Local groups remove harmful pollutants


June 17, 2008 · Updated 11:20 AM 

  • 0
  • Print Story
  • Letter/Editor

Staff members and volunteers from the Islands’ Oil Spill Association and the Friends of the San Juans Marine Refuse Project worked together to remove hazardous materials from an abandoned floating shack in Friday Harbor.

Coast Guard staff members identified the hazard created by the unstable floating structure, with its store of pollutants and derelict gear, and contacted IOSA and the Marine Refuse Project. Julie Knight and Nick Nash responded and removed containers of old paint and gasoline from the floating structure, along with nearly 800 pounds of derelict fishing net.

The San Juan County Public Works Department assisted with waste disposal. Some of the nets will be salvaged.

Additional projects under way by the Marine Refuse Project include the removal of large styrofoam derelict dock sections from Cattle Point, north of Fisherman's Bay on Lopez Island and Griffin Bay.

— Tina Whitman is environmental programs coordinator for Friends of the San Juans

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read.

So keep your comments:

  • Civil
  • Smart
  • On-topic
  • Free of profanity

We ask that all participants own their words by logging in with their Facebook account. It's a simple process that will take seconds and helps keep our comments free of trolls, cranks, and “drive-by” commenters. We reserve the right to remove comments from anyone using screen names, pseudonyms or false identities. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.

blog comments powered by Disqus