Harbormaster Phil Benner, third from right, received a commendation and flag for his efforts toward earning certification for Haines under the Alaska Clean Harbors program. From left are mayor Stephanie Scott, Brett Farrell of Alaska Clean Harbors, and assistant harbormaster Shawn Bell. To win the rating, the harbor was scored on 88 best management practices related to pollution prevention and waste management. Haines scored 92 percent on the program’s eligibility test, of a required 85 percent for certification. Benner started efforts toward certification two years ago. Harbor improvements include a catchment system for trapping fish-cleaning waste, improved signage, a “smart-ash” incinerator, a waste separation station and a new sewage pump-out facility. Haines was only the third harbor in the state to earn certification.
