In this issue we highlight two grant opportunities -- the annual Maryland Department of Natural Resources pumpout operations and maintenance grants and a new marine debris grant available to marinas from NOAA. In addition we highlight new Clean Marinas and share best practices for boatyards this fall. 

Donna Morrow, Program Manager

New Clean Marinas and Recent Renewals

Congratulation to Lighthouse Point Marina and Tradewinds Marina--the newest Maryland Clean Marinas! 

Lighthouse Point Marina has been completely rebuilt since new owners acquired it in 2022. The new owners invested in floating piers, a new restaurant and boaters’ lounge, and automated trash removal devices to help remove litter and storm debris. To help minimize use of single use plastic bottles, the marina also features a bottle refill station. Pictured above are (left to right) Matt Giorgi, Joel Schlossberg, and Ben Sesselman.

Similarly, Tradewinds Marina, on Middle River in Baltimore County, was recently acquired by new owners. Clean Marina certification does not automatically transfer when properties are sold–new owners must meet with program staff and demonstrate that they are meeting Award criteria. The new owners immediately stepped up to have the property certified by the department by conducting a thorough site inspection and review of procedures and plans. Read more on the DNR website.

The following Clean Marinas were successfully recertified by program staff this summer:

• Annapolis Maryland Capital Yacht Club, Annapolis
• Annapolis Yacht Club Sailing Center, Annapolis
• Atlantic Marina at Ferry Point, Arnold
• Baltimore Boating Center Essex
• Belvedere Yacht Club, Arnold
• Bert Jabin's Yacht Yard, Annapolis
• Bodkin Yacht Club, Pasadena
• Clarks Landing, Shady Side
• Dundee Creek Marina Kingsville
• Essex Marina and Boat Sales, Essex
• Hidden Harbour Marina, Deale
• Nabbs Creek Marina, Glen Burnie
• Orchard Beach Marina, Annapolis
• Rhode River Marina, Edgewater
• Somers Cove Marina, Crisfield
• Spring Cove Marina, Solomons

View the complete list of certified Maryland Clean Marinas on our website.

To learn about earning the Clean Marina Certification for your marina, visit the Maryland Department of Natural Resources website,  and email donna.morrow@maryland.gov with any questions and to schedule an informal site visit. Marinas and boatyards are located at the water's edge and can make a big difference in local water quality if they adopt pollution prevention measures. Think yours meets the Clean Marina criteria? Then talk to us and get the Clean Marina Award you deserve for protecting our waterways!

Grant Opportunity for Marine Debris Capturing Devices

The NOAA Marine Debris Program will award up to $7 million  to support the installation of proven marine debris interception technologies, throughout the United States. Projects will focus on the installation, monitoring, and maintenance of proven marine debris interception technologies that will capture marine debris at or close to known marine debris sources or pathways. Commercial organizations and non-profit entities are eligible to apply. There are several commercially available devices on the market, perfect for installation at marinas, that collect floating trash or that can be operated manually as needed. 

Required Letter of Intent Deadline: October 9, 2024, 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time 

Full Proposal Deadline: February 7, 2025* (If invited to submit after Letter of Intent is reviewed.)

Full details are available on the NOAA website. 

Clean Boatyard Practices for Fall 

• Used oil and antifreeze are accepted at a number of free public collection sites and private haulers are also available. 
• Hazardous materials such as bad gasoline, solvents, or paint must be disposed of by licensed hazardous waste haulers. Do not accumulate barrels of hazardous waste, which can put a marina in violation of numerous regulations. 
• Place any liquid waste storage drums in a secure location and keep them covered to prevent stormwater contamination. Containers must be clearly labeled with the contents and the open/close date of the container. 
• Think Before You Shrink! Promote reusable boat covers. Require customers that shrink-wrap to recycle the wrap in the spring through language in your winter storage agreements. Order recycling bags from the Marine Trades Association of Maryland this winter
• Use fuel stabilizers in boats being stored over the winter.
• Remember to pumpout holding tanks as boats are hauled.
• Marinas with live-aboards should make plans for the winter. For example, group them on one pier, nearest the bathhouse for convenient access to facilities and remind them that no discharge of waste is allowed in the marina. If possible, offer periodic pumpouts. Require inspections of heads and holding tanks at least once a year.
• Have clear pollution prevention rules for any "do it yourself" customers as well as outside contractors working in the boatyard. Contact donna.morrow@maryland.gov to request sample contract language for both. 

Pumpout Operations and Maintenance Invoice Period Begins November 15 

Marinas that enrolled in the department's annual Pumpout Operations and Maintenance grant program this year are reminded that invoices must be submitted between November 15, 2024 and January 15, 2025. Invoice forms will be available in November on the department's website, where Terms and Conditions are also found. 

The department provides reimbursements up to $5,000 annually for the costs of operating and maintaining pumpout stations with funding from the federal Sportfish Restoration grant program and the state's Waterway Improvement Fund. Boaters fund both sources through motorboat fuel tax, fishing tackle, and the vessel excise tax paid to Maryland when a boat is titled in the state. Grants are to help marinas break even for the costs they incur providing pumpouts to the boating public. Enrollment in the program takes place each spring. Contact jenniferl.jackson@maryland.gov for more information. 

Prohibit Balloon Releases at Special Events

Facilities that are rented for special events should remind organizers and guests that balloons may not be intentionally released. While they are beautiful going up, balloons fall back to earth and often harm or kill wildlife who either try to eat them or get tangled in their ribbons and attachments. For this reason Maryland (and other states and municipalities) has outlawed the intentional release of balloons. Yacht clubs or marinas that host special events should be sure to include language in contracts prohibiting intentional balloon releases. Find alternatives and more information online.

Think Before You Shrink! 

Avoid disposing of tons of used shrinkwrap next spring by encouraging customers to invest in semi-custom reusable covers or to use no cover at all. 

Reusable covers are available for most popular power boat models and even some sailboats. Read more on our website. Understanding that some boaters will still choose shrinkwrap, we encourage our marinas and boatyards to plan to recycle it next spring.  

Marinas, boatyards and yacht clubs can request a free "Think Before You Shrink" poster by emailing donna.morrow@maryland.gov. The Clean Marina Program also has sample work order language that vendors of shrink-wrap are encouraged to use which alert customers that the vendor will charge a fee and recycle the shrinkwrap in the spring.