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Three marinas were recognized as Delaware Clean Marinas for adopting pollution prevention measures and sustainable practices that will have significant effects on Delaware’s coastal water quality. Creek’s End, Rehoboth Bay and Pier Point voluntarily implemented best-management practices that will help reduce harmful chemicals, excess nutrients and debris entering the Inland Bays.
Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) Deputy Secretary David S. Small presented the Clean Marina flag and certificate signed by Gov. Ruth Ann Minner to marina operators at a Sept. 17 event hosted by Rehoboth Bay Marina in Dewey Beach.
“It’s a pleasure to be here during National Pollution Prevention Week to welcome three marinas to our growing community of Delaware Clean Marinas,” said Small. “They have made pollution prevention a top priority in the way they do business. Their proactive measures – preventing pollution at the source before it enters the Inland Bays – exemplify the important role marinas play to help protect a most treasured resource.”
The Delaware Clean Marina Program, a partnership between DNREC and the University of Delaware’s Sea Grant Marine Advisory Service, is a voluntary, incentive-based program that encourages marina operators and recreational boaters to develop environmentally sound operating and maintenance procedures. The program encourages marina operators to implement pollution prevention measures associated with vessel maintenance and repair; petroleum storage and transfer; sewage disposal; solid, liquid and hazardous wastes; storm water runoff; and facilities management. By implementing measures, marinas improve water quality, reduce costs associated with waste disposal and generate new sources of revenue.
“Because marinas are located right along the water’s edge, they have significant potential to adversely impact the water quality in the area,” said Robert Baldwin, director of DNREC’s Division of Soil and Water Conservation. “The three marinas are to be commended for voluntarily implementing higher standards and exceeding regulatory requirements. With pollution prevention practices now in place, the marinas have stepped up to do their part to improve water quality in the local area.”
Creek’s End Homeowners Association manages Creek’s End Marina, a community marina located on Guinea Creek and Rehoboth Bay. To qualify for the program, the marina updated its operations and maintenance plan to include in-depth preparedness and active pollution prevention procedures and installed a top-of-the-line spill response kit on-site. Stephen Clark accepted the Clean Marina flag and certificate on behalf of the marina.
Chris Redefer, manager of Rehoboth Bay Marina, located on Rehoboth Bay in Dewey Beach, accepted the flag and certificate. The 189-slip marina provides dockside water and electric utilities, and a dock master and staff oversee operations and best-management practices. On-site fueling, pump-out service, restroom accommodations and a bait-and-tackle store are also provided.
Pier Point Marina, a commercial marina on Rehoboth Bay with 164 boat slips, offers fueling, maintenance and repair activities for a variety of marine vessels. Shane Karlik, marina manager, accepted the flag and certificate. The marina reduced environmental effects by improving waste management, recycling used oil and shrink wrap, and implementing an all-encompassing fuel- and oil-spill response procedure.
Delaware officially launched the Clean Marina program in June 2003, during a press event held at the Indian River Marina, the first marina to be certified. The total number of Delaware Clean Marinas is now 10.
Since the program’s inception, the Delaware Clean Marina Program has awarded more than $254,000 in cost-share grants to help marinas implement pollution-reduction measures. The first Delaware Clean Marina Expo was held in April to showcase products, services and information available to reduce environmental effects and create greener, more sustainable businesses.
For more information, contact Crystal Nagyiski at 302-739-9909 or email Crystal.Nagyiski@-state.de.us.
Visit DNREC at: www.dnrec.delaware.gov
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