FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 13, 2005
CONTACT: Jill Johnson, (904) 759-2795

Julington Creek Marina Receives Environmental Designation

--Marina takes important steps to protect water quality--

JACKSONVILLE – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), together with the Clean Boating Partnership, today recognized Julington Creek Marina as the State’s 91st Clean Marina and the 6th in Duval County.

“Clean water is vital to Florida’s environment and economy, and Clean Marinas and Clean Boatyards such as Julington Creek lead the way in protecting this precious resource,” said DEP Northeast District Acting Director Bill Green. “The Clean Marina designation verifies that marinas are taking the necessary steps to protect our waterways.”

Julington Creek Marina constructed a liquid waste storage area, installed a pump out system for boaters and increased public education of clean boating habits. By promoting clean boating for their customers, Julington Creek Marina is ensuring that Florida’s waterways remain clean and protected.

“Preserving Florida’s clean waters is essential to our economy and to the quality of life we enjoy in Florida,” said DEP Division of Law Enforcement Assistant Director Maury Kolchakian. “With thousands of boaters using Florida waters every day, this public-private partnership benefits the marine industry and the environment.”

More than 2,000 marinas currently provide services to thousands of boaters using state waters daily. The effects of year-round boating activities contribute to constant and growing pressure on Florida’s sensitive aquatic and marine ecosystems. In response, the Clean Boating Partnership, which includes the Department of Environmental Protection, Marine Industries Association of Florida, Florida Sea Grant Program, United States Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary, developed the Clean Marina Program to help marinas, boatyards and boaters protect Florida’s waterways using simple environmental practices that prevent pollution.

Florida’s Clean Marinas go above and beyond required environmental regulations by adopting safeguards that keep solvents, sewage, fuel and oil out of the water, while protecting manatees and other marine creatures.

By educating boaters and improving operations at marine facilities, Florida’s Clean Marinas are helping to ensure a sustainable future for the environment, for boaters and for the billion-dollar marine industry.

“Clean water is the lifeblood of tourism, the marine industry and the boating public in Florida,” said Allison Underwood, Chair of the Clean Boating Partnership. “Our Partnership goal is to protect fragile ecosystems while ensuring continued public enjoyment of our waters. The link between this industry and clean water is clear. By recognizing Clean Marinas, boaters can apply what we call ‘pier pressure’ on behalf of the environment.”