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People have been using boats and boat docks for centuries. Boat docks can provide an excellent recreation activity as many people living in coastal towns or near rivers and lakes love to enjoy a day out on the water. The decision to install a boat dock to your waterfront property can be an exciting one, and you most likely have done a great deal of research as to which boat dock solution is right for you. However, before you make the plunge to invest time and money installing a boat dock, it is important to explore some unknown facts about the industry so you can ensure that everything is done properly.

Some facts that are relatively unknown about the boat dock industry are the facts regarding a boat dock’s impact on the environment. While simply installing a boat dock may seem like a relatively small task, the repercussions of its installation can be farther reaching than you originally realized if not done correctly. The installation of a boat dock can have a major effect on the environment if the proper precautions are not taken, so it is important to be informed and to select a good contractor before undertaking this project.
One little known fact about boat docks that makes them so environmentally harmful is the materials they use. In the past, many boat docks were constructed using foams that were very harmful to the environment. However, with advances in technology and an increased awareness of protecting the environment, companies have begun using plastics that are not harmful to the environment. These plastics are also a more convenient material to use, as they are far lower maintenance and will last longer into the future. They also make boat docks more stable and thus safer to use. When selecting which boat dock solution is right for you, be sure to carefully examine the materials it employs, both for their environmental impact and for their practicality.

Another little known fact is that the installation of a dock disrupts important wetland wildlife. Many above and below water grasses are often displaced in the process of installing a boat dock, and some of the grasses are an important part of their ecosystem. If the boat dock is properly installed, they will grow back and continue to thrive, but in some cases they can be permanently displaced and the impact can prove monumental in the most severe of situations.

Finally, probably one of the most unknown facts about the boat dock industry is that installation of a boat dock actually severely disrupts important wetland functions in many cases. These functions include protecting against erosion, floods and pollution of the water. Without these wetland functions, water front property is in far greater danger of being damaged by floods or erosion, and the water area is in danger of becoming permanently polluted. Not only is this severely harmful to the environment, but it can severely decrease the value of your home and your enjoyment of your water area.

You as the consumer are not completely helpless. The best thing that you can do after deciding to install a boat dock, is be informed and ask questions. First, find out everything you can about your waterfront property. Make sure that the water is not part of any conserved wildlife area, and be sure that it is not shared with any neighbors. If the water is shared with neighbors, make sure they are included in the decision making process. When selecting a contractor to construct and install your boat dock, be sure that they are competent and capable. Ask questions about what sort of materials they will be using, how they plan on installing the boat dock and how it will affect your water environment. A good boat dock provider will be able to answer all of your questions about your new boat dock and ensure you that the impact upon the environment will be minimal.

Being informed is the first step to being a conscientious and intelligent participant of the industry. Not all products and providers available on the market are created equal, so knowing which ones are best for the environment is essential. Making an informed decision will not only affect the environment of your world, but also potentially the safety of your family and your enjoyment of your waterfront property as well. Not being aware of the harmful environmental side effects of installing a dock can lead to harmful pollutants invading your water, making it unsafe to enjoy, and can also lead to the disappearance of plants and animals, making your water property a less enjoyable place. So search for all the facts, even those generally unknown, about a product and its provider before making the decision to invest in a boat dock.