For Immediate Release May 16, 2008
Contact:
Carolyn Casey, Port of Bellingham: 360-676-2500
Squalicum Harbor Marina Earns 5-Star EnviroStar Rating
Squalicum also Awarded Clean Marina Leadership Award
[Bellingham, Wash.] This month the Port of Bellingham's Squalicum Harbor received the highest possible rating from the regional EnviroStar program that is dedicated to pollution prevention.
"You have demonstrated a real commitment to reducing and properly managing hazardous waste and to educating boaters and the entire community about the importance of protecting the environment," said Alice Cords, EnviroStar representative, as she presented a plaque to the Port's Board of Commissioners.
Cords emphasized that earning a five star rating as well as earning a Clean Marina Leadership Award meant that Squalicum Harbor developed a strong program for its own operations and provided leadership through innovative techniques and educational efforts on its website, news letters and marina signage. Sewage pumpout facilities developed at Squalicum Harbor now are being used as a model by other marinas, Cords said.
"Congratulations to all of the marina staff," said Port Commission President Doug Smith. "This is an important award and I look forward to even more of our Port operations seeking this certification."
As part of the certification effort, Squalicum Harbor staff increased signage for oil spill notification, enhanced educational information at its Oil Waste Collection facilities that allow oil recycling and improved some of its best management practices. The harbor also was noted for its well-run waste collection and recycling facilities, its comprehensive environmental oversight of tenants and customers and its oil spill response training.
The Port of Bellingham's other marina, Blaine Harbor, earned a five star EnviroStar rating in 2005.
In Whatcom County the EnviroStars program is administered by Whatcom County's Solid Waste Division.
