Clean Texas Marina Program
Marinas are good business
Why should I be a Clean Texas Marina?
By adopting pollution prevention measures, marine operators can:
• reduce costs associated with waste disposal and management
• generate new sources of revenue from waste, improved utility management and recycling program
• attract responsible customers that will respect and follow clean boating practices
• enjoy free publicity and participate in environmental awards programs
• take satisfaction in the fact that they are doing their part to protect Texas waterways.
Steps to Becoming a Clean Texas Marina
1. Learn more about the Clean Texas Marina Program. Call the Clean Texas Marina Office (979-845-3857) or go to www.cleanmarinas.org to review a copy of the Texas Clean Marina Guidebook, pledge form, award checklist and other program information. Free printed copies of these materials will be sent to you upon receipt of your order.
2. Take the Clean Texas Marina Pledge. By signing the pledge, you commit to “do your part to keep Texas waterways free of the harmful chemicals, excess nutrients and debris.” Send us a photocopy of the signed pledge and then display the original in a public area so your customers will be aware of your commitment to clean water. We will acknowledge your participation in the Clean Texas Marina Program and include your facility’s name on our web page and in public displays. The pledge expires one year from the date you sign it. You may renew the pledge by contacting the Clean Texas Marina office if you are unable to achieve the goal in one year.
3. Conduct a self-assesment of your property. Assess your own facility using the Clean Texas Marina Checklist and the Clean Texas Marina Guidebook.
4. Call a mentor or the Clean Texas Marina staff to answer questions. Do not be discouraged if you initially have difficulty meeting the minimum scores. We want to help you become a Clean Texas Marina. Please call the Clean Texas Marina office. We will put you in touch with a marina operator certified in the Program if we cannot answer your questions.
5. Schedule a confirmation visit. Once you are satisfied that your facility meets the award standard described on the Clean Texas Marina checklist, call the Clean Texas Marina office to schedule a confirmation visit. A representative from the Clean Texas Marina office will visit your facility to verify the items checked on the award Checklist.
6. Enjoy your rewards! As a Clean Texas Marina, you will be authorized to use the Clean Texas Marina logo on your letterhead and in your advertising. You will receive a certificate, a burgee to fly from your property and a free online business card on the Clean Texas Marina web site. Your facility will also be included in Clean Texas Marina publications and on public displays.
7. Maintain your Clean Texas Marina status. A Clean Texas Marina representative will contact you at least every third year to schedule a meeting at a mutually convenient time to reaffirm Clean Texas Marina status.
What is the Clean Marina Program?
The Clean Texas Marina Program assists marina, boatyard, and yacht club operators to protect the resources that provide their livelihood: clean water and fresh air. It is a voluntary program that gives managers the resources they need to minimize pollution. The Program also recognizes environmentally-responsible facilities as “Certified Clean Texas Marinas.”
Clean Marina Materials
The following materials are available free of charge from the Clean Texas Marina Office:
The Clean Texas Marina Guidebook: A comprehensive review of pollution prevention practices for marinas. Chapters address: siting considerations for all marinas; marina design and maintenance; stormwater management; vessel maintenance and repair; petroleum control; sewage handling; waste containment and disposal; marina management; and laws and regulations.
Clean Boating Tips: Found on this information card are tips and information for boaters dedicated to keeping their boats clean and safe. Order copies for each slipholder!
Don’t Pollute: A Pump-Out Guide for Boats: The brochure contains a comprehensive list of Texas coastal and inland marinas equipped with pump-out stations. The brochure includes contact information for those marinas as well as helpful tips for healthy boat sanitation procedures.
Clean Texas Boater Brochure: The brochure contains details about the Clean Texas Boater Program, tips on becoming a Clean Texas Boater and also a pledge card to become part of the Clean Texas Boater Program.
Petroleum Control Kits: Contains an oil absorbent pad, oil spill control brochure, fuel collar and other spill prevention materials and information. Available to all boaters.
The Clean Texas Marina Program is a joint project of the Texas Sea Grant College Program,
Marina Association of Texas (MAT),
the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD).
(979) 845-3857 • Fax: (979) 845-7525
www.cleanmarinas.org
The facilities and services of Texas Sea Grant College Program are available to all without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, or physical or mental ability.
