Georgia's
Clean Marina Program
The University of Georgia
Marine Extension Service (MAREX) proposes to implement a national Clean
Marina Program (CMP) that will reduce the amount of nonpoint source
pollution in coastal Georgia counties through voluntary marine business
compliance. MAREX specialists will ask marinas to participate in the
program and provide technical support. Project goals are (1) to help
marinas prevent water pollution, (2) to recognize marinas for doing
so, and (3) through publicity, show boaters which marinas participants
in the program.
The state governments have recognized that the current regulatory process
for marinas and boatyards is reactive, not proactive. Environmental
and regulatory problems are addressed after they occur rather than being
evaluated beforehand, and applying preventive measures. The new voluntary
programs will utilize a positive approach that is non-confrontational
and non-adversarial, providing a level of compliance not possible under
current regulatory processes.
This proposal addresses the need to balance between economic development
in Georgia's coastal area with preservation and an increase in water
quality. The study addresses both regional and local efforts to enhance
the knowledge of and improve the quality of coastal waters. The information
determined from the study will be used to assist local governments in
connecting the impacts of land use on coastal water quality, a Coastal
Advisory Committee focus area.
Each CMP has basically the same components: (1) Education & Awareness,
(2) Certification, (3) Recognition and (4) Incentives. The Marine Business
Certification Assessment will serve as the primary educational and awareness
tool, as MAREX and DNR specialists help the owner develop Best Management
Practices (BMPs) through hands-on assistance. To become certified, a
business must meet a prescribed percentage of BMPs in each area. Marine
businesses will need to be re-certified annually through the assessment
process to ensure continuing compliance and to address any new BMPs.
Recognized businesses will display a "Clean Marina" logo which
is associated with public promotion of the Program. Marinas achieving
certification can use this logo on their letterhead, in newsletters,
in advertising, at websites, civic events, and trade shows. Recognition
alone does serve as the entire incentive, however other states are assisting
marinas with compliance expenses as an additional incentive. Some components
of BMPs require substantial financial commitments and include, sanitary
pump out stations, water contaminate separators, containment sites,
and oil spill containment/cleanup materials. CMP grant opportunities
available in other states include; Federal, state and local sources.
Additionally, low interest loans are made available for projects improving
environmental protection.
It is essential to impart a sense of ownership in the program with participating
marinas. Program acceptance will be achieved through the introduction
of four or five participants the first year. These marina operators
will serve as a stepping stone to getting complete compliance from other
facilities. Adoption and support of the Clean Marina Program will improve
Georgia's coastal water quality by direct reduction of pollution released
by the marine businesses located in this area and by the participating
boaters.
The diverse association of participating partners in the project include:
The Georgia Marine Business Association (GAMBA), The Center for a Sustainable
Coast, Sierra Club, Audubon, Clean Coast, Citizens for Clean Water and
Air in Savannah, Residents United for Planning and Action (RUPA), Georgia
Nature Based Tourism Association, Coastal Conservation Association (CCA)
of Georgia, Glynn Environmental Coalition, Altamaha Riverkeeper, and
The Nature Conservancy. The project will recruit support and participation
from County Cambers of Commerce.
The benefits to the public from this project will be increased water
quality, while maintaining and possibly increasing in number or size
the businesses that support commercial and recreational boaters. Many
publications have shown the cost effectiveness of completing BMP objectives
(EPA Clean Marinas-Clear Value, August 1996). Ensuring the best possible
siting, the best available design and construction, and appropriate
operation and maintenance practices for marinas greatly reduces the
potential of such threats. The work will improve coastal resource planning
and management by helping marinas comply with long range Federal, State,
Regional and local governments plans to reduce pollution.
