Due to poor road conditions and the forecast for more snow, two Clean Marina Roundtables planned for this week have been rescheduled. The roundtable previously set for Tuesday, February 9 in Havre de Grace, has been moved to Friday, February 19. The meeting will be held at the Tidewater Marina from 10:00 a.m. to 12 noon.
The roundtable planned for Thursday, February 11 in Oxford, has been moved to Tuesday, February 23. The meeting will be held at the Oxford Community Center from 10:00 a.m. to 12 p.m. as originally planned.
The roundtable meetings are intended to introduce the Clean Marina Program to marina, boatyard, and yacht club operators interested in seeking the Clean Marina Award. Participants will network with local Clean Marina operators and talk with Clean Marina Initiative staff. Participants will learn how other marinas and boatyards have solved environmental challenges, what the advantages of Clean Marina certification are, and how best to start the process.
New Dates and Locations:
* February 17 – Port Annapolis Marina
* February 19 – Tidewater Marina, Havre de Grace
* February 23 – Oxford Community Center
All roundtables will run from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and there is no charge to attend. Free program materials (i.e., Clean Marina Guidebooks, templates) will be provided along with refreshments. Weather permitting, a tour of the host facility (or one located nearby) will follow each roundtable discussion to illustrate certain best management practices recommended by the Clean Marina Program. Advanced registration is requested as space is limited. Marinas may register by sending an e-mail to dmorrow@dnr.state.md.us and indicating which roundtable they wish to attend.
Staff from the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) will also be on hand to discuss the next edition of the General Permit for Discharges from Marinas. MDE is interested in learning more about current boatyard procedures to craft the new permit and welcomes input from boatyard operators.
The Maryland Clean Marina Initiative was created in 1998 in response to §6217 of the Coastal Zone Reauthorization Act Amendments of 1990. The goal of the program remains to reduce non-point source pollution from marine facilities through the voluntary adoption of best management practices. Facilities that adopt a significant portion of the recommendations in the Maryland Clean Marina Guidebook, and which comply with all applicable environmental regulations, are eligible for the Clean Marina Award. To earn the award, facilities must pass a site visit from DNR staff and the manager of another Clean Marina. Certifications are good for three years, at which time facilities must be re-certified.
The roundtables are for operators and staff of Maryland marine facilities and not for product demonstrations, solicitation, or similar purposes. Thre is a minimum needed of at least six marinas registered in advance. Roundtables may be rescheduled or cancelled due to inclement weather. Information on the Maryland Clean Marina Initiative can be found at http://www.dnr.state.md.us/boating/cleanmarina/ or by contacting Ms. Donna Morrow at dmorrow@dnr.state.md.us or 410-260-8773.
source: DNR press release
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