Appendix A

Best Management Practices Checklist for Marinas

and Recreational Boating
A–ii

Appendix A

Name of marina: _________________________________________________

Marina address: _________________________________________________

Name of person doing assessment: ____________________________________

Date of assessment: ______________________________________________

This best management practices (BMP) checklist is designed to help marina owners and operators

review the general activities associated with developing or expanding recreational marinas and boat

ramps and operating existing marinas. Several BMPs and combinations of BMPs might be necessary at a

marina to prevent or reduce runoff pollutants. Professionals can also use this checklist to review new

marina development or expansion.

The BMP tables in the guidance provide detailed descriptions and the applicability of various management

measures and practices. The lists provided here can be used to assemble information on the BMPs

installed or used at the marina. If BMPs other than those listed are used, they may be identified in the

space provided.

The scope of this guidance is broad, covering diverse nonpoint source pollutants from marinas and recreational boating. Because it includes all types of waterbodies, it does not provide all practices and techniques suitable to all regional or local marina or waterbody conditions. Also, BMPs are continually being

modified and developed as a result of experience gained from their implementation and the innovation of

marina owners and operators across the country.

The guidance can assist marina owners and managers in identifying potential sources of nonpoint source

pollution and offer potential solutions. Finding the best solution to any nonpoint source pollution problem at

a marina requires taking into account the many site-specific factors that together compose the setting of

the marina. The applicability of BMPs to any particular marina or situation can be determined based on

site-specific factors unique to the marina site.

BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES CHECKLIST FOR MARINAS

AND RECREATIONAL BOATING
Appendix A

A–iii

1. MARINA FLUSHING

Site and design marinas such that tides and/or currents will aid in flushing of the

site or renew its water regularly.

Marina water quality depends on water circulation within the boat basin, the level of pollutants present,

and new amounts of pollutants entering the water. In a poorly flushed marina, pollutants tend to concentrate in the water and/or sediments. In a basin with poorly flushed corners or secluded or protected spots,

pollutants and debris can tend to collect in those locations. Stagnant, polluted water can be the consequence. The flushing rate is the time required to replace the water in a basin. In tidal waters flushing is

driven primarily by the ebb and flow of the tide, whereas in inland lakes and rivers flushing depends on

wind-driven circulation and current speed. Pollutants tend to concentrate in water and/or sediments in

poorly flushed coves and marinas. Fine sediment and organic debris can collect in uncirculated water,

which can deplete the amount of oxygen in the water. Reduced dissolved oxygen in stagnant water

hinders biological activity and can result in lifeless shores and offensive odors. Adequate marina flushing

greatly reduces or eliminates the potential for water stagnation and helps maintain the biological productivity and aesthetic value of a marina basin. Good flushing can reduce pollutant concentrations in a marina

basin by from 70 percent to almost 90 percent over a 24-hour period.

BMPs that should be considered and used where appropriate:

o Ensure that the bottom of the marina and entrance channels are not deeper than adjacent navigable

channels.

o Consider design alternatives in poorly flushed waterbodies to enhance flushing (open design instead

of a semienclosed design, wave attenuators instead of fixed breakwaters).

o Design new marinas with as few enclosed water sections or separated basins as possible to promote

circulation within the entire basin.

o Consider the value of entrance channels in promoting flushing when designing or reconfiguring a

marina.

o Establish two openings at the most appropriate locations within the marina to promote flow-through

currents.

o Consider mechanical aerators to improve flushing and water quality where basin and entrance

channel configuration cannot provide adequate flushing.

o Other (describe):
A–iv

Appendix A

2. WATER QUALITY ASSESSMENT

Assess water quality as part of marina siting and design.

Water quality is assessed during the marina design phase to predict the effect of marina development on

the chemical and physical health of the water and aquatic environment. Marina development can cause

changes in flushing and circulation; and boat maintenance, boat operation, and the human activities in and

around boats can be sources of solid and liquid wastes, pathogenic organisms, and petroleum compounds.

The results of water quality predictions or sampling are compared to state or federal water quality

standards. Water quality assessments for dissolved oxygen concentration and pathogenic organisms can

be used as indicators of the general health of an aquatic environment. Water quality assessments can be

useful in determining the suitability of a location for marina development, the best marina design for

ensuring good water quality, and the causes and sources of water quality problems.

BMPs that should be considered and used where appropriate:

o Use water quality sampling and/or monitoring to measure water quality conditions.

o Use a water quality modeling methodology to predict postconstruction water quality conditions.

o Monitor water quality using indicators.

o Use rapid bioassessment techniques to monitor water quality.

o Establish a volunteer monitoring program.

o Other (describe):
Appendix A

A–v

3. HABITAT ASSESSMENT

Site and design marinas to protect against adverse effects on shellfish resources,

wetlands, submerged aquatic vegetation, or other important riparian and aquatic

habitat areas as designated by local, state, or federal governments.

The construction of a new marina in any waterbody type has the potential to disrupt aquatic habitats.

These habitats include fish spawning areas, shellfish harvesting areas, designated wetlands, beds of

submerged aquatic vegetation, and the habitats of threatened or endangered species. Marinas can be

designed and located to help support the aquatic plants and animals that were present in the waters

before the marina’s construction. A marina can be operated as a valuable habitat for plants and animals

that do well in quiet, sheltered waters.

BMPs that should be considered and used where appropriate:

o Conduct habitat surveys and characterize the marina site, including identifying any exotic or invasive

species.

o Assess habitat function (e.g., spawning area, nursery area, feeding area) to minimize indirect

effects.

o Use rapid bioassessment techniques to assess effects on biological resources.

o Redevelop waterfront sites that have been previously disturbed and expand existing marinas.

o Consider alternative sites where adverse environmental effects will be minimized or positive effects

will be maximized.

o Create new habitats or expand habitats in the marina basin.

o Minimize disturbance of riparian areas.

o Use dry stack storage.

o Other (describe):
A–vi

Appendix A

4. SHORELINE AND STREAMBANK STABILIZATION

Where shoreline or streambank erosion is a nonpoint source pollution problem,

shorelines and streambanks should be stabilized. Vegetative methods are strongly

preferred unless structural methods are more cost-effective, considering the

severity of wave and wind erosion, offshore bathymetry, and the potential adverse

impact on other shorelines, streambanks, and offshore areas.

Protect shorelines and streambanks from erosion due to uses of either the

shorelands or adjacent surface waters.

Erosion in any waterbody is a natural process that results when moving water and waves undermine,

collapse, and wash out banks and shorelines. Banks erode along nontidal lakes, rivers, and streams;

shorelines erode along intertidal portions of coastal bays and estuaries. Eroding streambanks and shorelines and streambanks do not protect the land and structures during storm events. Such erosion contributes to nonpoint source pollution problems, turbidity, and shoaling and increases the need for maintenance

dredging in marina basins and channels. Vegetation and structural methods have been shown to be

effective for mitigating shoreline erosion and for filtering pollutants from overland and storm water runoff.

BMPs that should be considered and used where appropriate:

o Use vegetative plantings, wetlands, beaches, and natural shorelines where space allows.

o Where shorelines need structural stabilization and where space and use allow, riprap revetment is

preferable to a solid vertical bulkhead.

o Where reflected waves will not endanger shorelines or habitats and where space is limited, protect

shorelines with structural features such as vertical bulkheads.

o At boat ramps, retain natural shoreline features to the extent feasible and protect disturbed areas

from erosion.

o Other (describe):
Appendix A

A–vii

5. STORM WATER RUNOFF MANAGEMENT

Implement effective runoff control strategies that include the use of pollution

prevention activities and the proper design of hull maintenance areas.

Reduce the average annual loadings of total suspended solids (TSS) in runoff from

hull maintenance areas by 80 percent. For the purposes of this measure, an 80

percent reduction of TSS is to be determined on an average annual basis.

Sanding dust, paint chips, metal filings, and other such solids that drop on the ground during boat repair

and maintenance can all be swept into the water by the next rainstorm’s runoff. Oils, grease, solvents,

paint drippings, and fuel spilled or dripped onto the ground are also be carried away in runoff. Unless

runoff is treated in some manner, all of these pollutants end up in the marina basin, where they create

unsightly surface films or float until they adhere to a surface, such as a boat hull. Some of these pollutants

sink to the bottom, where they can be eaten by bottom-feeding fish or filter-feeding shellfish, or settle

onto the leaves of aquatic vegetation and clog their pores.

BMPs that should be considered and used where appropriate:

o Perform as much boat repair and maintenance work as possible inside work buildings.

o Where an inside work space is not available, perform abrasive blasting and sanding within spray

booths or tarp enclosures.

o Where buildings or enclosed areas are not available, provide clearly designated land areas for boat

repair and maintenance.

o Design hull maintenance areas to minimize contaminated runoff.

o Use vacuum sanders both to remove paint from hulls and to collect paint dust and chips.

o Restrict the types and/or amount of do-it-yourself work done at the marina.

o Clean hull maintenance areas immediately after any maintenance to remove debris, and dispose of

collected material properly.

o Capture and filter pollutants out of runoff water with permeable tarps, screens, and filter cloths.

o Sweep and/or vacuum around hull maintenance areas, roads, and driveways frequently.

o Sweep parking lots regularly.

o Plant grass between impervious areas and the marina basin.

o Construct new or restore former wetlands where feasible and practical.

o Use porous pavement where feasible.

o Install oil/grit separators to capture petroleum spills and coarse sediment.

o Use catch basins where storm water flows to the marina basin in large pulses.

o Add filters to storm drains that are located near work areas.

o Place absorbents in drain inlets.
A–viii

Appendix A

o Use chemical and filtration treatment systems only where necessary.

o Other (describe):
Appendix A

A–ix

6. FUELING STATION DESIGN

Design fueling stations to allow for ease in cleanup of spills.

Spills of gasoline and diesel oil during boat fueling are a common source of pollution in marina waters.

Usually these are very small spills that occur from overfilling boat fuel tanks, but these small spills can

accumulate to create a larger pollution problem. The hydrocarbons in oil harm juvenile fish, upset fish

reproduction, and interfere with the growth and reproduction of bottom-dwelling organisms. Oil and gas

ingested by one animal can be passed to the next animal in the food chain, ultimately resulting in a potential risk to human health. In a marina, petroleum spills also deteriorate the white Styrofoam in floats and

docks and discolor boat hulls, woodwork, and paint. Gasoline spills are also a safety problem because of

the flammability of this product. The most effective way to minimize fuel spills and petroleum hydrocarbon pollution at a marina is to locate, design, build, and operate a boat fuel dock or station so that most

spills are prevented and those that do occur are quickly contained and cleaned up.

BMPs that should be considered and used where appropriate:

o Use automatic shutoffs on fuel lines and at hose nozzles to reduce fuel loss.

o Remove old-style fuel nozzle triggers that are used to hold the nozzle open without being held.

o Install personal watercraft (PWC) floats at fuel docks to help drivers refuel without spilling.

o Regularly inspect, maintain, and replace fuel hoses, pipes, and tanks.

o Install a spill monitoring system.

o Train fuel dock staff in spill prevention, containment, and cleanup procedures.

o Install easy-to-read signs on the fuel dock that explain proper fueling, spill prevention, and spill

reporting procedures.

o Locate and design boat fueling stations so that spills can be contained, such as with a floating

boom, and cleaned up easily.

o Write and implement a fuel spill recovery plan.

o Have spill containment equipment storage, such as a locker attached or adjacent to the fuel dock,

easily accessible and clearly marked.

o Other (describe):
A–x

Appendix A

7. PETROLEUM CONTROL

Reduce the amount of fuel and oil from boat bilges and fuel tank air vents entering

marina and surface waters.

Although more than half of the oil that spills into the water evaporates, less than a cup of oil can create a

very thin sheen over more than an acre of calm water. Small amounts of oil spilled from numerous boats

can accumulate to create a large oil sheen, which blocks oxygen from moving through the surface of the

water and can be harmful to animals and larvae that must break the surface to breathe. The hydrocarbons in oil harm juvenile fish, upset fish reproduction, and interfere with the growth and reproduction of

bottom dwelling organisms. Oil and gas ingested by one animal can be passed to the next animal in the

food chain, ultimately resulting in a risk to human health. In a marina, petroleum spills also dissolve the

white Styrofoam in floats and docks and discolor boat hulls, woodwork, and paint. Gasoline spills, which

evaporate quickly, are also a safety problem because of the flammability of gasoline.

BMPs that should be considered and used where appropriate:

o Promote the installation and use of fuel/air separators on air vents or tank stems of inboard fuel

tanks to reduce the amount of fuel spilled into surface waters during fueling

o Avoid overfilling fuel tanks

o Provide doughnuts or small petroleum absorption pads to patrons to use while fueling to catch

splashback and the last drops when the nozzle is transferred back from the boat to the fuel dock.

o Keep engines properly maintained for efficient fuel consumption, clean exhaust, and fuel economy.

Follow the manufacturer’s specifications.

o Routinely check for engine fuel leaks and use a drip pan under engines.

o Avoid pumping any bilge water that is oily or has a sheen. Promote the use of materials that either

capture or digest oil in bilges. Examine these materials frequently and replace as necessary.

o Extract used oil from absorption pads if possible, or dispose of it in accordance with petroleum

disposal guidelines.

o Prohibit the use of detergents and emulsifiers on fuel spills.

o Other (describe):
Appendix A

A–xi

8. LIQUID MATERIALS MANAGEMENT

Provide and maintain appropriate storage, transfer, containment, and disposal

facilities for liquid material, such as oil, harmful solvents, antifreeze, and paints,

and encourage recycling of these materials.

Liquid material such as fuels, oils, solvents, paints, pesticides, acetone, cleaners, and antifreeze are

potentially harmful or deadly to wildlife, pets, and humans and are toxic to fish and other aquatic organisms when they enter a waterbody. This is true for other types of liquid waste, such as waste fuel, used

oil, spent solvents, battery acid, and used antifreeze. Waste oils include waste engine oil, transmission

fluid, hydraulic fluid, and gear oil. Waste fuels include gasoline, diesel, gasoline/oil blends, and water

contaminated by these fuels.

BMPs that should be considered and used where appropriate:

o Build curbs, berms, or other barriers around areas used for liquid material storage to contain spills.

o Store liquid materials under cover on a surface that is impervious to the type of material stored.

o Storage and disposal areas for liquid materials should be located in or near repair and maintenance

areas, undercover, protected from runoff with berms or secondary containment, and away from flood

areas and fire hazards.

o Store minimal quantities of hazardous materials

o Provide clearly labeled, separate containers for the disposal of waste oils, fuels, and other liquid

wastes.

o Recycle liquid materials where possible.

o Change engine oil and suction oily water from bilges using nonspill vacuum-type systems for spillproof oil changes.

o Use antifreeze and coolants that are less toxic to the environment.

o Use alternative liquid materials where practical.

o Follow manufacturer’s directions and use nontoxic or low-toxicity pesticides.

o Burn used oil used as a heating fuel where permitted by law.

o Prepare a hazardous materials spill recovery plan and update it as necessary.

o Keep adequate spill response equipment where liquid materials are stored.

o Other (describe):
A–xii

Appendix A

9. SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT

Properly dispose of solid wastes produced by the operation, cleaning, maintenance, and repair of boats to limit entry of solid wastes to surface waters.

Boat maintenance, painting, and repair can result in a range of waste materials, such as sanding debris,

antifoulant paint chips, scrap metal, fiberglass pieces, sweepings, and battery lead and acid. Other solid

waste such as bottles, plastic bags, aluminum cans, coffee cups, six-pack rings, disposable diapers,

wrapping paper, glass bottles, cigarette filters, and fishing line can come from general boating activities

and marina use. Living organisms and the habitats of aquatic animals and plants are harmed by this type

of debris after it enters the water. A litter-free marina is more attractive to present and potential customers. Reducing a marina’s solid wastes also reduces overall disposal costs.

BMPs that should be considered and used where appropriate:

o Encourage marina patrons to avoid doing any debris-producing hull maintenance while their boats are

in the water. When maintenance is done with the boat in the water (for small projects and where

necessary), prevent debris from falling into the water.

o Place trash receptacles in convenient locations for marina patrons. Covered dumpsters and trash

cans are ideal.

o Provide trash receptacles at boat launch sites.

o Provide facilities for collecting recyclable materials.

o Provide boaters with trash bags.

o Use a reusable blasting medium.

o Require patrons to clean up pet wastes and provide a specific dog walking area at the marina.

o Other (describe):
Appendix A

A–xiii

10. FISH WASTE MANAGEMENT

Promote sound fish waste management through a combination of fish-cleaning

restrictions, public education, and proper disposal of fish waste.

Sportfishing is very popular, but fish cleaning produces waste that can create water quality problems in

marinas with poor circulation. Too much fish waste in a confined area can lower oxygen levels in the

water, which leads to foul odor and fish kills. Floating fish parts are also an unsightly addition to marina

waters.

BMPs that should be considered and used where appropriate:

o Clean fish offshore where the fish are caught and discard of the fish waste at sea (if allowed by the

state).

o Install fish cleaning stations at the marina, and at boat launch sites.

o Compost fish waste where appropriate.

o Freeze fish parts and reuse them as bait or chum on the next fishing trip.

o Encourage catch-and-release fishing, which does not kill the fish and produced no fish waste.

o Other (describe):
A–xiv

Appendix A

11. SEWAGE FACILITY MANAGEMENT

Install pumpout, dump station, and restroom facilities where needed at new and

expanding marinas to reduce the release of sewage to surface waters. Design

these facilities to allow ease of access and post signage to promote use by the

boating public.

Boat sewage can be a problem when dumped overboard without any treatment. Although the volume of

sewage discharged from boats is not as massive as a typical sewage treatment plant outfall, boat sewage

is very concentrated and can add to the overall problem of fecal coliform bacteria loading to the water

body. Boat sewage also adds extra nutrients that use dissolved oxygen and can stimulate the growth of

algae, which in the worst case can grow so fast that they use oxygen needed by fish and other organisms.

When untreated sewage goes overboard, it can contaminate shellfish, leading to potentially serious human

health risks.

BMPs that should be considered and used where appropriate:

o Install pumpout facilities where needed. Use a system compatible with the marina’s needs (fixedpoint systems, dump stations for portable toilets, portable systems, dedicated slipside systems).

o Provide pumpout service at convenient times and at a reasonable cost.

o Keep pumpout stations clean and easily accessible, and consider having marina staff do pumpouts.

o Provide portable toilet dump stations near small slips and launch ramps.

o Provide restrooms at all marinas and boat ramps.

o Consider declaring marina waters to be a “no discharge” area.

o Establish practices and post signs to control pet waste problems.

o Avoid feeding of wild birds in the marina.

o Establish no discharge zones to prevent any sewage from entering boating waters.

o Establish equipment requirement policies that prohibit the use of Y-valves on boats on inland waters.

o Other (describe):
Appendix A

A–xv

12. MAINTENANCE OF SEWAGE FACILITIES

Ensure that sewage pumpout facilities are maintained in operational condition and

encourage their use.

When faced with nonfunctioning sewage collection and disposal facilities, boaters whose holding tanks

are full have three choices: (1) go elsewhere to find an operable pumpout or dump station, which is

inconvenient; (2) discharge sewage directly overboard, which is illegal in no discharge zones and legal

otherwise only through an approved marine sanitation device in nearshore waters; or (3) cease using their

boat toilets, which to some would mean “stop using the boat.” In addition, one inoperable pumpout might

overload another pumpout nearby, tempting boaters to discharge illegally, particularly if the other one is

not free or charges a higher fee.

BMPs that should be considered and used where appropriate:

o Maintain a dedicated fund and issue a contract for pumpout and dump station repair and maintenance (applies to government-operated marinas, pumpout stations, and dump stations only).

o Regularly inspect and maintain sewage facilities.

o Disinfect the suction connection of a pumpout station (stationary or portable) by dipping it into or

spraying it with disinfectant.

o Maintain convenient, clean, dry, and pleasant restroom facilities in the marina.

o Other (describe):
A–xvi

Appendix A

13. BOAT CLEANING

For boats that are in the water, perform cleaning operations to minimize, to the

extent practicable, the release to surface waters of (a) harmful cleaners and solvents and (b) paint from in-water hull cleaning.

Many boat cleaners contain harsh chlorine, ammonia, phosphates, and other chemicals that can harm fish

and other aquatic life. Some chemicals in these cleaners become more concentrated in aquatic organisms

as they are ingested by other animals and might eventually find their way into fish and shellfish that are

eaten by people. Chemicals and debris from washing boat topsides, decks, and hull surfaces can be kept

out of the water with some common sense boating practices.

BMPs that should be considered and used where appropriate:

o Wash boat hulls above the waterline by hand. Where feasible, remove boats from the water and

clean them where debris can be captured and properly disposed of.

o Buy and use detergents and cleaning compounds that will have minimal impact on the aquatic

environment.

o Avoid in-the-water hull scraping or any abrasive process that is done underwater that could remove

paint from the boat hull.

o Switch to long-lasting and low-toxicity or nontoxic antifouling paints.

o Minimize the impacts of wastewater from pressure washing.

o Other (describe):
Appendix A

A–xvii

14. BOAT OPERATION

Manage boating activities where necessary to decrease turbidity and physical

destruction of shallow-water habitat.

Boat and personal watercraft traffic through very shallow water and nearshore areas at wake-producing

speeds can resuspend bottom sediments and erode shorelines, all of which can increase turbidity in the

water column. Turbid waters block the penetration of sunlight to underwater plants that need light for

survival, and they reduce visibility for fish that rely on sight to catch their prey. Vessel traffic can also

uproot submerged aquatic vegetation which is habitat for fish and shellfish and food for waterfowl,

recycles nutrients released from matter decomposing in the waterbody, and reduces wave energy at

shorelines, thus protecting them from erosion. Vessel traffic might also churn up harmful chemicals that

have been trapped in the sediments and might contaminate fish and shellfish that people eat. Propellers or

jet drives, when in contact with the bottom, dig visible furrows across the soil and the vegetation, which

can take years to recover.

BMPs that should be considered and used where appropriate:

o Restrict boater traffic in shallow-water areas.

o Establish and enforce no wake zones to decrease turbidity, shore erosion, and damage in marinas.

o Other (describe):
A–xviii

Appendix A

15. PUBLIC EDUCATION

Public education, outreach, and training programs should be instituted for boaters,

as well as marina owners and operators, to prevent improper disposal of polluting

material.

A boating public that understands the causes and effects of pollution is more likely to want clean waters

and healthy aquatic environments. If they are told about the simple and effective ways that they can

reduce their impact on the environment, they will usually be happy to do their part. Public education is one

of the most effective ways to reduce pollution in and around marinas and from recreational boating.

BMPs that should be considered and used where appropriate:

o Use signs to inform marina patrons of appropriate clean boating practices.

o Establish bulletin boards for environmental messages and idea sharing.

o Promote recycling and trash reduction programs.

o Hand out pamphlets or flyers, send newsletters, and add inserts to bill mailings with information

about how recreational boaters can protect the environment and have clean boating waters.

o Organize and present enjoyable environmental education meetings, presentations, and demonstrations.

o Educate and train marina staff to do their jobs in an environmentally conscious manner and to be

good role models for marina patrons.

o Insert language into facility contracts that ensures that tenants use certain areas and clean boating

techniques when maintaining their boats. Use an environmental agreement that ensures that tenants

will comply with the marina’s best management practices.

o Have a clearly written environmental best management practices agreement for outside contractors

to sign as a precondition to working on any boat in the marina.

o Participate with an organization that promotes clean boating practices.

o Provide MARPOL placards to boaters.

o Paint signs on storm drains indicating that anything placed in it or runoff to it drains directly to

surface waters (where drainage is not to a treatment plant).

o Establish and educate marina patrons about rules governing fish-cleaning.

o Educate boaters about good fish cleaning practices.

o Provide information on local waste collection and recycling programs.

o Hold clinics on safe fueling and bilge maintenance.

o Teach boaters how to fuel boats to minimize fuel spills.

o Stock phosphate-free, nontoxic cleaners and other environmentally friendly products.

o Place signs in the water and label charts to alert boaters about sensitive habitat areas.

o Other (describe):
Appendix B

Example

Oil Spill Response Plan

(Note that text in Arial font should be

replaced by facility-specific information.)
B–ii

Appendix B

EMERGENCY RESPONSE ACTION:

Reaction

• Identify the source of the spill if possible.

• Attempt to secure the source of the spill.

• If a spill is observed at the fueling dock, immediately cease all fueling activities.

• Make a preliminary assessment as to what the spill material is and approximately how much has

entered the waterway. This information will dictate what equipment needs to be deployed.

• Advise the facility manager or spill response manager if necessary.

Reporting

• U.S. Coast Guard 1-800-424-8802

• State department of environmental protection Business hours; 24 hours

All spills that result in a slick or a sheen on the water require that the Coast Guard and state

department of environmental protection be contacted and provided with pertinent information.

Note: All fuel spills, no matter how small, must be reported to the U.S. Coast Guard.

Response

Gasoline spill:

If the spill is small (5 gallons or less):

• Allow natural weathering to reduce and eliminate the spill.

• Do not allow smoking during any spill.

• Do not contain or collect gasoline because confined gasoline might create a risk of

explosion and fire.

For larger spills (more than 5 gallons):

• Implement the reporting requirements.

• Secure all electricity.

• Make sure everyone is away from the affected area.

• Do not allow anyone to enter the affected area.

• Use water hoses to wash the spill away to protect docks and boats.

• Contact the fire department and harbormaster.

Other oil spills (crude and refined residual oils, diesel fuel, and kerosene):

Oil Spill Response Plan

Name of Marina
Appendix B

B–iii

• Contain the oil spill using a curtain boom to prevent spreading. When possible, completely

surround the source.

• If the oil was spilled in an upland area, use an absorbent boom and pads to contain the

material and prevent it from entering the waterbody.

• If more oil than can be contained by the boom was spilled, contact: name of primary

contact for additional spill equipment.

• Once the spill is contained, use absorbent material to collect the oil. Absorbent pads can

be placed within the boomed area, retrieved, wrung out, and placed back in the boomed

area.

• If spreading is occurring too rapidly or other conditions prevent the containment of the oil,

use the boom to deflect the oil from critical or sensitive areas.

PERSONNEL

Spill Manager

Name of person responsible for maintaining plan and equipment inventory.

Qualified Staff

List marina staff authorized to implement the spill plan.

Marina spokesperson: One person who is responsible for communicating to enforcement officials,

customers, and the media. Using one person helps to ensure a consistent message.

Contact for Additional Assistance

In the event that this facility needs the services of a professional oil spill response company, contact: list the name of a professional oil spill response company with whom prior arrangements exist.

This service should be requested only by the facility manager or the spill response manager.

THREATS

Maximum Threat(s)

Overfilling of gasoline during fueling, creating explosion hazard: The most common spill occurrence

will result from overfilling of gasoline and diesel fuel tanks at the fueling dock. Gasoline, because of

its flammability, is the greatest threat.

Vessel spill

Under a worst-case scenario, the largest on-board fuel tank is aboard a 50-foot

powerboat that carries approximately 200 gallons of diesel fuel and 20 gallons of

crankcase oil. This would pose a maximum threat if this vessel was to sink within the

marina perimeter.

Spill from fuel storage tank or connections to pumping station

On-site there is a ___gallon in-ground storage tank that is connected to the fuel

pumping station by a series of flexible and rigid hoses. A fuel spill could result from

the failure of one of the connections. A spill could also result when the fuel tank is

being filled.
B–iv

Appendix B

Minimum Threats

Spill from waste oil receptacle: On site there is a 200-gallon waste oil receptacle. It is

located 100 yards from the coastal edge and is surrounded by an impervious berm designed to retain 110 percent of the receptacle’s volume.

SPILL RESPONSE EQUIPMENT

Available On-site Resources

(1) 150-foot harbor curtain boom (3 times the length of the vessel with the largest fuel tank)

Operational characteristics: deflects and contains oil in the water. Curtain boom is susceptible to wind, waves, and current. These factors can cause oil to escape over the top and under

the bottom of the boom.

Deployment: Can be attached to a fixed structure or to an anchor. Place downstream of oil

spill. If surface current is moving greater than 0.7 knot, the boom will not contain oil acting at a

right angle to it. The boom angle will need to be adjusted to decreasing angles as the speed of

the current increases.

Disposal: The boom, if maintained properly, can be used multiple times. The average life span

for the boom is approximately 5 to 10 years, depending on the use it receives.

Maintenance: Rinse thoroughly with fresh water. Be sure to collect with absorbents any

remaining oil on the boom. Store out of sunlight in a manner that allows quick deployment.

(2) 80 feet of 5-inch absorbent boom (37.5 ft3; 84 lb)

Operational characteristics: Boom has little inherent strength and might need extra flotation

to keep from sinking when laden with oil.

(3) 200 individual absorbent pads (3/8 in. x 18 in. x 18 in.)

Operational characteristics: Use absorbents only in low current velocity situations.

Deployment: Place absorbents on spilled oil. Recovery efficiency decreases rapidly once outer

layer is oil-soaked.

Disposal: May be wrung out and reused. (See manufacturer’s specifications.) At the end of

the useful life, wring out and store in a sealed container. The container will be disposed of by a

contracted waste hauler.

Maintenance: When possible, wring out and dry after use. (See manufacturer’s specifications.) Otherwise, material will be disposed of properly.

(4) Empty 55-gallon drum with lid for storage of collected oil

(5) Gloves

(6) Pitchfork

(7) Two 15-lb Danforth anchors

(8) Mooring lines

(9) Standard mop or laundry wringer
Appendix B

B–v

Location

The spill response equipment is stored in the spill response shed located adjacent to the

maintenance shed. Key number 000, which the manager holds on the master ring,

opens the spill response shed.

Additional Equipment

If the rapid deployment of additional resources is necessary, we have secured permission to use

equipment from: List local sources of equipment and how they can be reached, e.g.,

neighboring marina, they can be reached on VHF CH 68 or by calling 555-0000.

Coast Guard oil spill response trailer is also available as a first-aid measure.

NOTES

Do not use dispersants on oil/fuel spills. Dispersants include products manufactured specifically for

that purpose and more common products such as detergent. Using them simply forces the oil into

the water column, where it might be more harmful. Dispersants may be used only with the approval

of the Coast Guard federal on-scene coordinator.

On the downstream side of the marina is a salt marsh that should be protected from a large oil spill.

A floating oil boom should be used to deflect spilled oil away from this critical area.

This response plan will be tested twice a year, with a least one test occurring at the beginning of the

boating season. All of the spill response equipment will be inspected at the time of the tests.

RECORDS

Staff Readiness Drills

Date Drill Simulation Who participated Supervisor

date Sinking vessel List of staff members who participated Signature
B–vi

Appendix B

Emergency Phone List

• United States Coast Guard, Marine Safety Office: (###) ### - ####

• State Department of Environmental Management: (###) ### - ####

• Local Harbormaster Department: (###) ### - ####

• Local Police Department: (###) ### - ####

• Local Fire Department: (###) ### - ####

Plan last updated: date

Updated by: name

Inspection

Date Inspected by: Condition/Notes

date Name Notes on equipment condition
Appendix C

Table of Costs and Benefits of Marina

Best Management Practices

(Originally published in USEPA, 1996:

Clean Marinas—Clear Value)


C–iv

Appendix C
Appendix D

Federal Laws Related to Marinas

and Recreational Boating
D–ii

Table D. Federal Laws Related to Marinas and Recreational Boating
D–iii

Table D. Federal Laws Related to Marinas and Recreational Boating (cont.)
D–iv

Table D. Federal Laws Related to Marinas and Recreational Boating (cont.)
D–v

Table D. Federal Laws Related to Marinas and Recreational Boating (cont.)
D–vi

Table D. Federal Laws Related to Marinas and Recreational Boating (cont.)
Appendix E

Web Sites with Information Related to Marinas

and Recreational Boating
E–ii

Appendix E

SOME WEBSITES TO VISIT

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office

of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds

http://www.epa.gov/owow/

Information on the control of nonpoint source

pollution, the condition of the water-related

environment, and the management and

restoration of watersheds.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of

Solid Waste and Emergency Response

http://www.epa.gov/swerrims/

Provides policy, guidance, and direction for the

land disposal of hazardous wastes, underground

storage tanks, solid waste management,

encouragement of innovative technologies, source

reduction of wastes, and the Superfund Program.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,Office

of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds

Publications On Line

http://www.epa.gov/OWOW/info/PubList/

publist4.html

http://earth1.epa.gov/OWOW/info/NewsNotes/

A variety of EPA publications related to

Nonpoint Source Pollution that can be ordered

or read on the Internet.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office

of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds

Publications On Line

http://www.epa.gov/OWOW/info/PubList/

publist4.html

http://earth1.epa.gov/OWOW/info/NewsNotes/

A variety of EPA publications related to

Nonpoint Source Pollution that can be ordered

or read on the Internet.

U.S. Coast Guard Kids’ Corner

http://www.uscg.mil/hq/g-cp/kids/kidindx.html

Activities and information for kids about safety

and clean boating practices; “The Adventures

of Captain Cleanwater: An Activity Book for

Kids About Clean and Safe Boating” and “The

True Story of Inky the Whale.”

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Index

of Watershed Indicators

http://www.epa.gov/surf/iwi

Maps and information about watersheds nationwide.

Locate your own watershed and learn about the

quality of the waters in it, sources of pollution, and

organizations active in protecting it.
Appendix E

E–iii

National Sea Grant National Depository

http://nsgd.gso.uri.edu

Searchable archive of all Sea Grant-funded

documents since 1967, including hundreds of

studies on boating, marinas, and the

environment, plus many educational flyers,

brochures, and fact sheets; well worth the visit.

National Sea Grant College Program

http://www.mdsg.umd.edu/NSGO/

Information about the National Sea Grant

program and links to state Sea Grant programs

nationwide.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Clean Vessel

Act Program

http://fa.r9.fws.gov/cva/cva.html

Information on the CVA program, which

provides grants for pumpout and dump

stations for boaters to dispose of human waste

in an environmentally safe manner.

Tennessee Valley Authority

http://www.tva.gov/river/recreation/index.htm

Information on the camping and recreation

areas operated by the TVA. TVA operates

some 100 public recreation areas throughout

the Tennessee Valley, including campgrounds,

day-use areas, and boat launching ramps. Their

opening and closing dates are listed at this site,

as well as contact numbers.

Canadian Coast Guard

http://www.pacific.ccg-gcc.gc.ca/Epages/

offboat/pae/pme.htm

Protecting the Aquatic Environment: A

Boater’s Guide with valuable information on

managing waste, boat maintenance, antifouling

paint, batteries, introduced species, tips for

protecting the aquatic environment, spill

reporting, and more.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

http://www.usace.army.mil/inet/functions/cw/

cecwo/recrea.htm

Information about all of the lakeside parks that

are administered by the Army Corps of

Engineers. The Lakeside Recreation Resource

page shows a map. Just click on an area of the

country that you are interested in and the maps

will show you all the information you need

about the USACE park system.
E–iv

Appendix E

Florida Department of Environmental Protection

http://www.dep.state.fl.us

Information and management practices for

managing the following types of waste:

•Distress signal flares

•Batteries (lead acid marine/auto and rechargeable)

•Mercury-containing devices: bilge pump float

switches, air conditioning thermostats

•Mercury containing lamps: fluor-escent and

high-intensity discharge

•Refrigerants and asbestos.

Maryland Department of Natural Resources

http://www.dnr.state.md.us/boating/

Links to a variety of pages with information of

interest to boaters, including:

•Boating Regulations

•Boating Safety

•Clean Marina Initiative

•Public Boating Facilities

•Pumpout Program

•Vessel Requirements

•Weather.

Marina Operators Association of America

(MOAA)

http://www.nmma.org/affiliates/usa/moaa

MOAA works for the enhancement of the

recreational marina industry through:

•Stimulating a continuing exchange of ideas

•Updating marina operators on new

information

•Banding together to maintain a strong

national voice

•Encouraging marina operators to institute the

best management practices

•Joining to establish a clean marina program

•Encouraging marina operators to be proactive

in their customer’s boating experience.

National Marine Manufacturers Association

http://www.nmma.org

NMMA members—more than 1,600

companies—produce every conceivable

product used by recreational boaters. NMMA

provides a wide variety of programs and

services tailored to member needs: technical

expertise, standards monitoring, government

relations avocation, industry statistics, and

more. NMMA produces boat shows, including

the world’s largest marine trade show, the

International Marine Trades Exhibit &

Convention (IMTEC), in key North American

markets.

International Marina Institute

http://www.imimarina.com

IMI is a nonprofit membership organization

serving the global marine industry. It offers

management training, education, and

information about research, legislation, and

environmental issues affecting the marina

industry. IMI is a marine trade organization

that encompasses all segments of the marina

business both nationally and internationally.

National Safe Boating Council

http://www.safeboatingcouncil.org/

The mission of the NSBC is to provide a forum

for advancing and fostering safe boating, and

for educating the public in safe boating

principles, by developing and facilitating an

ongoing series of campaigns to promote safe

boating principles and practices; facilitating the

distribution and dissemination of information

on safe boating; promoting the development of

research initiatives to support boating

education and safety awareness; improving the

professional development of boating safety

educators; and encouraging the development

and implementation of outstanding boating

safety programs.
Appendix E

E–v

Marine Environmental Education Foundation

http://www.meef.org

MEEF is a national, nonprofit, tax-exempt,

charitable foundation founded to bring

together national specialists to develop

education programs and research on marine

environmental issues. Its goal is to create and

present educational programs that will result in

cleaner waters for the boating public. MEEF is

the creator and sponsor of the National Clean

Boating Campaign.

National Boating Federation

http://outdoorsource.com/nbf

The largest nationwide alliance of recreational

boating organizations, yacht and boating clubs,

and individual members focused on promoting

recreational boating activities. The National

Boating Federation often appears before

congressional committees to testify on boating

matters.

Boat Owners Association of the United States

http://www.boatus.com

Provides services including representing the

interests of boat owners on Capitol Hill;

insuring members’ boats; operating an on-thewater towing network; and providing discount

boating equipment through the Internet, mail

order, and marine centers. BoatU.S. publishes

widely circulated publications for boaters,

serves as an educator in marine safety and

environmental issues, and routinely tests and

reports on boating safety equipment and other

products.

Marine Retailers Association of America

http://www.mraa.com

MRAA is the nation’s largest marine retailers

trade association, representing an industry with

more than 100,000 employees and nearly $20

billion in sales annually. The mission of the

MRAA—Progress through Participation with

Industry Partners—is accomplished by

promoting programs and services and helping

create an environment that helps marine

retailers to operate. MRAA promotes and

furthers the interests of all its member

companies and the marine industry in general.

Center for Marine Conservation

http://www.cmc-ocean.org

The Center for Marine Conservation is

committed to protecting ocean environments

and conserving the global abundance and

diversity of marine life. Through science-based

advocacy, research, and public education, CMC

promotes informed citizen participation to

reverse the degradation of our oceans.

BoatFacts Online

http://www.boatfacts.com/home.asp

Information on boating products, publications,

marinas, classifieds, engines, boats, legislative

issues, organizations, discussion forums, and a

boating calendar.
E–vi

Appendix E
Appendix F

Storm Water Runoff Management Practice Tables
F–ii

Management Practice Advantages Disadvantages 

Runoff control ponds Wet pond • Can provide peak flow control

• Can serve large developments; most cost-effective for larger,

more intensively developed sites

• Enhances aesthetics and provides recreational benefits• Little ground water discharge• Permanent pool in wet ponds helps to prevent scour and

resuspension of sediments

• Provides moderate to high removal of both particulate and

soluble urban runoff pollutants

• Not economical for drainage area less than 10 acres• Potential safety hazards if not properly maintained• If not adequately maintained, can be an eyesore, breed

mosquitoes, and create undesirable odors

• Requires considerable space, which limits use in densely

urbanized areas with expensive land and property values

• Not suitable for hydrologic soil groups “A” and “B” (USDA

NRCS classification) unless a liner is used

• With possible thermal discharge and oxygen depletion, may

severely impact downstream aquatic life

Infiltration practicesInfiltrationbasin

• Provides ground water recharge• Can serve large developments• High removal capability for particulate pollutants and

moderate removal for soluble pollutants

• When basin works, it can replicate predevelopment

hydrology more closely than other BMP options

• Basins provide more habitat value than other infiltration

systems

• Possible risk of contaminating ground water• Only feasible where soil is permeable and there is sufficien

depth to rock and water table

• Fairly high failure rate• If not adequately maintained, can be and eyesore, breed

mosquitoes, and create undesirable odors

• Regular maintenance activities cannot prevent rapid cloggi

of infiltration basin

Infiltration trench

• Provides ground water recharge• Can serve small drainage areas• Can fit into medians, perimeters, and other unused areas of a

development site

• Helps replicate predevelopment hydrology, increases dry

weather baseflow, and reduces bankfull flooding frequency

• Possible risk of contaminating ground water• Only feasible where soil is permeable and there is sufficien

depth to rock and water table

• Since not as visible as other BMPs, less likely to be

maintained by residents

• Requires significant maintenance

Porouspavement

• Provides ground water recharge• Provides water quality control without additional

consumption of land 

• Can provide peak flow control• High removal rates for sediment, nutrients, organic matter,

and trace metals

• When operating properly can replicate predevelopment

hydrology

• Eliminates the need for runoff drainage, conveyance, and

treatment systems off-site

• Requires regular maintenance• Possible risk of contaminating ground water• Only feasible where soil is permeable, there is sufficient

depth to rock and water table, and there are gentle slopes

• Not suitable for areas with high traffic volume• Need extensive feasibility tests, inspections, and very high

level of construction workmanship (Schueler, 1987)

• High failure rate due to clogging• Not suitable to serve large off-site pervious areas

Concrete gridpavement

• Can provide peak flow control• Provides ground water recharge• Provides water quality control without additional

consumption of land

• Requires regular maintenance• Not suitable for areas with high traffic volume• Possible risk of contaminating ground water• Only feasible where soil is permeable, there is sufficient

depth to rock and water table, and there are gentle slopes

Table F-1. Advantages and disadvantages of management practices (MDE, 2000).
F–iii

Management

Practice Advantages Disadvantages 

Filtering practicesFiltration basin • Ability to accommodate medium-size development (3-80

acres)

• Flexibility to provide or not provide ground water recharge• Can provide peak volume control

• Requires pretreatment of stormwater through sedimentation

to prevent filter media from prematurely clogging

Open channel practicesGrassed swale • Requires minimal land area

• Can be used as part of the runoff conveyance system to

provide pretreatment

• Can provide sufficient runoff control to replace curb and

gutter in single-family residential subdivisions and onhighway medians

• Economical

• Low pollutant removal rates• Leaching from culverts and fertilized lawns may actually

increase the presence of trace metals and nutrients

Structural management practices that do not fully meet the 80% TSS requirementVegetated filterstrip

• Low maintenance requirements• Can be used as part of the runoff conveyance system to

provide pretreatment

• Can effectively reduce particulate pollutant levels in areas

where runoff velocity is low to moderate

• Provides excellent urban wildlife habitat• Economical

• Often concentrates water, which significantly reduces

effectiveness

• Ability to remove soluble pollutants highly variable• Limited feasibility in highly urbanized areas where runoff

velocities are high and flow is concentrated

• Requires periodic repair, regrading, and sediment removal 

prevent channelization 

Water qualityinlet: catchbasin with sandfilter

• Provide high removal efficiencies of particulates• Require minimal land area• Flexibility to retrofit existing small drainage areas• Higher removal of nutrient as compared to catch basins and

oil/grit separator

• Not feasible for drainage areas greater than 5 acres• Only feasible for areas that are stabilized and highly

impervious

• Not effective as water quality control for intense storms

Water qualityinlet: oil/gritseparator

• Captures coarse-grained sediments and some hydrocarbons• Requires minimal land area• Flexibility to retrofit existing small drainage areas and

applicable to most urban areas

• Shows some capacity to trap trash, debris, and other

floatables

• Can be adapted to all regions of the country

• Not feasible for drainage area greater than 1 acre• Minimal nutrient and organic matter removal• Not effective as water quality control for intense storms• Concern exists for the pollutant toxicity of trapped residual• Require high maintenance

Extendeddetention drypond withmicropool

• Can provide peak flow control• Possible to provide good particulate removal• Can serve large development• Requires less capital cost and land area when compared to

wet pond

• Does not generally release water or anoxic water downstream• Provides excellent protection for downstream channel erosion• Can create valuable wetland and meadow habitat when

properly landscaped

• Removal rates for soluble pollutants are quite low• Not economical for drainage area less than 10 acres• If not adequately maintained, can be an eyesore, breed

mosquitoes, and create undesirable odors

aComparative cost information from Schueler, 1992

Table F-1. (cont.)
F–iv

 Table F-2. Costs of selected management practices (Claytor and Scheuler, 1996; Brown and Schueler, 1997).
F–v

 Table F-2. (cont.)
F–vi

Appendix F