PRESS RELEASE: May 14, 2015
NAS KEY WEST BOCA CHICA MARINA RECEIVES CLEAN AND RESILIENT MARINA DESIGNATION
~Marina recognized for environmentally responsible operations~
MARATHON, Fla. – The Florida Department of Environmental
Protection is pleased to recognize Naval Air Station Key West Boca Chica Marina as a
Clean and Resilient Marina. As part of the successful Clean Marina Program,
this designation represents the marina’s commitment to
environmentally responsible practices and emergency preparedness. DEP presented
Naval Air Station Key West Boca Chica Marina, the seventh marina in the state to receive
this recognition and first in Monroe County, with a Florida Clean and Resilient
Marina flag and plaque.
“The Naval Air Station Key West Boca Chica Marina is leading the
initiative for clean and resilient boating operations in the Florida Keys,”
said DEP South District Director Jon Iglehart. "The Clean and Resilient
Marina designation is earned by marinas protecting Florida waterways and
the boating community they serve. Best
management practices by Boca Chica Marina help create and sustain a vibrant, safe and healthy community.”
Naval Air Station Key West Boca Chica Marina, a 120-slip marina with
20 moorings located in the Florida Keys, is designed to withstand a 150 mph
horizontal wind load and storm surge. The marina is constructed
with concrete and green board walls, and electrical receptacles and A/C
equipment are placed above surge levels, where possible. The marina also
features roll down shutters on doors and windows and has a thorough hurricane
standard operational procedure.
"We have been recognized as a Clean Marina for many years, and it is an honor to receive this designation for our efforts at Boca Chica
Field," said Capt. Steve McAlearney, commanding officer of Naval Air
Station Key West. "I would like to recognize our excellent marina staff,
as well as the boaters for their efforts in recycling, pumpout procedures and
being stewards of the environment. We are proud to make this a great place for
boaters to visit and call their home port."
In partnership with DEP and the Gulf of Mexico Alliance
(GOMA), the Florida Clean Marina Program encourages a proactive approach to
environmental stewardship. To be designated as a Clean Marina, facilities must
implement a set of environmental best management practices designed to
protect Florida’s waterways. These practices address critical environmental
issues such as sensitive habitat, waste management, storm water control, spill
prevention and emergency preparedness. Participating facilities receive
assistance with best management practices through on-site and long-distance technical support by
DEP, as well as mentoring by other Clean Marinas.
The Clean and Resilient Program improves and complements
GOMA's proven Clean Marina Certification Programs already in place. Facilities
like Naval Air Station Key West Boca Chica Marina employ practices that achieve an
additional level of sustainability and environmental responsibility.
Additionally, this program provides recommendations to strengthen local
marinas’ ability to withstand natural and man-made disasters.
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