Long Island Marine Inc. was awarded the prestigious five green leaf anchors after a rigorous environmental assessment by GreenLeaf Environmental Communications Inc. It is only one of two marinas on the Rideau Canal waterway to receive the top honours.
The environmental assessment is part of the Ontario Marine Operators Association (OMOA) Green Marine program started in 1999 with the help of Environment Canada and the Ontario Ministry of the Environment in setting standards for more than 200 environmental practices that cover everything from fuelling, waste oil and paper recycling.
The Green Marine program is also being copied by British Columbia, Quebec and in parts of Australia.
Gillian Organ, owner and president of Long Island Marine says, “We’re thrilled by our new status. We’ve long been dedicated to the health of our waterway and I am pleased to be acknowledged for it.”
She says she’s determined to lead other businesses to “achieve the same standards.”
That’s one of the reasons she is planning to have a waste-water garden installed. “It’s not part of the Clean Marine program, but this marina wants to be known as the cleanest on the Rideau. So, as of the end of this year, even our shit will be clean and not smell.”
The firm auditing her marina and all OMOA participants is licensed by Environment Canada.
Al Donaldson, OMOA executive director, says, "Whether awarded the single green leaf anchor rating or the highest rating of five green leaf anchors, as in Long Island’s case, a marina’s participation and rating demonstrates its commitment to the protection of our waterways and marine life."
For further information, please contact Gillian Organ at 613-489-2747 or 613-851-8690 or e-mail, info@longislandmarine.com
Long Island Marine is a Clean Marine Eco Rated marina, participating in a voluntary program under an OMOA and Environment Canada partnership. Marinas are validated by Terra Choice Environmental Services, an independent environmental management company licensed by Environment Canada. The program is funded in part by Honda Marine Canada, Shell Canada and Volvo Penta Canada.
The Eco rating is derived from the OMOA’s world renowned Clean Marine Practices manual, first developed in 1997 and now being used by marinas & yacht clubs across Ontario.
“The program is completely voluntary, and industry leading members such as Long Island Marine are committed to reducing the impact marinas and boaters have on our lakes and rivers” says Bob Eaton, OMOA director of Environmental Services. “The OMOA is committed to clean, safe water, and ensuring our members are operating in an environmentally responsible manner“, said Mr. Eaton.
Gillian Organ, President of Long Island Marine, is thrilled and honoured to be the first recipient of this award. “But the Award is just the icing on the cake” says the often controversial Ms Organ,.” The real value lies with the good gut feeling that we’re doing the right thing. Preservation of our environment and our waterways has always been part of our mandate. At Long Island Marine our customers are thrilled with the zero tolerance policy we’ve put in effect on toxic spills, our collection, removal and recycling of their and our toxic wastes, and our demonstrated commitment to making our already green, leafy marina even greener. We’ve planted over a thousand trees and innumerable shrubs on the waterfront in the past 4 years. We post ’NO FISHING’ signs when the bass are nesting between our docks, and keep our customers continually informed of environmentally good products and practices. Currently, with the help of a Rural Clean Water Program grant, we’re stabilizing our riverbanks to stop further erosion of soil into the Rideau River & naturalizing the remaining small amount of hardened shoreline. We’re thrilled and excited to be making this contribution to our environment, and with our customers’ encouragement and acceptance of the Clean Marine policy“.
1424 Commodore Ln, Box 41,
KARS, Ontario K0A 2E0 Canada
Tel (613) 489-2747
Fax (613) 489-1486
Email: info@longislandmarine.com
www.longislandmarine.com
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