Friday, February 3, 2012

DNR Names Herrington Harbour as Maryland Clean Marina of 2011

Inaugural award presented during Clean Marina Workshop
     Annapolis, Md. -- The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) presented Steuart and Hamilton Chaney, owners of Herrington Harbour Marina with the inaugural Clean Marina of the Year Award on January 26 at a Clean Marina workshop in Annapolis. The runners-up were Spring Cove Marina in Solomons and Tidewater Yacht Service Center in Baltimore.
     “Implementing and maintaining Clean Marina practices is good for the environment and good for business,” said Steuart Chaney. “For more than three decades, the first consideration when making any decision is, ‘How will this decision improve the environment?’”
     To earn this title, Herrington Harbour demonstrated excellence in the overall cleanliness of their facilities, the environmental services that they offer, and implementation of clean marina rules and practices.
     “Undoubtedly, Herrington Harbour is like no other marina in Maryland,” said Donna Morrow, Program Chief of DNR Boating Services. “We are happy to award them the first-ever Maryland Clean Marina of the Year.”
     The marina created more than four acres of tidal wetlands, set aside 600 acres in perpetual preservation, cultivated oysters to filter Bay water and installed buffers to filter stormwater. They also operate several pumpout stations and enforce strict environmental rules on any work done in the boatyard. As a result, the initiatives have produced significant improvements in water quality and in boater appreciation toward the environment.
     There were approximately 12 nominees chosen by marina customers, owners and staff. DNR took submissions throughout the 2011 boating season. Steuart Chaney accepted the award, which was signed by DNR Secretary John Griffin. Herrington Harbour received a $1,400 prize from EMP Industries/Elias Environmental.
     The marina’s two facilities are located on Herring Bay in southern Anne Arundel County. Each facility contains nearly 600 slips with direct access to the Chesapeake Bay. The popular resort marinas and yacht yard provide the closest deep-water access to the Bay from the D.C. metropolitan area. Combining a multitude of services with an eco-resort atmosphere has become a trademark of Herrington. It is their vision to become the best Eco-Lifestyle Marina Resort/Yacht Yard on the East Coast. To learn more, visit herringtonharbour.com.
     The Maryland Clean Marina initiative recognizes and promotes marinas, boatyards and yacht clubs that meet legal requirements and voluntarily adopt pollution prevention practices. DNR has certified nearly 25 percent of Maryland’s estimated 600 marinas as Clean Marinas or Clean Marina Partners. All marinas and boatyards are encouraged to participate. For more information, visit dnr.state.md.us/boating/cleanmarina/.

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