Removing Derelict Vessels, July 30

The Oregon State Marine Board and the Oregon Department of State Lands, in partnership with the Multnomah County River Patrol, coordinated an abandoned boat cleanup in the Swan Island Lagoon on July 26.  Ten boats were identified for seizure. Marine Industrial Contractors used two barges, one with a crane to remove watercraft and the other for transporting the boats. Some of the boats were located along the shoreline and others partially submerged in the lagoon. “This is the first of several cleanups being discussed,” said Ashley Massey, Public Information Officer for the Marine Board.  “We’re grateful to the contractors for being able to remove all of the identified boats at the same time.  The efficiencies and cost savings are huge. This will allow all of the agency partners to continue planning future on-water cleanups and hopefully more groups can come together to help clean up the trash along the shorelines. We care about our waterways and want them to be clean and safe for everyone.” The Oregon State Marine Board’s Abandoned and Derelict Vessel Removal Program outlines procedures for delegating authority to an enforcement agency to seize and remove boats from state lands and waters (ORS 830.908 – 830.944), in addition to seizure protocols.  Oregon’s ADV program sets aside $150,000 each biennium to fund or reimburse up to 90 percent of the removal costs to abandoned derelict boats, statewide.  The Swan Island Lagoon clean-up effort will cost approximately $18,000 and includes taking the boats to a Storage facility, removing any hazardous materials or recyclable materials, and dismantling each boat.  The Department of State Lands and Marine Board are working together to cover the costs.  “This clean-up represents a great partnership between state agencies, upland property owners and local government to address a shared problem,” said Ken Armstrong, DSL Communications Manager. “We have much more to do here and elsewhere, but this is a good start.” The Department of State Lands is involved in the clean-up due to its stewardship of submerged and submersible state lands up to the point of Ordinary High Water. The Marine Board also advocates boaters be good stewards of the environment by adopting clean boater practices and having an end-of-life plan for their boats. “Boats, like cars and homes, need routine maintenance and TLC; but somewhere down the line, they reach a point when they are beyond repair,” Massey added.  “If you’re not sure what to do, contact the Marine Board to discuss disposal options.” For more information about the Marine Board’s Abandoned Derelict Vessel Program and how to be a clean boater, visit https://www.oregon.gov/osmb/forms-library/Pages/Forms-Library-Home.aspx.