Chesapeake Bay News

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.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recently received a $405,000 competitive grant from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to expand boating opportunities in Maryland.

“Recreational boating not only benefits our local economy, but also enables people to enjoy our treasured rivers and Chesapeake Bay,” said Bob Gaudette, DNR Boating Services Director. “We hope that our partnership with Chestertown Marina to expand boating opportunities encourages more people to get out on the water.”

DNR, in cooperation with Chestertown Marina, plans to match the federal grant with more than $225,000 to construct 25 slips for visiting boaters with dockside utilities at the Kent County facility. Project completion is scheduled for spring of 2009.

Maryland was one of 15 states who received a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Boating Infrastructure Grant (BIG) to help fund construction of docks, boat slips and other facilities to support recreational boating. Funding for the BIG program comes from the Sport Fishing and Boating Trust Fund, formerly known as the Aquatic Resources Trust Fund, which is supported by excise taxes on certain fishing and boating equipment and boat fuels.

Beginning January 10 the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Marine Trades Association of Maryland (MTAM) will host a series of introductory Clean Marina workshops. All Maryland marine facilities are encouraged to attend.

The free workshops will provide participants with an overview of the Maryland Clean Marina Initiative and all materials necessary to begin the certification process. A tour of the host facility will highlight actions taken to become certified and prevent pollution (weather permitting). Additionally, free customer education and staff training materials will be provided at the workshops including posters, oil-sorb kits, and a training video.

Dates and Locations:

• January 10, 2008 Mears Point Marina, Grasonville
• January 31, 2008 Eastport Yacht Club, Annapolis
• February 7, 2008 Tidewater Marina, Havre de Grace

All workshops run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and include lunch. There is no fee to attend but advanced registration is required. To register, provide name(s) and contact information by email to dmorrow@dnr.state.md.us or phone 410-260-8773. In the event of inclement weather or low registration, workshops may be rescheduled.

The Maryland Clean Marina Initiative was established in 1998 with the help of the MTAM as an alternative to further regulations on the marina industry. The Initiative aims to reduce non-point source pollution by certifying at least 25 percent of the estimated 600 marinas in Maryland. Currently 124 facilities (approximately 20 percent) are certified as either Clean Marinas or Clean Marina Partners (much smaller facilities with fewer services).

To earn the award, marine facilities must obtain all applicable environmental permits and plans as well as adopt a significant portion of the recommended practices in the Maryland Clean Marina Guidebook. A site visit is conducted for the initial certification and again every three years to maintain award criteria. Full program information and a list of Maryland Clean Marinas can be found on line at www.dnr.maryland.gov/boating.