PRESS RELEASE: April 17, 2015
DEP
RECOGNIZES CLEARWATER HARBOR MARINA AS A CLEAN AND RESILIENT MARINA
~Marina
honored for its environmental accomplishments and emergency preparedness~
CLEARWATER - The Florida Department of Environmental
Protection has recognized the Clearwater Harbor Marina for its designation
as a Clean and Resilient Marina. As part of the successful Clean Marina
Program, this designation represents the marina’s additional commitments to
environmentally responsible practices and emergency preparedness. DEP presented
Clearwater Harbor Marina, the 9th marina in the state to receive this recognition, with a Florida Clean and Resilient Marina flag and plaque.
“On top of their commitments to
sustainability, our Clean and Resilient Marinas are also leaders in their communities
in emergency preparedness,” said Mary
Yeargan, director of DEP’s Southwest District. “Businesses like Clearwater
Harbor Marina have shown that environmental responsibility includes being
prepared to deal with any kind of situation.”
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 (BMPs) 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 BMPs through on-site and long-distance
technical assistance 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 Clearwater Harbor 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.
Florida has nearly 900,000
registered motorized vessels and more than 2,000 marinas -- the largest number
of marine facilities in the country -- drawing millions of visitors each year.
With more than 1,350 miles of coastline, 50,000 miles of inland and coastal
rivers and streams, Floridians depend on water more than any other natural
resource. In total, 287 marinas have been designated by the Clean Marina Program
in addition to 44 boatyards and 19 designated clean retailers.
For more information about the
Clean Marina Program, click here.
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