CRMC adopts Clean Marina Program

February 14, 2007, WAKEFIELD – The RI Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC) last night adopted its newly developed Clean Marina Program, designed to protect the state’s coastal waters and benefit the marina industry in Rhode Island.

The Clean Marina Program is a voluntary initiative designed to reward marinas that go beyond regulatory requirements by applying innovative pollution prevention best management practices (BMPs) to their day-to-day operations. The program was developed by the CRMC with the cooperation of the R.I. Marine Trades Association, R.I. Department of Environmental Management (DEM), and Save The Bay. The CRMC held a number of workshops last May and September to introduce the marine trades industry to the program.

As part of this program, a Rhode Island Clean Marina Guidebook and self-assessment checklist serve as tools to assist marinas toward becoming RI Clean Marinas, a designation that certifies marinas, boatyards and yacht clubs that have voluntarily exceeded regulatory requirements and have adopted measures to reduce pollution, and recognizes them as environmentally responsible businesses.  Program information is available on the CRMC web site at http://www.crmc.ri.gov/marinas.html. A Clean Marina pledge requires that marinas striving for this designation pledge to do their part to keep the state’s waters free of harmful chemicals, excess nutrients and debris. It also states that the marina owners will identify opportunities and implement practices to control pollution associated with vessel maintenance; fueling; sewage handling; storm water management; and facilities management. The marina, once a pledge is signed, must implement the pollution prevention practices within one year and apply to the CRMC for the designation as a Rhode Island Clean Marina.

Marinas that achieve this status will be presented the RI Clean Marina Award and other highly publicized incentives to distinguish them as top tier “green” businesses that offer clean, safe, and environmentally friendly facilities. The designation would also be in lieu of an Operations and Maintenance Plan, now required under the revised Section 300.4 CRMC regulations.

“The CRMC would like to thank the RI Marine Trades Association, the DEM and Save The Bay for their involvement in helping to develop the Clean Marina Program,” said CRMC Chairman Michael M. Tikoian. “Each of these groups, along with the CRMC, had something valuable to offer to the process, and the marina industry will surely benefit from the expertise which contributed to this product.”

A number of marinas have already begun the process – Allen Harbor Marina in North Kingstown, Pt. Judith Marina in Narragansett, Ballard’s Wharf on Block Island, Conanicut Marine in Jamestown have signed pledges. Dickerson’s Marina and Warwick Cove Marina in Warwick, Newport Yachting Center Marina in Newport, Port Edgewood Marina in Cranston and Lavin’s Landing Marina in Charlestown have begun the process of applying to the program.

“We applaud the marinas that have taken steps to complete their designation as a Clean Marina,” Tikoian said. “This program will provide an easy to follow process through which Rhode Island marinas can ensure they are environmentally friendly and responsible facilities.”