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Released August 19, 2009 The Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) today recognized Beacon Point Marine, Greenwich as the fifteenth recreational boating facility in Connecticut to be certified as a "Connecticut Clean Marina." This certification acknowledges the facility's efforts to go beyond regulatory compliance and participate in voluntary measures to keep Connecticut waters clean. “The DEP commends Beacon Point Marine for their voluntary efforts to reduce the environmental impacts of their marina operation,” said Brian Thompson, Office of Long Island Sound Programs, DEP. “We encourage all Connecticut marinas, yacht clubs, and boatyards to follow Beacon Point Marine’s example and participate in this program not only to keep Connecticut’s waterways clean and healthy, but also to maintain the quality of our waters for a variety of important recreational activities.” Beacon Point Marine occupies approximately 5.55 acres of contiguous property located on the west bank of the Mianus River, approximately 1.7 miles north of Long Island Sound. Services provided include new and pre-owned boat sales, inboard, outboard, I/O, and small diesel mechanical services, boat maintenance, winterization and commissioning, gasoline fuel sales, boat slip rentals, seasonal boat storage, and boat hauling and launching. Beacon Point Marine is a full-service marina/boatyard as well as a certified new and pre- owned boat dealer. The facility’s voluntary efforts to reduce their impact on the environment include recycling used antifreeze, offering spill-proof oil changes, using only environmentally- friendly cleaning supplies, providing clearly marked recycling containers for customers and staff, and performing daily inspections to check for tank/pipe damage or leakage and stained or discolored soils. QUOTE FROM RICK KRAL—BEACON POINT MARINE To become certified as a Connecticut Clean Marina, marina operators must show that their facility operates in compliance with all applicable environmental regulatory requirements, and illustrate voluntary operation at standards above and beyond compliance in seven categories: mechanical activities, painting and fiberglass repair, hauling and storing boats, fueling, facility management, emergency planning, and boater education. Certified Clean Marinas are authorized to fly a Clean Marina flag and to use the Clean Marina logo on their publications and letterhead. DEP will also promote certified Clean Marinas through the Clean Marina Program public outreach efforts. Connecticut’s Clean Marina Program is a voluntary program that encourages marina operators to reduce nonpoint source pollution associated with the operation of recreational boating facilities in Connecticut’s inland and coastal waterbodies, and promotes clean water and clean air. Nonpoint sources of pollution occur when water runs over land, picks up pollutants, and deposits them in surface waters. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) cites nonpoint source pollution as a leading cause of water quality problems throughout the United States. Any marina, boatyard, or yacht club on any inland or coastal body of water in Connecticut that meets the established criteria is eligible for voluntary certification as a Clean Marina. The first step to Clean Marina certification is to sign a Clean Marina Pledge. Beacon Point Marine joins Saybrook Point Inn, Marina, and Spa in Old Saybrook, Harry’s Marine Repair in Westbrook, Shennecossett Yacht Club in Groton, Dodson Boatyard in Stonington, Milford Landing Marina, Guilford Town Marina, Noank Village Boatyard, Gwenmor Marina, Mystic, Connors & O’Brien Marina, Pawcatuck, Mystic Shipyard West, Three Belles Marina, East Lyme, Brewer Pilots Point Marina (South and East Yards & North Yard), and Ritt’s Marina, Westbrook as the first fifteen CT certified Clean Marinas. To date, twenty-eight other facilities have pledged to become certified Clean Marinas within one year: Is this still correct?
Other facilities including Spicer’s Noank Marina, Groton, Brewer Yacht Haven, Stamford, Brewer Deep River Marina, Brewer Ferry Point Marina, Old Saybrook and Brewer Bruce & Johnson, Branford (West Yard) are in the process of certification while not pledged. For more information about Connecticut’s Clean Marina Program, contact Rick Huntley, Clean Marina Program Coordinator at 860-424-3609 or email rick.huntley@ct.gov. |
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