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Depending on your political
persuasion, this is either the best or the worst of times, environmentally
speaking. The Bush administration has relaxed environmental legislation
to the benefit of business and industry; the question is whether these
changes will improve or degrade the environment. Whichever you believe,
one thing should be clear: The locus for clean air and water policy has
moved from the national level to state and local governments and, ultimately,
to individuals.
That means that people
who care about the environment must assume more responsibility for protecting
it, including changing the way they live. Boaters, who particularly benefit
from clean oceans, lakes, and waterways, will need to be more diligent
in ensuring our favorite pastime has minimal impact on the environment
we care about. We can no longer leave it to Washington.
Most of you know how
to do that, like properly disposing of paint and oil, using pump-out stations,
and ensuring engines operate at peak efficiency. But there’s also
a government-endorsed, grass-roots program that’s voluntary and cheap—and
works.
It’s called Clean
Marina, and it’s loosely administered by NOAA and the EPA, as part
of the Coastal Nonpoint Control Program, which aims to prevent or reduce
pollution runoff. NOAA provides funding (about $700,000 in 2002, according
to NOAA) to states that wish to start their own programs, but federal
involvement beyond that is minimal. In fact, Clean Marina started in February
1999 as a joint project between the Florida Department of Environmental
Protection (DEP) and marina owners. Today eight states and the Tennessee
Valley Authority are involved, and while a precise number of participating
marinas isn’t available, it’s estimated that about ten percent
of participating states’ public and private marinas are certified,
with another 20 percent pledging to seek certification this year. Clean
Marina guidelines are set by each state and concentrate on the handling
and storage of hazardous materials, spill response, and minimizing the
release of maintenance byproducts such as dust and metal shavings.
Becoming a Clean Marina
is simple. A marina or boatyard contacts the appropriate state agency
for guidelines, pledges to follow them, conducts a self-assessment, makes
appropriate changes, and calls the state for a formal evaluation. Once
it passes, it can display the Clean Marina flag and signage and the Clean
Marina logo on its letterhead. It’s usually required to annually
confirm in writing that it remains in compliance, and state inspectors
may schedule periodic prearranged inspections.
Marina owners are enthusiastic
about the program, some even contending that certification has boosted
their bottom lines. But what does certification mean to you, beyond feeling
that your marina is helping keep the environment clean? I visited two
Clean Marina facilities in Connecticut, and even absent flags and logos,
I immediately knew I was in superior facilities, the kind of place you
want to be, whether you have a slip or are just overnighting. So if your
marina or boatyard isn’t a Clean Marina, tell your manager about
it. Details are available at www.cleanmarinas.noaa.gov.
And look for the Clean Marina flag when you’re cruising. It’s
an easy and rewarding way to do your part.
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