- Skarry Site Cleanup Removes 1,000 Tons of Marine Debris.
- State Lands Commission Tackles Long-Standing Vessel Dumping.
- Delta Restoration Effort Removes Tugboats, Barges, and Hidden Hazards.
The California State Lands Commission has just wrapped up its biggest cleanup of abandoned commercial vessels at a single site. This operation took place at Sevenmile Slough, affectionately known as the Skarry site, nestled in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, an area that has long been plagued by derelict boats, reports Marine Insight.
A Bit of History on the Skarry Site
The Skarry site got its name from the Skarry Brothers, who once ran a marine construction business there. Unfortunately, they left behind a whole bunch of vessels and equipment that have since fallen into disrepair. The last person responsible, Michael Skarry, passed away without ever tackling the problem, despite numerous attempts by authorities to hold him accountable.
The Abandoned Fleet and Its Hidden Dangers
The site was home to several large crane barges, two tugboats, smaller boats, and various marine machinery. Divers even stumbled upon a previously unknown sunken vessel and more debris. This ongoing issue has caught the attention of law enforcement and regulatory bodies time and again, leading to significant costs for taxpayers.
A Multi-Phase Cleanup Journey
In 2022, two tugboats were successfully removed from the site. The latest cleanup, which took place in May and June, focused on the remaining vessels. The team managed to haul away nearly 1,000 tons of debris and over 1,000 gallons of diesel fuel from a large barge that had gone unnoticed until now.
Two crane barges were lifted out of the water and dismantled, while another was refloated and taken to Mare Island for disposal. Recyclable metal was salvaged, and the rest of the debris was sent to landfills.
A Collaborative Effort for Environmental Safety
On average, 14 personnel worked on-site each day, including a five-member dive crew, barge operators, and salvage experts. Their teamwork ensured that the operation was not only efficient but also safe.
Praise from State Leaders
Lieutenant Governor and Commission Chair Eleni Kounalakis remarked: “The Delta is one of California’s most important and loved waterways and needs to be protected.” “Abandoned vessels like these not only cause environmental damage but also endanger nearby communities.”
She praised the cleanup as a decisive move against illegal dumping. State Controller and Commissioner Malia M. Cohen highlighted the project’s importance: “The vessels had been decaying in the water for over a decade.” “The successful operation protected public safety, improved access to the area, helped the environment, and avoided long-term costs for taxpayers.”
Continuing the Mission
In the past two years, the Commission inventoried derelict vessels across the Delta, removing nine itself and prompting responsible parties to remove ten more. It emphasised that removing commercial vessels is both difficult and expensive, but essential.
A Commission spokesperson concluded: “Abandoned vessels are a stubborn and costly problem, but working together helps us get real results.” “We will continue to fight for clean, safe, and accessible waterways for everyone.”
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Source: Marine Insight
