Tennessee Valley Authority recognizes clean marinas
Five marinas on Fontana Lake have been certified as Clean Marinas in recognition of their efforts to preserve and protect water quality in the Tennessee River system by the Tennessee Valley Authority, which operates the dam at Fontana Lake for hydropower.
Clean Marina designation went to Almond Boat Dock, Alarka Boat Dock and Greasy Branch Marina in Swain County and Prince Boat Dock and Crisp Boat Dock in Graham County.
“To receive this designation, a marina must meet all federal, state and local regulations related to marina management,” said Steve Akers, TVA’s Clean Marina coordinator for Fontana Reservoir.
The marinas on Fontana Lake are part of a cooperative effort to stop waste from being dumped into the lake by houseboat users. Previously, houseboat owners straight-piped their sewer, dish water and bath water directly into the lake. All houseboats have now been equipped with holding tanks and the waste water is pumped out and hauled to shore.
“People working together to implement new marina waste ordinances that were approved in Graham and Swain counties made this program successful,” said Akers.
Currently, 61 marinas in the Tennessee Valley have achieved the high environmental standards required for Clean Marina certification. While the waste disposal system was the impetus behind Clean Marina certification on Fontana Lake, efforts for Clean Marina certification also include fuel management techniques, protecting shorelines from erosion and providing educational information and learning opportunities for boaters.
