Wisconsin Lends Expertise to Certify a Clean Marina in a Neighboring State

Oct. 13, 2015

The Wisconsin Marine Association (WMA) announced it has bestowed clean marina status to the Port of Dubuque Marina, which met the required number of green-management practices.

The designation comes at the hands of a rigorous training and certification process carried out by the WMA, Wisconsin Sea Grant and other partners. The business becomes the 21st clean marina designated by the WMA, and the first to be designated outside the state of Wisconsin.          

“Obtaining a Clean Marina certification has been a goal of ours since opening the Port of Dubuque Marina in June of 2013,” said Ben Alden, facility supervisor. “After learning the state of Iowa had not developed a Clean Marina certification process, we joined the Wisconsin Marine Association, which offered us the opportunity to become Iowa's first certified clean marina.”

According to Alden, “The city of Dubuque, Iowa, strives to improve and maintain current green initiatives in an effort to become a more sustainable community. The city of Dubuque, Iowa, sits along the banks of the Mississippi River, a river which is enjoyed by many members of the community through boating, fishing, swimming and paddling. Obtaining the Clean Marina certification emphasizes our commitment to ensuring the water and habitat along the river are pristine, and the people and wildlife are safe.”

“As the newest certified clean marina member of the Wisconsin Marine Association our journey has just begun,” said Alden. “I hope to use the information learned to educate local and visiting boaters on the best management practices of a clean marina, and to make the Mississippi River a cleaner and more enjoyable place for all.”

Marinas and related industries and services contribute more than $2.7 billion to Wisconsin's economy. The voluntary, industry-led Clean Marina Program ensures clean boating practices that benefit the environment, and marinas alike. Best-management practices include preventing the release of water pollutants from boat fueling, petroleum storage and vessel maintenance.

“Participating marinas and boatyards benefit in many ways, including cost savings from reduced hazardous waste disposal, fewer pollutant cleanups and lower insurance rates,” said the WMA’s Clean Marina Program Coordinator Vicky Harris. “Designated marinas are safer and healthier facilities for employees and boaters while also protecting valuable public benefits like swimming, fishing and drinking water.”

The Wisconsin Clean Marina Program is administered by the WMA with assistance from Sea Grant and the Wisconsin Coastal Management Program. Additional partners include the University of Wisconsin-Extension Solid and Hazardous Waste Education Center, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources-Office of the Great Lakes and the U.S. Coast Guard.