FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 10, 2001
Frenchman's Marina
Palm Beach County's Newest Clean Marina
On Saturday,
October 20, 2001 in Palm Beach Gardens, the Florida Department of
Environmental Protection (DEP) Southeast District designated Frenchman’s
Marina as a “Clean Marina.” This designation recognizes Frenchman’s
Marina’s commitment toward protecting and preserving aquatic ecosystems.
Melissa Meeker, DEP's Southeast District Director, welcomed the guests and
boaters in attendance. In his opening remarks, Representative Jeffrey H.
Atwater, Florida District 83, explained why clean water is so important to
his constituents in northern Palm Beach County and all Floridians.
Presentations were also made by Lou Daniello, Treasurer, Marine Industries
Association of Palm Beach County and Cheryl McKee, DEP's Southeast District
Clean Marina Coordinator. At the end of the ceremony Ms. Meeker presented
Greg Nechay, the dockmaster, with the Clean Marina flag. The flag was raised
for all to see that Frenchman's Marina is Florida's newest Clean Marina.
Today
Florida is home to nearly 2,000 marinas and over 800,000 registered boaters.
In addition, an estimated 400,000 boats visit our waters annually. Clean
water is essential to the multi-billion dollar marine industry and critical
for protecting sensitive habitats, manatees and other aquatic animals. The
effects of year-round boating activities contribute to constant and growing
pressure on Florida’s fragile aquatic ecosystems. The Clean Marina
designation recognizes marinas that are operating their facility in an
environmentally conscientious manner.
The
Clean Marina Program was developed by a partnership that includes DEP,
Marine Industries Association, Florida Sea Grant Program, and the United
States Coast Guard. In order to receive the Clean Marina designation,
marinas must comply with all environmental regulations and meet Clean Marina
Criteria. Clean Marinas adopt safeguards that help keep solvents, sewage and
fuel out of the water, while protecting manatees and other creatures that
live in the water. The Clean Marina designation gives boaters a
recognizable, environmentally sound choice for their service and mooring
needs.
Among
the environmental services Frenchman’s Marina provides its customers are
sewage pumpout, plastic and aluminum recycling, biodegradable soaps and
other environmental products which are sold in their ship’s store.
Frenchman’s Marina provides boaters with environmental education materials
including manatee brochures, Lake Worth Lagoon Boater Guides, Clean Boater
Habits brochures and information from the Palm Beach County Solid Waste
Authority regarding convenient, free disposal of hazardous wastes such as
solvents and out-of-date flares generated by boaters. Throughout the marina
signs are posted on waste receptacles informing boaters not to place
hazardous waste or used oil inside, but to contact the dockmaster for proper
disposal. Manatee protection signs and proper fueling methods are posted at
the fuel dock.
Frenchman’s
Marina Contact: Greg Nechay (561) 627-6358
-30-
Visit
the Clean Marina Website
Visit
Frenchman's Marina Website
