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The Clean Marinas program is the result of the Clean Vessel Act passed in 1992. The Act required the implementation of sewage disposal facilities for recreational boaters. When the state of Florida tried to meet the requirements of the Act, they discovered the vagueness of the bill made it difficult to decide what steps were necessary to meet the requirements. The results of Florida’s initial steps pushed the EPA and the NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) to provide the individual states with incentives and assistance in establishing state run, unique clean marina programs. The NOAA lists the following benefits for marina operators and owners:
Reduce waste disposal costs. The Best Management Practices (BMPs) will reduce the amount of wastes produced so disposal costs will be less.
Generate new sources of revenue. Studies have shown that Clean Marinas can charge slightly higher slip fees and have fewer vacancies.
Receive free technical assistance. Best Management Practices guidebooks, training workshops and on-site visits are available to marina operators. Often states will even offer on-site assistance for meeting regulatory requirements.
Reduce legal liabilities. By participating in the Clean Marina Program, marinas can ensure they are meeting all regulatory requirements, thus avoiding fines.
Enjoy free publicity. States recognize Clean Marinas through press releases, newsletters, and boating guides, etc.
Attract knowledgeable customers. Clean Marinas are aesthetically pleasing facilities that can attract responsible clientele that will follow good boating practices.
Improve water quality and habitat for living resources. The marina and boating industry depends on clean waters and a healthy coastal environment for their continued success.
Demonstrate marina is a good steward of the environment. Many states distribute special burgees and signs for Clean Marinas to display. Clean Marinas are also allowed to use the State’s Clean Marina logo on all letterhead.
Clean Marina Program
The current, existing state programs vary but all offer information, guidance, and technical assistance to marina operators and recreational boaters on Best Management Practices (BMPs) that can be used to prevent or reduce pollution. Marina operators receive technical assistance, guidebooks and training seminars to help them meet the standards of each state’s clean marinas programs. Participating marinas can get certified as Clean Marinas and listed on the states’ clean marina websites.
The EPA has highlighted several state programs as innovative including Maryland, Virginia and North Carolina. State clean marina programs are relatively new. Seattle’s Elliot Bay was the first Washington state clean marina in 2005. Most of the states that have Clean Marina programs provide a listing of participating and certified marinas. Or better still, use the Advanced Searching filter in the E-Marina™ database to find only Green Marinas!
Please click here to Marinefuel.com’s accounting of which states are participating, and how to become involved.
