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DNR Certifies 95th Maryland Clean Marina
Choptank Marina in Preston Earns Award
PRESTON - Choptank Marina, operated by the Caroline County Parks and Recreation Department, recently became the 95th certified Maryland Clean Marina. Together with 22 smaller facilities certified as Clean Marina Partners, there are now 117 certified facilities in Maryland, which represent 19 percent of the estimated 600 marine facilities in the state.
To earn the Clean Marina Award, Choptank Marina, managed by George Jamar, voluntarily requested a site visit from DNR staff and undertook recommendations to improve operations and reduce risk of pollution. Staff routinely provide customers with small petroleum absorbent pads during fueling to catch incidental drips. The facility also has a more thorough emergency response plan and staff training in place. They also participate in an oyster restoration program (growing oyster spat off their docks to be planted on non-harvested bars) and are replacing their light bulbs with energy efficient compact fluorescents.
“This facility is an example of doing things right from the outward -- all the way down to the light bulbs,” said Clean Marina coordinator Donna Morrow. “The county staff and commissioners have shown a willingness to make changes for the better at this popular little facility from the beginning, and that is what it takes to be a Clean Marina.”
“It took us a little while to finish what we needed to do, but we really feel good about the improvements,” said manager George Jamar. “We added solid waste recycling for our boaters, but the nearby residents use it too. This has benefited the neighborhood as well; it’s just a matter of doing things right.”
In response to federal legislation, the Maryland Clean Marina Initiative began in 1998 with the goal to certify at least 25 percent of the marine facilities in Maryland as Clean Marinas or Partners. Participation in the program is voluntary. Marinas, boatyards and yacht clubs of any size can learn more and request free program materials by visiting www.dnr.maryland.gov/boating/ or by calling 410-260-8773.
November 27, 2006The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages more than 446,000 acres of public lands and 18,000 miles of waterways, along with Maryland's forests, fisheries and wildlife for maximum environmental, economic and quality of life benefits. A national leader in land conservation, DNR-managed parks and natural, historic and cultural resources attract 11 million visitors annually. DNR is the lead agency in Maryland's effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay, the state's number one environmental priority. Learn more at www.dnr.maryland.gov