Compliance Assistance Resources

M A R I N A S

In the summer of 2007, the Vermont Boat & Marina Association (VBMA) introduced its Zero Phosphate Initiative.

This program calls for a ban on all phosphate soaps used by boaters on Lake Champlain.   This includes all boat soaps, deck cleaners, dish soaps, personal hygiene products, and (most importantly) bilge cleaners. 

All members of the VBMA (which includes marinas, boat clubs, and boat dealers) have pledged to remove all phoshate soaps from their shelves and to educate boaters on the "green" alternatives.  Luckily, there is a wide choice of phosphate-free cleaning products available, which are just as effective as conventional soaps at the same cost.  To the VBMA (with the support of this Department) this outreach effort is a "no-brainer" and the boating public has been very reponsive.

The following is a partial list of phosphate free boat soaps.  More "green" products are being introduced all the time so expect this list to grow.  Remember to Read The Label before you purchase.

Links of Interest

• Vermont Boat and Marine Association   PO Box 9207  South Burlington, Vermont 05407
• Lake Champlain Committee   802-658-1414  -  Fax Number: 802-658-1405  -  lcc@lakechamplaincommittee.org
• US Coast Guard Station, Burlington    For the Officer in Charge, contact: 802-951-6792 
• EPA's Small Business Ombudsman 

          The Small Business Ombudsman (SBO) serves as an effective conduit for small businesses to access EPA and facilitate communications between the small

           business community and the Agency. The SBO reviews and resolves disputes with EPA and works with EPA personnel to increase their understanding of small

           businesses in the development and enforcement of environmental regulations. The SBO function was established in 1982 and is currently a part of EPA's Office

           of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization located within the Office of the Administrator.  The SBO's primary customer group is the nation's small business

           community. Significant secondary customer groups include state and EPA regional small business ombudsmen and national trade associations serving small

           businesses.

The documents above are in PDF format and require Adobe Acrobat Reader. If Adobe Acrobat Reader is not currently installed on your computer, the software can be downloaded, at no cost, from Adobe's Web site.