Chesapeake Bay News

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has awarded Salisbury a $100,000 state Waterway Improvement Fund Grant to remove sunken barges and debris from the Wicomico River in Salisbury in an effort to help clean up the waterway and remove submerged obstacles to local boaters.

“Salisbury welcomes this generous grant from the State of Maryland in removing abandoned barges from the North Prong of the Wicomico River,” said Mayor James Ireton, Jr. “These barges pose threats to navigation on the river as well as potential sources of pollution in the river. Having dedicated our community to the health of this waterway, which will contribute to the health of the Chesapeake Bay, we stand ready to work with Governor Martin O’Malley, DNR and the Department of the Environment in this important undertaking.”

An underwater survey was recently completed by the City of Salisbury Fire Department’s Marine Division at the North Prong of the Wicomico River. During the survey, two submerged barges were found, one of which is about 150 feet long. In addition, other debris was detected including a possible submerged vehicle in the same area.

The City of Salisbury is currently in the process of completing the legal requirements and preparing a request for proposals for a contractor to remove the barges and debris from the river.

“The City of Salisbury is very excited about moving ahead with this project. Removing these barges and debris will both help to improve water quality in the area as well as eliminate hazards for the boating public,” said DNR Boating Services Director Bob Gaudette. “Once the contract is awarded, it is anticipated the project will take approximately two months to complete.”

DNR has a longstanding program to remove abandoned boats and debris that are hazardous to the environment and/or general boating public from state waterways. The program is financed by the Department’s Waterway Improvement Fund, the revenues of which come from the 5 percent vessel excise tax that is paid whenever a boat is titled in Maryland. Grants are provided to local governments who are delegated the authority by DNR to removal abandoned vessels from state waters.

Further information regarding DNR’s abandoned boat and debris removal program can be found at http://dnr.maryland.gov/mydnr/askanexpert/abandoned_boats.asp.

source: DNR press release

A unified command is continuing clean up and recovery efforts to a pollution spill in Tony Tank Creek in Salisbury Maryland.

Salisbury University reported a mechanical failure in their generator system causing a loss of approximately 3,000 gallons of diesel fuel from a fuel tank.

Between 500 and 600 gallons of diesel fuel have been recovered from the creek since last night.

More than 1,000 feet of containment boom has been placed between the Camden Avenue Bridge and the Riverside Drive Bridge to contain the spill.

“This operation is a fine example of our partnership among federal, state and local agencies along with the private sector,” said Cmdr. Austin Gould, the acting sector commander of Coast Guard Sector Baltimore. “Together, we’re working to eliminate an environmental threat to the Chesapeake Bay.”

“The university appreciates these agencies’ support and leadership that have minimized the impact of this spill on the university, the community and our shared watershed,” said Dr. Tom Jones, provost at Salisbury University.

Wicomico County Emergency Management responded to a report of a strong fuel odor near Tony Tank Creek Wednesday night.

Wicomico County Emergency Management contacted the National Response Center reporting diesel fuel in the water about 8:42 p.m. Wednesday. NRC notified Coast Guard Sector Baltimore personnel of the spill. Investigators from Sector Baltimore arrived on scene about 12:50 a.m. Thursday. The Coast Guard confirmed Salisbury University as the source of the spill and had the spill secured by 1:15 a.m. The diesel fuel is believed to have leaked from a fuel tank on the roof of the Henson Science Hall on campus.Unified Command Continues Recovery Efforts in Salisbury

A unified command is continuing clean up and recovery efforts to a pollution spill in Tony Tank Creek in Salisbury Maryland.

Salisbury University reported a mechanical failure in their generator system causing a loss of approximately 3,000 gallons of diesel fuel from a fuel tank.

Between 500 and 600 gallons of diesel fuel have been recovered from the creek since last night. More than 1,000 feet of containment boom has been placed between the Camden Avenue Bridge and the Riverside Drive Bridge to contain the spill.

“This operation is a fine example of our partnership among federal, state and local agencies along with the private sector,” said Cmdr. Austin Gould, the acting sector commander of Coast Guard Sector Baltimore. “Together, we’re working to eliminate an environmental threat to the Chesapeake Bay.”

“The university appreciates these agencies’ support and leadership that have minimized the impact of this spill on the university, the community and our shared watershed,” said Dr. Tom Jones, provost at Salisbury University.

Wicomico County Emergency Management responded to a report of a strong fuel odor near Tony Tank Creek Wednesday night.

Wicomico County Emergency Management contacted the National Response Center reporting diesel fuel in the water about 8:42 p.m. Wednesday. NRC notified Coast Guard Sector Baltimore personnel of the spill. Investigators from Sector Baltimore arrived on scene about 12:50 a.m. Thursday. The Coast Guard confirmed Salisbury University as the source of the spill and had the spill secured by 1:15 a.m. The diesel fuel is believed to have leaked from a fuel tank on the roof of the Henson Science Hall on campus.

A unified command has been established with the Coast Guard and representatives from Salisbury University, Maryland Department of the Environment, Salisbury City Fire Department and Wicomico County Emergency Management.

To report further fuel sheen or wildlife affected by the spill, contact the Coast Guard Command Center at (410) 576-2525.

A unified command has been established with the Coast Guard and representatives from Salisbury University, Maryland Department of the Environment, Salisbury City Fire Department and Wicomico County Emergency Management.

To report further fuel sheen or wildlife affected by the spill, contact the Coast Guard Command Center at (410) 576-2525.

source: USCG press release