Serves As Model For Environmental Practices
Without much fanfare, the New Rochelle Marina has quietly positioned itself as one of the “greenest” such facilities in the region, setting an outstanding example of enlightened environmental stewardship. Following is a sampling of practices initiated or employed by Marina Harbormaster Sal Gugliara:
- All catch basins now have hydro-carbon filters to prevent storm water run off.
- An oil-water separator has been installed in the wash down area to prevent run off during bottom washing.
- Filter and hay bails are used during bottom washing to prevent paint chips and other foreign debris from entering the harbor.
- All boat bottom wash water is recycled and reused saving approx 30,000 gallons of water per year. In addition, filtration removes heavy metals (zinc, copper, lead) as well as paint chips and aquatic growth from reentering the Long Island Sound.
- Last year, the Marina created a shrink-wrap recycling program involving all the marinas in the New Rochelle community. Approximately 20,000 pounds of low density polyethylene plastic was removed from the waste stream. This program is expected to continue in 2009.
- This year the marina has switched vendors and will only use environmentally sound cleaning products made of all-natural, mostly citrus, non-toxic ingredients.
- All light bulbs as needed are being switched to longer-lasting CFLs.
- As upgrades to the facility take place, occupancy sensors are being installed in bathrooms and non-essential areas.
- The Marina facilitates the collection of waste oil, paints and used bottom painting brushes for proper disposal.
- Through grants, the Marina has upgraded its pump-out facility and will operate a pump-out boat to service all New Rochelle area marinas.
- Fuel spill prevention rings are used during fueling on the gas dock.
- A program of daily sweeping of the parking lot area during summer months prevents parking lot run off.
- Marina personnel use battery-powered vehicles as much as possible to complete daily tasks.
- All power equipment purchased runs on rechargeable batteries when possible.
- Recycling of paper and cans/bottles is strictly enforced during the summer season, with sorting done by Marina staff.
- Lumber from current dock resurfacing will be recycled, thus saving on carting costs.