Sept. 17, 2008
Vol. 38, No. 419

For more information contact Crystal Nagyiski, Delaware Clean Marina Program, 302-739-9909, or Melanie Rapp, Public Affairs, 302-739-9902.

                             Three Marinas Recognized as Delaware Clean Marinas
                                                  Pollution Prevention of the Inland Bays a Top Priority

(DEWEY BEACH, Del., Sept. 17) – Three marinas were recognized as “Delaware Clean Marinas” for adopting pollution prevention measures and sustainable practices that will have significant impacts to Delaware’s coastal water quality. The three marinas – Creek’s End, Rehoboth Bay and Pier Point – voluntarily implemented best management practices that will help reduce harmful chemicals, excess nutrients and debris from entering the Inland Bays.

DNREC Deputy Secretary David S. Small presented the Clean Marina flag and certificate signed by Governor Ruth Ann Minner to marina operators at today’s 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 the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control 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; stormwater 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 Director Robert Baldwin 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 Marina, a community marina located on Guinea Creek and Rehoboth Bay, is managed by the Creek’s End Homeowners Association. To qualify for the program, the marina updated their 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.

The clean marina flag and certificate were accepted by Chris Redefer, manager of Rehoboth Bay Marina, located on Rehoboth Bay in Dewey Beach. The 189- slip marina provides dockside water and electric utilities, and a dockmaster and staff oversee operations and best management practices. On-site fueling, pumpout 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. The flag and certificate were accepted by Shane Karlik, marina manager. The marina reduced environmental impacts by improving waste management, recycling used oil and shrink wrap, and implementing an all-encompassing fuel and oil spill response procedure.

In June 2003, Delaware officially launched the Clean Marina program during a press event held at the Indian River Marina – the first marina to be certified. Today’s announcements bring the total number of Delaware Clean Marinas to ten. The list of marinas is posted on DNREC’s web site, http://www.dnrec.delaware.gov/p2/Pages/DelawareCleanMarinaProgram.aspx

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. In April 2008 the first Delaware Clean Marina Expo was held showcasing products, services and information available to reduce environmental impacts and create greener, more sustainable businesses.

For more information, contact Crystal Nagyiski at 302-739-9909, Crystal.Nagyiski@state.de.us or visit DNREC’s web site, www.dnrec.delaware.gov/p2/Pages/DelawareCleanMarinaProgram.aspx