Connecticut's Clean Marina/Clean Boater programs are voluntary programs that provide resources to marinas and boaters to minimize pollution. The programs recognize marinas that meet criteria for environmentally responsible practices and boaters who pledge to keep waterways clean. The programs were developed to improve stormwater management and encourage businesses to exceed compliance. Marinas can become certified by completing a self-assessment, signing a pledge, and hosting a site visit. Outreach includes workshops, grants, and educational materials to promote best practices.

1. Department of Environmental Protection
Connecticut’s CLEAN MARINA /
CLEAN BOATER PROGRAMS
Presented by
Eleanor Mariani
for NASBLA, October 29, 2003, Virginia Beach, VA
Connecticut Department
of Environmental Protection

2. CT’s Clean Marina Program is:
A voluntary program which gives coastal and inland marina managers
the resources they need to minimize pollution. The program also
recognizes environmentally responsible facilities as certified CT Clean
Marinas.
certified CT Clean Marinas.

3. Why We Developed The Program
• 320 coastal & 30 inland marinas
• Over 110,000 registered boats
• Federal 6217 requirement to improve stormwater
management from hull maintenance areas
• Use incentives to encourage businesses to go above
and beyond compliance
• Recognize the environmental efforts of state’s marinas

4. Program Development
JOINT
OLISP MANAGEMENT BOATING
(coastal management) DIVISION
STEERING INTERNAL
COMMITTEE ADVISORY
(OUTSIDE DEP) (INSIDE DEP)
OTHER STATES & REGIONAL WORKGROUP

5. Program Funding
• Section 319 Nonpoint Source Grant (Clean Water Act)
• Section 310 of the CZMA
• Long Island Sound Fund Grant
• Long Island Sound Study
• State Boating Funds

6. Who qualifies for certification?
Any marina, boatyard, or
yacht club on any inland or
coastal body of water in
Connecticut which, after a
self-assessment, meets 90%
of the criteria listed in the
Clean Marina Award
Checklist.

7. What are the benefits of certification?
Every certified Clean Marina will receive:
1. a Clean Marina Flag
2. use of the Clean Marina logo
3. a framed certificate
4. DEP recognition & publicity
–press releases
–web page
–events

8. How are Marinas Certified?
Interested marina operators:
Sign a Clean Marina Pledge
Conduct a Self-Assessment
Ask questions
Host a confirmation visit with
DEP staff
Maintain Clean Marina status

9. 1 Resource for Self-Assessment
st
CT Clean Marina Guidebook
Activity-based
Compliance Info.
Best Management
Practice (BMP) Info.

10. CLEAN MARINA ACTIVITIES
•Mechanical
•Painting and Fiberglass Repair
•Hauling and Storing Boats
•Fueling
•Facility Management
•Emergency Planning
•Boater Education

11. CT Clean Marina Guidebook
LEGAL REQUIREMENTS
APPENDICES
•Hazardous Substance Management
•Hazardous Waste Management
•Used Oil Management
•Solid Waste Management
•Spills
•Stormwater General Permit

12. Tab 3 Appendix D
Potential Environmental Impacts
Legal Requirements
Best Management Practices
Checklist for Clean Marina Certification

13. 2 Resource for Self-Assessment
nd
Marina Compliance Checklist
EPCRA Requirements
Hazardous Waste Mmt.
Used Oil Management
Solid Waste Management
SPCC Plans
Stormwater General Permits
Miscellaneous Reqs.

14. 3rd Resource for Self-Assessment
CLEAN MARINA AWARD CHECKLIST
Mechanical Activities
Painting and Fiberglass Repair
Hauling and Storing Boats
Fueling
Facility Management
Emergency Planning
Boater Education

15. Program Outreach
Marina operator workshops
One-time cost share assistance
grants
Technical assistance
Web page & newsletter
Clean Boater Program

18. Clean Boater Program
Clean Boater Pledge
Tip Card
Clean Boater Action Guide
Clean Boater Packets
Boating Education Assistants
Connecticut Department
of Environmental
Protection

19. Clean Boater Pledge
I pledge to be a Clean Boater and to make the
sound choice to keep Connecticut's waterways
clean. I pledge to keep fuel, sewage, plastics, trash,
spent fishing line, and invasive species out of the
water, to clean my boat responsibly, and to dispose
of all wastes properly.

21. Clean Boating in Connecticut
Action Guide for Boaters
s Boat Maintenance and Repair
s Engine Maintenance
s Hazardous Waste Disposal
s Bilge Water, Sewage and Gray Water
s Garbage, Fish Waste, Pet Waste and
Marine Debris

22. Clean Boating in Connecticut
Action Guide for Boaters
s Protecting Habitat
s Safety and Boat Operation
s References/Who to Call

23. Clean Boater Packets
s Oil absorbant pad + 2 plastic bags
s Tip Card
s Action Guide
s Pumpout Map
s 2003 Boater’s Guide
s Low Emission Engine Brochure
s Boater’s Wheel
s Litter Bag
s Clean Boater Decal

24. WHERE ARE WE
GOING?
• Continue with
Boating Education
Assistants
• 2003 received Clean
Boater Pledges from
3000 Boaters
• Visited 100+
Marinas and Yacht
Clubs and 120 State
Boat Launches

25. WHERE ARE WE
GOING?
• 5 Assistance Grants
Awarded
• 2003 -Two Clean
Marina Designations
• 20 Marinas have
Pledged

26. WHERE ARE WE
GOING?
• www.dep.state.ct.us/oli
sp/cleanmarina
• 2006 -70 Marinas
Certified