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Clean Marine Solutions
Wilmington, NC
Clean Marine Solutions is now positioned to deliver the new system to boatyards and marinas across the nation and internationally.
David Flagler, owner of Clean Marine Solutions, has a goal of
cleaning up the environment and creating jobs by developing
“green” marine wastewater treatment and recycle systems.
Pressure wash wastewater has been measured at 70,000 times
over the US EPA’s discharge limit. Releasing this wastewater into waterways is a violation of the Federal Clean Water Act.
The wastewater is highly toxic to marine life and discharge
and could cause a marina to incur heavy fines. To fulfill his
goal, David developed the Vanish 300TM, an affordable
environmental compliance solution for boatyards and marinas
that reduces 50 gallons of power wash wastewater to less than
a cup of dried precipitate.
David has had an extensive career in the boating industry during which he worked with Mike Bradley, SBTDC Director of Boating Industry Services, to bring boating manufacturers to North Carolina. In 2008, David came to the SBTDC to get help with acquiring funds to further develop and market his product. Working with business counselor Jack Morrow at the UNC Wilmington SBTDC, David completed applications and a business plan for his new “green” contaminated water collection and disposal system. Well-connected throughout the NC boating industry, Jack introduced David to fellow entrepreneurs who proved invaluable to project development.
When David and Jack learned about the NC Department of
Commerce’s Green Business Fund grant program, they began the
application process. This grant helps NC small businesses develop
commercial innovations and applications in the biofuels and
green building industries, and support environmentally-conscious
technologies and renewable energy products. As a result of
the SBTDC’s guidance,
Clean Marine Solutions
won an $84,600 grant in
2009, which helped turn
David’s working prototype
into a refined, marketable
product. In fall 2009, David
received news from the NC
Division of Water Quality
that the Vanish 300™ system was approved for
managing contaminated
power wash wastewater
at boatyards and marinas
– the only system currently
with thisndistinction.
Clean Marine Solutions is now positioned to deliver the new system to boatyards and marinas across the nation and internationally. A great supporter of the SBTDC, David continues to work with the SBTDC and attends events like NxLeveL, a workshop designed to help entrepreneurs learn the skills needed to create, develop and strengthen successful business ventures.
“The SBTDC has helped me get to my goal destinations like a river pilot steering a ship through local waters,” David says.
Story originally featured in the SBTDC's 2009-2010 Annual Report.