Clean and Green Marina Program

1. Clean and Green Marina Program Illinois Department of Natural Resources ICMP Public Meeting February 18, 2010

2. Protecting Illinois’ Water • Illinois has over 70 marinas and nearly 400,000 registered boaters, creating $3.2 billion annual economic impact in Illinois. • Pollutants created by marina, boatyard, and common boating practices may be released directly into Illinois’ water. • To protect water resources and wildlife habitat, the ICMP will promote environmentally sound marina and boating best practices.

3. How it Works • Many Great Lakes states have successfully implemented active clean marina programs, including Wisconsin, Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan. • These Clean Marina Initiatives are voluntary, incentive-based programs that encourage marina operators and recreational boaters to protect coastal water quality. • Programs vary according to state, but all offer information, guidance, and technical assistance to marina operators, local governments, and recreational boaters on Best Management Practices (BMPs) that can be used to prevent or reduce pollution.

4. Program Benefits Certified marinas… • Reduce pollution and improve water quality in Illinois’ water. • Protect fish, plant, and wildlife habitat. • Save money by adopting cost-effective best management practices. • Create safer, healthier facilities for employees, contractors, and patrons. • Enhance public image by promoting environmentally sound practices. • Clean Marinas will attract boaters who support protecting the environment. "Green" consumers are one of the fastest growing market segments today. 

5. Case Study: Florida • 109 marinas and 21 boatyards have been designated Clean Marinas. 115 other facilities on the way to being certified. • Due in large part to it’s success, the Clean Boaters Campaign was created. • With over 1 million registered vessels, there is potential for a huge impact on water quality. • The Clean Marina Program has become so recognizable and successful that facilities are no longer asking, "Why should I join," but "When can I join?" Designated clean marina proudly displays Florida’s program flag

6. Clean Marinas in Illinois • IDNR is in discussions with the Chicago Clean Harbors group, which consists of the Chicago Park District, Friends of the Park, Westrec Marinas, and the Chicago yacht clubs. • Chicago Clean Harbors set up a voluntary program in 2010 and developed an extensive certification check list for a Clean Harbors Program throughout Chicago Marinas, as well as educational materials for distribution. • While their program pertains strictly to Chicago, we are supporting an expansion of focus so that we can have consistent programs across North Eastern Illinois. • Specifically we are proposing that The Green Marina program have three focal points: • Harbors • Boatyards • Individual Owners North Point Marina in Winthrop Harbor, IL

7. IDNR Taking Action • Our plan is to work jointly with the Chicago Park District, to develop joint Best Management Practices. This would be similar to those in place in other states- approximately 100 marinas in the Great Lakes region have already made the commitment to voluntarily implement best practices. • Our specific goal for 2011 is to continue work on the program checklist already in development and set up a certification process. By 2012, our goal is to have a training course in place. Gaslight Pointe Marina in Wisconsin recently became certified as a Clean Marina

8. Best Management Practices Marinas and Boatyards: • Use Open Design Fixed or Floating Piers to Enhance Water Circulation • Use Environmentally Neutral Materials • Limit Shaded Areas over the Water • Minimize the Need for Dredging • Minimize the Impacts of Dredging • Employ Nonstructural Shore Erosion Control Measures • Conserve Water • Anticipate Recycling Needs

9. Best Management Practices Stormwater Management: • Practice Low-Impact Development • Cultivate Vegetated Areas • Minimize the Amount of Impervious Surfaces • Use Structural Controls as Necessary • Control Sediment from Construction Sites • Stencil Storm Drains

10. Best Management Practices Boat Cleaning: • Wash boats on land in a contained area where the wash water can be collected and treated. • Wash boat hulls above the waterline by hand using a soft sponge and frequently enough so that the need to use cleaners will be reduced. • Avoid using caustic cleaners such as bleach, ammonia or lye. Do not use petroleum based cleaning products. • Use cleaning products that are environmentally friendly (e.g., non-toxic and phosphate free). • Keep boats waxed. A good coat of wax will prevent surface dirt from becoming ingrained in the hull and makes boats easier to clean later.

11. Clean Boating Tips Fueling • Fill fuel tanks just before leaving on a trip. • Use oil absorbent material to catch drips from the fuel intake and the vent overflow. Controlling Oil • Place oil absorbent material or a bioremediatingbilge pad in the bilge to prevent oil leakage into waterways; replace regularly. • Check fuel lines for damage; replace with alcohol resistant hoses. Vessel Maintenance • Share leftover paint and varnish with fellow boaters rather than disposing in the trash, where it can end up in a landfill and seep into waterways. • Bring used solvents and waste gas to hazardous waste collection sites. Containing Sewage • Never discharge raw sewage. • Use marina pumpout stations and rinse holding tanks regularly. • Use restrooms on shore.