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The quality of Florida’s surface waters can be
degraded by boat sewage, gray water, cleaning products, spilled fuel, trash
and the introduction of exotic organisms. These materials
not only degrade Florida’s environment, but also hamper the enjoyment of
Florida’s recreational areas. Government alone cannot protect Florida’s
environment. Each one of us must share the responsibility for pollution
prevention. Sometimes it is as simple as doing things a little differently.
Clean Boating Habits strive for a cleaner environment through the collective
efforts of volunteers, government, and industry.
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The aim of the
Clean Marina Program (CMP) is prevention education.
Marinas and boaters are often not aware of the environmental
laws with which they must comply and thus problems are usually
addressed after, rather than before, they occur. Lack of
education leads to not only mistrust and misunderstanding but
also to repeated pollution events and repeated fines. By
obtaining Clean Marina status, a business will receive technical
assistance so they can be in compliance with all local, state,
and federal regulations. his will certainly reduce the
chance for fines and may also reduce waste streams, while still
increasing a marina’s efficiency and improving their reputation
with boaters. |
Monroe Harbour Marina |
The Clean Marina Program is
available to:
Marinas –
facilities that provide, for a fee, docking with marine related services;
Boatyards –
specifically those facilities that provide a repair or refinishing site for
hull, mechanical or electrical work on vessels less than 383 feet;
Marine Retailers –
facilities that sell new or used boats and may provide repair or refinishing for
hull, mechanical or electrical work on vessels as part of a service department.
Work at any of the above
may entail the use of resin, gelcoats, paints, lubricants, solvents or other
hazardous materials and may require an air permit, industrial waste permit,
water permit, or storm water permit.
The Florida
Clean Boater
Program is closely related to the Clean Marina Program and seeks to educate
boaters on the importance of protecting the state’s waterways by adopting
environmentally friendly practices. Included in these practices are proper
trash management, using bilge socks, and fueling collars, and practicing good
recycling habits. Boaters are encouraged to take the Clean Boater Pledge
and educate other boaters on the importance of protecting the environment they
enjoy. By adopting pollution prevention measures, Florida Clean Boaters
can take satisfaction in knowing they are doing their part in preserving Florida
waterways for the future.
More information on the
Clean Marina Program is available online at
www.dep.state.fl.us/cleanmarina or by calling Sheena Chin, Clean Marina
Program Coordinator for Northeast District FDEP at 904-807-3208 or contacting
the state Clean Marina Program 850-245-2929 ext 2846.
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