Delaware Clean Marina Logo
Governor Minner Is Scheduled to Participate!
Media Contacts: Jenny McDermott, DNREC Jenny.McDermott@state.de.us or (302) 739-8014
The Delaware Clean Marina Program — a first-ever program to encourage and publicly recognize environmentally responsible marina operations in the state — will “set sail” on Monday, June 16, at 10:00 a.m., at Indian River Marina in Delaware Seashore State Park.
Governor Ruth Ann Minner will be on hand to officially launch the program. Joining the governor in the formal ceremony will be Carolyn Thoroughgood, director of the University of Delaware Sea Grant College Program and dean of the College of Marine Studies; John Hughes, secretary of the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC); and Bruce Richards, executive director of the Center for the Inland Bays.
The Delaware Clean Marina Program is coordinated by the University of Delaware Sea Grant College Program with support from DNREC and the Center for the Inland Bays. The goal of the new program is to enlist marina operators in reducing pollution in Delaware’s waterways. Qualified marinas will be recognized for their pollution-control efforts with the prestigious “Delaware Clean Marina” certification.
“There are approximately 100 marinas and over 46,000 registered boaters in Delaware that share in the scenic beauty, economic benefits, and recreational use of the state’s waterways,” says David Chapman, marine transportation specialist for the UD Sea Grant Marine Advisory Service, and coordinator of the new program.
“The Delaware Clean Marina Program is designed to assist marina, boatyard, and yacht club operators and dealers in protecting the resources that provide their livelihood: clean water and fresh air,” he notes. “It’s a voluntary program that has important benefits for the environment, the public, and certified marinas.”
According to Chapman, certified clean marinas are becoming more and more recognized by the U.S. boating community. Delaware’s new program will join clean marina programs that already are in place in Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia. A pilot program also currently is under way in New Jersey.
During the past year, Chapman worked with an advisory committee of marina operators and associated groups and agencies to develop an extensive guidebook and checklist that can be used by Delaware marina owners and operators to implement sound environmental practices. Modeled after Maryland’s successful program, the guidebook includes 10 chapters on topics ranging from siting considerations for new and expanding marinas, to waste containment and disposal.
After taking the Clean Marina Pledge, marina operators have a year to work through the checklist and implement necessary measures to achieve a passing score. After completing a self-assessment, operators can call on mentors — other marina operators or advisory committee members — or the Clean Marina Office at Delaware Sea Grant for guidance. Once an operator is satisfied that conditions of the checklist are met, a visit with the Delaware Clean Marina Advisory Committee will be scheduled for verification. Upon certification, a marina can use the “Delaware Clean Marina” logo and flag in their advertising. In addition, the Delaware Clean Marina Program will promote certified facilities through publications, displays, and press releases.
The June 16th kick-off also will feature display of the Delaware Clean Marina flag; a pledge signing by marina operators; demonstrations of environmentally sound management practices; and a tour of environmentally protective measures that already are in place at Indian River Marina.
For more information or a press packet, please contact Jenny McDermott at DNREC at Jenny.McDermott@state.de.us or (302) 739-8014. She may be reached by cell phone the day of the event at (302) 242-0593.