An official derelict vessel removal program may be closer to reality in the San Juans, thanks to the hard work and collaboration of A1 Marine/Vessel Assist, the Marine Resources Committee, San Juan County and other advocates of reviving the program locally.
A local agency, authorized under state law, needs to take the lead on the Derelict Vessel Removal Program in San Juan County. Our county has the worst derelict vessel problem in the state. Loaded with fuel, oil and other toxins, derelict vessels pose a tremendous environmental threat.
An authorized local coordinator could move on boats that have been abandoned, identify boats that are derelict and at risk of sinking, and get them out of the water before they become an environmental and public health problem. Lacking an authorized local coordinator, the state Department of Natural Resources has a contract with a salvage company that can, by law, move on a vessel only if it is in immediate or imminent danger of sinking, is breaking up or blocking navigation channels. By that time, it can be too late. And once a derelict vessel sinks, the cost of salvaging can quadruple.
Funding the up front costs of a local coordinator would make the program proactive, rather than reactive. But coming up with money to cover costs until reimbursement can be obtained from the boat’s owner has been a challenge. Most counties, including San Juan, can’t afford to cover labor costs until they are reimbursed, which according to one county official can take between three and six months.
A1 Marine/Vessel Assist has offered to front the money. The county Department of Environmental Health would be the authorized public agency. Commitments of in-kind services must also be obtained. Past partners have included the Port of Friday Harbor, which berthed vessels scheduled to be towed to salvage; and the Town of Friday Harbor, which hauled demolished boats to the solid waste transfer station.
The San Juan County Council has asked County Administrator Pete Rose to prepare a Request for Proposals, the first step in recruiting a marine salvage company or qualified individual willing to run the program under contract with the county.
A great amount of energy and resources are being poured into improving the health of the Salish Sea. We can’t leave out derelict vessel removal. We thank all hands for their hard work and for getting us to the threshold of reviving this program.
