Clean Marina Clean Vessel Act
Florida’s Clean Marina Program
The aim of the Clean Marina Program (CMP) is prevention. Marinas and boaters may not be aware of the environmental laws, rules, and jurisdictions that might apply to them. The Clean Marina Program tries to address environmental and operational problems before they happen. This helps to avoid a potentially damaging and costly cleanup.
The goal of CMP is Clean Marina Designation. Designation lets boaters that use the marina know that the businesses adhere to – or exceed program criteria, including Marina Environmental Measures or MEMs.
MEMs are simple, innovative solutions to day-to-day marina operations that protect the environment. These MEMs have been developed through examination of best management practices around the country and with the partnership of Florida’s marinas, boatyards, boaters and government.
Steps to being a Florida Clean Marina
1. Learn about the Clean Marina Program
Call the Marine Industries Association of Florida (MIAF) or one of its local chapters or the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for information about the Clean Marina Program and attend a workshop
2. At the workshop take the Clean Marina Pledge
By signing the pledge card, you commit to do your part to help eliminate or reduce pollutants from reaching Florida’s waterways. In return you receive and get to keep the Florida Clean Marina Manual with checklists, Clean Marina Action Plan and Marina Environment Measures, as well as a Panic File prepared by Florida Sea Grant.
3. Conduct a self-assessment of your facility
Using the Clean Marina Action Plan checklist included with the Florida Clean Marina Manual, perform a self-assessment of your facility. If you feel you need help, call on a number of people who can help.
They include members of the MIA, fellow marine operators (Marina Mentors), Florida Sea Grant Extension Agents, U.S. Coast Guard Sea Partners, and the District staff of DEP.
4. Call upon a mentor or Clean Marina staff to answer any questions.
Do not be discouraged if you initially have difficulty meeting program criteria. We want to help you become a Clean Marina. Please call either the MIAF or its partners in this program listed in “3” above.
5. Schedule a confirmation visit.
Once you are satisfied that your facility meets the criteria described in the Clean Marina Program, call either the MIAF or one of its local chapters, along with DEP District, Sea Grant or Sea Partners representatives, we will visit your facility to verify the items you have done in your Clean Marina Action Plan.
6. Enjoy your rewards!
As a Florida Clean Marina, you will be issued a Clean Marina flag to fly at your facility for boaters to see and be authorized to use the Clean Marina logo on your letterhead.
7. Maintain your Clean Marina status.
Annually, confirm in writing that you continue to meet the award standards described on the Clean Marina Program. On a random basis someone from MIAF or DEP will contact you to set up a meeting at a mutually convenient time to reaffirm your Clean Marina status.
Contact Information:
Ms. Brenda Leonard, Program Manager, Brenda.Leonard@dep.state.fl.us, 850-245-2929, ext. 2847
Charles Johnson, Central District Contact, 407-894-7555, ext, 3995
DEP website: http://www.dep.state.fl.us
Volusia County Contact: Debbie Wright, 386-736-5927, ext. 12235, dwright@volusia.org
Volusia County Environmental Management website: http://www.volusia.org/environmental/
FLORIDA’S CLEAN VESSEL ACT PROGRAM
What is the Clean Vessel Act?
The Federal Clean Vessel Act of 1992 provides funds for the construction of pumpout and sump station facilities and for educational, outreach and public awareness programs.
What is Florida’s role in the Clean Vessel Act?
Since 1994, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Division of Law Enforcement, has been administering the Florida Clean Vessel Act (CVA) grant program.
What can the marina do to become involved in the Clean Vessel Act Program?
Marinas can encourage the use of waste pumpout and waste reception facilities. If a marina serving the recreational boating community does not currently have a pumpout or waste reception site, they may apply for funds to assist in providing these services. Boating facilities can encourage the use of environmentally friendly marine products and participate in marine recycling programs. The boating public can make a conscious effort to prevent water pollution by using or demanding these services from the marinas and boating areas they frequent.
How will Floridians and boaters who use our waterways benefit from the Clean Vessel Act Grant Program?
Boaters will benefit from having greater access to convenient and inexpensive pumpout services. In the near future a comprehensive directory of Clean Vessel Stations will be available to boaters using Florida waterways. All Floridians and boaters will benefit from reduced levels of discharged waste into waters lowering the risk of disease carrying contaminants to the aquatic environment.
How will marina operators benefit from the Clean Vessel Act Grant Program?
Initially marina operators will benefit through reimbursement grants from DEP’s Division of Law Enforcement, of up to 75% or the cost of pumpout installation. For those marinas operating within the jurisdiction of the County of Volusia Ponce De Leon Inlet and Port District there is an additional opportunity for reimbursement of the remaining 25% of the cost. Ultimately marina operators will be able to offer their customers the convenience of having an easily accessible waste facility.
How does a pumpout station operate?
The boater will secure their boat either at a dock or a mooring field and request pumpout service from the provider. Although most pumpout systems are operated by a dock attendant, some are coin operated systems that the boater can use without assistance. A hose and fitting is then connected from the pumpout equipment to the deck fitting on the boat. The system is turned on and either pumped directly into a local sewer system or pumped into a holding tank, later to be removed by a septic hauler. Boaters can expect to see these services provided anywhere from complimentary up to $40. There is usually no charge for emptying a portable toilet into an approved waste reception facility or dump station.
Contact Information:
Ms. Brenda Leonard, Program Manager, Brenda.Leonard@dep.state.fl.us, 850-245-2929, ext. 2847
Charles Johnson, Central District Contact, 407-894-7555, ext. 3995
DEP website: http://www.dep.state.fl.us
Volusia County Contact: Debbie Wright, 386-736-5927, ext. 12235, dwright@volusia.org
Volusia County Environmental Management website: http://www.volusia.org/environmental/
