Coast Guard: Abandoned Vessels Are Polluting the Waterways

Abstract

We appreciate the opportunity to testify on the problem of vessels abandoned in the nation's waterways. Abandoned ships, barges, and other types of vessels in coastal and inland waterways have not only fouled the marine environment with pollutants such as diesel fuel but in several cases have become illegal dumps for hazardous materials, such as herbicides banned for use by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The Subcommittee is now considering legislation to address these problems. As part of its efforts, the Subcommittee requested that we determine (1) the number of vessels that have been abandoned nationwide, (2) the extent of environmental problems caused by abandoned vessels and the associated costs, and (3) the adequacy of federal laws and regulations on abandoned vessels.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 10, 1992
Accession Number
AD1153268

Entities

People

  • John H. Jr Anderson

Organizations

  • United States Government Accountability Office

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Army Corps Of Engineers
  • Coast Guard
  • Commerce
  • Commercial Fishing
  • Diesel Fuels
  • Environment
  • Environmental Protection
  • Federal Law
  • Fuel Oils
  • Fuels
  • Governments
  • Hazardous Materials
  • Inland Waterways
  • Law
  • Materials
  • National Governments
  • Petroleum
  • United States
  • United States Government
  • Waterways

Fields of Study

  • Environmental science

Readers

  • Coastal and Marine Engineering/Sediment Transport/Hydraulic Engineering
  • Environmental Engineering.
  • Government and Public Administration Law.