Boater Education and Best Management Practices

Boater Education and Best Management Practices

Last Updated: 10-16-2011

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TOPIC PAGE

Introduction ……………………………………………….…3

Emergency Procedures …………………………………....4

Medical Emergencies ………………………………………6

Fire Emergencies …………………………………………...7

Discharges: Petroleum - Bilge & Fuel Management ……..10

Fueling ……………………………………...10

Accidental Spills ……………………………11

Bilge Discharges ………………………..….13

Oil Absorbent Materials ………………..….14

Aquatic Nuisance Species …………………………..……..15

Vessel (topside) Cleaning, Maintenance & Repair …….…17

Underwater Boat Hull Cleaning ………………………….…20

Marina Operations / Hazardous Materials ………….……..21

Marina Debris, Solid & Liquid Waste …………………...... 23

Pets ……………………………………………………….…..24

Boat Sewage Discharge ………………………………….…24

Fish Waste ……………………………………………………25

IntroductionOctober 2011

Dear Boater,

Grand Lake was formed by glaciers and is the deepest natural lake in Colorado, dipping to 265 feet. Fed by high mountain runoff, the lake is clear and pristine. It connects with neighboring Shadow Mountain Lake via a canal, and just down the road is Lake Granby, the second largest body of water in Colorado. The lake itself is part of the Colorado-Big Thompson Project which diverts water east under the Continental Divide through a tunnel. Grand Lake is considered the headwaters to the Colorado River.

The Headwaters Marina Management Team is excited to announce its participation in the Clean Marinas Colorado Program - designed to help marinas and boaters enjoy boating while optimizing everyone’s environmental stewardship on and around the water. The program includes emergency procedures and best management practices for boaters and for the reservoir, designed to protect people from injury and to protect the property and water resource from damage.

Colorado State Parks publishes the Colorado Boating Regulations booklet annually. (also here) This brochure covers basic boating safety topics such as:

fire extinguishers  safe ventilation  marine sanitary devices  emergencies and accidents

The Colorado Division of Wildlife and Colorado State Parks also publish a brochure regarding Aquatic Nuisance Species. (also here)

This brochure educates boaters on Aquatic Nuisance Species - CLEAN DRAIN & DRY and other procedures to prevent ANS in Colorado waters.

In addition, Boater Education and Best Management Practices (this publication) provides additional information relevant to the following Clean Marinas Colorado Program topics:

Emergency Procedures

Discharges: Petroleum - Bilge & Fuel Management

(Fueling / Bilge Discharges / Oil Absorbent Materials)

Aquatic Invasive Species

Vessel (topside) Cleaning, Maintenance & Repair

Underwater Boat Hull Cleaning

Marina Operations / Hazardous Materials

Marina Debris, Solid & Liquid Waste

Pets

Boat Sewage Discharge

Fish Waste

You have received copies of these publications in conjunction with your boater education / orientation information. We ask that each boat owner-operator read these documents thoroughly and enjoy your boating in a clean, safe and sensible way. Please let us know if you have any questions or need additional information on any of these topics.

Sincerely,

Jerry Hassoldt

Jerry Hassoldt- Headwaters Marina Manager

1030 Lake Avenue, Grand Lake, CO 80447

970-668-4334

Emergency Procedures

forEMERGENCIES IN THE MARINA (on land or on the water)

* Call down this list in order - until you reach a live person - or CALL 911.

1.) Jerry Hassoldt- Headwaters Marina Manager: w: 970-627-5031 c: 970-531-0347

2.) CALL 911Grand County Emergency Dispatch & Rescue - 911

located in Hot Sulphur Springs, CO

970-725-3913 * Call routing based on the type of emergency

3.) Grand County Office of Emergency Management / Central EMS Station: 970-887-2732

81 West Agate Ave., Granby, CO 80446

4.) Town Hall of Grand Lakeoffice: 970-627-3435

1026 Park Avenue, Grand Lake, CO 80447

5.) Fire: Grand Lake Fire Protection DistrictCALL 911

Grand Lake, CO or 970-627-8428

YOUR LOCATION IS:

Headwaters Marina

1030 Lake Avenue, Grand Lake, CO 80447

970-627-5031 (Marina office) 970-531-0347 (Marina Manager’s cell)

NEAREST HOSPITAL:CALL 911

Granby Medical Center (Emergency & Urgent Care) or 970-887-7400

480 E. Agate Avenue, Granby, CO 80446

(** new Kremmling / Centura Hospital opening in Granby approximately January 2012)

Driving Directions to Granby Medical Center (from Grand Lake)

Total Travel Estimate: 16.76 miles - about 24 minutes

From Headwaters Marina, start out going west on Lake Avenue

Take the 1st right onto Garfield Street, up the hill0.05 mi

Take the 1st left onto Grand Avenue0.5 mi

Turn slight left onto W. Portal Road / CO-2780.3 mi

Turn left onto US-34 W. and drive southwest toward Granby14.4 mi

Turn left onto US-40 / W. Agate Ave.1.3 mi

Hospital is on the right

Granby Medical Center

(Emergency & Urgent Care)

480 E. Agate Avenue, Granby, CO 80446

970-887-7400

(** new Kremmling / Centura Hospital opening in Granby approximately January 2012)

Medical Emergencies

Accident or sudden illness may cause an emergency that necessitates immediate first aid and subsequent medical attention. The Fire Department is equipped to handle breathing and other lifesaving problems and they have trained resuscitation teams.

To save valuable time in a serious emergency CALL 911 immediately. If possible, determine the nature of the illness from the patient, what medication, if any, has been taken, and the doctor and hospital of the patient’s choice.

DO NOT MOVE THE PERSON unless absolutely necessary.

Medical Emergencies

First Aid kits are located as follows:- Marina Main Office (1)

- Grand Lake Patrol Boat (1)

Defibrillators (AED - Automated External Defibrillator) - none - CALL 911

All Marina staff members are trained annually in First Aid. The Emergency Response Team is prepared to respond and make decisions regarding all emergencies in the marina based on the Emergency Procedures Plan. In the event of an emergency, the Emergency Response Team will:

Assess the nature and extent of the emergency.
Assume control of all emergency actions and assign necessary tasks.
Order evacuation of the park / reservoir if deemed necessary.
Take action to protect the safety of people, property and the water resource.

Fire Emergencies

1.) Keep the appropriate number of fire extinguishers onboard with current service tags in place.

2.) Insure that engines and fluids have cooled adequately prior to initiating any maintenance to avoid burns.

3.) Keep work areas on your boat clear of oil and debris.

4.) Provide continuous ventilation in work areas, especially below decks.

Fire Emergencies

If you SEE a fire or even SUSPECT there is a fire:

ACTION: 1.)CALL 911 Grand County Emergency Dispatch & Rescue - 911

located in Hot Sulphur Springs, CO

970-725-3913

* Call routing based on the type of emergency

orGrand Lake Fire Protection District CALL 911

Grand Lake, CO or 970-627-8428

YOUR LOCATION IS:

Headwaters Marina

1030 Lake Avenue, Grand Lake, CO 80447

970-627-5031 (Marina office phone)

970-531-0347 (Marina Manager’s cell phone)

2.) If you can, quickly put out the fire using a proper fire extinguisher.

3.) If you see that a fire can NOT be quickly extinguished, ACTIVATE THE NEAREST FIRE ALARM STATION and evacuate the area. NO ATTEMPT SHOULD BE MADE TO EXTINGUISH LARGE, SPREADING FIRES. Structural fires of this type must be handled by trained firefighters.

4.) Alert the Headwaters Marina Manager:

* Call down this list in order - until you reach a live person - or CALL 911

1.) Jerry Hassoldt- Headwaters Marina Manager: w: 970-627-5031 c: 970-531-0347

2.) CALL 911Grand County Emergency Dispatch & Rescue - 911

located in Hot Sulphur Springs, CO

970-725-3913 * Call routing based on the type of emergency

3.) Grand County Office of Emergency Management / Central EMS Station: 970-887-2732

81 West Agate Ave., Granby, CO 80446

4.) Town of Grand Lakeoffice: 970-627-3435

(Town Hall / Town Manager)

1026 Park Avenue, Grand Lake, CO 80447

Fire Extinguisher Locations

Fire extinguishers are located as follows:

- atoutdoor and covered boat slip locations (3)

- in the Marina Office Building (1)

- at the fuel tank pad location (1)

- on the Grand Lake Safety Patrol Boat (1)

- on each of the marina’s rental boats (10)

- on each of the marina’s seasonal slip customer’s boats (8) (required)

Headwaters Marina recommends that each patron / customer boat of the Marina have an approved fire extinguisher on board.

The Emergency Response Team staff is trained annually in the use of fire extinguishers.

Discharges: Petroleum - Bilge & Fuel Management

Fueling

Fueling your Boat

Proper fueling procedures are very important in preventing onboard fires, as gasoline vapors are heavier than air and can spread rapidly into enclosed spaces. Proper fueling techniques also keep our water clean and safe, and help marine life thrive in a healthier environment. Check the bilge(s) and all closed compartments for gasoline vapors. The sniff test is the most effective method for detecting fuel leaks.

Proper Fueling Procedures

At Headwaters Marina, NO CUSTOMER FUELING IS DONE. Customers must fuel at Shadow Mountain Lake.

Switch off engine(s) and all electrical accessories on the boat

Extinguish all open flames

Do not use electrical switches

No smoking

Close all ports, hatches, and doors

Make certain all passengers are off the boat

PRIORTo Fueling

Know the total fuel capacity (gallons) of the fuel tank(s)

Determine quantity (gallons) of fuel required to fill the tank(s) to almost full - but NOT overflow
(get best estimate by using dashboard fuel gauge, dip stick, visual inspection, etc.)
Make sure you are about to dispense the proper type of fuel

Have absorbent materials handy to wipe up any spills

Fueling

Hold hose nozzle firmly against fill pipe opening

Carefully dispense the fuel manually - meaning: do not use the “hold-open latch” on thedischargenozzle. Instead, gently squeezethe control lever tocarefully adjust the rate of fuel delivery - looking down into the tank and listening - slowing down the fueldelivery rate and stopping before the tank is full toprevent direct overflow or possible overflow bythe fluid expanding later due to heat.

Do not overfill and do not "top off" the tank

Use fuel surge protectors and fuel/air separators to prevent fuel spills
Wipe up all spillage
Open ports, hatches, and doors to ventilate
Turn blower on for four (4) minutes minimum
Do the sniff test
Re-board Passengers and proceed

For portable tanks do the following:

Tanks six (6) gallons and smaller should be removed from the boat
Add appropriate amount of oil for 2-cycle outboards to fuel tank
Make sure hose nozzle is in contact with rim of tank

After filling, secure tank to the boat so it will not slide around while underway

Accidental Spills

If you spill a petroleum product, immediately stop the source of the leak, use oil absorbent pads or booms, and notify the Emergency Response Team:

forHAZARDOUS MATERIALS / PETROLEUM SPILLS

(any event that could contaminate the reservoir)

Action:1. Stop the flow

2. Contain the spill

* Emergency Spill Kit (sorbent pads & booms) is located in the marina office

3. Do not apply any detergent or emulsifier to the oil slick

4. CALL

* Call down this list in order - until you reach a live person - or CALL 911.

1.) Jerry Hassoldt- Headwaters Marina Manager: w: 970-627-5031 c: 970-531-0347

2) CALL 911Grand County Emergency Dispatch & Rescue - 911

located in Hot Sulphur Springs, CO

970-725-3913 * Call routing based on the type of emergency

3.) Fire: Grand Lake Fire Protection DistrictCALL 911

Grand Lake, CO or 970-627-8428

4.) Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District970-627-3406 or 970-627-3019

(Farr Pumping Plant)or emergency: 1-888-823-6400

726 County Road 64

Grand Lake, CO 80447

5.) Grand County Sheriff’s Office: 970-725-3343 or 911

670 Spring Street

Hot Sulphur Springs, CO 80451

6.) Grand County Office of Emergency Management / Central EMS Station: 970-887-2732

81 West Agate Ave., Granby, CO 80446
Ray Jennings Chief, Grand County DEM

Trevor Denney Emergency Manager, Grand County DEM

7.) Town of Grand Lakeoffice: 970-627-3435

(Town Hall / Town Manager)

1026 Park Avenue, Grand Lake, CO 80447

Handle spills responsibly - you are responsible for any environmental damage caused by your fuel spill. Keep oil absorbent pads ready in your boat and throw onto the spilled fluid (even if on the water’s surface) to absorb the spilled material.

Do not pour liquid detergent onto the spill, as this makes the spill worse under the water’s surface. It is against the law to use detergent or other chemicals on a spill to disperse the oil or sheen. These products can cause the petroleum to sink into the water, causing more harm to marine animals and bottom sediments.

Under federal law (the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 and the Clean Water Act) it is illegal to discharge any petroleum product into the water. You are legally required to report fuel spills, and to take prompt action to clean up any spills that may occur. Any oil or fuel spill that leaves a sheen on the water must be reported to the U.S. Coast Guard at 1-800-424-8802.

A Few Fuel Conservation Tips:

Keep engine well tuned.

Use the correct propeller and check for damage.

Be sure engine is adequate for boat.

Use proper oil mix in motor.

Keep hull clean to reduce friction.

Drain all water before leaving dock.

Distribute weight evenly and don't overload.

Fuels and their Fumes

For many boaters, an enjoyable time on the water includes having all of the creature comforts that they are used to having at home such as hot water, heating and cooling, and a stove or grill. While having these items may make for a more enjoyable cruise, they must be handled much more carefully on a boat, and may operate very differently from their shore side counterparts.

Hot water heaters, stoves, grills, air conditioners and heating systems all need fuel to operate. Types of fuel include electricity, alcohol, Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG-propane or butane), charcoal, kerosene, and diesel. Each fuel has specific characteristics, both pro and con, that you need to know before you use it for a particular piece of equipment.

Pros and Cons:

CNG-Compressed Natural Gas is natural gas liquefied under high pressure. (approx. 2250psi) CNG fumes can combine with oxygen to form a powerful explosive. Though CNG fumes are lighter than air and will generally dissipate through open ports and hatches, care must be used with CNG appliances. Manufacturers include additives in CNG to make it smell strongly. Nothing beats a nose to sniff out gas fumes!

LPG - Liquefied petroleum gas is really two different gases that are generally classed together and are interchangeable. Propane and butane are both used in LPG appliances and have some advantages over CNG. LPG has a much higher heat output (21,000 BTUs/lb. for LPG vs. 9,000 BTUs/lb. for CNG) LPG also operates at lower pressures. If you boat in cold weather, note that propane is preferable to butane, as butane has difficulty vaporizing in extremely cold weather and might not allow an appliance to work properly. One drawback to LPG is that fumes are heavier than air, and can build up todangerous levels in bilge compartments. Even a small spark can signal theend of your boat!

Kerosene is also used on boats for heating, lighting, and to a lesser extent, cooking. Kerosene must be totally clean for it to work properly, and the whiter the kerosene the better. If you have yellow kerosene, DO NOT use it in your burners, as it may clog your burner with carbon deposits.

Alcohol is used largely for stoves and is a relatively safe fuel. Denatured ethyl alcohol does not burn very hot- it may take quite some time to boil water on an alcohol stove. One of the best aspects of alcohol is that a flame can be put out with water. Like kerosene, alcohol must be clean for an appliance to work properly.

Electricity is probably the safest "fuel" that you can use on a boat. There are no explosive fumes or pressurized fuel systems that can develop dangerous leaks. Electricity's main drawback is the large amount of current most appliances need to operate properly. Large current demands that many appliances need require boats to be hooked up to shore power or to have a generator.

All fuels must be properly stored on a boat. Safety devices such as fume sniffers should be considered for boats equipped with any gas system. Remember, gasoline should NEVER be used to fuel any on board appliance other than a generator or main engine. Gasoline is extremely volatile and its fumes are deadly.

source: -- 2/14/2011

Bilge Discharges

Petroleum hydrocarbons - like oil and gasoline - kill marine life. A single gallon of oil or gasoline can contaminate over one million gallons of water! It is especially damaging in fertile shallow waters. Bilge pump discharges from boats represent one of the most easily preventable environmental threats to our waters. When it comes to bilge pump discharges, boaters should consciously live by the following Best Management Practices in an effort to prevent pollution of our waters from this preventable source.

Keep bilge compartments clean and oil-free. Check to be sure bilges are reasonably dry and that pumps are not running excessively. Clean up any spilled oil or waste in bilges to prevent overboard discharge.

Keep engines tuned, leak-free and operating at peak efficiency. Inspect the engine for loose or leaking hoses, gaskets, and seals and repair or replace as soon as possible.

Recreational boats should use all reasonable measures available to prevent the discharge of petroleum hydrocarbons (oil, gasoline or diesel fuel) from the bilge pump. These measures may include, but are not limited to:

a.) placement of oil-absorbent material or devices under the engine, or use of other preventative practices to minimize oil entering the bilge water and subsequently being discharged through the bilge pump. Using oil-absorbent material in the bilge area is a step in the right direction, but performance of thesematerials in this application is (at best) random, and they are not suitable for use where guaranteed performance is desired.