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JACKSONVILLE – The Florida Department of Environmental
Protection (DEP), together with the Clean Boating Partnership formally
recognized the City of Jacksonville Metropolitan Park Marina today with the
presentation of the Clean Marina plaque and flag. Today marks the first day of
National Pollution Prevention Week, a week dedicated to educating and
recognizing the importance of stopping pollution at its source. Designation as a
Clean Marina exemplifies the commitment of Jacksonville Metropolitan Municipal
Marina to protect the environment and prevent pollution in Florida’s waterways.
"Clean water is vital to Florida's environment and economy and Clean Marinas
such as Metropolitan Park Marina lead the way in protecting this precious
resource," said DEP Northeast District Director Greg Strong. "Receiving the
Clean Marina designation exemplifies marinas that are taking the necessary steps
to protect our waterways."
The Florida Clean Marina Program recognizes marinas and boatyards
for their commitment to protect Florida's natural resources. Florida Clean
Marina Program facilities are required to meet a variety of best management
practices to receive designation. These practices include, but are not limited
to, properly storing and disposing of used oil, using fertilizers and pesticides
according to directions and using cleaning methods that prevent the release of
pollutants.
"The St. Johns River is one of our most treasured and valued resources," said
Jacksonville Mayor John Peyton. "Receiving this Clean Marina
designation reflects the diligent efforts of city staff and the many community
partners they work with to protect this resource, and we are honored to receive
this important recognition."
The Clean Boating Partnership is a consortium of industry leaders
who contribute time and input to the Clean Marina, Clean Boatyard,
Clean Marine Retailer and
Clean Boater programs which DEP administers to protect Florida's
waterways. The partnership includes DEP, Marine Industries Association of
Florida, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, University of
Florida Sea Grant Program, United States Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary.
"The Clean Boating Partnership applauds Metropolitan Park Marina for
its commitment to Florida's environment," said the Partnership's Chair Mark
Leslie. "The dedication and hard work in becoming a Clean Marina is an
accomplishment this facility can be proud of and we welcome it to our growing
Clean Marina family."
With more than one million registered motorized vessels in Florida,
environmental education within marine industries is the first step toward
safeguarding the state’s natural resources. By providing green education and
alternatives, the Florida Clean Marina Program helps ensure a
sustainable future for the environment and a billion dollar marine industry. For
more information about the Florida Clean Marina Program, visit
www.dep.state.fl.us/cleanmarina.
About the DEP’s Office of Sustainable Initiatives
DEP's Office of Sustainable Initiatives is comprised of three voluntary,
non-regulatory programs that assist Florida industry and citizens in protecting
the environment. The Clean Marina
Program, the Clean Vessel Act Grant Program and the Florida Green
Lodging Program offer a variety of services including consultations,
speakers and workshops, all at no cost to citizens or organizations. The goal of
the Sustainable Initiatives programs is to meet the needs of the present
population without compromising resources for future generations. To learn more
about DEP’s Sustainable Initiatives, visit
www.dep.state.fl.us/green.
About National Pollution Prevention Week
National Pollution Prevention Week (P2 Week) is an annual event highlighting the
importance of pollution prevention. Pollution prevention is a proactive approach
that eliminates or reduces pollution at its source - through water conservation,
energy efficiency, minimizing the usage of raw materials and green cleaning.
Recognizing P2 Week is an opportunity for government to join with schools,
businesses and citizens to protect the environment and work toward a sustainable
future, by providing education and outreach to promote conservation and
pollution prevention. For more events scheduled throughout the state for P2
Week, visit
www.dep.state.fl.us/EasyAsOne.
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2012 State of Florida