Point Roberts Marina is committed to preserving our aquatic heritage and enhancing our environment through proper management of all activities that occur within our Marina Facility. Given this commitment, and in accordance with the Department of Ecology rules, United States Coast Guard regulations and the Federal Clean water Act, we have established these best Management Practices with the expectation that, with the cooperation and support of all of our Marina Customers, they will help to ensure the safekeeping of our harbor and marine environment.
Marina Management and Your Moorage Contract requires that all vessel owners adhere to the following Best Management Practices. They are common-sense procedures to ensure CLEAN BOATING and the protection of our marine heritage.
We Disallow In-Water Hull Scraping or any process that occurs underwater which removes paint from the hull. We limit in-water repairs and refinishing of boats to decks and superstructures only. This work will entail an annual maximum of 25% of the area, in which case, tarps and dust, drip and spill control measures are mandatory to ensure there is zero discharge to waterways. Refinishing work from boats and temporary floats is prohibited.
Bilge Water Management and Used Oil – Discharge of contaminated bilge water is illegal. Do not discharge bilge water that is contaminated with oil, detergents, and engine coolant or bilge cleaners. This discharge is toxic to marine life. Fines can be as high as $20,000 per day, per violation. Do not drain oil into the bilge, use proper pumps or trays for withdrawal. Fit a tray or absorbent pads underneath engine to collect drips. Recycle fuel oils properly, see staff for authorized disposal sites, and never put it into a garbage collection site. Filters can be left for disposal at the Oil Drop collection site on Marina premises at the main building.
Painting and Varnishing – Limit the amount of open solvents or paints you are using on the docks into small quantities and always mix paints and epoxy over tarps or drop cloths. When doing work over the water, use drop cloths to catch all falling particles. When you have leftover paint to be disposed of, spread it onto an old board and then dispose of. Spray painting of any kind is not allowed in the Marina. Use biodegradable cleansers and teak cleaners. Liberally use tarps to collect all scrapings, debris and drips. Stretch tarps between side of the boat and the dock when working over the water. Vacuum the dust and debris every time you move the tarp or at least every hour. Reverse the boat in your slip to work on the other side if necessary. And, as much as possible, use equipment with vacuum attachments to contain loose particles.
SEWAGE
Black Water – It is illegal to dump any untreated sewage within the 3 mile territorial limit of the United States Coast. This includes Puget Sound and all of its fresh water tributaries and Point Roberts Marina. If equipped, your Y-valves must be safely wired to ensure sewage flows into your holding tank. All vessels mooring in the US are required to have a holding tank installed or a Porta-potty available for use. If you have a Type I or II Sanitation System installed on board, you are not allowed to discharge it while in any Marina.
Gray Water – If a gray water discharge has an oil sheen, discoloration or displays turbidity to the receiving water, this violates the Department of Ecology’s water quality standards (RCW 90.48) – for example, soap suds in the water violates this standard. Vessel owners are subject to fines and penalties when this standard is violated.
Pets – Pet waste can be a substantial source of fecal contamination to the waters of Point Roberts Marina. All pet waste must be promptly removed and disposed of in the garbage.
HAZARDOUS / SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL
Hazardous Waste – Many marine-grade products are highly toxic and represent a significant threat to the environment even in very small quantities. If you are uncertain about a particular product, put it into a labeled container and speak with our staff. We will direct you towards a safe environmental disposal of the material. This would include Bilge Water, Anti-freeze, Transmission Fluids, Solvents and some paints.
Solid Waste – We have shore side receptacles for non-hazardous waste along with recycling bins for your glass and can items. Cardboard can still be recycled at the Main Marina Building.
Chemical Storage – Hazardous products like solvents, thinners and some paints should always be stored in a labeled container for easy identification. Items like thinners that often come in a can will rust over time and leak. Seasonally it is a good idea to go through your hazardous chemicals and review their container’s condition. Do not store more than 3 gallons of any hazardous paints and solvents.