FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, May 14, 2002 
 

PALM BEACH – Tuesday, May 14, 2002, Florida, the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is designating the Town of Palm Beach Marina as a "Clean Marina." This designation recognizes the Town of Palm Beach Marina’s commitment toward protecting and preserving aquatic ecosystems for the enjoyment of boaters and all Floridians.

The ceremony will take place at 9:30 a.m. at the Town of Palm Beach Council meeting in the Council Chambers at the Town Hall, 360 South County Road, 2^nd floor. Maury Kolchakian, DEP Division of Law Enforcement Assistant Director and Administrator of the Clean Marina Program, will make the presentation.

The Town of Palm Beach Marina joins 37 other marinas throughout Florida that have been designated as Clean Marinas. To achieve this distinction, the Town of Palm Beach Marina posts its environmental policies on signs and in their lease agreements; and provides its customers with:

• environmental services such as sewage pump-out, convenient waste receptacles, free used oil disposal, clean bathrooms, showers and laundry facilities;

• environmental education materials such as the Lake Worth Lagoon Boater’s Guide, and brochures for free hazardous waste disposal, including solvents and out-of-date flares, environmental conservation information, and handouts about endangered species and sensitive habitat.

Today, Florida is home to nearly 2,000 marinas and over 800,000 registered boaters. In addition, an estimated 400,000 boats visit our waters annually. The effects of year-round boating activities contribute to constant and growing pressure on Florida’s fragile aquatic ecosystems. Clean water is essential to the multi-billion dollar marine industry and critical for protecting sensitive habitats, manatees and fish nurseries. To address these environmental issues the DEP, in partnership with the Marine Industries Association, the Florida Sea Grant Program, and the United States Coast Guard, developed the Clean Marina Program.

In order to receive the Clean Marina designation, marinas must comply with all environmental regulations and meet Clean Marina Criteria. Clean Marinas adopt safeguards that help keep solvents, sewage and fuel out of the water, while protecting manatees and other creatures that live in the water. By improving operations at marine facilities to prevent pollution and working to educate boaters, Florida’s Clean Marinas are helping to ensure a sustainable future for the environment, for boaters and for the marine industry. The Clean Marina designation gives boaters a recognizable, environmentally sound choice for their service and mooring needs.