FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Aug. 8, 2012
DEP’S CLEAN MARINA PROGRAM REACHES 262ND DESIGNATION
~Program recognizes clean marinas that implement environmental measures designed to protect Florida’s waterways~
Pilot House Marina’s 35 wet slips accommodate boats near John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.
KEY LARGO - The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Clean Marina Program today designated Pilot House Marina as Florida’s 262nd Clean Marina for demonstrating a commitment to environmental stewardship by initiating best management practices and offering a pumpout service for boaters.
“We’re excited to welcome the Pilot House Marina for joining the 21 Clean Marinas, one Clean Boatyard and two Clean Retailers in Monroe County and the Florida Keys,” said DEP Director of Sustainable Initiatives Brad Stombock. “The dedication and hard work in becoming a Clean Marina is an accomplishment this facility should be proud to achieve.”
The Clean Marina Program recognizes marinas, boatyards and retailers for their commitment to the protection of Florida’s waterways and natural resources. In addition to Clean Marinas, the program consists of 39 Clean Boatyards and 17 Clean Retailers as of July 27, 2012.
“I want to thank Pilot House Marina, its staff and the recreational boaters that patronize Clean Marinas for recognizing the importance of getting Florida’s precious water resources right by engaging in environmentally friendly practices, beyond regulatory requirements, in and around Florida’s waterways,” said DEP South District Director Jon Iglehart.
Florida’s Clean Marina Program awards designated marinas with increased exposure as a good environmental facility, assistance for installing pumpout facilities, as well as access to technical assistance from the Florida Sea Grant, United States Coast Guard Program (USCG), USCG Sea Partners, USCG Auxiliary, Marina Mentors from other designated Clean Marinas, the Clean Boating Partnership and staff from the Florida Clean Marina Program before, during and after the designation process and more. “We love our crystal clear waters, pristine coral reefs and abundant sea life here in Key Largo and want to do our part to protect It.” said Don Brown, Team Leader for Pilot House’s Clean Marina program.
There are seven steps to designation, which are verified in a confirmation visit from a team of Florida Clean Marina Program and Clean Boating Partnership representatives once criteria have been met.
Established in 2000, the Florida Clean Marina Program is a voluntary, non-regulatory program that acknowledges and rewards environmentally conscious marine facilities.
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