The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) presented the designation for the first time to Jacksonville shipyard employees during a small ceremony there.
The FDEP “Clean Boatyard” designation is awarded to boatyards and marinas within the state that have demonstrated exceptional environmental compliance, management practices, and operational performance in the shipbuilding and repair industry. To qualify for the state designation, the shipyard had to commit to doing its part to keep Florida’s waterways free of harmful chemicals, excess nutrients, and debris by maintaining an environmentally responsible business. The program requires annual renewal with a re-verification site visit every five years.
“This is an important award for our shipyard,” said Tim Spratto, vice president and general manager of Jacksonville Ship Repair. “Located near the Timucuan Preserve, we take environmental protection just as seriously as worker safety and high-quality work. Environmental protection is part of our business ethos.”
BAE Systems has a dedicated staff for monitoring and carrying out environmental activities at the 101-acre shipyard. Shipyard employees also receive training on environmental protection and the potential impact of ship repair activities on the river and wildlife.
“BAE Systems earned this designation through our diligence and commitment to maintaining environmental compliance, and by executing the plans, procedures, and management practices we developed through the years to protect our local/Florida’s environment,” said John Nist, environmental manager for BAE Systems Jacksonville Ship Repair. “We increased emphasis on preventive actions through our operations on the St. Johns River and the implementation of environmental best management practices.”
By maintaining environmentally responsible practices, clean boatyards like BAE Systems’ identify opportunities and implement practices to control pollution, such as using dustless sanders; oil and solvent recycling; strong spill prevention and response programs; and recycling wastewater from paint removal systems.
“These measures help preserve the state’s natural resources like the designated Outstanding Florida Waterway and the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve that surround our shipyard for future generations.,” Nist said.
BAE Systems Jacksonville Ship Repair is a fully-facilitized shipyard located two miles upriver on the St. Johns River. The shipyard is involved with the repair, refit and modernization of U.S. Navy ships and select commercial vessels such as research vessels, superyachts, tugs, and other workboats that call upon the Port of Jacksonville. The shipyard recently began construction on a modern shiplift-land-level repair facility that will involve pulling ships ashore for more efficient and environmentally friendly ship repair work.