Maryland Clean Marinas Program is Looking for the Cleanest

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has had an ongoing certification program for marinas that voluntarily adopt pollution prevention practices. Since 2009, a total of 120 marinas in Maryland are on the list of certified clean marinas. Of those, 18 are in south county. That represents about 25 percent of the 600 marinas in the state.

In order to get more marinas on board with the clean marina initiative, the DNR is having a contest this year for the cleanest marina. A copy of the rules are attached to this story. The winner will be selected in January 2012.

Award Criteria includes:

• Overall cleanliness of the facility (indoors and outdoors);
• Environmental services offered (e.g., recycling liquid and/or solid waste, reliable pump-outs, vacuum sanders, pet waste pick up bags, absorbent pads at the fuel dock, etc.);
• Communicating and enforcing “clean marina” practices and goals to customers and contractors through rules, signs, and services.

The Maryland Clean Marina Initiative recognizes and promotes marinas, boatyards and yacht clubs of any size that meet legal requirements and voluntarily adopt pollution prevention practices. Boaters are encouraged to patronize certified clean marinas and to adopt clean boating habits.

The DNR hopes that the collective effort of individuals and businesses will improve water quality in the Chesapeake Bay, coastal byways and inland lakes like Deep Creek Lake.

Certified Maryland Clean Marinas

These marinas meet the rigorous pollution prevention standards established by the Maryland Clean Marina Committee and the Department of Natural Resources.

The operators have voluntarily adopted measures to control pollution associated with marina operations and stand as notable examples of the conservation ethic: individual responsibility for healthy land and water.

For a complete list of all 120 marinas, click here.

1. Anchor Yacht Basin, Inc., Edgewater
2. Casa Rio Marina, Mayo
3. Chalk Point Marine, West River
4. Chesapeake Yacht Club, Shady Side
5. Clark's Landing Boat Sales, Shady Side
6. Galesville Harbor Yacht Yard, Galesville
7. Hartge Yacht Harbor, Galesville
8. Herrington Harbour North, Tracy's Landing
9. Herrington Harbour South Marina, Friendship
10. Little Island Marina, Edgewater
11. Oak Grove Marina /Persimmon Point Marine, Edgewater
12. Paradise Marina - Deale
13. Rhode River Marina, Edgewater
14. Rockhold Creek Marina, Deale
15. Selby Bay Marina, Edgewater
16. Shipwright Harbor, Deale
17. Town Point Marina, Traceys Landing
18. West River Yacht Harbour/West River Fuel Dock