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VERO BEACH – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP),
together with the Clean Boating Partnership, reached a milestone in water
quality improvement and protection today, recognizing Quail Valley River Club of
Vero Beach as Florida’s 100th Clean Marina. Florida’s 100 marinas and boatyards
designated as environmentally-friendly dot the state’s coastline from the
emerald waters of the panhandle to the island chain of the Florida Keys and as
far north as Jacksonville.
“Achieving this milestone demonstrates the remarkable success of cooperative
pollution prevention partnerships that are protecting the state’s rivers,
estuaries and coastal waters,” said DEP Secretary Colleen M. Castille. “Clean
water is vital to Florida’s environment and economy and these 100 marine
facilities are recognized as leaders in implementing cost-saving environmental
safeguards.”
Located in Vero Beach on the Indian River Lagoon, Florida’s 100th Clean
Marina -- the Quail Valley River Club -- is a 10-acre resort that operates a
43-slip marina, complete with fueling, pump-outs and dock master services. The
resort also provides a clubhouse, tennis facility, fitness center, spa and
boathouse for its 630 members.
“Our ownership, staff and members are ecstatic to receive Clean Marina
designation, and we’re proud to be flying the flag as Florida’s 100th Clean
Marina,” said Kevin Given, Quail Valley River Club’s Chief Operating Officer.
“It’s important for our members to be associated with a club that strives for
environmental excellence.”
Like other Clean Marinas, Quail Valley River Club went 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, Quail Valley is helping ensure a sustainable future for the
environment, for boaters and for Florida’s billion-dollar marine industry.
“DEP’s Central District is excited to host Florida’s 100th Clean Marina,”
said DEP Central District Director Vivian Garfein. “We are proud of Quail Valley
River Club and the state’s other Clean Marinas for the strides taken to reduce
waste, prevent pollution and protect Florida’s natural resources.”
Florida’s marinas currently provide services to thousands of boaters using
state waters daily. The effects of year-round boating 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.
“We are particularly pleased to congratulate and recognize Quail Valley River
Club for being the 100th Clean Marina in Florida. This recognition demonstrates
our commitment to the boating community and to protecting the waters of
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.”
Designated in June 2000, the Pensacola Shipyard Marina was Florida’s first
Clean Marina. Since then, the State has designated marinas in two inland
counties and 24 of Florida’s 35 coastal counties. Fifteen of Florida’s 100 Clean
Marinas are located in DEP’s Central District, specifically Volusia, Brevard,
Seminole and Indian River Counties.
“Quail Valley River Club deserves commendation for their commitment to
protect the waters of the Indian River and educate the boating public about this
ecologically crucial ecosystem on Florida’s east coast,” said Allison Underwood,
Chair of the Clean Boating Partnership. “It is with honor and pride that the DEP
and the Clean Boating Partnership congratulate Quail Valley as our state’s 100th
Clean Marina facility! Our accolades go out to the ownership, management and
staff of their facility for their continued efforts.”
For more information about the Clean Marina Program, visit
http://www.floridacleanboatingpartnership.com.
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2010 State of Florida