Planning Documents
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Delta Abandoned Vessel Removal Discussion
September 27, 2006 Summary
Reports/Follow-up
Consistent with the Delta Protection Act and the policies of the Land Use and Resource Management Plan for the Primary Zone of the Delta, adopted by the Delta Protection Commission (Commission), a collaborative has been formed to discuss the growing issue of abandoned vessels in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta (Delta). The increasing number of abandoned vessels has prompted recognition that it is a Delta-wide issue that has aesthetic, environmental, and illegal activity consequences.
To date, the collaborative has included law enforcement and resource management representatives from the five Delta counties (Contra Costa, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Solano, and Yolo). It is anticipated that future discussions will also include county planning and code enforcement representatives, marina owners, and others with an interest in the issue, including the Coast Guard and Corps of Engineers.
Although there is minimal funding support, to the tune of $500,000 annually statewide, available to local governmental agencies provided through a grant program administered by the California Department of Boating and Waterways, this source can only be utilized to remove recreational vessels and requires a 10% match. With such limited funding, the problem continues to grow at an alarming rate resulting in vessels that often end up being used for illegal activities, including the housing of drug labs, and environmental impacts from toxic waste discharge.
The focus of discussions, to date, has included:
- Delta-wide law enforcement collaboration involving local, state and federal jurisdictions in that the primary waterways in the Delta, the Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers, include state and federal navigation channels
- Need for consistent ordinances that allow for removal and legal action in a timely and streamlined manner (possibly even a statewide ordinance);
- Development of a preventative program that provides incentives for upland disposal at an appropriate site for a limited or waived fee;
- Development of funding sources such as a portion of boat registration to be earmarked for abandoned vessel removal program;
- Legislation to allow for funding currently administered by California Boating and Waterways to be allocated for commercial vessel removal as well as recreational vessels; and
- The establishment of a fund held by Delta Protection Commission to assist local governments with the currently required 10% match for funding (w/reimbursement back to the Commission) to allow for timely removal.
Next steps will include continued discussions to develop and implement the above concepts and to seek effective partnership to successfully minimize the issue through collaborative Delta-wide efforts.
September 19, 2006 Summary
Reports/Follow-up to January Meeting
Contra Costa County Public Works’ grant application for extending clean boating program recommended for funding (final award anticipated Sept./Oct.). Pursuant to Group discussion in January, grant includes component for assisting local entities in processing of applications for B&W abandoned vessel removal funding. Once grant is approved Group will work with CCC to develop process.
Contra Costa County Sheriff awarded $99,000 from B&W in 05/06 for removal of 39 identified abandoned vessels. $70,000 has been expended to date for removal of 36 vessels. Anticipate expending remaining funding for removal of remaining 3 vessels. Phased approach was found to be cost-effective.
Boating and Waterways is revitalizing the Abandoned Vessel Removal Task Force. A meeting is scheduled for November 16th in Sacramento. Anticipated topics include: feasibility of developing a pre-abandoned vessel incentive turn-in program; consideration of addressing commercial as well as recreational vessels; public and private marina disposal incentives; and need to address abandoned vessel issue regionally and statewide.
Ways to improve existing ordinances and the need to develop statewide ordinances were discussed. Sacramento County anticipates adoption of an Ordinance in the near future and will be using the Contra Costa County and Redwood City Ordinances as examples.
Opportunities for DWR, SLC, B&W, and local law enforcement entities to work in concert to address potential floodway hazards posed by derelict facilities and vessels was discussed.
Follow-up Tasks
Provide Vivian Matuk with boat salvage/recycle companies/contractors. Vivian will compile a reference list for the Group to utilize in responding to public inquiries.
Mary Thomas will provide a list of applications submitted (and awarded) for B&W abandoned vessel removal grant funding since January.
Charlie Slabaugh will provide a copy of the Redwood City Ordinance as a model reference for development and improvement of local ordinances.