Sailing Towards a Sustainable Future
The following Club environmental initiatives illustrate our dedication to making a positive impact on the environment and promoting responsible practices that benefit both our local community and the planet at large.
The Nepean Sailing Club strives to be a sanctuary of environmental stewardship and sustainable boating practices. As sailors, boaters, and nature enthusiasts, we recognize the crucial role we play in protecting the delicate ecosystems we are responsible for and are privileged to enjoy.
1. Purple Martins – Our Winged Ambassadors of Environmental Conservation
We have made the Purple Martins a focus of our environmental efforts, representing our commitment to creating a cleaner, safer, and more environmentally friendly boating environment. Working together, we strive to protect and preserve the fragile ecosystem around our club, which provides a thriving habitat not only for the Purple Martins but also for other valuable wildlife species.
2. Osprey Nesting Area: Creating Safe Spaces for Nesting Birds
As part of our dedication to the preservation of biodiversity, we have designated and protected an osprey nesting area within our club premises. This provides a haven for ospreys and supports a harmonious coexistence with other bird species, including the Purple Martins.
3. Turtle Nest Protection
We actively collaborate with local conservation groups and experts to identify and protect nesting sites of various species, including turtles. By keeping a watchful eye on these delicate habitats, we ensure the well-being of hatchlings, contributing to the ecological balance that sustains wildlife.
4. Bilge Socks & Oil Absorbent Pads
In our relentless pursuit to minimize environmental impacts, we have implemented the use of bilge socks and oil-absorbent pads in all our boats. This ensures that any accidental fuel or oil spills inside boats are quickly contained and absorbed, preventing harmful substances from contaminating the river.
5. Spill Prevention and Response at the Service Dock
Refuelling boats is allowed only at the service dock and never in slips. We have established stringent spill prevention protocols to minimize the risk of oil or fuel spills during refuelling. Our trained staff is equipped with appropriate spill response kits to swiftly address incidents, mitigating impact on the local ecosystem.
6. CleanMarine Certification
Nepean Sailing Club is recognized as a CleanMarine-certified establishment. The Ontario-developed Clean Marine Eco-Rating Program guides marine businesses following best practices to reduce and prevent water, air and land pollution. This certification demonstrates our unwavering commitment to responsible environmental practices, benefiting all wildlife, in an ecologically sound environment.
7. Seabin – Innovation for Cleaner Waters
As one of our more recent club environmental initiatives, we have invested in innovative solutions to combat marine pollution, such as the installation of Seabins within our harbour. These floating trash collectors capture debris, plastic, and other pollutants, preventing them from entering the waterways and affecting foraging grounds.
8. Dock Tank Coating Choices: Eco-Friendly Harbor Maintenance
Recognizing the impact of dock maintenance on water quality, we carefully select environmentally friendly coating materials for our dock tanks. By opting for non-toxic and eco-conscious choices, we minimize the risk of harmful chemicals leaching into the water, thereby preserving the habitat integrity of all aquatic life.
9. Gutter Bin® Stormwater Filtration System
The source of most pollution in rivers, lakes and oceans is stormwater that flows unfiltered from inland environments affected by human activity. The Gutter Bin® removes pollution from stormwater helping to protect and restore ecosystems. The Gutter Bin® stormwater filtration system is a catch basin filter insert that removes pollution within a storm drain. These are installed in the storm drains in the parking lot around the Club.
10. Water Level and Flow Monitoring Station at NSC – Nepean Sailing Club
Our club environmental initiatives include the installation of a new water level stilling well and equipment shelter by the Water Survey of Canada (WSC). It is located at the southeast of the main harbour access ramp. Environment & Climate Change Canada (ECCC) has maintained a water level and flow-monitoring station on this section of the river since 1915. A station has been located on NSC grounds since 2010. WSC’s equipment had been maintained under the patio. NSC management, WSC Engineering, and regional WSC employees developed a plan and secured a licence agreement to install an improved station on NSC grounds.