Two Clean Marinas Certified In Annapolis

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.”