Wells Cove Marina
Signs DNR’s Clean Marina Pledge
ANNAPOLIS— Wells Cove Marina in Grasonville (Queen Anne’s County) is
the most recent marine facility to pledge to take measures protecting
Maryland’s waterways and to seek certification as a Maryland Clean Marina
in the coming year. By signing the Clean Marina Pledge, marina manager
Robin Robbins has committed to do her part to “keep Maryland’s waterways
free of harmful chemicals, excess nutrients and debris.” A total of 86
boating facilities have now taken the Clean Marina Pledge.
Signing the Clean Marina Pledge is the first step toward receiving
recognition as an environmentally responsible marina through the
Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Maryland Clean Marina Initiative.
The initiative promotes and celebrates voluntary adoption of measures to
reduce pollution from marinas, boatyards, yacht clubs and recreational
boats. To achieve full standing as a Clean Marina, managers must implement
measures to control pollution associated with vessel maintenance and
repair; petroleum storage and transfer; sewage disposal; solid, liquid and
hazardous wastes; stormwater runoff; and facilities management, as
applicable.
Recognized Clean Marinas may use the Clean Marina logo in their
advertising and on their letterhead. They receive a flag to fly from their
facility, a page on the Clean Marina web site, and promotion in Clean
Marina publications. The goal of the program is to certify 25 percent of
Maryland’s 600 marinas as Clean Marinas and to prevent further regulation
of the industry by federal agencies. To date, 102 marine facilities have
been certified as Clean Marinas or Clean Marina Partners (small facilities
such as public ramps or maritime museums). Boaters are encouraged by DNR
to patronize Maryland Clean Marinas and Clean Marina Partners.
For more details about the Clean Marina Initiative or to order free
pollution prevention materials for boaters, call DNR toll-free in Maryland
at (877) 620-8DNR, ex. 8770 or visit
www.dnr.maryland.gov/boating