Monday, April 23, 2012

Maryland DNR to Help Fund Boatyard Wash-Water System Upgrades

From the Maryland Department of Resources
Application Deadline May 18

     Annapolis, Md. -- The Maryland Clean Marina Initiative is providing a select number of boatyards and marinas with funds to develop wash-water treatment and disposal solutions that will comply with new State mandates to help protect water quality and underwater life.
     “Our goal is to help facility owners get a jump start on upcoming environmental standards and ensure that we continue to safeguard our waters,” said Donna Morrow, coordinator of the Clean Marina Program.
     Most pressure wash-water contains dissolved copper, zinc and lead from the antifouling paints used on most boats. The Maryland Department of the Environment’s General Permit for Discharges from Marinas 10-MA greatly restricts the amount of dissolved metals boatyards may discharge into State waters beginning March 2015. Although boatyards have long been required to filter wash-water for visible solids ─ such as paint chips and debris ─ this is the first time such restrictions have been put into the permit. 
     The Clean Marina Program will be able to fund engineering services to approximately 15 boatyards. Once applications are received, an engineer will visit selected sites this summer, discuss wash-water treatment and disposal options and provide written reports to the marinas. The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will then choose the facilities that will benefit most from the funding.
     This assistance program aims to help boatyard operators make informed decisions with guidance from an unbiased, professional engineer. These engineers can help design concrete wash pads for facilities without one and discuss discharge to sewer or recycling systems. They will also create guidance documents that the Clean Marina Program can use to help boatyards that are not selected for a site visit and individual report. 
     The deadline to apply for assistance is May 18. Decisions will be announced by mail the week of June 4. Criteria include financial need and participation in the Clean Marina Initiative. More information and applications for the free design assistance are located at dnr.state.md.us/boating/cleanmarina. 
     DNR oversees the Clean Marina Initiative, a voluntary program that promotes and celebrates efforts of marinas, boatyards and yacht clubs to reduce their pollution. More information and free program materials are available by calling 410-260-8773 or visiting dnr.maryland.gov/boating/cleanmarina.

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