Shipwright Harbor Is A Certified Clean Marina

Shipwright Harbor in Deale, MD is one of twenty-three elite marinas to earn Clean Marina certification. The Clean Marina designation indicates that Shipwright Harbor 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).

As part of his efforts to protect Maryland's waterways, owner John Meneely maintains natural shoreline, rather than bulkheading, around the perimeter of the marina. In addition to being attractive, the vegetation provides wildlife habitat, filters stormwater runoff from the land, and acts as a buffer against incoming storms. "We also recycle cans, bottles, batteries, oil, antifreeze, and solvents," adds manager Brandt Rodey.

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. "Shipwright Harbor and the other marinas embody the conservation ethic, our 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: 12-6-2000