Ferry Point Marina Is A Certified Clean Marina

Ferry Point Marina in Arnold is the twenty-third marina in the state to be certified as an environmentally-responsible Maryland Clean Marina. The Clean Marina designation indicates that Ferry Point Marina has met the rigorous pollution prevention standards established by Maryland's Clean Marina Committee and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) as part of the agency's Clean Marina Initiative (CMI).

Tom Wilhelm purchased a rundown Ferry Point Marina in the spring of 1998. He has since transformed it into a notable example of how small businesses can improve the quality of Maryland's natural resources. He tore up a roadway along the seawall and is in the process of replacing it with vegetation. He removed a crumbling bulkhead made of creosote-soaked timbers with one made of non-toxic vinyl sheeting. He created wetlands to filter stormwater runoff from the parking lot. "In addition to these dramatic physical changes, we installed a sewage pumpout system and established yard procedures to minimize the environmental impacts of vessel maintenance," said Mr. Wilhelm. "This marina is also my home. Therefore, I want it to be clean, safe and attractive."

CMI promotes and celebrates voluntary adoption of measures to reduce pollution from marinas and recreational boats. "Certified Clean Marinas have something to teach all of us," said Clean Marina Coordinator Elizabeth Fuller Valentine. "Ferry Point and the other marinas embody the conservation ethic: individual responsibility for healthy land and water.

Just as importantly, they are demonstrating that business interests can be compatible with environmental protection."

Each of the 23 Clean Marinas has implemented measures to control pollution associated with vessel maintenance and repair; petroleum storage and transfer; sewage disposal; solid, liquid and hazardous wastes; stormwater runoff; and facilities management.

Recognized Clean Marinas may use the Clean Marina logo in their advertising and on their letterhead. They also receive a flag to fly from their facility, a page on the Clean Marina web site (www.dnr.state.md.us/boating), and promotion in Clean Marina publications.

Signing the Clean Marina pledge is the first step toward receiving recognition as an environmentally-responsible marina. So far, 99 marinas have taken the pledge. The initiative's organizers hope to convert all those pledges into Clean Marina certifications. There are approximately 600 marinas in Maryland and the CMI's goal is to certify 150 of those as Clean Marinas by 2004.

For more details about the Maryland Clean Marina Initiative, call the Department of Natural Resources at (877) 620-8DNR, ext. 8770, or check DNR's website at www.dnr.state.md.us/boating.

Posted: 12-14-2000