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Marinas Chapter Factsheet
What Is the Coastal Nonpoint Pollution Program?
Section 6217 of the Coastal Zone Act Reauthorization Amendments of
1990 (CZARA) requires coastal states (including Great Lakes states)
with approved coastal zone management programs to address nonpoint
pollution impacting or threatening coastal waters. States must
submit Coastal Nonpoint Pollution Control Programs for approval to
both the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Requirements for
state programs are described in a document entitled "Coastal
Nonpoint Pollution Control Program: Program Development and Approval
Guidance" and are summarized in a separate fact sheet.
What Are Management Measures?
CZARA requires EPA, in consultation with NOAA and other federal
agencies, to publish guidance specifying "management measures" to
restore and protect coastal waters from specific categories of
nonpoint source pollution. EPA has done so in a document entitled
"Guidance Specifying Management Measures for Sources of Nonpoint
Pollution in Coastal Waters." State Coastal Nonpoint Pollution
Control Programs must provide for implementation of these measures
or alternative management measures in conformity with these measures
in the coastal management area generally. "Management measures" are
defined by law to be economically achievable measures that reflect
the best available technology for reducing pollutants. States may
select from a wide range of practices or combinations of practices
that will achieve the level of control specified in the management
measure. This fact sheet summarizes the management measures
applicable to marinas and recreationa boating. Other fact sheets
summarize the measures for agriculture, forestry, urban areas,
hydromodification, and wetlands/riparian areas.
What Are the Nonpoint Source Pollution Problems Associated with
Marinas and Recreational Boating?
Marinas are located right at the waters edge, and often there is no
buffering of pollutants coming from boats or transported by runoff
from parking lots and hull maintenance areas. Documented adverse
environmental impacts include dissolved oxygen deficiencies and high
concentrations of toxic metals in aquatic organisms. In addition,
construction activities can lead to the physical destruction of
sensitive ecosystems and bottom-dwelling aquatic communities.
MANAGEMENT MEASURES SUMMARY
MARINA FLUSHING -- The measure requires that marina siting and
design allow for maximum flushing of the water supply for the site.
Adequate flushing reduces the potential for the stagnation of water
in a marina and helps to maintain the biological productivity and
reduce the potential for toxic accumulation in bottom sediment.
WATER QUALITY ASSESSMENT -- This measure specifies that water
quality be considered in the siting and design of both new and
expanding marinas.
HABITAT ASSESSMENT -- Marinas should be designed and located so as
to protect against adverse impacts on shellfish resources, wetlands,
submerged aquatic vegetation, and other important habitat areas as
designated by local, state, or federal governments.
SHORELINE STABILIZATION -- Where shoreline erosion is a nonpoint
source pollution problem, shorelines should be stabilized.
Vegetative methods are strongly preferred unless structural methods
are cost-effective.
STORMWATER RUNOFF -- This measure, which applies to runoff from the
marina site only, specifies implementation of runoff control
strategies which include the use of pollution prevention activities
and the proper design of hull maintenance areas. At least 80% of
suspended solids must be removed from stormwater runoff coming from
the hull maintenance areas. Marinas which obtain a NPDES permit for
their hull maintenance areas are not required to conform to this
hull maintenance area provision.
FUELING STATION DESIGN -- This measure specifies that fueling
stations should be located and designed so that, in the case of an
accident, spill contaminants can be contained in a limited area.
Fueling stations should have fuel containment equipment as well as
a spill contingency plan
SEWAGE FACILITIES -- To prevent the discharge of sewage directly to
coastal waters, new and expanding marinas are to install pumpout,
pump station, and restroom facilities where needed.
SOLID WASTE -- This measure specifies that solid wastes produced by
the operation, cleaning, maintenance, and repair of boats should be
properly disposed of to limit their entry to surface waters.
FISH WASTES -- In sufficient quantity, fish wastes can result in the
depletion of dissolved oxygen and odor problems. To address this
concern, the measure requires that sound fish waste management be
promoted through a combination of fish cleaning restrictions, public
education, and proper disposal.
LIQUID MATERIAL -- This management measure provides for appropriate
storage, transfer, containment, and disposal facilities for liquid
materials commonly used in boat maintanance and encourages the
recycling of these materials.
PETROLEUM CONTROL -- This measure addresses the problem of fuel and
oil leaks, which often occur during the refueling and operation of
boats. The amount of fuel and oil leakage from fuel tank air vents
should be reduced.
BOAT CLEANING -- This measure minimizes the use of potentially
harmful hull cleaners and bottom paints and their release to marinas
and coastal waters.
PUBLIC EDUCATION -- Public education/outreach/training programs
should be instituted for boaters, as well as marina operators, to
prevent improper disposal of polluting materials.
MAINTENANCE OF SEWAGE FACILITIES -- This measure specifies that
pumpout facilities be maintained in operational condition and that
their use be encouraged to reduce untreated sewage discharges to
surface waters.
BOAT OPERATION -- This measure deals with ecological problems
resulting from boating operations outside marinas. In shallow areas,
intense boating activities may contribute to shoreline erosion. The
measure is designed to prevent increased turbidity and physical
destruction of shallow-water habitat resulting from boating
activitis.
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