Marylanders asked to share high tide photos

(The King tides are still present in Oyster Harbor due to local weather conditions, as of Dec 18th)

Reprint from Chesapeake Bay Magazine, Dec/Jan 2012 Issue with inserted local photos from Oyster Harbor.

Maryland is set experience some of the season's highest tides December 12 through 15 and theCoastSmart Communities program is asking for citizens' help in documenting the tides by taking pictures of high water and flooding around their neighborhoods and submitting them here. 

King Tides as they are often called, give researchers a potential look at what future sea level rise may look like. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King_tide)

Step onto Fishing Creek Pier during December's King Tide

These photographs will be used in educational and outreach materials to build awareness on how coastal flooding affects Maryland's shoreline. Building a photo library will help researchers understand how floods are impacting area schools, homes, harbors, beaches, public access points and other public infrastructure. CoastSmart will then use this information to create a plan for communities that may experience coastal hazards and increased flooding in the future.

Fishing Creek Pier during December's King Tide

King Tides are not sea level rise and are not related to climate change. If the State and its citizens do not take action however, these tides show what communities could experience as a result of future sea level rise. As sea levels continue to rise, these areas will become more at-risk to the impacts of storm surge, flooding and other coastal hazards, such as Hurricane Sandy. An Environmental Protection Agency fact sheet on King Tides is available here.

For more information on the Maryland King Tides Initiative, including a chart showing when and where tides will be highest and instructions on how to submit a photo, participants should visit dnr.state.md.us/coastsmart/king_tide.asp.  To check out the photo submissions, visitwww.flickr.com/groups/MarylandKingTides.

Those with questions or comments may contact Maryland Department of Natural Resources' CoastSmart Communities Planner, Kate Skaggs, at 410-260-8743 or kskaggs@dnr.state.md.us.

Additional Fishing Creek Pier Photo

A Nor'easter's a commin'

We did really well making it through Hurricane Sandy at least from a Piers and Harbors point of view. We had some damage on the Fishing Creek pier which Cory Gassman offered to fix.  We also lost the flag halyard on the Booker pier as the block at the top of the pole rusted through.

Now we have to prepare for a Nor'easter.  This time with the possibility of snow and freezing temperatures with it.

Areas of wind warnings

Currently Annapolis is expecting rain and wind, with the possibility of snow from midday Wednesday until late Thursday.  Although there will be gusts to near 40 kts, the most threatening aspect of the storm is the duration of nearly 48 hours of winds.

As with Hurricane Sandy, please check your boats and boats in racks, to ensure they are tied well and have chaff protection.

As with Sandy, we will try to get updates onto the Facebook community page.

Hope everyone stays warm and dry.

Hurricane Sandy Preparation

OHCA is asking all slipholders to make plans to safe-

guard their vessels from Hurricane Sandy.

Forecasted Path of Hurricane Sandy

We are keeping a close eye on Hurricane Sandy. Some part of the storm is expected to have an effect in our area. Some models suggest the storm will be coming near, but not into the bay.

This means that some amount of wind, rain and storm surge will have an affect on OHCA piers.  The magnitude of the effect can vary greatly.

Storm Surge Effects

While most OHCA piers are shielded from high winds, the rising water from the wind and low pressure can cause a Storm Surge that can not be blocked. Storm surges can raise boats in slips beyond the limit of their lines and the height of the pilings which can pull the boat under water or cause severe damage. 

Here is a quick guide to storm surge effects in Oyster Harbor:

• Less than 2 feet - normal tide range
• 3-4 feet - Fishing creek pier may be covered with water and the boat ramp parking lot may be flooded.
• 4-6 feet - Booker pier may be under water, and Booker parking lot may be flooded. Fishing Creek pier will be well under water with only pilings showing.  Many boats at all piers will have significant strain on their lines and risk being pulled under water.  A risk of electrical shock from pier and other power services will exist.
• 6-8 feet - All OHCA piers and parking lots will be under water.  Access to boat slips will be by row boat. Washington Ave and Shore Ave will be flooded.  Boats on the dinghy racks will be at risk. Many boat's dock lines will be at their limit.  Fishing Creek boats may bang the top of the pilings and be damaged.
• 8+ feet - Most streets heading to the water will be flooded.  The emergency fire pumping stations will  be under water. Most boat dock lines will be beyond their maximum stretch and will either part or pull the boats under water.

Below is a link to the tidal surge for our area:

Tides online

The best way to prepare for Hurricane Irene is to pull your boat out of the water with a trailer or at a local marina.  

If you plan on leaving your boat in the water, below is some advice for hurricane preparedness.

What you will need:

• extra lines for dock lines and securing canvas and sails
• chafe protectors
• fenders
• duct tape
• flash light with spare batteries

What you should plan on doing:

• securing or removing biminis, dodgers, life rings, etc
• double line your dock lines
• add additional chafe protection
• use extra fenders
• verify batteries are fully charged
• leave automatic bilge pump on
• disconnect shore power
• close fuel valves
• close all through-hull fittings
• verify cockpit drains are clear
• duct tape any non-watertight hatches
• remove boat papers
• lock boat
• secure your dinghy on the dinghy rack
• assist your neighbors if necessary
• ensure the piers and harbors committee has your most current contact information - including cell phone
• do not park cars in any of the parking lots near the piers during the storm
• check with your insurance company to see if they will pay for haulout and storage fees during a named storm
• verify your insurance information.  All boats in OCHA rented slips are required to carry liability insurance.
• Electric power will probably be turned off to all docks during the storm.
• Don't put yourself at risk during the storm.  

If you have a boat in a dinghy rack, make sure its secured with line.  Don't assume because it higher up that it is safe from wind or water.

Here are some links from BoatUS:
Hurricane Prep Guide
Hurricane Prep Guide 2
(Thanks to Michael Paroby for sending these)

If you have questions, please feel free to contact me, Eric Epstein at 410-575-4001 (eric @ epstein.bz).

Aftermath of Category 3 Hurricane

Other sites to watch for status:  

• National Hurricane Center 
• Another National Hurricane Center site  
• Disaster Supply Kit 
• Take Action 
• NOAA Storm Surge GIS Data 
• US Coast Guard Storm Info 

Prepare early and be safe.  

Lets hope Sandy moves to the east and misses the Chesapeake Bay.

What a great summer it has been!

The Chesapeake Bay has benefited greatly from the lower amounts of rainfall and subsequent reduced runoff of water that come with it.  The Bay's dead zones that exist without oxygen have been smaller, the fish have ventured farther north, and the spawning female crabs swimming south have happened in some of the largest numbers seen in recent years. The reduced algae blooms have left the middle Bay a bit clearer and promoted the growth of sea grasses that are crucial for the Bay ecosystems.  Fishing Creek has seen some of the first Terrapins (Native Bay turtles) live and lay eggs in the creek in many years.

Terrapin caught in crab pot

 

Of course lower rainfall also brought record Sea Nettle (Jelly fish) counts to the middle Bay, and more barnacles for boat bottoms.

Hurricane season has also been a bit different this summer, with storms staying well south or east of the US East Coast.

Track Hurricanes at http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/

For this Autumn, there are many predictions as to what we will expect.  For us in Oyster Harbor we can probably expect at least one Tropical Storm to past by and leave some rain and wind before November.  We can also expect the consistent mix of mild and hot days, with the occasional summer thunderstorms.  Rumor has it that the fishing this fall will be better than normal.

As for new things affecting the Piers and Harbors, we have a big list of accomplishments this summer.

• The Fishing Pier is complete (along with the dredging of the channel and new bulkheads)
• We have added floating docks to Fishing Creek and Booker Ave piers for dinghy and kayak launching and for  leased space available to store small boats on those floating docks.
• We have added the ability to pump out port-a-potties (portable types) at the Pump out on Booker Pier
• We have fixed and expanded signs at beaches and piers to more clearly define rules and usage.
• We have also gotten stricter about enforcing boats, trailers, and cars that are left in places that block the open use of the piers or parking areas by others.
• We added an online Slip Request form on the Piers and Harbors Blog to apply for a slip or dinghy dock

New dinghy floating dock details

We have one new dock as Fishing Creek.  It can hold four dinks, kayaks, lasers, sunfish, or other similar sized boat.  Each space is 3.5' x 10' and has tie downs to secure your boat.  Half of the original white dock at Fishing Creek is reserved for boat launching, crabbing, and short term tie ups.

On Booker/Washington Pier we added two floating docks, with a total of seven spaces available.  Four spaces are 3.5' x 10 feet, three are 2.5' x 10' for kayak width boats only (kayaks by be up to 14'), and one is 2.5 feet by 10' where the kayak must be 10' or less. All spaces have tie downs.  Both floating docks have the right side reserved for boat launching.  The one near shore has a ramp to make launching easier.

Leased Spaces are available on a first come, first serve basis, with preference given to those who are less able to carry boats from the racks to the water. 

If you'd like to lease floating dock space or a slip, click on the slip request button above.

We'd also like to thank all the residents who went out of their way to report boats that were taking on water, help find lost boats, and in one case go out of their way to bail out a boat at 2am in high winds.  I believe that because of this care for others in the community, we did not have a single boat sunk, and found the one lost boat that blew away.  Thank you!

Don't think this winter will be as mild as last year. Plan ahead!

On a final weather note, last winter was remembered as the "Winter that wasn't", and many boaters will have that fresh in their minds when planning winterizing and storage for their boats for this winter.  We remind you that the last time this area had such a mild winter was in 1955.  And, only a couple years ago we had the "Snowmageddon".   Winters can vary greatly from year to year in our area, so please plan for a much harsher winter this year than last.

As always, if you have suggestions, ideas, find a lost boat, see one near sinking (even at 2am), or want to rent a boat slip, please let us know.

Fair winds and happy boating,

Eric Epstein

Piers and Harbors Chair

~~~~~(\~~~~~

Online Slip Requests

Over the last two years we have made a big effort to bring the Internet and automation to the Oyster Harbor slip lease process.  So far, we have started a Blog, converted to PDF based slip leases that are sent by email, created an online database of slip holders and emergency contact info (not publically view-able), and track piers projects online with an internal database.  

 

This week we added an online slip request form, for people to request a new slip, or a different slip.  If you already have a slip lease and are happy with the slip, there is no need to use this form.

Coming soon, we hope to have online work/maintenance request forms and online suggestion forms available.  

If you have any Blog ideas, suggested topics, or Online services you think we can provide, please feel free to email me anytime at Eric@Epstein.Bz.

The Slip request form is available at the top of this Blog.

Safe boating,

Eric

Reminders and Information for the Boating Season

Memorial Day is coming, and with it starts the unofficial beginning of the boating season on the Chesapeake Bay.  Here are a few reminders to help everyone get the most out of Oyster Harbor's waterways and piers.

Speed - Watch your speed in the back end of Fishing Creek and near people's docks in Oyster Creek.  Maryland law forbids speeds over 6 knots within 100 feet of boats on moorings, or docks on shore.  The back end of Fishing Creek, near the US Coast Guard station, is a mooring field and a no wake zone.  No matter where you are, you are responsible for your wake!  Watch for kayaks, dinghy sailors and kids in small boats.

Trailers and cars - The parking areas by the three piers are for residents and guests utilizing those areas, and for overflow community parking.  You may not use if to store trailers or leave cars for long term parking.  The community launch ramp has space for only a few cars and trailers.  Please leave your trailer only if you will be gone for a short period.  If you are launching your boat for the weekend, or longer, please take your car and trailer home.  If you leave your boat trailer or car for an extended time, it may be removed at your expense.

Boats left - If you do not have a slip, but want to leave your boat at an OHCA pier for an overnight, send an email to myself or Claire.  We may have a temporary slip for you, or you can use one of the new floating docks we will be adding soon.  Docking your boat for more than an overnight is not permitted.  OHCA has never permitted mooring non-slip leased boats to community docks and will begin enforcing the rule and removing boats that abuse it.



Best of the Bay - Chesapeake Bay Magazine has published its Best of the Bay 2012 list.  Follow the link to find the best places the explore this summer.
http://www.chesapeakeboating.net/Media/Feature-Stories/Best-of-the-Bay-2012.aspx

We wish everyone a happy and safe Memorial Day and Summer boating season.

- Oyster Harbor Piers and Harbors Committee Chair

Slip Contracts are Sent

They are a bit late and a bit different this year, but most of the slip contracts have been sent as PDFs by email to slip holders and those who are at the top of the wait list.

Included in the package is a cover letter, single page renter's agreement and a copy of the Rules and Regulations.

Of course you will still need to print it and write a check. But email is a big step forward.

Did you not get yours?  If so, please contact me ASAP!

Thanks,
Eric

On a completely separate topic, for those who have not seen it yet, here is the Eagle Cam live feed from The US Fish and Wildlife service.


Live broadcast by UstreamYou can read more on it at http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2012/02/eagle-cam-returns/

Links to Resources for Clean, Green Boating

With Springtime upon us, we begin cleaning and preparing our boats for the new season.  One of the key topics we boaters should consider is pollution caused by our boats - as well as homes, yards, and automobiles.  Below is a fantastic reference from AnnapolisGreen.Com (http://annapolisgreen.com/greenboating.html), which is hosted by Oyster Harbor's own Elvia Thompson.

It is very informative, and complete with links and reference information that make it a one-stop site for Local Environmental Topics.

----------------

Resources for Clean, Green Boating

Chesapeake Bay Safety and Environmental Hotline 877-224-7229 - Call this number to report problems on State waters.

Green BoatingHere's a quick list of "21 Simple Steps to Cleaner Boating" from the BoatU.S. Foundation.

From the Spa Creek Conservancy ... but applicable to concern about any body of water 
How to Wash and Service Your Boat for a Clean Creek - Keep Trash, Oil, Solvents and Toxics Out of Our Creek

Clean Boating Suggestions from Maryland's Department of Natural Resources

Sewage Issues (from Maryland's Department of Natural Resources)

Tips for protecting our waterways
The most significant threat to the health of the Chesapeake Bay is nutrient overenrichment. When present in excessive amounts, nutrients trigger algal blooms. The algae prevents sunlight from passing through the water column. Aquatic plants suffer as a result. Furthermore, when this algae dies and is decomposed, dissolved oxygen levels can be reduced to the point where aquatic life is threatened.

Boat sewage, whether treated by a marine sanitation device (MSD) or not, contains nutrients. Although one flush form one head on one boat may not add a significant amount of nutrients to the water, the effects of nutrient overenrichment are cumulative and boat sewage can present a particular problem in areas of water that do not flush well and where boats tend to congregate (such as marinas and mooring areas).

Raw or poorly treated sewage also contains harmful bacteria which is a potential source of disease transmission to swimmers and others who come into contact with contaminated waters. Also, human consumption of shellfish contaminated with sewage can result in serious illness.

• Use onshore restrooms when docked.
• Report broken pumpout stations to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources at 410-260-8770.
• Choose enzyme-based deodorizers for waste in holding tanks or portable toilets.
• Avoid holding tank products that contain quarternary ammonium compounds (QAC) and formaldehyde. These products may disrupt sewage treatment plants.
• Share this information with another boater.

Pumpouts in Maryland - General Information

• Tips for Protecting our waterways
• Legal Requirements for Boaters
• How to use a Pumpout Facility
• A Boater's Guide to Sewage Holding Tanks
• Pumpout locations in Maryland
• No Discharge Zones

The Maryland Clean Marina Initiative is an evolving effort to assist marina, boatyards and yacht club operators to protect the resources that provide their livelihood: clean water and fresh air. The Initiative is distributing a comprehensive pollution prevention guidebook for marinas, recognizes “Clean Marinas” through an awards program, and conducts outreach activities to further promote environmentally responsible marina and boating practices.
Guidebook for Marinas | Certified Maryland Clean Marinas

Tip Sheets for Boaters from the Clean Marina Initiative

• Petroleum
• Vessel Cleaning & Maintenance
• Selecting a Bottom Paint
• Underwater Hull Cleaning
• Vessel Sewage
• Waste Containment & Disposal

Join the The Maryland Clean Boater Program

While the Clean Marina Initiative has provided tools and help to Maryland marinas and boatyards since 1998 to protect the resources upon which their businesses depend — clean water and fresh air — the the Maryland Clean Boater Program was launched in 2007 to help boaters join the effort to protect our waterways.

The Program encourages you to take the Clean Boater Pledge to express your commitment to clean boating habits. The program provides tips and materials to prevent marine pollution.

Check out the Maryland Clean Boater Program website and take the pledge! While supplies last, each boater who returns a Pledge will receive a thank you gift!)

How Can You Be a Clean Boater?

• Sign the Maryland Clean Boater Pledge by clicking here! (See above.)
• Don’t litter, and pick up litter when you see it.
• Learn about and share clean, safe boating habits.
• Follow laws regarding discharge of sewage, chemicals, and debris.
• Support Maryland Clean Marinas when possible.

General Clean Boating Tips

For use around marinas and while on the water anywhere: Contain Trash

• Do no let trash get thrown or blown overboard
• If trash blows overboard, retrieve it--consider it “crew-overboard” practice
• Pack food in reusable containers
• Buy products without plastic or excessive packaging--plastic is deadly to fish and birds
• Do not toss cigarette butts overboard--they are made of plastic (cellulose acetate)
• Purchase refreshments in recyclable containers

Recycle

• Recycle cans, glass, plastic, newspaper, antifreeze, oil and lead batteries
• Call 1-800-4-RECYCLE for locations or visit www.mde.state.md.us/Programs/LandPrograms/Recycling/index.asp
• Bring used monofilament fishing line to recycling bins at your marina or tackle shop

Fuel Cautiously

• Remember, fuel expands as it warms up
• Fill your tank just before leaving on a trip
• If you fill your tank upon your return to port, fill it only 90%
• Use oil absorbent material to catch drips from the fuel intake and the vent overflow
• Fill portable fuel tanks ashore--where spills are less likely to occur and easier to clean up
• Add a fuel conditioner to your tank if you use your engine infrequently

Control Oil In The Bilge

• Keep your engine well tuned--no leaking seals, gaskets or hoses
• Place oil absorbent material or a bioremediating bilge boom in the bilge
• Place an oil absorbent pad under the engine
• Replace oil absorbent materials regularly
• Check fuel lines for damage--replace with alcohol resistant hoses
• Secure fuel hoses to prevent chafing and leaks
• Never discharge bilge water with a sheen--it is illegal

Properly Dispose of Oil Absorbent Materials

• If the pad is saturated with gas, allow it to air dry. Reuse.
• If the pad is saturated with diesel or oil, double bag it in plastic--one bag sealed inside another. Dispose in your regular trash.
• Bioremediating bilge booms should not be sealed in plastic bags--the microbes need oxygen to function. Discard in regular trash.

Clean Gently

• Wash your boat frequently with a sponge and plain water
• Use detergents sparingly
• Use phosphate-free, biodegradable and non-toxic cleaners
• Wax your boat--a good coat of wax prevents surface dirt from becoming ingrained
• Clean wood with a mild soap powder and a nylon brush--not harsh chemical cleaners
• Conserve water--put a spray nozzle on your hose

Maintain Your Vessel Wisely

• Collect all paint chips, dust and residue. Dispose in regular trash.
• Share leftover paint and varnish
• Bring used solvents and waste gas to local hazardous waste collection day
• Keep your engine clean so you can spot leaks
• Slip a plastic bag over used oil filters before they are removed to capture drips
• Use premium two-cycle engine oil
• Use alternatives to toxic bottom paints

Sewage

• Never discharge raw sewage in Maryland waters
• Use restrooms on shore
• Under way, use approved Marine Sanitation Devices (MSDs)
• Discharge Type I or II MSDs over deep water--avoid discharging in swimming areas, marinas, anchorages or over oyster bars
• Establish regular maintenance schedule for your MSD based on manufacturer’s recommendations
• Pumpout and rinse hold tanks regularly
• Use enzyme based products to control odor and reduce solids in holding tanks
• Avoid holding tank products that contain quarternary ammonium compounds (QAC) and formaldehyde

Dispose Of Fish Waste Properly

• Do not throw fish waste into marina waters
• Use fish cleaning stations where provided on docks or at marinas
• Discard waste over deep water or in the trash
• Save waste and use as chum or bait

Protect Sensitive Habitat

• Proceed slowly in shallow areas
• Do not disturb wildlife
• Avoid contact with submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV)
• Watch your wake--it can lead to shoreline erosion and disturb wildlife

Be A Responsible Boater

• Learn about products and practices which are environmentally safe
• Share the information with other boaters
• Help guests understand that, on your boat, no trash is thrown overboard
• Obey laws governing speeding, littering and discharge
• Encourage boating facilities to provide trash cans, recycling bins and pumpout stations
• Support marinas that are environmentally responsible