Marine Facilities Pitch in and Pump Out During National Pollution Prevention Week

TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is celebrating National Pollution Prevention Week (P2 Week) this week with new Clean Marina designations and grant-funded pumpout facilities. P2 Week is an annual event highlighting the importance of pollution prevention - a proactive approach to eliminate or reduce pollution at its source. Pollution prevention is an integral part of DEP’s Clean Vessel Act Grant Program (CVA) and the Florida Clean Marina Program.

“P2 Week is a great time to reflect on the recent successes of DEP’s voluntary programs and highlight hundreds of thousands of dollars in grant funding given to local businesses,” said DEP Director of Sustainable Initiatives Brad Stombock. “Designated facilities and grantees are leading the way in protecting Florida’s natural resources and preventing pollution.”

The CVA Grant Program recently completed nine projects, including the installation of six pumpout facilities and four pumpout boats awarding more than $415,000 in grant funding. CVA grants reimburse 75 percent of the total cost for construction and installation of sewage pumpout facilities at marinas or for the purchase of pumpout boats. Pumpouts keep Florida’s water free of untreated sewage, that when sent overboard can negatively impact both the environment and human health.

• City of St. Augustine Municipal Marina, St. Augustine - Pumpout Boat Total Grant: $23,495
• Island Cove Marina, Pensacola - Pumpout Boat Total Grant: $85,160
• North Light Yacht Club, Niceville - Pumpout Facility Total Grant: $10,566
• Shields Marina, St. Marks - Pumpout Boat Total Grant: $77,634
• City of Crystal River Municipal Marina, Crystal River - Pumpout Boat Total Grant: $46,283
• Long Boat Key Club Marina, Long Boat Key - Pumpout Facility Total Grant: $9,415
• Twin Dolphin Marina, Bradenton - Two Pumpout Facilities Total Grant: $20,111
• 5th Street Marina, Miami - Pumpout Facility Total Grant: $66,206
• River Forest Yachting Club, Stuart - Pumpout Facility Total Grant: $31,836

The Florida Clean Marina Program recently designated five marinas, bringing the total number of Clean Marinas to 227. The new designations addedd 476 wet slips and 160 dry storage racks to the Clean Marina community. To become designated as a Clean Marina, facilities must implement a set of environmental measures designed to protect Florida’s waterways. These measures address critical environmental issues such as sensitive habitat, waste management, stormwater control, spill prevention and emergency preparedness.

• City of Jacksonville Metropolitan Park Marina, Jacksonville
• City of St. Cloud- Lakefront Park, St. Cloud
• Harbour Isle Marina Services, Hutchinson Island
• Royal Palm Yacht & Country Club, Boca Raton
• Snook Bight Marina, Fort Myers Beach

About 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 information:
Clean Vessel Act Grant Program – www.pitchin-pumpout.com
Florida Clean Marina Program - www.dep.state.fl.us/cleanmarina
National Pollution Prevention Week – www.epa.gov/p2week