Family-Owned Baltimore County Marina Certified as Clean Marina

Charlie Gast and his daughter, Mary Carol Jacob, proudly display their Maryland Clean Marina Certificate

Chrismar Marina, a new, 38-slip docking facility at the head of the Middle River in Essex, has been certified a Maryland Clean Marina for meeting high environmental standards established by the Department of Natural Resources.

Set to officially open in spring 2016, the marina offers free pumpouts, solid waste and oil recycling, and has two spill response kits. The owners also have established an emergency response plan in the event of a hazardous spill and a plan to educate customers on sustainable practices.

Owned by Charlie and Mary Frances Gast, Chrismar is located on what was once Buedel’s, a marina and prop shop that ran from 1965 to 2005. The business has been in the family for two generations and the present day marina is named for two of the Gast’s children, Christopher and Mary Carol, who are actively involved in its operation.

“It took almost 10 years to rebuild the marina, but it was a labor of love,” Charlie Gast said. “We look forward to sharing this place with new customers in the spring and are proud to be a Clean Marina.”

The owners completely transformed the property with renovations that included adding a 735-foot boardwalk and new slip docking, eliminating land storage for boats and creating a park-like setting complete with stormwater controls.

“It’s wonderful to see marinas remain in a family, and be modernized and rejuvenated. It’s great for the environment and the boating industry,” Clean Marina Program Manager Donna Morrow said.

There are now 155 Maryland Clean Marina certified facilities. The program promotes and celebrates the efforts of any-sized marina, boatyard, or yacht club to reduce pollution. More information and free program materials are available by calling 410-260-8773 or clicking here.