The Gunpowder Neck Marina, located at Aberdeen Proving Ground, became the 110th certified Maryland Clean Marina. Together with 24 smaller facilities designated as Clean Marina Partners, Maryland now boasts 134 certified facilities.
Gunpowder Neck Marina is operated by the Army's Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation for post personnel and their Families. The boat club operates a fuel dock, pump out station and a travel lift. Members can do minor work to their boats on site and enjoy the clubhouse and playgrounds.
To meet the Clean Marina criteria Outdoor Recreation manager Wayne Doyel and marina manager Roy Piepenbring had to work with several other units on the post including the Compliance Division and the Emergency Response Team to ensure clear communication and understanding of required permits and plans.
Additionally, the marina strictly controls work allowed by boat owners in the yard and continually works to educate boaters on pollution prevention practices. The staff has employed filter fabrics and other means to filter water used in pressure-washing boats before they are allowed to return to the river.
"We have wanted this designation for a long time," Doyel said. "Although it took us some time, we're glad we stuck with it and earned this award. It only makes sense to transfer environmental management to our recreational facilities, where personnel and their Families come to relax and enjoy themselves."
Operators of marinas, boatyards and yacht clubs of any size are encouraged to learn more about the voluntary Clean Marina Initiative developed with both government and industry input. Marina operators can visit http://www.dnr.state.md.us/boating/cleanmarina/, send an e-mail to dmorrow@dnr.state.md.us or call 410-260-8773.
Recreational boaters can also join efforts to protect Maryland's waterways. Boaters are encouraged to visit the Clean Marina Web page to learn how they can prevent pollution and to sign the "Maryland Clean Boater Pledge."
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages more than 449,000 acres of public lands and 17,000 miles of waterways, along with Maryland's forests, fisheries and wildlife for maximum environmental, economic and quality of life benefits.
A national leader in land conservation, DNR-managed parks and natural, historic and cultural resources attract 12 million visitors annually. DNR is the lead agency in Maryland's effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay, the state's number one environmental priority. Learn more at www.DNR.Maryland.gov.
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