With a goal of making the territory’s marinas greener, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued a how-to manual on the subject. It offers recommendations on ways marina owners and operators can reduce pollution through more efficient use of materials, energy and land.
“Marina operators need to work to protect the health of our coastal waters and beaches," EPA regional administrator Judith A. Enck said in a press release issued Thursday.
Enck said that because marinas are located at the water’s edge, chemicals used in boat maintenance can flow into the water and cause serious damage to the marine environment.
“The EPA is working with the marina industry to ensure that marina operators are aware of the best ways to reduce pollution in this sensitive water environment. Towards this end, we also recommend that marina facilities participate in certification programs to achieve high standards in environmental management and safety,” Enck said.
EPA spokesman John Martin said St. Thomas has 14 marinas, St. Croix has six and St. John has one.
While the manual is geared toward marina owners, Martin said the tips are applicable to anyone working on boats no matter where they’re doing it. The manuals can be viewed at the EPA website.
Key recommendations for preventing water pollution from boat operations and maintenance include regular inspection of above-ground fuel storage tanks and associated piping for leaks, as well as making sure these tanks have secondary containment areas to contain spills.
Additionally marinas should store spill containment and control materials in a clearly marked and easily accessible location near the fuel dock, the manual recommends. Keep oil absorbent pads and pillows available at the fuel dock for staff and customers to mop up all drips and small spills.
Avoid underwater boat bottom cleaning or hull scraping to remove antifouling paint from boat hulls, collect wash water, treat it and either dispose of it at a sewage treatment plant or reuse it, and perform as much boat repair and maintenance as practicable inside work buildings. Where an inside workspace is not available, perform abrasive blasting and sanding within spray booths or tarp enclosures.
The manual recommends using cleaning products that are less toxic or nontoxic and contain lower concentrations of volatile organic compounds, ozone depleting chemicals and toxic materials. Always clean with water and a coarse cloth first.
Permanently seal floor drains in maintenance areas with concrete if they do not connect to a sewer or holding tank. Sweep or vacuum floors often as well as immediately before floor washing.
Minimize impervious areas on the marina site by paving only where absolutely necessary. Plant a vegetated buffer between impervious areas and the marina basin.
The EPA sent the publication to over 40 marina operators in the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. It was complied with help from the Puerto Rico Department of the Environment and Natural Resources, Puerto Rico SeaGrant, the Sea Grant Program at the University of the Virgin Islands and the Blue Flag program.
Crown Bay Marina on St. Thomas and Green Cay Marina on St. Croix hold Blue Flag designations, meaning they meet water quality; environmental management, safety and services; and environmental education and information criteria as set down by the international Blue Flag organization.
Jane Wherren, director of operations at Crown Bay, said many of the issues mentioned by the EPA are regulated by the Planning and Natural Resources Department.
However, there are challenges. For example, the territory doesn’t have a comprehensive recycling program, Wherren said. “And there is no place to get rid of batteries and gasoline.”
On April 2, the EPA will host a Compliance Assistance and Pollution Prevention Workshop for marina owners and operators. It will be held from 9 a.m. to noon at the Puerto Del Rey Marina in Fajardo, Puerto Rico. Martin said the EPA might hold a similar workshop in the Virgin Islands.
Workshop topics include on-site boat maintenance, fuel management, stormwater management and regulatory requirements, emergency planning for the hurricane season, and green marina certification programs.
To sign up for the workshop or for more information, contact Jaime Lopez at 787-977-5851 or lopez.jaime@epa.gov.
To view the manual at the EPA, visit www.epa.gov/region02/p2/documents/best_management_practices_marina_facilities_.pdf
