FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, April 3, 2012
DEP NORTHEAST DISTRICT HOLDS
MARINA COMPLIANCE ASSISTANCE WORKSHOP
~Workshop focused on marina safety measures, regulations and best management practices~
 Best management practices help area marinas protect water quality and get the water right.
JACKSONVILLE - The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Northeast District today conducted a workshop designed to provide environmental compliance assistance to Northeast Florida’s marine industry. The workshop, which was attended by 29 representatives from marinas, boatyards and marine retailers that conduct business within the DEP Northeast District’s 20-county jurisdiction, gave attendees a chance to learn more about regulatory issues that affect them.
“This free workshop was provided as an educational opportunity for Northeast Florida’s marine industry,” said DEP Northeast District Director Greg Strong. “The future of our state’s environment and economy depend on the health of our water bodies. By educating and assisting the industry through this workshop, we are working to ensure a higher level of environmental compliance and resource protection.”
Several trained regulatory specialists from DEP were on hand to address industry-specific challenges and suggest Best Management Practices (BMPs) that the marine industry can implement to ensure not only regulatory compliance, but a higher level of environmental protection. For example, by learning proper vessel pressure washing techniques, attendees can protect Florida’s waterbodies from contaminants such as oil, grease, paint chips and barnacles.
Other BMPs include:
- Establishing a stormwater pollution prevention plan.
- Keeping storage units locked except during times when a trained facility employee is available to monitor proper waste segregation, as well as posting signs that indicate wastes can only be put in storage under the supervision of facility personnel.
- Installing pumpout connections at convenient locations or at each slip and provide clear instructions for operating them.
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