Sandusky, OH The City of Sandusky has been honored as a Certified Ohio Clean Marina, having put into practice voluntary best management actions designed to protect Lake Erie and the coastal environment. An official certification ceremony will be held this Thursday, September 5, 2013 at 4:00 pm at the Paper District Marina (611 West Shoreline Drive, Sandusky, OH).

To receive this distinction, a marina must sign a pledge that declares an intent to make changes to control pollution. A site review team then verifies that a facility has complied with 100% of the management practices required for certification, which include:

” making available and promoting the use of oil absorbent materials 

” providing clean, 24-hour restrooms to dockers, and 

” prohibiting discharge of head waste as a condition of lease agreements

In addition, 50% of the program’s recommended practices must be implemented. The Paper District Marina has met this requirement by:

” Providing collection bins for solid recyclables

” Using vegetated buffers to reduce nutrient runoff

” Posting a sign informing boaters of Ohio’s no wake law

More than 40 marinas have received the Ohio Clean Marinas distinction since the program began in 2005.

“These marinas have demonstrated a proactive commitment toward protecting the environment”? says Sarah Orlando, Coordinator of the Ohio Clean Marinas Program. “Each has attended at least one Clean Marinas workshop, received recommendations on improvements, and taken the initiative to implement the necessary changes. Their dedication is commendable.”?

The Ohio Clean Marinas Program is a partnership among the Ohio Sea Grant College Program, the Lake Erie Marine Trades Association, and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

Contact

The City of Sandusky Paper District Marina, 419-626-2365, sanduskymarina@ci.sandusky.oh.us 

Sarah Orlando, Coordinator, Ohio Clean Marinas Program, 419.609.4120 or orlando.42@osu.edu