In the March 9 Record-Eagle, concern was expressed in a letter to the editor regarding the Elmwood Township Marina. More recent articles have also addressed the public's concern with safety and health issues related to the Department of Natural Resource's and city commission's need to work together to address these problems.
While the writer certainly has the right to question the marina expansion it would appear that he did not understand that the proposed dock will be located within the already-existing marina basin -- not in a new marina. He also asserted that boaters were using the bay for sewage disposal. Vessels that would be serviced by the new dock and those already in the area marinas have holding tanks to contain the sewage. When full, the tanks are pumped out, at the owners expense, into a state-approved sewage disposal system which exist at most marinas around the Great Lakes Basin.
The proposed plans for the new dock at the Elmwood Township Marina also include upgrading the existing pump-out at the marina. This is a badly needed upgrade since the current pump-out is antiquated and difficult to access. By its relocation it will become a convenient and easily accessed facility for all Grand Traverse Bay boaters.
The United Boaters of Elmwood Township strongly supports the expansion of the marina but is also mindful of the perceived environmental concerns expressed by the writer.
It is, in fact, a violation of federal law and state law to discharge pollutants into the Great Lakes. We strongly recommend that boaters get their craft inspected by the Coast Guard Auxiliary or the Grand Traverse Bay Sail and Power Squadron to ensure their vessels meet all the federal and state requirements that pertain to environmental law and safety.
These inspections are held locally and are free. A dated sticker, which can be displayed on your boat, is issued upon successful completion of the inspection. Any vessel displaying this sticker will show the owner's commitment to being a good steward of the waterways that we all enjoy.
More information concerning these inspections as well as links to sites of interest to Grand Traverse Bay boaters can be found at the UBET website, www.ubet2.org.
About the author: Don Gorski, an Elmwood Township resident and marina buoy/slip holder since 1975, is an American Sailing Association certified sailing instructor, a Grand Traverse Bay Sail and Power Squadron member and a captain and instructor aboard the Inland Seas Education Association's Friendship Sloop Liberty.
About the forum: The forum is a periodic column of opinion written by Record-Eagle readers in their areas of interest or expertise. Submissions of 500 words or less may be made by e-mailing letters@record-eagle.com. Please include biographical information and a photo.
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