Debris cleanup keeps port’s waters safe from navigation hazards
The Prince Rupert Harbour Debris Society announced the successful completion of its extensive harbour cleanup.
The Harbour Debris Society was incorporated as a non-profit group in 1983 with the objective of controlling and reducing the dangers to navigation caused by debris and promoting safe use of the harbour.
Throughout the year, debris such as logs, untreated wooden docks and floats, derelict fishing vessels and other safely-combustible materials are collected and gathered at a specially-designated site in Osbourne Cove, located at the north end of Tuck Inlet. Once a sizable quantity is amassed, the debris is sorted and burned by Wainwright Marine Services.
In 2011, the first burn in a decade saw roughly 2000 cubic metres of debris disposed of. In 2012, over 200 cubic metres of debris was collected at the booming grounds and disposed of at the burn site over a period of four days. Beginning today, a similar burn of 200 cubic metres will be disposed of over a period of approximately three days, weather conditions permitting.
“In the two years since our last successful sanctioned burn, the amount of debris in the harbour has been manageable, and the Prince Rupert Port Authority patrol vessel has handled most debris delivery and storage at the site,” said Gary Paulson, President of the Harbour Debris Society.
“We continue to be very fortunate to have Wainwright Marine as a local partner which facilitate our burns and cleanups. As we see the Port of Prince Rupert grow, I’m confident that we will see the Society becoming more and more important to facilitate safe vessel movement in our waters.
Source and Image Credit:Prince Rupert Port Authority
