Says Basel Action Network
The U.S. Maritime Administration has apparently developed a new policy not to sink ships built before 1985, when ships were often built using toxic substances.
The U.S. Maritime Administration is a division of the Department of Transportation and has its own fleet of noncombatant governmental ships. The policy would not apply to other departments, such as the U.S. Navy or Coast Guard, unless the Maritime Administration owned one of their former vessels.
Ships are often used by the government to create artificial reefs in oceans.
The Basel Action Network, which announced the policy change, praised the move, saying it will effectively end the Maritime Administration’s practice of sinking old ships and instead, allow them to be recycled.
An official with the Maritime Administration did not immediately return a request to confirm the measure.
BAN said since 1972, approximately 45 ships have been disposed at sea, which often carried PCBs and other potentially toxic substances. In addition, the scrap metal is likely worth millions of dollars.
“The Obama administration got this one right, and they should be commended for finally putting into place a more conservative policy that protects our resources, our jobs, as well as the marine environment,” said Colby Self, BAN’s ship disposal expert.
There are 38 ships in the Maritime Administration’s fleet designated for disposal. Of the 125 vessels owned by the agency, only one was built after 1985.
BAN has been pressuring the U.S. Navy to adopt a similar policy, calling for an end to its sinking exercises. The Navy has sunk 117 ships since 1999, including three near Hawaii in July. BAN has sued the U.S. EPA for allowing the program to continue.
Source: Waste Recycling