administrator, Donna Morrow. “Boat dealerships have a unique opportunity to educate new boaters on ways to protect our waterways from the very beginning so we are really pleased to work with them.”

Maryland’s Clean Marina Initiative, coordinated in partnership with the Marine Trades Association of Maryland, promotes voluntary adoption of pollution prevention measures and seeks to certify at least 25 percent (roughly 150 marinas) of Maryland’s marinas. 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. Small facilities without services are certified as Maryland Clean Marina Partners. Marina operators can either visit http://www.dnr.state.md.us/boating/cleanmarina/, email dmorrow@dnr.state.md.us or call 410-260-8770.

Recreational boaters can also join efforts to protect Maryland’s waterways. Boaters are encouraged to visit the Clean Marina web page to learn how they can prevent pollution and sign the Maryland Clean Boater Pledge.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recently certified Anchor Yacht Basin in Anne Arundel County as a Clean Marina. A family owned and operated marina and boatyard since 1965, Anchor Yacht Basin offers 125 slips, a marine sewage pump-out station, and gasoline and diesel fuel sales.

“While the process to become a clean marina took some time and effort, it helped us manage our marina operations in a more efficient and environmentally-friendly manner,” said Anchor Yacht Basin Manager Pete Mueller. “We wanted to do the right thing and our part to protect the Chesapeake Bay, but we needed guidance and technical assistance, which DNR’s Clean Marina Program freely offered. In the end, it was worth it.”

Anchor’s certification brings the total number of clean marinas in Maryland to 126, which represents 20 percent of the marine facilities in the state. Marinas, boatyards, and yacht clubs of any size are encouraged to learn more about the voluntary Clean Marina Initiative.

“We are always pleased to see family-owned facilities join in our initiative to protect our waterways. We really try to make the process flexible enough so that any facility – large or small – can participate,” said DNR’s Clean Marina Administrator, Donna Morrow.

Maryland’s Clean Marina Initiative, coordinated in partnership with the Marine Trades Association of Maryland, promotes voluntary adoption of pollution prevention measures and seeks to certify at least 25 percent (roughly 150 marinas) of Maryland’s marinas. 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. Marina operators can either visit http://www.dnr.state.md.us/boating/cleanmarina/, email dmorrow@dnr.state.md.us or call 410-260-8770.

Recreational boaters can also join efforts to protect Maryland’s waterways. Boaters are encouraged to visit the Clean Marina webpage to learn how they can prevent pollution and sign the Maryland Clean Boater Pledge.