Delaware's first "Clean Marina Expo” was held in April at the Delaware Technical Community College in Georgetown. The event brought together marina representatives, exhibitors, and regulatory agencies, for the purpose of providing information and services for Delaware marinas to reduce their environmental impacts and create “greener” more sustainable businesses.

All these companies displayed green cleaning products, pumpout systems, environmental planning and consulting services, water recycling units, and waste management services; all of which are important in reducing a marina’s environmental impact and preserving our state’s precious water resources.

Regulatory and non-regulatory representatives from DNREC gave presentations, and were available to answer questions specific to marina operations and requirements. Presentations that included “How to Become a Delaware Clean Marina,” “Hazardous Waste at Your Marina,” and “How to Develop Operations and Maintenance Plans” received great reviews from the attendees.

Typical was this comment from Richard Valeria, chairman of the Lewes Yacht Club Marina Committee: "I thought the Expo was a great idea and very informative. We are always looking for ways to better our marina and protect the environment."

The reviews and encouragement from the marinas and exhibitors after the Delaware Clean Marina Expo are a testament to the initial success of this event, and their commentary also reflects the dedication of the state's marina owners and operators to protect and preserve our environment. For more information, visit the Delaware Clean Marina web site.