Ridge, Md. -- BluHaven Piers in Ridge is the newest Maryland Clean Marina to be certified by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The marina is the 145th facility to adopt a significant portion of recommendations from the Maryland Clean Marina Guidebook and pass a site inspection. DNR oversees the Clean Marina Initiative, which is a voluntary program that promotes and celebrates efforts of marinas, boatyards and yacht clubs to reduce their pollution.
“DNR staff has worked with the marina to ensure improvements made met Clean Marina goals,” said Donna Morrow, coordinator of the Maryland Clean Marina Program. “For example, the marina consolidated all chemicals and liquid waste for safe storage and disposal. They use water-based solvents and recycle used oil.”
BluHaven Piers is a small marina with that offers boat repair, covered slips and kayak rentals and sales. The marina changed hands in 2006 and is now managed by St. Mary’s College alumni, Darden Pickall and Dan Sweeney. They have overseen significant improvements to the property in the past five years including taming overgrown weeds, painting and operations.
“We probably let this take longer than it needed to, but the Clean Marina staff didn’t let us give up. They made sure we finished and we’re really proud to have the award,” said Dan Sweeney, manager of BlueHaven Piers.
Maryland Clean Marinas are re-inspected at least every three years to ensure they continue to meet award standards. Marinas, boatyards and yacht clubs of any size in Maryland are encouraged to participate in the program. Benefits include confidential compliance assistance, free promotion by DNR at regional boat shows, a free listing on the DNR website, use of the Clean Marina logo and--in many cases--discounts on marine insurance. More information and free program materials are available by calling 410-260-8773 or visiting www.dnr.maryland.gov/boating/cleanmarina.
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