Public comment sought on abandoned and derelict boat removals in Westmoreland and Lancaster counties
In 2022, Lynnhaven River NOW was awarded $2.9 million to remove marine debris (boats) and work on an abandoned and derelict vessel removal and prevention program for the state.
The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has announced the public comment period of September 18 - October 12 for the NOAA project #23-137F, Lynnhaven River NOW: Removing Abandoned and Derelict Vessels in Coastal Virginia. While the majority of debris is not on the NNK, there are two locations at which six vessels are proposed for removal: Five vessels at Kinsale Harbor Marina on the Yeocomico River (Westmoreland County) and one vessel at Carters Cove Marina on Carters Cove, Rappahannock River (Lancaster County).
According to the Environmental Impact Review public notice,
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Marine Debris Program is funding a project by Lynnhaven River NOW to remove abandoned and derelict vessels in Coastal Virginia. At least 100 vessels equaling approximately 250-300 tons of debris would be removed from a variety of coastal estuarine habitats in Accomack County, Northampton County, Westmoreland County, Lancaster County, Middlesex County, Gloucester County, Matthews County, City of Newport News, City of Hampton, Town of Poquoson, City of Virginia Beach, City of Norfolk, City of Portsmouth and City of Suffolk. The total area of the vessels and vessel debris footprint is estimated to be a maximum of 8 acres. Habitat types where vessels are located include oyster reefs, vegetated tidal wetlands, non-vegetated tidal wetlands - commonly known as mudflats, and subaqueous bottom. Each habitat type and vessel characteristics such as size, type, and condition, would require different debris removal techniques that are determined to be most efficient and effective in that specific environment. The project would also start building capacity for a future statewide removal and disposal program. The proposed activity is subject to review for consistency with the enforceable policies of the Virginia Coastal Zone Management Program.
Four documents are associated with the project and are part of the review/comment process:
- 09 12 23 Lynnhaven River NOW CZMA FCD
- 09 12 23 Attachment 1. Map of Project Targets
- 09 12 23 Attachment 2. Coordinates of Project Targets
- 09 12 23 Attachment 3. BMPs NOAA MDP BIL-IRA - Virginia 8-4-23
The DEQ contact for public comments and additional information is Julia Wellman, Julia.Wellman@deq.virginia.gov.
What is the scope of the marine debris problem in Virginia?
According to the 2021-2025 Virginia Marine Debris Reduction Plan (PDF), the vast majority of litter and marine debris is “mostly plastic, and mostly single use.” (p 5) A 2014-2018 study of coastal beaches in Virginia found “83% of all debris items are made of plastic. . .” (p 5) While not significant in numbers, abandoned and derelict vessels pose a significant threat to the ecosystem. That’s why the plan’s fourth goal is “Understand, Prevent and Mitigate the Impacts of Abandoned and Derelict Vessels.”
Abandoned and derelict vessels (ADV) are vessels in significant disrepair that may pose a threat to the public or the environment. “Derelict” frequently refers to vessels that are dilapidated with an identifiable owner, while “abandoned” vessels are those where the owner is unknown or has surrendered rights of ownership. ADVs often litter ports, waterways, marinas, and estuaries. They threaten our ocean, coasts, and waterways by obstructing navigational channels, causing harm to the environment, and diminishing commercial and recreational activities. (p 34)
For those interested in trash in local waterways, the Ocean Conservancy TIDES system reports that in 2022, 5540.16 lbs of trash were picked up in Northumberland County and 60 lbs in Westmoreland County. This and other data is in the spreadsheet Northumberland & Westmoreland Counties, 2022 Trash PU.