MEDIA ADVISORY: Sept. 19, 2012
ASTOR BRIDGE MARINA NEWEST ADDITION TO DEP CLEAN MARINA PROGRAM
~Astor Bridge Marina becomes 256th clean marina in the state, 14th in Volusia County~
ASTOR –
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Clean Marina Program is proud to designate Astor Bridge Marina as DEP’s 256th clean marina in the state, the 45th
in the Central District, and the 14th in Volusia County. Astor
Bridge Marina is being recognized for its commitment to environmental
stewardship and implementation of best management practices, including a pumpout
service for boaters. Astor Bridge Marina is unique in that it sits on the
shores of the St. Johns River, and recent renovations allow more than 60
deep-water cruisers and houseboats to dock in a protected lagoon.
“We’re
very proud of Astor Bridge Marina and appreciate their efforts to become
Florida’s newest Clean Marina,” said DEP Central District Director Jeff
Prather. “Achieving this designation provides more protection for
Florida’s waterways and sets them apart as a leader within their industry.”
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 38 Clean
Boatyards and 17 Clean Retailers
as of August 31, 2012.
“Astor
Bridge Marina is proud to be awarded the Clean Marina designation in a program
that is instrumental to the future of Florida,” said Hugh Upton, Managing
Partner of the marina. “We received this certification with the invaluable
assistance and support of our staff and boaters who have enthusiastically
embraced the environmentally-friendly practices we have put into place.”
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.
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 reward
environmentally-conscious marine facilities..
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