Best Management Practices for Marinas and Boatyards

  

Problem: Hazardous Waste

Oil and hazardous material spilled into waters through point sources or storm drains introduces toxins to aquatic life. These can be ingested or can coat species, disrupting normal body functioning.  If proper disposal areas are not provided, patrons might dispose of hazardous materials directly on the ground or in a dumpster leaving the marina owner liable if the chemical explodes or if contamination of soils and groundwater occur.

 

BMP:

Locate and design fueling stations to contain spills to a limited area. Design a spill contingency plan. Design containment around fueling stations and fuel storage areas. Have adequate spill containment and cleanup equipment onsite (booms, absorbent pads, gloves, etc).  Use automatic shutoffs on fuel dispensers and promote the use of oil absorbing material in bilges.

 

Applicable Rules:

EPA requires a Spill Prevention containment and contingency plan for facilities storing 42,000 gallons underground, or one above-ground tank of 660 gallons or a combined above ground storage of 32,000 gallons. Tanks must have adequate containment to hold a spill from the largest storage tank plus room for precipitation, and tanks must be made out of an impermeable material. 

Problem: Sewage  

Overboard dumping of boat heads causes high nutrient levels in the waterways that can result in algae blooms and fish kills. Sewage is highly organic, and when released into the water, it is broken down using dissolved oxygen that depletes the available oxygen for other marine life. The chemical additives in marine sewage can contain compounds that are toxic to marine organisms. Fecal matter may contain bacteria and viruses that can be harmful to humans who eat shellfish that have been taken from contaminated waters or who swim in contaminated waters.

BMP:

Install a pumpout system to pump boat waste safely from the boat's holding tank to an available sewage treatment location. Funding for pumpout systems is available through the Clean Vessel Act which pays for 75% of installation costs (For more information on the NC Pumpout Grant Program, contact the NC Division of Coastal Management at (919) 733-2293).  Use adequate signage to advertise the pumpout service and to remind boaters that the basin is a no discharge area. Also have directions on pumpout use available to patrons, as well as information on the importance of using pumpouts. If pumpout service is not available at your facility, post information on where the service can be obtained.

 

Applicable Rules:

Under CAMA permit conditions, all new marinas and marinas undergoing expansion or installing fuel docks are required to install a pumpout if there will be more than 25 slips and the facility will accommodate boats with holding tanks.  

 

Problem: In-water Boat Maintenance

Performing cleaning and maintenance operations on boats in the water allows harmful cleaners, solvents and paint to enter the water, contributing to pollution. Excess nutrients degrade water quality by promoting nuisance aquatic plant growth and reducing oxygen levels.  Removal of contaminated sediments is also very costly.

 BMP:

Prohibit in-water boat painting of hulls and provide biodegradable cleaners for sale in ships store.

 Applicable Rules:

Boat maintenance areas shall be designed so that all scraping, sandblasting, and painting will be done over dry land with adequate containment devices to prevent entry of waste materials into adjacent waters (NCAC T15A:.07H.0208(5)(N).

 

Problem: Education and Training

Lack of education by boaters and employees on the potential environmental hazards and pollutants contribute to the improper discharge of waste.

BMP:

Public education, outreach and training programs should be instituted including providing and posting written material.

Applicable Rules:

Marinas shall post a notice prohibiting the discharge of any waste from boat toilets and explaining the availability of information on local pumpout services (NCAC T15A: 07H.0208 (b)(5)(M)).

 

Problem: Upland Boat Maintenance

Scraping, painting, and power-washing boats leaves debris on the ground that washes into the waterways or contaminates surrounding soils.

 BMP:

Provide designated work areas that are clearly marked and have impermeable surfaces (e.g. Cement or plastic tarps) and regularly clean these areas. Perform abrasive blasting in spray booths or plastic tarp enclosures. Provide proper disposal areas (covered dumpsters) for marina patrons. Use vacuum sanders and provide vacuum sanders for use by patrons. Plant vegetative buffer strips adjacent to the water. see article in January 2004 TW

 Applicable Rules:

Boat maintenance areas shall be designed so that all scraping, sandblasting, and painting will be done over dry land with adequate containment devices to prevent entry of waste materials into adjacent waters (NCAC T15A:.07H.0208(5)(N)).

Appendix G.S. '130A-309.01 through 309.29 Non-hazardous solid waste management.

  

Problem: Fish Waste

The decomposition of excessive fish waste concentrated in a marina basin with poor water circulation can cause a decrease in available oxygen for aquatic species. This can cause fish kills and can leave harmful levels of bacteria that create a foul-smelling environment.

 

BMP:

Establish fish cleaning areas and educate boaters on the need for and how to use these areas. An area with water and appropriate waste containment should be provided.

Applicable Rules:

Appendix G.S. '113-265(b) ; Appendix G.S. '130A-309.01 through 309.29 Non-hazardous solid waste management;  Appendix G.S. '130a-309.07(7) State Solid Waste Management Plan.  NC Wildlife Resources Commission and the Marine Fisheries Commission have statutory authority to regulate the disposal of fish waste.

 

Sewage Handling                                                                                                             

Yes/No/NA

             Prohibit the discharge of sewage in the marina basin.

             Sign posted indicating the location of nearest/on-site pumpout facility, including other appropriate waste disposal information at the entrance and exit of main piers.

             Boaters are informed of the no-discharge policy for the marina basin.

             Have a functioning and regularly maintained septic system.

             Have a pumpout (portable or stationary) (indicate on map).

             Have a dump station or wand attachment for portable toilets.

             Have a maintenance schedule for your pumpout.

             Have directions for pumpout use displayed near pumpout.

             Have clean, functioning restrooms (indicate on map).

             Address the sewage needs of live-aboards.

             Offer Marine Sanitation Device inspections and service.

 

Other:                                                                                                                                          

                                                                                                                                          

 

For those not checked Yes, indicate alternative solutions or site-specific conditions precluding the need:                                                                                                                                       

 

Boat maintenance activities                                                                                             

Yes/No/NA

             Allow in-water boat maintenance only when no debris will fall in the water.    

             Have designated area for boat repair and maintenance, not allowing work to be done in.any other location (indicate on map).

             Have a designated, impermeable surfaced, area for powerwash activities that includes 

             filtered drainage (indicate on map).

             Hull maintenance areas are regularly cleared of trash, sandings, paint chips etc.

             Require tarps under boats while they are being serviced on land.

             Abrasive blasting is done in spray booths or plastic tarp enclosures.

             Use vacuum sanders.

             Provide an oil/water separation service to filter bilge water.

             Sell biodegradable cleaners or other environmentally friendly products for boat maintenance.

             Provide educational materials on proper boat maintenance.

             Subcontractors sign a contract stating that they must comply with maintenance policies.

____     Obtained stormwater permit for boat maintenance facilities with point source discharges.

 

Other:                                                                                                                                            

 

                                                                                                                                                

For those not checked Yes, indicate alternative solutions or site-specific conditions precluding the need:                                                                                                                                     


Solid Waste Management                                                                                                 

Yes/No/NA

 

            Have a designated fish cleaning area (indicate on map).

            Have written rules on fish-cleaning procedures and policies.

            Provide boaters with information on proper fish-cleaning practices.

            Provide trash cans, bins and dumpsters that are covered, well-marked and labeled.

            Conduct a daily trash pickup within the marina and along the shoreline.

            Have recycling containers for aluminum, plastic, newspaper with signs posted  (indicate on map).

 

Other:                                                                                                                                            

 

                                                                                                                                                      

 

For those not checked Yes, indicate alternative solutions or site-specific conditions precluding the need:                                                                                                                                       

 

Safety & Emergency Planning                                                                                                                

 

Yes/No/NA

               Have a hurricane preparation plan in place for marina

              Have a hurricane preparation plan available for boaters.

              Have spill containment equipment stored in a readily accessible location.

              Have adequate fire fighting equipment.

              Have first aid/lifesaving equipment readily available.

              Have regular emergency training for employees.

              Have adequate lighting for security and safety.

              Maintain files on Material Safety Data Sheets as required by OSHA.

              Have theft prevention - identify type:                                                                          

Other:                                                                                                                                            

 

For those not checked Yes, indicate alternative solutions or site-specific conditions precluding the need:                                                                                                                                       

                                                                                                                                                 

 

Oil and other hazardous waste handling                                                                                          

 

Yes/No/NA

                 In compliance with petroleum storage requirements (See Best Management Practices).

               Have a spill prevention plan (submit with application).

               Have a spill response plan (required for 42,000 gal underground, single 660 gal. above     ground or 32,000 gal combine above ground storage).

               Have spill containment equipment on site (booms, absorbent pads etc.).

               Have trained 50% of employees in spill response steps.

               Have proper containment around fuel tanks.

               Have removed all fueling clips.

               Have proper storage for used oil if you accept it (indicate on map).

 

               Have separate containers for all hazardous liquids with proper containment if you accept these wastes (indicate on map).

               Ensure that subcontractors have adequate insurance for spill liability.

               Subcontractors sign a contract to adhere to marina hazardous waste handling policies.

               Have oil recycling program in place.

               Have trained employees to promote environmental & safety precautions while fueling

               Have all liquid hazardous waste and oil disposal containers clearly marked

               Have scheduled inspection & repair of fuel transfer equipment.

 

Other: