Marina Nonpoint Source Pollution
Actions Marinas Can Take to Help the Waterfront Ecology
Aug 9, 2007
Marinas and boating can contribute to nonpoint source pollution. Issues encompass chemicals used to prevent marine growth on hull, oil and fuel, engine fluids, marine heads and holding tanks, marina construction, dredging and storm water discharge.
New Marina Design - New marinas should be designed to be ecologically friendly. Basins should support good flushing through the aid of tides and currents. Water quality should be assessed throughout design, construction and operation of the facility. Marinas need to be placed on sites that minimize effects on wildlife habitat. Shorelines and banks need stabilization to prevent sediment runoff. Parking lots need to capture and process storm water runoff. Sewage and fueling facilities should be designed to prevent pollutants from reaching the water.
Uplands Development - Vegetative buffer strips located along banks, sidewalks and parking lots effectively adsorb many pollutants before they reach the water. Permeable paving, which allows some storm water to pass through it, may be useable in some landscaping treatments. In some regions, storm drains can be lead to dry wells to keep storm runoff out of the ground water. Sediment fences are very effective in controlling erosion and slowing storm runoff in construction zones. Retention ponds and constructed wetlands buffer storm water flows and adsorb pollutants and contaminants.
Marina Facilities - Attractive upland restrooms and vessel pumpout stations installed in the mooring basin will greatly reduce the discharge of wastewater from boats. Marinas that combine showers and laundry facilities with upland restrooms better serve customers, while reducing the discharge of gray water in the basin. Funding is available for pumpouts through the Federal Clean Water Act.
Waste Management - Clean marinas will provide proper facilities to receive wastes coming from customer vessels. Waste materials are seldom hazardous or expensive until they are improperly handled. Used oil should be collected in an engineered facility designed of prevent spills. Used oil must be protected from contamination from things like solvent or brake cleaner. Solid waste, trash and garbage, needs to collected at the top of the gangway. Containers need to be place were they encourage use. Areas should be provided to collect discarded lead-acid batteries, nets, fishing line and ethylene glycol antifreeze for recycling.
Vessel Maintenance - Facilities for vessel maintenance need to be designed to capture process water and contaminants generated by hull washing, bottom painting and engine repairs. Use of industry recognized Best Management Practices (BMP) will greatly reduce the waste stream coming from vessel upkeep.
Fueling Facilities - A well designed fueling facility will profit the marina, prevent oil spills, reduce pollution and improve fire safety. Marinas without adequate fueling facilities are greater risk for spills or fire because it forces the use of portable fuel containers. Strategically placed fuel shutoff valves will limit the extent of fuel spills into the marina.
Choosing a clean marina is something every boater should consider to help advert nonpoint source pollution.
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