Introduction

The .lean'I'exa» Marina Fr»gram is a proactive partnership designedto encourage n!arina», h<iatyards and h»ater» t<> use simple, inno~-ative

solutions to keep'I'<.xa» c<!astal and inland waterway resources clean..The

Pr<>gram assists these <>perat<!rs in pr<itecting thc re»ources that provide

their livelihood � clean wat<.r and fresh air. The Fr»~ram i» distributing acomprehensive pollution prevention guidcb<!<!k f<ir marina», recognizes

"Clean Marinas" through a de»igrtati<>n and incentive awards pro~~m, aridconducts outreach activities to further promote environmentally rc»p»n-sihle marina and boating practices. The basic goal »f the Pr<>gram is

pollution prevention hy making n!arinas, boatyanIs and boaters morea~ are of erivironmental laws, rttles and jurisdiction», and t» gct a» many

marinas as possible to follow best management practices and to bedesignated "Clean Marinas."

Clean Texas Marina Guidebook

The Clean Texas AEarinu Guidebook provides an overview of

actions that marine industry professionals can take to protect water

and air qualiry. It is written for managers of all types of boating facili-

ties, but ftllI-»ervice marina» with boatyards are the majOr target audi-ence.'I'he rcc<imrnendati<in» in this mamial are equally applicable to

marina» with limited services, independent hoatyards and marine

contractors. The goal is to enc»uragc inf<irm< d decision making thatle xls t» a reduction in h<iating-related pollution. The Guidebook

pr<ivides advice on the following topics.

5 Siting considerations for new and expanding marina»~ Marina design and main t<.nance

~ Storrnwater management

~ Vessel maintenance and repair~ Fetroleum con trol

~ Sewage handling

~ %'aste containment and disposal

~ Marina management~ Laws and regulations

Hy adopting the hest management practices recon!mended

throughout this Guidebook, you will demonstrate your contmitmentt<i erivironmentaI stev ardship. Those inarinas that adopt a significant

pr<ip<>rtion <if the hest rnanagcment practices suggested within the r'uideb<>ok will he r< c»gniz< d and designated as lean Texas Marinas.

'I'hey will receive a certificate acknowledging their environmentallyresponsible actions, auth<>rirati<!n t» u»e the :lean T< xa» Marina logoon letterhead and in advertising, a burgee to fly from their pr<>perl.y,

<: lean Texas Marina <ini~lehnnk 1

and promotion in the Clean Texa» Marina Program publications andweb site and at public events.You can also he proud that you aredoing your share to pr<>tect the natural resources ofTexas up<in whichwe all depend. Additionally, your marina or boatyard will be a safer.healthier place to work, You may be able to save money hy reducingy<>ur costs for materials and f<>r waste cleanup and di»posal.You niayincrease your income by renting out equipment such as vacuumsanders aiul by selling recyclable niaterials such as batteries andreu»able <>il»pill kits, ;leaner, more efficient equipment will increaseyour staff's productivity, Your liability associated with waste handlingmay als<i hc reduced, and your facility wiH be more attractive t<> thosewho care about the health of our water, land and a.ir.

How to use this guidebook

The Clean Texas,Marina Guidebook is intended to be used as a

reference docuinent. Refer t»»elected chapters as needed. For ex-ample, all the <iil spill control information would be under the chapterheading, A'troleurn Control.

C'lean Boating Ti J>,Sheets are included in the Guidebo<>k.Theyaddress vessel cleaning and maintenance, petroleum control, vesselsewage, and waste containment and disposal. These tip she<..t» aremeant t<> be photocopied and distributed to boaters.'1'here i»»ornespace on each sheet to include your marina's name and logo.

Throughout the C'rridebook you will find references to additionalsources of inforrnati<>n. :<intact inf<>rmation and brief descriptions <>fservices offered liy each agency is listed at the end of the regulatorysection aking with web sites for specific services offered.

Nho is involved?

The Texas Sea Grant .ollege Program developed the :lean'I'ex:r»Marina Program in partnership with the Texas General land Office,Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission, Marina A»»<>ciati<in

<ifTexa», the Marina Advis<iry Board and <>thers listed in theAcknowledgernent Section <>f the document. Financial support for theClean Texas Marina Program was provided by grants fr<>m the Nati<>nal !ceanic and Atm<>»pheric Administration awarded through the TexasCoastal C<>ordination Council and the State <>f Texas and through theNational Sea Grant Office.

Ulhat about the boaters?

The support and patronage of boaters is key t<i the success of the :lean'I'exas Marina Program The Program has incorporated educa-

ti<>nal materials for boaters into the C~uidebonk in order to pr<imote

environmentally resp<>nsible boating,

Steps to Being a Clenn Texas Marina

1. Learn about the Clean Texas Marina Program

Attend a workshop. call the Clean Texas Marina office or visit <iur

web page at www.cleanmarina.org/ to obtain a copy <if the Cle in

Texas czarina 6'uid book, the designation checklist, pledge and other

program information,

2. Take the Clean Texas Marina Pledge

By signing the pledge, you coininit to "do your part to improve the

envir >nmental quality of Texas waterways, encourage voluntary par-

ticipation. support the regulatory process, create a strong environmen-

tal ethic, and promote individual responsibility through public educa-ti in."

Fend us a photocopy <if the signed pledge and then display theoriginal in a public area so that your customers will be aware of your

commitment to clean water. We will prepare a news release acknowl-

edging y iur participati in in the .lean 1' xa» Marina Program and will

include y<>ur facility'» naine <in our web page and in public displays.

The pledge expire» >ne year fr irn the date y >u sign it. If you are

unable t > achieve the goal in >ne year, y<>u may renew the pledge by

c<>ntacting the Clean Texa» Marina office.

3. Conduct a self-assessment of your property

Asse»» y >ur own facility using the .lean Texas Marina Checklist and

the Clean TexasÃarina uidebo<>k.

4. Call upon a mentor or Clean Texas Marina staff to answer anyquestions.

D<> n >t be discouraged if y<>u initially have difficulty meeting the

ininirnum scores. We want to help you become a Clean Texas Marina.

Please call either the Marina Association of Texas at 871! 451-8870 or

the Clean Texas Marina office. If we cannot answer your questions

directly, we will put you in touch with one of the marina operators

who have helped to develop the Clean Texas Marina Program.

5. Schedule a confirmation visit

Once you are satisfied that your facility ineets the designationstandard described on the Clean Texas Marina Checklist, caH the Clean

Texas Marina office to schedule a confirmation visit.A representative

from the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission's Small

Business and Environmental Assistance Division, Clean Texas Marina

; can'rexas Marina .ni leho<ik 3

office and a marina <>perat<ir from the Clean Texas Marina Advisory

Board will visit your facility to verify the items checked <>n the :h«ck-

llst.

b. Enjoy your rewardslAs a Clean Texas Marina, you will be authorized to use th<- :1< an

Texas Marina logo on your letterhead and in your advertising, You will

receive a certificate, a burgee to fly from your property and a free

online busine»s card on the Cl«an Texa» Marina web»it«.Y<>ur facility

will al»o he included in .leaii T«xas Marina publications and publi«

display». Furtherm<>re, :lean'I'exa» Marina staff will help y<iu prepare a

n«ws release recognizing your deinonstiated cornrnitinent to <..nviron-

mental stewardship,

7. Maintain your Clean Texas Marina status

Annually, confirm in writing that you contimie to in«et the designa-

ti<in standard» de»cribed <in the : lean Texa» Marina :heckli»t, At l«a»t.

every third y<.ar, a ;l«an T«xa» Marina r«pr«sentative will c<>ntact y<iu

to set up a nieeting at a. mutually convenient time to reaffirm Clean

Texas Marina status.

Clean'1'exas Marina Program

Texas Sea rant College Program2700 Earl Rudder Freeway South, Suite 181�College Station, TX 77845 979! 845-5857, fax P�9! H-i5-7525,or email: dhollineunix.tamu.cdu

Siting

Siting Considerations for New and Expanding Marinas

Envirotnnental Concerns

~ Environmental Review

~ United States Army Corps of Engineers~ State Water Quality Certification

Site Selection Guidelines

~ Redevelop Existing Sites~ Characterize Project Site~ Identify Rare and Endangered Species~ Avoid Suhnierged Aquatic Vegetation~ Minimize Disturbance to Wetlands

~ Avoid Shellfish Beds

~ Avoid Critical Migration, Nesting, and Spawning Periods~ Avoid Colonial Waterfowl Nesting and Staging Areas~ Avoid Geographic and Hydrographic impediments~ Consider B<>ttom Con6guration~ Follow Natural Channels

~ Reflect desired capacity, services and access

Information Sources

Siting Considerations for Newand Expanding MarInas

Environmental Concerns

The natural plant and animal communities of coastal areas serve

inultiple functions. Wetland». for exan>pie, provide habitat for fish andfowl. They form a natural buffer against incoming storm» and act as a

filter to puriA stormwater runoff fr >in the land. Wetlands also mini-

mize erosion and support tourisin, hunting, and fishing. Because of the

ecological. economic, recreational, and aesthetic values inherent in

coa»tal resources, it is important that shore side development not

diminish these features.

United States Arrriq Carps af engineers

The majority of marina development and expansion projects,including dredging, will require a permit fr >in the Ariny Corps ofEngineers. Section 1 ! of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899 gave the

Army Corps authority to iegulate all work and structures in navigable

water» <>f the I united States. Section 4 � of the Federal Water Pollution

: >ntr<>l Act a.k.a. :lean Water Act! regulate» discharges of dredged or

fill materials into navigable waters, including wetlands.

State Woter Quality Certifi<:ation

If an Army ;orp Section 4 � permit is required, the'I'NR : ; wiH

also review the project plans submitted t > the COE prior to c >nstruc-

tion.l'he TNR X will evaluate the potential for adverse effects on

water quality or living re»ources caused by marina siting and construc-

tion, The Water Quality Certification process certifies that federallyperinitted activities will not violate Texas's water quality standards.

The Water Quality :ertification issued by TNRCC is then incorporated

into the feder<1 permit,

For a preliminary review of your proposed project, contact your

local USACE office,

Site Selection Guidelines

Site selection and design have a trernend<>us inipact on a facility' »

potential f >r water quality problems. Redevelop existing sites rather

than di»turhing pristine area» and place new facilitie» in previously

developed waterfront sites.

:lean Texas Marina <guidebook 5

Characterize Prc>ject Site.

Implement measures that ensure that rnarinas and auxiliary struc-

tures do n<!t cause direct <!r indirect adverse water quality impact» tofish, shellfish and wildlife habitat during and after marina con»truc-

ti<!n.

~ Identify habitat types and seasonal use of the site by fish, shell-

fish, waterfowl, and other organisms,

8 If necessary, hire a private consulting firm to perform the site

assessment.

identify Rare and Endangered Species.

~ Rare and endangered species may not be disturbed Federal

Endangered Species Act, Natural Resources Article �-2A-< ct

seq., and Natural Resource» Article $10-2A-Ol et seq.!.

~ All proposed devel<iprnent site» re»t be as»es»ed by the I J,S,

Fish and Wildlife Service USFWS! and the Texas Park» and

Wildlife Dept. TPWD! for endangered and threatened»pecies

and habitat protection areas,

~ If protected species are identified. you must irnplernent an

appr<ived pr<itecti<>n plan prior t<! project appr<ival.

Avoid Submerged Aquatic Vegetation

Suhinerged aquatic vegetation SAV! provides habitat f<!r»helifii»h

and finfish and f<><id for waterfowl. It is an indicat<ir of go<id vvater

quality,

~ Permits generally are not granted f<!r any new <ir expanded

construction that iinpacts existing SAV beds.

~ Site new or expanded rnarinas such that navigati<in <iver SAV

beds is n<>t necessary,

Minimize Disturbance to Wetlands.

~ Minimize di»turhance to wetlands and indigenou» vegetation in

riparian areas.

~ It is the g<ial of the State t<! preserve tidal wetland acreage andfunction.

~ Any constructi<>n that d<!es extend into tidal wetlands may

require authorizations, license», <>r permits fr<>rn the TN R X;,Army Corps of Engineers, and the Texas General Land Offic<.

TXGLO!.

~ Mitigation is required in cases where loss of wetland» i» unav<iid-

able.

Avoid Shellfish Beds.

l!eb> is anrt silt

te>z<l t<> e<>lie<'t in

j>o<>rip j'lz si>ed

areas anti u ill

ei entzcz tip settlet<> the b<>tt<»n. As

tbe <tet>ris is

deco>1 p<>seri 6 1

ha< teriit, ox! ge>zis r<. m<>ued frr>ni

the u ater. Water

Consider Bottom Configuration.

Follow Natural Channels.

Clean I<was 51arina < ui<lebook 7

New or expanded marinas should not be built in areas that may

adver»ely impact shellfish beds.

Avoid Critical Nligration, Nesting, and Spawning Periods.

~ Schedule constructi<>n to avoid critical niigration, nesting, and

spawning peri<>d» <>f inip<>rtant species of finfish. shellfish, andwilcllife.

~ C;on»ult with Texas Parks and%'ildlife for site-specific deterinina-

tions of the potential effect» of activities on wildlife populations.

Avoid Colonial Ujaterfowl Nesting and Staging Areas.

Regional waterfowl p<>pulations converge in certain area» to breed

and feed during specific times of year. The preservation of historicnesting and staging area» i» vital to the continued existence of many

waterbird species. Marina» must be such that the increased boatingactivities associated with ne~ or expanded marina» do not deter

waterfowl from using historic staging and concentration areas.

Avoid Geographic and Hydrographic Impediments.

Mater circulation and flushing characteristics are key deterniinant»

for location and favorable hydrographic characteristics with the

fewest inodifications can reduce potential impacts. Flushing is im-pelled at the head <>f tide and in areas where salinity or temperature

differences produce variations in water density. Variations in density

caii»< the water column to separate into distinct layers that <.1o notreadily mix.

~ A c<>ntinuou», gradual downward slope from the berthing area

into deeper water is ideal.

~ Avoid canals, irregular pockets, and sumps that are deeper than

adjacent channels.

~ Avoid dead-end channels to the greatest extent possible.

a Align entrance channels with natural channels to increase

flushing,

~ Boat lanes shouM progressively widen toward the seaward endand narrow toward the inland end to allow water to flow freely

and maintain its velocity within the marina.

qualify»iay

sufjer if o.iggen is

n<>t replacer/ as

quick;ly as it is

r< >nr>t:ed

~ Avoid locating the entrance channel perpendicular to the natu-

ral channel as shoaling and, therefore, dredging! is a potential

problem.

~ Avoid long winding channels connecting marinas to open water,

~ Where possible, establish two openings at opposite ends of theniarina to promote flow-through currents.

Reflect Desired Capacity, Services and Access.

Compr irnise in the design to reflect the desired capacity, services

and access, while minimizing enviriinmental impacts.

Information Sources

AppendixTexas Natural Resource Conservation Commission

1.J,S, Fish and Wikllife Service

Texas Park» and Wildlife 1!epartmentTexas general land Office

7 J.S.Army Corps of Engineers

Marino Design ond hhointenance

Environmental Concerns

Best Management Practices for Marina Facilities and Struc-tures

~ Use Fixed or Floating Piers t<> Enhance Water Circulation~ Use Environmentallv Neutral Materials

~ Limit Shaded Areas Over the Water

~ Minimize the Need for Dredging~ Minimize the Impacts <>f Dredging~ Employ Nonstructural Shore Erosion Control Measures~ Conserve Drinking Water and Keep It Pure~ Maintain Structures Using Clean Marina Practices

Best Management Practices for Protecting Sensitive Areas~ Minimize Impervious Areas~ Use Upland and Inland Areas~ Expansion Considerations~ Practice Water-wise Landscaping~ Adopt inte~ted Pest Management Practices

Best Management Practices for Creating Habitat AreasMaintain and/or Develop Vegetated Areas

Information Sources

Mnrina Design nnd Maintennnt:e

fnvironrnental Concerns

Land management decisions, operating procedures, and structuralimprovements may all contribute t<> � <>r detract fr >ni � the quality

<>f the land anti water surrounding your marina, Roads and parking

areas inay convey polluted storinwater directly into adjacent water-

way s. 1!redging may rc-suspend toxic compounds such as heavyrn< tais, hy<lr<>carb<>ns, and synthetic chemicals, IIa7ardous chemicals

inay be leached into the water fr<>m pier» and other similar structures.

t3roken >r degraded I 1 >at» may release b<i >yant debris, which birds

and fish mistake for food. Finally, the location and installation of shore

side and in-water structures may lead to accelerated shoreline and

e<>astal crosi<>n and sedimentation. Sedimentati >n is the rain of soil

particles through the water colunin. It inay bury h >tt<>m dwelling

organisms, block sunlight. reduce the feeding efficiency <>f visual

feeders. and clog fish gills.

Best Management Practices for Marina Facilities anci Structvres

Use Fixed or FIociting Piers to Enhance Ujater Circulation.

Whil«being rnindhil >f th«need f >r pier/d<>ck system» to pr >vid«.

access during routine operations and under eniergeney circumstances

e.g., evacuation preceding or during a st >rm!, piers, and other struc-

tiir»s shoul<.1 h» placed to enhance, rather than to obstruct, water

circ ulation.

~ Select an >pen design for new >r expanding inarinas. Openmarina designs have n<> fabricated or natural barriers to restrict

the exchange of ambient water and water within the inarina

area.

~ Install wave attenuators t<> reduce the force of incoining water, if

protection is necessary. Wave attenuators do not restrict water

exchange nor do they interfere with bottom ecology or aes-

thetic view, Furthermore, they may be easily removed and donot significantly interfere with fish migration and shoreline

processes.

~ Design new <>r expanding marinas with as few seginents aspossible to promote circulation within the basin, The fewer the

segments, the better the circulation.

~ Use an aerator system fountain-type or air-jet! to aerate areas

with poor circulation.

:ice T<~ai Manna ui<lcbook 9

Use Environmentally Neutral Materials.

~ For new pilings and other structure» that are in <>r ah<>ve the

water, use materials that will n<>t leach hazardous chemical» into

the water and that will not degrade in less than ten years tiine,

e.g., reinforced concrete, coated steel, recycled plastic, plasticreinforced with fiberglass.

~ Be sure to contain shavings when field cutting plastic pilingsand timbers.

~ Avoid using wood treated with creosote for pilings and similarstructures th.at are in or above the water. Wood pressure treated

with chromated copper arsenate CCA!, ammoniacal copperzinc arsenate ACiM!, or arnrnoniacal copper arsenate ACA! is a

better option. There is sotne concern that these pressure treated

timbers may contribute to water poHution.

~ Use naturally durable timbers conservatively. Black locust. cedar,

chestnut and white oak are naturally durable but expensive and

may he hard to find.

~ Avoid exotic timbers. Some tropical trees, such as greenheart

and h<>ng<>ssi, are also naturally durable. Their harvest, however,

may be harmful to tropical forest»,

~ Purchase f1<>atable foam» that have been coated or encapsulated

in a pla»tic c<>ver so that as these float» age, degraded f<>am i»

c<>ntained hy the c<>vering.

Limit Shaded Areas Over the Water.

~ Nearshore bottom-dwelling organisms require sunlight. l,imit thenumber <>f covered slip» in <>rder to provide them with a» mirch

sunlight as possible.

Minimize the Need for Dredging.

Marina concept» that require extensive dredging h<>th in the

c<>nstructi<>n stage and for maintenance during it» operation,

»h<>uld he avoided, whenever p<>»sible. There sh<>uld he c<>ncern

over disposal <>f contaminated dredge materials and negative ef-

fect» <>n critical hahitat». New marina» inust he located in ar<,-.i»

where deepwater acces» can he <>htaincd with a minimum <>f

excavation, filling, and dredging. Existing marina» that require

maintenance dredging n>ore frequentl! than once every four yearsshould investigate practicable options to increase circulati<>n or

reduce sediment accumulation.

~ Fxtend pier s and docks into naturally deep waters.

10

B >tb cr, l T.<!AC;I'

Waterrr!ay .'on-

strrrction Per>ni t

c !n :errrs are

:le:»>l'ex:>s >>i:<ri»:> I»idvh»<>k 1 1

8 Locate slips for deep draft boats in naturally deep water.

~ Dredge channels to follow the course of the natural channel,

~ Provide dry storage for smaller boats.

Minimize the Impacts of Dredging.

A minimum am<>unt <>f excavation. filling and dredging to reduce

th» water quality impacts of construction and naintenance dredging

is desirable.

5 He certain that your dredging contractor selects an appropriate

disposal site and containment design. The disposal site inust

have minimal impact on public safety, adjacent properties, and

the environment.

~ Lse dredging methods, like hydraulic dredging. that minimize

environmental impacts.

~ IJse turbidity curtains to c >ntain suspended sediments,

Employ Nonstructural Shore Erosion Control Measures.

~ Nonstructural ineasures, such as beach n<>urishinent, marsh

creation, and <>ther inethods that encourage the preservation of

th<. natural »nvir<>ninent are preferred methods of shore erosion

c >ntrol.

lf non-structural measures alone are not sufficient to control

erosi<>n, revetntents, breakwaters, <>r groins can be used to

stabilize and ensure the long term viability of the non-structural

controls,

~ As a last resort, use structural controls in this order of prefer-

ence: slw>reline revetntents, breakwaters, groins, and bulkheads.

~ Minimize the adverse effects of erosion control projects on

adjacent properties, navigation, threatened or endangered sp»-cies. significant Iustoric or archaeological resource», and <cyst»r

bars.

Conserve Drinking Water and Heep It Pure.

5 Equip all freshwater hoses with automatic shutoff nozzles.

8 Fix leak» and drips.

~ Install "l<>w-f1<>w' faucets. toilets, and showerheads.

8 Require meinbers t<> utilize anti-siphon devices on all water hoseconnections to prevent contamination.

Maintain Structures Using Clean Marina Practi<:es.

~,'>crape, sand, and paint in-water and land-side structure~ accord-

und a bleu»

R'uter Act 5ectir! n

404 Per>nit are

recurred j !r all

lredgi ng J! r<j!e :l s

l.'nr!r r ! pznle!cital

er >aluate l bej !re

these permits are

l.'>slred.

ing to the same ntanagement principles as for ve»sels refer to

the Vessel Maintenance and Repair chapter!.

If feasible, move floating structures to shore for scraping, paint-

ing, and major repairs. See Vessel Maintenance and Repair chap-ter.

Best Management Practices for Protecting Sensitive Areas

Nlinirr!ize Irnf>ervious Areas.

Keep paved areas to «n «bsolute minimum, e.g., just designated

work areas and roadways for heavy equipment.

Use Upland and Inland Areas.

Locate buildings, workshops. and waste storage facilities in

upland areas, away from fragile shore side ecosystems, to the

greatest extent possible, I.Jpland areas also provide a measure of

protection against floods.

Locate parking and vessel storage areas away fr<! n the waterwhere feasible,

:onsider inland areas for boat repair activities «nd winter stor-

age. I l»c proper method» to quickly and easily move boats to

inland storage I !cati<!ns.

When establishing repair areas, comply with all local »tate «nd

federal regulati<!n» and pr<!vid» system» that all !w the ex»cutio1E

of go<><l management practices for repair facilitie».

Expansion Considerations.

As an alternative t<> adding wet slips, consider expanding storage

capacity by adding dry stack storage.

I>ry-stacked boats do not accutnulate marine growth. :on»e-

quently. toxic anti-f<>uling paints arc n !t necessary an� th»

a»»<>ciated need to wash, scrape, and paint is elimin«ted.

1!ry-»tacked boats are less likely to accumulate ~ater in their

bilges and. therefore, less likely t<> discharge oily bilge water.

Encourage the u»e >f h >ists and lifts in wet slips to «chi»~ e most

of the same beneflt» de»cribed above.

:ontr<»t >rmwater run >fl' fr >rn dry-stack areas as well «» fr<!m

any expanded parking areas.

Keep forklifts well-tuned t ! prevent grease or oil from drippIngonto staging areas or int<> the water.

Practice Nater-ujise Landscapin9.

Save on water bills, reduce your inaintenance activities, and protect

water quality by minimizing your water use. Landscape with native or

adoptive plants that require little care in terms of water, fertilizer. and

pe sticides.

~ Water <>nly when plants indicate that they are thirsty: shrubs will

wilt and grass wiH lie flat and sh<>w footprint». Water in the early

morning or earh evening as teniperatures generally are cooler.

Plants will not be shocked and water loss to evaporation will be

minimized.

Select plants that are suited to the existing conditions i.e,, soil,

moisture, and sunlight! so that they will require little care in

ternisof water, fertilizer, and pesticides. Check with you local

county extension agent on suitable plants for your area.

Water deeply and infrequently rather than lightly and often.

Deep watering promote» stronger root systems, which enableplant» to draw on subsurface water during hot spells and

dr<>ught».

Select equipment that delivers water prudently. Sprinkler» w<>rkwell for lawns.' Soaker hoses or drip irrigation systems deliver

water directly t<> the r<> >ts of shrubs, flowers, and vegetables

with rniriimal 1<>ss t<> evaporation.

Place mulch w<>od chips, bark, grass clipping», nut »hell», etc.!t > a depth >f 5-4" around plants t<> keep water in the soil,pre-

vent weeds, and reduce the ainount <>f sediinent picked up by

st<>rmwater. Planting groundcover» at the base of trees serve the

same function,

Group plants with similar water needs together, This practice

will ease your maintenance burden, conserves water. and benefit

the plants.

Replace lawn areas with native, dr<>ught tolerant wildflowers,

groundcover, shrubs, and trees.

Recycle "gra> water". Gray water i» water that has been used

once � maybe f<>r dishwashing or in a washing machine � but

is not overly contaminated. It can be filtered and used to water

landscaped areas. Because regulations vary, be sure to check

local ordinances for permit requirements and written approval

before pursuing this option.

'For hest res<tits, water gras~ n> a depth <>f i inch.

Cicatt Texas Marina ittiticbook 1 3

~ Collect rainwater by directing downsp<>uts into c<>vered c<!ntain-

ers. Use the c<>llected water <>n your landscaped areas.

8 In areas n<>t served by a public sewer system, consider the use <!f

an acr<>bic system in lieu <>f a septic system. The treated water

may be used f<>r landscape watering and thi» prevents the con-

tamination of ground water.

Adopt Integrated Pest Management Practices.

Because of your pr<!xirnity t<! the water, it is iniportant t<! av<!id

toxic lawn and garden cheniicals to the greatest extent p<!ssible.

Instead, deter unwanted plants <>r animals with Integrated Pest

Management practices, Integrated Pest Management «mpl<!y» pre-

ventive, cultural, biological, and chemical meth<>ds t<> c<>ntr<>1 p<:st»

while minimizing impacts t<! non-target species, wildlife, and water

quality,

~ Select plants that are disease and insect resistant, that will <>ut-

compete corninon weeds, and that can thrive on your property,

Refer to a list of native plants and consider the degree of sun

exposure, s]ope, drainage, aniount of shade, wind, volume of foot

traffic, s<>il type, temperature variations, and other environmentalfactors.

~ Mow lawn areas pr<!pcrly to suppress weeds. Varieties of grassthat gr<iw better in c<><!ler weather shouM be inowed to n<! less

than 2.5 inches in height. rasses that grow better in warm

weather should be mowed to no less than 1.5 inches.

~ Pull weeds by hand to reduce reliance <>n herhicides,

~ Boost > our <!wn tolerance for weeds and other pests. If it is not

actually harming anything, leave it alone.

~ Foster natural predators such as praying mantis, dragonflies,

lacewings, soldier beetles, birds, bats, fr<>gs, lizards. and c«rtainsnakes and toads.

~ Use pesticides <>nly after all <!ther options have been exhausted.

Use organic alternatives to chemical pesticides.Also, rather than

broadcasting pesticides, apply then! directly t<> pr<>hlem areas.

~ Treat only serious or threatening intolerable pest infestati<!ns.

R Purchase the least t<>xic cheinical in the smallest amount practi-cal.

R Do not use pesticides just before a rainfall or on a windy day.

~ Apply insecticides during the evening when honeybees andother beneficial insects are less active.

D<> n»t apply pe»ticides near water. e.g.. shore, wells, streains,

ponds, bird baths, swimining pools. etc.

Sest Manage>ment Practices for Creating Habitat Areas

Maintain vegetated buffers grassy»r wo<ided! between all

inipervi»us areas e.g., parking 1<>t» and boat storage areas! and

the water.

Plant vegetated areas with "beneficial' plants: those plants that

require miniinal care in terms of trinuning, watering, and appli-

cations af fertilizer and pesticides. Native, or indigenous. plants

demand little care since they are adapted to the local climate

and soil types. Also, many horticultural varieties and iinportedplants inay' be c<in»idered beneficial if they have few mainte-

nance requirement» and if they do not displace naturalh occur-

ring vegetation that i», if they are n»t invasive!. C,heck with your

county exten»ion agent f<ir»uitable plant».

Select perennial plant» instead of annuals, Perennial plant» need

<inly h» planted <ince, tend to shade»ut mo»t v eeds, and few

require additi»nal water <ir inaintenance.

:hoo»e plant» that bear flower», fruit, nuts, and seed» t<> attract

bird», small mammal», and other wildlife,

5 5Maintain pr<iper»<iil pH and fertilit! levels. Fertility describes

the pre»ence <>f nutrient» and inineral» in the soil. Acidity and

alkalinity level» are indicated by pH,The»e tw<> measures to-

gether tell s ou w hich plants y»ur soil can support. Soil pH inay

be adjusted by adding linte base! or gypsum acid!,Add organicmatter such a» coinpost, leaf inold, manure, grass clippings, bark,

or peat mos» to improve fertility.

Periodically, »ubinit a soil sample to the Texa» Agricultural Exten-sion Service through the local county agent to determine fertil-

ity, pH, and application rates for soil amendment»,

Compost leaves, branches, grass trintming», and other organicatter, I.J»e the mature comp<>st to nourish your s»il,Alterna-

tively, chip branches and leaves and u»e a» mulch t» di»courageweeds and to con»crve m<ii»ture.

<:h.".<n1'<xa~ Mariri ~ <iukie h~><ik ] 5

Maintain and/or Develop Vegetated Areas.

Vegetation filters and slows the flow of surface water runoff, stabi-

lizes shorelines. and provides wildlife habitat, flood protection, and

visual diversity.

Information Sources

Texas Natu r al Res >urce Conservation :<>rnmission

1J.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Texas Parks and Wildlife DepartmentTexas Generil Land Office

l.'.S,Army Corps of Engineersl'cxas Agricultural Fxtension Service

Lt>cal River Authorities

Li>cal Hay and Fstuary Programs

Stormmater Management

Environmental Concerns

Legal Setting~ Cieneral Permit for Discharges from Marinas~ State Law: Sediment Control and Stormwater Management

Best Management Practices to Control Stormwater RUnoff~ Practice Low Impact Development~ Cultivate Vegetated Areas~ Minimize the Amotmt of impervious Area~ Ipse Structural Controls as Necessary~ Control Sediment from Construction Sites

~ Stencil Storm Drains

Information Sources

Stormwnter Mnnneement

Environmental Concerns

.'!t >rrr>water runoff i» precipitation that has n<>t been ahs !rhed hy

the gr<>und. Rather, it washe» <!ver the surface <if the land picking up

p<>llutant» a» it travel». !t<>rrnwater runoff may collect »oil particles,

petroleum pr<>duct». residues from industrial activities, litter, and petwaste,All of these p<!llutant» are carried with the run >ff int<! surface

waters where they adversely impact water quality.

The volume of stormwater runoff increases as natural f<>re»t» and

fields are replaced with hard surfaces such as buildings, parking lots,

driveways, and roads. Also, without any plants to disrupt the flow,

stormwater moves across the land more quickly than it did under

predevelopment conditions. This greater, faster flow of »torrnwater

can severely degrade receiving water bodies by accelerating erosionwhich leads to flooding, destruction of plant and animal life, and loss

!f habitat,Also, pollutants carried by storrnwater impair water qualityhy increa»ing level» of nitrogen, phosphorous, suspended solids,

biological oxygen demand, and chemical oxygen demand. Ternpera-tures and level» <>f toxic metal» and hydr<icarh<in» tend t > increase,

di»»olved oxygen decreases, and the acidity-alkalinity of the water

typically changes. The result is that near shore areas are les» able t<>

support wildlife like y<>ung fish and crab»,Also, using th» water for

human recreation becomes less desirable.

Legal Setting

Permit for Discharges from Marinas

All marinas or other facilities that conduct boat repair, painting, or

rr>aintenance including washing! are required to obtain an Industrial

Permit for Discharges from the TNRC:C. The permit covers st<>rmwaterwa»te water di»charge» fr !m:

~ area» inv<>lved in h >at maintenance rehabilitation, mechanical

repairs. painting, and fueling! and cleaning operati<>n»,

~ wastewater discharges t > surface <!r groundwater fr !m boat and

equipment wa»hing areas, and

~ n<!n-contact c<><!ling water and c<>nden»ate discharges t<> surface

waters from ice machines, refrigeration units, and other rnachin-

ery.

The c >ntr<!l <!f pollutants that may he carried hy»t !rrnwater runofffrom vessel maintenance areas is addressed in the Vessel Maintenance

Section. Please refer to Laws and Regulations for more information

about the Industrial Permit for Discharges from Marinas.

State I.au>: Sediment Control and Starmwater Mana9ement

Consult TNRCC on NPDES program and permit requirement.Boatyard and other facilities that include outdoor boat cleaning <ir

repair operations must obtain a federal National Pollutant Discharge

Flimination System NPDES! stormwater permit front EPA. This perniitrequires, as a minimum, the implementation of a storrnwater pollution

prevention plan. Title 4 ! Code of Federal Regulations Part 122.26!

Best Management Practices to Control Stormwater AunoffPractice Low Impact Development.

The g<>al <if l<iw impact development is to develop a site without

altering the existing hydrol<igic cycle. The approach takes aclvantageof a site'» natural features -including vegetati<in � to minimize the need

to build expensive stormwater c<>ntr<il devices. It i» c<iuntcr to tradi-

tional st<irmwater management that uses structures such as curbs,

gutters, and storm drains t<> move water off-site as cfficierrtly a» p<is-

sible, Traditional structures cause unnatural v<ilurncs <>f runoff t<> m<>ve

into receiving waters at high velocity.

8 Capture and treat st<irmwatcr <in site.

~ For example, direct the runoff from your parking lot t<> abioretention area rather than toward a storm sewer pipe.A "rain

garden' is an example of a bioretention area. It is an area planted

with native vegetation and sited such that it collects st<irmwater,

Water. nutrients, and pollutants are taken up by soil and plants

within 24 to 4H hours after a storm. Rain gardens have the added

advantage <if heing attractive areas that can provide shade and

wildlife habitat, act as wind break», and muffle noise,

Cultivate Vegetated 4reas.

Healthy soil and vcgctati<in capture, treat, and slowly release

st<irmwatcr. The water is cleaned through a combination of microbial

acti<>n in the s<>il, vegetative uptake, evaporation. and transpiration.

~ Plant environmentally-sensitive landscapes at the edge of park-ing lots and within islands in parking lots,

~ Plant vegetated buffers between y<>ur upland property and thewater's edge.

~ Position d<>wnspouts s<> that they drain t<i vegetated areas av<iid

draining to concrete <ir asphalt.

18

a Construct wetlands to reinove pollutants, shelter the coast froin

storins, and provide habitat for aquatic species and birds.

~ 1Jse grassed swale» to direct stormwatcr on your property,

brassed swales are low ~audient conveyance channels planted

with erosion-resistant vegetation. They improve water quality by

filtering out particulates, taking up nutrients, and promoting

infiltration. Also, water generally m<>ves more slowly over a

grassed swale than it w<iuld in a pipe. 4rassed swales are not

practical on very flat land, on steep slopes, or in wet or poorlydrained soils.

Minimize the Amount of Impervious Area.

The les» impervious area on site, the less runoff you will have t<>

manage,

~ Pave only those areas that are absolutely necessary.

~ Minimize the length of new roadway required to serve new or

expanding marina».

~ Plan r<>ad» s<> they <.1o n<>t cr<>ss sensitive areas such a» tidal

wetlands.

~ Consider alternatives to asphalt for parking 1<>ts and vessel

storag<.. area», e.g., dirt, gravel, seashell», engineered porous

pavement.

8 investigate a non-t<>xic, organic s<>il binder derived from the

Plantago plant fainily.When this hinder is combined with

crushed aggregate e.g., gravel, shells! and soil, it creates a some-

what perineable surface that will not erode. For less than or

equal to the cost of asphalt, it is a resilient material that will not

crack during winter freeze/thaw cycles, can he repaired hy

adcling more material and tilling the surface, and can be dug up

with a shovel to plant trees and shrubs.

Use Structural Controls as Necessary.

Because of space limitations or other constraints, it may be neces-

sary to ad<>pt m<>re traditi<>iial practices such as pond systeins, wetland

systems, infiltration systenis, and filter systems.

R Stormwater pond systeins capture and slowly release storm

flows. Ponds may be permanent retention ponds! or may hold

water only temporarily detention ponds!.A Dry Extended

Detention pond is an example of a stormwater pond system. Dry

Extended Detention Ponds hold runoff for up t<> 24 hours after a

storm. Water is slowly released through a fixed opening. The

pond is normally dry between storms. This type of structure i»effective for sites that are 10 acres or greater in size.

~ Stormwater wetland systems are designed t<> mimic the ability

of natural wetlands to cleanse and absorb storm flows.A P<>cket

Wetland is created by excavating to the high water table eleva-

tion. Pocket wetlands can serve drainage areas of > to I ! acres,

~ Infiltration systems are designed to take advantage i!f soil's

natural infiltration capacities and pollutant removal characteris-

tics.A Dry Well is an infiltration system designed to treat r<>of toprun<>ff.Water is collected in downspouts and directed into a

filter composed of crushed stone and fabric. Rain gardens and

porous pavement are other examples of infiltration systems.

~ Filter systems "strain" runoff to remove pollutants. Conventi<>nal

Sand Filter Systems are constructed of layers of sand, front ntostcourse on top to most fine below. The sand overlies either a

vel bed for infiltration! or perforated underdrains for dis-charge <>f treated water!.

Oil 'rit Separators are another form of filter system, Water fr<irn

parking lots and other areas likely ti> have hydrocarbons should be

directed thri>iigh Oil Cirit Separators or oil absorbent fabric! hef<>re

entering any other management structure.

~ All stormwater rnanagenient structure» must be maintain< d in

order to be effective.

~ Contact TNRCC'» Water Quality infrastructure Program for

information about grant funding to local governments f<>r th«installation of stormwater management structure» in existingdeveloped areas.

Contral Sediment from Construction Sites.

8 Use devices such as hay bales, silt fences, sti>rrn drain filters,

sediment traps, and earth dikes to prevent sediments fromleaving construction areas.

Stencil Storm Drains.

~ Stencil storm drains with the words such as "Don't Dump" and/

or "Galveston Bay Drainage" if appropriate!.

Information Sources

AppendixStorrnwater hot line number � l 2! 239-370 !.

Stormwater website: http: //www.tnrcc.state.tx.us/permitting/waterperrn/wwperm/tpdes. html