California cleans up toxic debris from the Delta
The California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery is struggling to clean up a problem that has become an eyesore and a health problem for the coastal areas. Abandoned commercial vessels litter the shoreline along the delta areas, leaking toxic chemicals, fuel, and asbestos into the water and surrounding environment. Before scuttling an unusable boat, unscrupulous businesses will remove identifying markings, making it extremely difficult to track down the offenders and make them pay for cleanup.
The Contra Costa County sheriff’s department has joined the cleanup effort, but the problem is extensive and the funding is virtually non-existent. A fund created by a 1997 law provides financing for cleanup, but only covers abandoned recreational vessels.
For the full story, go to Contra Costa Times.
