The last of three informational roundtable meetings about the Maryland Clean Marina Initiative is scheduled for Tuesday February 23 at the Oxford Community Center, 200 Oxford Road, Oxford, Md. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), in cooperation with the Marine Trades Association of Maryland, is hosting the roundtables to introduce the program to marina, boatyard, and yacht club operators interested in becoming certified as a Maryland Clean Marina. 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.
The roundtable will run from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and there is no charge to attend although advanced registration is requested. Free program materials (i.e., Clean Marina Guidebooks, templates) will be provided along with refreshments. Weather permitting, a tour of a nearby Clean Marina will follow the roundtable discussion to illustrate certain best management practices recommended by the Clean Marina Program.
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.
Advanced registration is requested as space is limited. Marinas may register by sending an email to dmorrow@dnr.state.md.us. The roundtables are for operators and staff of Maryland marine facilities and not for product demonstrations, solicitation, or similar purposes. Space is limited and there is 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: MD-DNR press release
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