New and Recertified Clean Marinas 

Gingerville Marine Center on the South River is the newest Maryland Clean Marina. Pictured (left to right) are Roland Dicus, Mike Muth, and Matt Parks. There are now 144 certified Clean Marinas in Maryland, representing about 30% of the marinas in the state. 

To meet the award criteria, Gingerville Marine Center  installed new plantings near the water’s edge, updated rules for contractors and boaters to control pollutants, and cleaned several storm water traps and drains. They recently installed a new sewage pumpout station and improved their spill response kit as well. Read more on the DNR website. 

Congratulations to the following Maryland Clean Marinas that were successfully recertified this fall for another three years:

• Spring Cove Marina, Solomons
• Rogue's Harbor, Elk Neck State Park, North East
• Safe Harbor Great Oak Landing, Chestertown
• Long Point Marina, Earlville

Recertification visits are similar to first time inspections; a complete site visit is conducted and all required reports and plans are verified by program staff. Marinas interested in earning the Clean Marina Award should visit the Maryland Department of Natural Resources website and contact donna.morrow@maryland.gov.

Clean Marina Seminars Set for January:
Registration Now Open

Marina operators are invited to attend a seminar to learn about the Maryland Clean Marina program and certification. Seminars will also highlight departmental grants and assistance for marinas.  A review of the General Permit for Discharges from Marinas planned for 2025 and new fuel regulations impacting marina will also be provided. More information is available online.

Pumpout O&M Grant Deadline January 15, 2024

The department offers grants up to $5,000 per marina to help offset the costs of operating and maintaining pumpout stations available to the boating public. Only marinas that enrolled in the department’s Pumpout Operations and Maintenance grant program last spring are eligible. Invoices must be received by the department by COB January 15 at pumpouts.dnr@maryland.gov . 

More information about the grant along with the necessary forms are available on the DNR website. Call 410-260-8772 with questions.

Applications for 2025 Operations and Maintenance grants will be available in March. 

Shrinkwrap Recycling to Continue in 2025

The Marine Trades Association of Maryland and the Clean Marina Program are once again partnering to offer a shrinkwrap recycling program for marinas and boatyards in the new year.

Big thanks to the 36 marinas, boatyards, and marine service companies that participated in 2024 and helped recycle more than 65,000 pounds of single use plastic! Learn about the effort and how to join.

Tier II Fuel Reports Due by March 1, 2025

Facilities that store more than 10,000 pounds (about 1,250 gallons) of fuel or other hazardous chemicals above ground are required to file annual "Tier II Reports" to let emergency responders know about the hazardous chemical inventory.  This is required by the Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act or EPCRA.

This is a reminder for marinas and boatyards with ASTs to log into the Maryland Online Tier Two Reporting System by the end of February to file the required report.  

New Marina Piping Regulations Effective 13 June 2025

As state regulations catch up with federal rules, many things have changed for marina fuel operations in the past two years.

Clink the links provided to learn more about these updates:

• New piping requirements become effective 13 June 2025.
• Effective last year, smaller Above Ground Storage Tanks (ASTs) must be registered with the Maryland Department of the Environment.

A complete list of fact sheets and a section for marinas is available on the MDE website. MDE's Oil Control Program can be reached directly at (410) 537-3442 or (800) 633-6101 x3442.