South Carolina Certifies Lighthouse Marina a Clean Marina
July 15, 2009
COLUMBIA, SC – July 15, 2009 – At the South Carolina Marine Association’s Annual Meeting last Thursday, the SC Clean Marina program awarded certification to Lighthouse Marina in Chapin, SC. Lighthouse Marina is the first certifed Clean Marina on Lake Murray and one of only twelve marinas in South Carolina to attain this status.
“The program has stagnated for the last couple of years,” said Bob Pilcher, SCMA President. “SCMA got together with the Department of Health & Environmental Control and the Department of Natural Resources to revitalize it with a new guidebook and checklist.” The new Clean Marina system is more streamlined, but the standards are more stringent. Lighthouse Marina was the first in SC to pass the new standards, followed closely by Port Royal Landing Marina in Port Royal, SC.
It was clearly evident from the inspection that the facility manager, Captain Stan Jones, and his staff had worked diligently to prove themselves and their business as good stewards of the environment.
Clean Marina designations must be recertifed every five years. SCMA plans to recertify the existing Clean Marinas next. The program will be open to new applicants in January 2009. Those interested should contact SCMA.
The Clean Marina Initiative is a voluntary program promoted by NOAA and others. It helps reduce pollution in US waters by encouraging environmentally-friendly marina and boating practices. The various state programs offer information, guidance, and technical assistance to marina operators, local governments, and recreational boaters on Best Management Practices that can be used to prevent or reduce pollution.
“I care about Lake Murray because my daughter will swim in it. I’m very proud to manage a marina that cares about the environment.,” said Captain Stan Jones, manager of Lighthouse Marina.
Stan also challenges the other marinas on Lake Murray to take the steps to protect our Jewel of the Midlands.
The South Carolina Marine Association represents boating businesses and boaters in SC. Lighthouse Marina is owned and operated by Bert Pooser and IMIC Hotels.
