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Marina Topics

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EPA New England Marina Web Site Topics:

Air Quality
Aquatic Invasive Species
Best Management Practices
Boater Tips
Clean Marine Engines
Enforcement and Compliance Assistance
Hazardous Waste Management
Non Point Source Pollution
Pollution Prevention
Pressure Washing
Pumpout Stations
Recycling
Storm Water Management
Used Oil Management
 
  Index of State Agencies
CT DEP - Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection
ME DEP - Maine Department of Environmental Protection
MA DEP - Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
MA CZM - Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management
NH DES - New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services
RI DEM - Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management
RI CRMC - Rhode Island Coastal Resource Management Council Exit EPA. Click for disclaimer.
VT DEC - Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation

 

Air Quality
Marine activities including boat building and maintenance can cause emissions of air pollutants, particularly volatile organic chemicals (VOCs). Marine engines also emit air pollutants.

Connecticut:
CT DEP, Connecticut's Clean Marina Program Exit EPA. Click for disclaimer.
CT DEP Office of Long Island Sound Exit EPA. Click for disclaimer.
CT DEP, Air Exit EPA. Click for disclaimer.

Maine:
ME DEP Bureau of Air Quality Exit EPA. Click for disclaimer.

Massachusetts:
MA CZM, Clean Marina Guide - Strategies to Reduce Coastal Zone Impacts, April 2001 Exit EPA. Click for disclaimer.

New Hampshire:
NH DES, Best Management Practices for New Hampshire Marinas, Guidelines for Environmentally Proactive Marinas, December 2001 (PDF) (79 pp., 1.95 MB) Exit EPA. Click for disclaimer.

Rhode Island:
RI DEM Office of Air Resources  Exit EPA. Click for disclaimer.

Vermont:
VT DEC Air Pollution Control Division Exit EPA. Click for disclaimer.

EPA
New England Clean Marine Engine Initiative
A program to encourage consumers to purchase and use low-pollution marine engines.

Aquatic Invasive Species
Non indigenous (also referred to as non-native, alien, or introduced) aquatic species have become established throughout US waters and often cause ecological damage, human health risk or economic loss. Examples of nuisance aquatic species include zebra mussels, milfoil and hydrilla. Without nationwide preventive measures, introduction and spread of these nuisance aquatic species will continue in US marine and fresh waters.

Connecticut:
CT DEP, Invasive Plant Exit EPA. Click for disclaimer.

Maine:
ME DEP, How to Report Invasive Plants Exit EPA. Click for disclaimer.
ME DEP, Invasive Aquatic Plants Exit EPA. Click for disclaimer.

Massachusetts:
MA CZM, Massachusetts Aquatic Invasive Species Management Plan Exit EPA. Click for disclaimer.
MA CZM, Coastal Zone Management Program Exit EPA. Click for disclaimer.

New Hampshire:
NH DES, Watershed Management Bureau-Exotic Species Program Exit EPA. Click for disclaimer.

Rhode Island:
RI DEM/Fish and Wildlife, Mute Swan - An Invasive Species and Its Management in Rhode Island (PDF) (3 pp., 37 KB) Exit EPA. Click for disclaimer.

Vermont:
VT DEC, Aquatic Nuisance Species in Vermont Exit EPA. Click for disclaimer.
Lake Champlain Basin Program "Fact Sheets" Exit EPA. Click for disclaimer.

EPA:
EPA HQ, Office of Water, Invasive Species

Other:
Invasivespeciesinfo.gov Exit EPA. Click for disclaimer.
Gateway to federal efforts concerning invasive species

Best Management Practices
Marina Best Management Practices (BMPs) are widely known as the most effective practical means (methods, tools, and techniques) of preventing or reducing pollution. BMPs are required under some environmental regulations; in other instances marinas can adopt them voluntarily.

Connecticut:
CT DEP, Connecticut's Clean Marina Program Exit EPA. Click for disclaimer.
CT DEP Office of Long Island Sound Programs Exit EPA. Click for disclaimer.

Massachusetts:
MA CZM, Clean Marina Guide - Strategies to Reduce Coastal Zone Impacts, April 2001 Exit EPA. Click for disclaimer.

Maine:
ME DEP, Brightwork - A Best Management Practices Manual for Maine's Boatyards and Marinas Exit EPA. Click for disclaimer.

New Hampshire:
NH DES, Best Management Practices for New Hampshire Marinas, Guidelines for Environmentally Proactive Marinas, December 2001 (PDF) (79 pp., 1.95 MB) Exit EPA. Click for disclaimer.
NH DES, Best Management Practices for New Hampshire Marinas: Pocket Version (PDF) (23 pp., 197 KB) Exit EPA. Click for disclaimer.

Rhode Island:
Rhode Island Sea Grant, University of Rhode Island Coastal Resource Center, Environmental Guide for Marinas: Controlling Nonpoint Source and Storm Water Pollution in Rhode Island, Best Management Practices for Marinas, 1994 Exit EPA. Click for disclaimer.

Vermont:
VT DEC Environmental Assistance Office "Fact Sheets"

EPA:
National Management Measures to Control Nonpoint Source Pollution
EPA Shipshape Shores and Waters: A Handbook for Marina Operators and Recreational Boaters, January 2003 (PDF) (22 pp., 2.44 MB)

Boater Tips
You can be safer and more environmentally friendly by following some tips when using your boat.

US Coast Guard, Office of Boating Safety Exit EPA. Click for disclaimer.

EPA:
EPA New England, “Clean Marine Engine Initiative, Eco-Friendly Boating Tips”
EPA Regional Administrator Columns, Boating Should Be Good Clean Fun
     • CT
     • ME
     • MA
     • NH

Connecticut:
CT DEP, Boating Exit EPA. Click for disclaimer.

Maine:
ME DEP, In Our Backyard: "Boating Season Resolutions", 6/6/03 Exit EPA. Click for disclaimer.

Massachusetts:
MA Environmental Police, Massachusetts Boating Education Program Exit EPA. Click for disclaimer.

New Hampshire:
NH Fish and Game Department, Outdoor Recreation: Boating in NH Exit EPA. Click for disclaimer.

Rhode Island:
RI DEM, Division of Law Enforcement, Boating Safety Topics Exit EPA. Click for disclaimer.

Vermont:
Lake Champlain Basin Program, Save the Lakes Tips Exit EPA. Click for disclaimer.

Clean Marine Engines
EPA New England and the Region 2 Office have teamed up with retailers, national marine trade associations, and New England and New York State marine trade associations to promote sales of low pollution marine engines. more »

Enforcement and Compliance Assistance
EPA and state programs help protect the environment and human health by monitoring compliance with environmental laws and regulations and helping the regulated community understand and comply with their legal obligations.

Connecticut:
CT DEP - Enforcement Exit EPA. Click for disclaimer.
CT DEP - Compliance Assistance Exit EPA. Click for disclaimer.

Maine:
ME DEP - Enforcement and Compliance Exit EPA. Click for disclaimer.

Massachusetts:
MA DEP - Office of Enforcement Exit EPA. Click for disclaimer.

New Hampshire:
NH DES Office of the Commissioner, Legal Unit Exit EPA. Click for disclaimer.

Rhode Island:
RI DEM Office of Compliance and Inspection Exit EPA. Click for disclaimer.
Rhode Island Coastal Resource Management Council Exit EPA. Click for disclaimer.

Vermont:
VT DEC Environmental Assistance Office Exit EPA. Click for disclaimer.

EPA:
EPA New England, Enforcement and Assistance in New England
EPA Headquarters, Compliance & Enforcement
EPA, Emergency Prevention Preparedness, and Response
EPA Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response
EPA, Wastes, Used Oil Management Program
EPA, Wastes, Hazardous Waste; Subtitle C of RCRA
EPA Oil Program
EPA Office of Air and Radiation
EPA National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)

Other:
Small Business Environmental Home Page, Summaries of Major Environmental Laws/Regulations and EPA Links Exit EPA. Click for disclaimer.

 

Hazardous Waste Management
Many marina by-products can pose a substantial or potential hazard to human health or the environment when inappropriately managed. Examples of substances that may need to be managed and disposed of according to federal or state hazardous waste requirements could include waste gasoline, lead based paint chips, and waste batteries. Be aware of and follow all of your state's hazardous waste requirements.

Connecticut:
CT DEP Connecticut Clean Marina Program Exit EPA. Click for disclaimer.
CT DEP, Hazardous Waste Exit EPA. Click for disclaimer.
CT DEP Office of Long Island Sound Exit EPA. Click for disclaimer.

Maine:
ME DEP, Bureau of Remediation and Waste Managment, Hazardous Waste/Universal Waste Exit EPA. Click for disclaimer.

Massachusetts:
MA CZM, Clean Marina Guide - Strategies to Reduce Coastal Zone Impacts, April 2001 Exit EPA. Click for disclaimer.
MA DEP, Hazardous Waste at Boatyards and Marinas Exit EPA. Click for disclaimer.

New Hampshire:
NH DES, Best Management Practices for New Hampshire Marinas, Guidelines for Environmentally Proactive Marinas, December 2001 (PDF) (79 pp., 1.95 MB) Exit EPA. Click for disclaimer.
NH DES, Pollution Prevention Program Exit EPA. Click for disclaimer.
NH DES, Marinas Project Exit EPA. Click for disclaimer.
NH DES, Waste Management Exit EPA. Click for disclaimer.

Rhode Island:
RI DEM Office of Waste Management Exit EPA. Click for disclaimer.
Rhode Island Sea Grant, University of Rhode Island Coastal Resource Center, Environmental Guide for Marinas: Controlling Nonpoint Source and Storm Water Pollution in Rhode Island, Best Management Practices for Marinas, 1994 Exit EPA. Click for disclaimer.

Vermont:
VT DEC Waste Management Division Exit EPA. Click for disclaimer.
VT DEC Water Quality Division Exit EPA. Click for disclaimer.
VT DEC Environmental Assistance Office, "Compliance Assistance Resources" Exit EPA. Click for disclaimer.

EPA:
Polluted Runoff (Nonpoint Source Pollution): National Management Measures to Control Nonpoint Source Pollution from Marinas and Recreational Boating
Shipshape Shores and Waters: A Handbook for Marina Operators and Recreational Boaters, January 2003

Non Point Source Pollution (NPS)
NPS pollution comes from many different sources. NPS pollution is caused by storm water (rain and snowmelt) moving over and through the ground. As this runoff moves it picks up and carries away natural and man- made pollutants, finally depositing them into lakes, rivers, wetlands, coastal waters, and even underground sources of drinking water.

Marina activities such as boat maintenance and cleaning can contribute to non-point source pollution. Also, because of their location, marinas are often a recipient of NPS pollution from upland areas.

Connecticut:
CT DEP, Connecticut's Coastal Nonpoint Source Pollution Control Program - Marinas and Recreational Boating Exit EPA. Click for disclaimer.
CT DEP, Nonpoint Source Pollution Management Exit EPA. Click for disclaimer.

Maine:
ME DEP Issue Profile: Nonpoint Source Pollution, 1998 Exit EPA. Click for disclaimer.
ME DEP, Brightwork - A Best Management Practices Manual for Maine's Boatyards and Marinas Exit EPA. Click for disclaimer.

Massachusetts:
MA CZM, The Coastal Nonpoint Source Pollution Control Program Exit EPA. Click for disclaimer.
MA DEP - Watersheds Nonpoint Source Pollution Introduction Exit EPA. Click for disclaimer.

New Hampshire:
NH DES Watershed Management Bureau, What is Nonpoint Source Pollution? Exit EPA. Click for disclaimer.

Rhode Island:
RI DEM Office of Water Resources, Nonpoint Source Pollution Exit EPA. Click for disclaimer.

Vermont:
VT DEC Water Quality Division Exit EPA. Click for disclaimer.
Lake Champlain Basin Program Fact Sheet "Non Point Source Pollution" Exit EPA. Click for disclaimer.
Lake Champlain Basin Program Fact Sheet "The Basin" Exit EPA. Click for disclaimer.

Pollution Prevention
Preventing pollution can provide important economic and environmental benefits for a marina. Pollution prevention is reducing or eliminating waste at the source by modifying production processes, promoting the use of non-toxic or less toxic substances, implementing conservation techniques, and re-using materials rather than putting them into the waste stream. Avoiding the creation of pollution reduces the need for investment in waste management and cleanup.

Connecticut:
CT DEP, Connecticut Clean Marina Program Exit EPA. Click for disclaimer.

Massachusetts:
MA CZM, Clean Marina Guide - Strategies to Reduce Coastal Zone Impacts, April 2001 Exit EPA. Click for disclaimer.

New Hampshire:
NH DES, Best Management Practices for New Hampshire Marinas, Guidelines for Environmentally Proactive Marinas, December 2001 (PDF) (79 pp., 1.95 MB) Exit EPA. Click for disclaimer.
NH DES, Pollution Prevention Program, NH Marinas Project Exit EPA. Click for disclaimer.
NH DES, Management of Engine Test Tank Wastewater for Marinas, Fact Sheet 2002 (PDF) (3 pp., 79 KB) Exit EPA. Click for disclaimer.
NH DES, Boat Washing and Engine Winterization for Boat Owners, Fact Sheet 2005 (PDF) (2 pp., 53 KB) Exit EPA. Click for disclaimer.

Rhode Island:
Rhode Island Sea Grant, University of Rhode Island Coastal Resource Center, Environmental Guide for Marinas: Controlling Nonpoint Source and Storm Water Pollution in Rhode Island, Best Management Practices for Marinas, 1994 Exit EPA. Click for disclaimer.
Coastal Resources Management Council, Rhode Island Coastal Management Program Exit EPA. Click for disclaimer.
RI DEM Office of Technical and Customer Assistance (OTCA), Pollution Prevention Case Studies Exit EPA. Click for disclaimer.

Vermont:
VT DEC Pollution Prevention Planning Exit EPA. Click for disclaimer.
VT DEC Environmental Assistance Office, "Fact Sheets"

EPA:
National Management Measures to Control Nonpoint Source Pollution
Shipshape Shores and Waters: A Handbook for Marina Operators and Recreational Boaters, January 2003 (PDF) (22 pp., 2.44 MB)

Pressure Washing
When boats are pressure washed, which usually occurs at or near the shoreline, preventative measures must be taken to prevent the release of harmful ingredients in cleaners, bottom paints, and residue on boat hulls to marina basin waters. EPA New England's Boat Pressure Wash Water Control Technologies Virtual Trade Show was created to help marinas find technologies to control the impact of wastewater from the pressure washing of boats. More »

Pumpout Stations
Pumpout and dump stations provide boaters a way to dispose of human waste in an environmentally safe manner. Pumpout stations are used to pump waste out of recreational boat holding tanks. Dump stations are used to empty portable toilets. Under the Clean Vessel Act most states provide financial assistance to marinas to help them implement these important practices.

"No Discharge Area" is a designated body of water that prohibits the discharge of treated and untreated boat sewage. For more information on "No Discharge Areas" in New England.

Marine Pumpout Locations
  • Connecticut
  • Maine
  • Massachusetts
  • New Hampshire
  • Rhode Island
  • Connecticut:
    CT DEP - Connecticut’s Clean Vessel Act Exit EPA. Click for disclaimer.
    CT DEP, Connecticut Clean Marina Program Exit EPA. Click for disclaimer.

    Maine:
    ME DEP, Marine Pumpouts Exit EPA. Click for disclaimer.
    ME DEP Boat Pumpout Grant Program Exit EPA. Click for disclaimer.

    Massachusetts:
    MA CZM, Massachusetts Pumpout Facilities
    MA CZM, Clean Marina Guide - Strategies to Reduce Coastal Zone Impacts, April 2001 Exit EPA. Click for disclaimer.
    MA Division of Marine Fisheries - Clean Vessel Act Program Exit EPA. Click for disclaimer.

    New Hampshire:
    NH DES Watershed Management Bureau - New Hampshire Clean Vessel Act Program, Pumpout Directory and Map Exit EPA. Click for disclaimer.
    NH DES, Best Management Practices for New Hampshire Marinas, Guidelines for Environmentally Proactive Marinas, December 2001 (PDF) (79 pp., 1.95 MB) Exit EPA. Click for disclaimer.
    NH DES: Keeping Sewage and Greywater Out of New Hampshire's Lakes, Fact Sheet 2006 (PDF) (2 pp., 87 KB) Exit EPA. Click for disclaimer.

    Rhode Island:
    RI DEM, No Discharge Program/Pumpouts - Maps and Other Information
    Rhode Island Sea Grant, University of Rhode Island Coastal Resource Center, Environmental Guide for Marinas: Controlling Nonpoint Source and Storm Water Pollution in Rhode Island, Best Management Practices for Marinas, 1994 Exit EPA. Click for disclaimer.

    EPA:
    National Management Measures to Control Nonpoint Source Pollution
    No Discharge Areas in New England Waters
    Shipshape Shores and Waters: A Handbook for Marina Operators and Recreational Boaters, January 2003 (PDF) (22 pp., 2.44 MB)

    Recycling
    Recycling includes minimizing waste generation by recovering and reprocessing usable products that might otherwise become waste. Examples of marina products which can be recycled include shrinkwrap, glass, corrugated cardboard, aluminum cans, paper, bottles, used oil, leaves and grass clippings, lead acid batteries, and nickel-cadmium batteries.

    Connecticut:
    CT DEP, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Exit EPA. Click for disclaimer.

    Maine:
    ME DEP, Recycling: Oil Recycling Program Exit EPA. Click for disclaimer.
    ME DEP, Recycling: Rechargeable Battery Recycling Exit EPA. Click for disclaimer.
    ME DEP, Recycling: Thermostat Recycling Program Exit EPA. Click for disclaimer.

    Massachusetts:
    MA DEP, Reduce, Reuse Recycle Exit EPA. Click for disclaimer.

    New Hampshire:
    NH DES, Solid Waste Recycling & Technical Assistance Section Exit EPA. Click for disclaimer.

    Rhode Island:
    Citizen's Guides/Recycling Exit EPA. Click for disclaimer.

    Vermont:
    VT DEC Waste Management Division - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Exit EPA. Click for disclaimer.

    EPA:
    Boat Pressure Wash Water Control Technology Virtual Trade Show
    Technologies to help marinas control the impact of wastewater from the pressure washing of boats.

    Storm Water Management
    Storm water discharges are generated by runoff from land and impervious areas such as paved streets, parking lots, and building rooftops during rainfall and snow events. They often contain pollutants in quantities that could adversely affect water quality. Most storm water discharges are considered point sources and require coverage by a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit. A variety of best management practices are used to control storm water discharges.

    Connecticut:
    CT DEP, Connecticut's Clean Marina Program Exit EPA. Click for disclaimer.

    Massachusetts:
    MA CZM, Clean Marina Guide - Strategies to Reduce Coastal Zone Impacts, April 2001 Exit EPA. Click for disclaimer.

    New Hampshire:
    NH DES, Best Management Practices for New Hampshire Marinas, Guidelines for Environmentally Proactive Marinas, December 2001 (PDF) (79 pp., 1.95 MB) Exit EPA. Click for disclaimer.

    Rhode Island:
    Rhode Island Sea Grant, University of Rhode Island Coastal Resource Center, Environmental Guide for Marinas: Controlling Nonpoint Source and Storm Water Pollution in Rhode Island, Best Management Practices for Marinas, 1994 Exit EPA. Click for disclaimer.
    RI DEM Rhode Island Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (RIPDES) Storm Water Program Exit EPA. Click for disclaimer.

    Vermont:
    Vermont DEC Water Quality Division, Stormwater Section Exit EPA. Click for disclaimer.

    EPA:
    The Federal Storm Water Permit - EPA Industrial Storm Water Fact Sheet (PDF) (12 pp., 181 KB)
    National Management Measures to Control Nonpoint Source Pollution
    Shipshape Shores and Waters: A Handbook for Marina Operators and Recreational Boaters, January 2003 (PDF) (22 pp., 2.44 MB)

    Used Oil Management
    Used oil is regulated as a waste by EPA. Each marina will need to also check on state and local requirements as they may be more stringent. Get valuable EPA and state information in this section regarding used oil requirements and recommended practices.

    Connecticut:
    CT DEP, Connecticut's Clean Marina Program Exit EPA. Click for disclaimer.

    Massachusetts:
    MA CZM, Clean Marina Guide - Strategies to Reduce Coastal Zone Impacts, April 2001 Exit EPA. Click for disclaimer.

    New Hampshire:
    NH DES, Best Management Practices for New Hampshire Marinas, Guidelines for Environmentally Proactive Marinas, December 2001 (PDF) (79 pp., 1.95 MB) Exit EPA. Click for disclaimer.

    Rhode Island:
    Rhode Island Sea Grant, University of Rhode Island Coastal Resource Center, Environmental Guide for Marinas: Controlling Nonpoint Source and Storm Water Pollution in Rhode Island, Best Management Practices for Marinas, 1994 Exit EPA. Click for disclaimer.

    Vermont
    VT DEC Environmental Assistance Office, "Fact Sheets"

    EPA:
    EPA Used Oil Management Program
    Wastes. Managing Used Oil: Advice for Small Business
    Shipshape Shores and Waters: A Handbook for Marina Operators and Recreational Boaters, January 2003 (PDF) (22 pp., 2.44 MB)

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