Cleveland Metroparks is proud to announce that its East 55th Street Marina has earned an Ohio Clean Marina certification through the Ohio Clean Marinas Program administered by Ohio Sea Grant and the Ohio Division of Natural Resources. The announcement was made at the marina Saturday during the annual North Coast Boating and Fishing Fest. "Less than 20 percent of the 270 marinas located along Ohio's Lake Erie shore qualify for this prestigious certification," said Cleveland Metroparks CEO Brian Zimmerman. "We couldn't be more proud of the work that has gone into demonstrating the use of best practices for protecting our waterways and natural resources here at the marina." The goal of the Clean Marinas Program is to encourage marinas and boaters to help keep Ohio's waterways clean and promote environmental stewardship by raising awareness of environmental laws, and promoting best management practices. To earn the certification, Cleveland Metroparks had to pass an inspection that showed it was in compliance with Environmental Protection Agency regulations and state fire codes for marinas. The Park District also demonstrated that it goes above and beyond to ensure employees are properly trained, and boaters are properly informed, on how to prevent and manage spills at the fuel dock. Other items the Clean Marinas Site Review Team looks for during the site visit include but are not limited to: clear and open storm drains, proper trash and recycling receptacles, applicable permits, emergency action plans, availability of oil absorbent materials, use of automatic back pressure shut-off nozzles and various signage. The certification is good for five years, but Cleveland Metroparks must sign an annual letter of reaffirmation to show it is committed to maintaining the standards of the certification between site inspections. For more information, visit clevelandmetroparks.com or call (216) 635-3200.