Michigan Sea Grant Home

Suggested Signage Detailing Best Management Practices

Notice: The Discharge of Oil is Prohibited

The Federal Water Pollution Control Act prohibits the discharge of oil or oily waste into or upon the navigable waters of the United States or the waters of the contiguous zone if such discharge causes a film or sheen upon, or discoloration of, the surface water. Violators are subject to a penalty of $5,000 or more.

The use of soaps to disperse oil is illegal. Violators may be fined up to $25,000 per incident.

Keep Fuel Out of the Water

  • Do not top off tank
  • Listen to anticipate when tank is 90% full
  • Wipe up spills immediately

Report oil spills to:

  • U.S. Coast Guard at (800) 424-8802, and
  • Responsible state agency and phone number

Oil Spill Response Kit (label)

  • Include name and number of person to contact at the marina in case of a spill.
  • Be sure that a copy of the Oil Spill Response Plan is clearly visible inside the Oil Spill Response Kit.

Boat Maintenance Area

  • All major repairs (e.g., stripping, fiberglass repair) must be performed in the designated Boat Maintenance Area.
  • All blasting and spray painting must be performed within the enclosed booth or under tarps.
  • Use tarps or filter fabric to collect paint chips and other debris.
  • Use a vacuum sander (include rental information if appropriate).
  • Use high-volume, low-pressure spray guns (include rental information if appropriate).
  • Use drip pans with all liquids.
  • Reuse solvents.
  • Store waste solvents, rags and paints in covered containers.

Do Not Discharge Sewage. It is illegal.

  • Please use our clean, comfortable restrooms while you are in port.
  • Nutrients and pathogens in sewage impair water quality.
  • Pump-out Station instructions for use
  • Hours of operation
  • Fee
  • Name and number of person to call in case of malfunction

Pump-out Station

Wildlife Sanctuary

This marina provides food and shelter for fish, birds and other wildlife. Employees and patrons can help:

  • Prevent oil spills
  • Keep bilges clean
  • Use oil-absorbent pads
  • Reuse and recycle materials
  • Properly dispose of hazardous materials, such as used oil, antifreeze, solvents, cleaners, Styrofoam and plastics

Think Before You Throw

The following items may NOT be placed in this dumpster:

  • Oil
  • Antifreeze
  • Paint or varnish
  • Solvents
  • Pesticides
  • Lead batteries
  • Transmission fluid
  • Distress flares
  • Loose polystyrene peanuts
  • Hazardous waste

These materials are harmful to the environment. 
If you need to dispose any of these items, contact the marina management.

Consider additional signage that includes information about proper disposal of these prohibited materials.

Items to Recycle

  • Oil
  • Antifreeze
  • Lead batteries
  • Glass
  • Plastic
  • Aluminum
  • Corrugated cardboard
  • Metal fuel filter canisters
  • Mixed paper
  • Newspaper
  • Solvents
  • Steel
  • Scrap metal
  • Tin
  • Tires

Indicate which items you recycle and where the collection sites are. Include information about local recycling services for materials that you do not collect.

Recycle Antifreeze

This container is for:

  • Ethylene glycol antifreeze
  • Propylene glycol antifreeze

Tailor to fit your hauler’s requirements

Gasoline, diesel, kerosene and all other materials are STRICTLY PROHIBITED.

If container is locked, include information about temporary storage or who to contact.

Recycle Oil

This container is for:
•    Engine oil
•    Transmission fluid
•    Hydraulic fluid
•    Gear oil
•    #2 Diesel
•    Kerosene

Tailor to fit your hauler’s requirements

Gasoline is STRICTLY PROHIBITED.

If container is locked, include information about temporary storage or who to contact.

No Fish Scraps

Please do not discard fish scraps within the marina basin.

  • Use our fish cleaning station.
  • Bag the scraps and dispose of them in dumpster or at home.

Also, properly dispose of bait.

Environmental Policy

It is the policy of this marina to protect the health of our patrons, staff and the environment by minimizing the discharge of pollutants to the water and air.