Long Beach Marina in Baltimore has vowed to take measures to protect Maryland’s waterways. By signing the Clean Marina Pledge, new owner George Anagnostou has committed to do his part to keep Maryland’s waterways free of harmful chemicals, excess nutrients and debris. A total of 163 boating facilities have now taken the Clean Marina Pledge.
Signing the Clean Marina Pledge is the first step toward receiving recognition as an environmentally responsible boating facility through the Department of Natural Resources’ Maryland Clean Marina Initiative. The Initiative promotes and celebrates voluntary adoption of measures to reduce pollution from marinas, boatyards, yacht clubs and recreational boats. To achieve full standing as a Clean Marina, managers must implement 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 receive a flag to fly from their facility; a page on the Clean Marina web site and promotion in Clean Marina publications. The goal of the program is to certify 25 percent of Maryland’s 600 marinas as Clean Marinas or Clean Marina Partners by 2004. To date, 55 facilities have been certified as Clean Marinas. Another 11 boating facilities with minimal services, such as public ramps, have been certified as Clean Marina Partners. Boaters are encouraged to patronize Maryland Clean Marinas and Clean Marina Partners.
For more details about the Maryland Clean Marina Initiative or to order free pollution prevention materials for boaters, call DNR at (877) 620-8DNR, extension 8770 or visit www.dnr.state.md.us/boating.
Posted: 1-15-2003
