The Association of Northwest Steelheaders is very concerned about the Oregon International Port of Coos Bay exploring the possibility of a ship-breaking/ship-recycling salvage yard for the dismantling of highly contaminated military and non-military ships on industrial property on Coos Bay North Spit.

Bilges of these ghost ships contain contaminants of oils, waste fuels, PCBs and heavy metals such as mercury, lead, and chromium. Their walls are lined with lead-based paint and asbestos. Welding slag and noise pollution also will be produced during the dismantling. There is no possible way to contain all those materials, even with drop tarps and booms.

The re-introduction of ship breaking-recycling operations within the confines of the Coos Bay places it, as well as its surrounding coastal fisheries, in significant danger. Changes will disrupt the continued operation of the oyster-growing businesses. Harvest of Clausen Oysters was shut down after weekend rains flushed bacteria off the hills and into the bay. The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality needs to do water-quality toxics work involving low dissolved oxygen problems in Isthmus Slough and other remote areas. Tributyltin used to keep hulls free of organisms, has previously been found in tidelands of Coos Bay in dangerous levels. High concentrations of TBT could damage neurological systems of people and animals, and immune and reproductive systems.

Crab, shrimp and oyster populations will be impacted, as will commercial and recreational fishing. This action clearly impacts ESA listed fish and birds. Furthermore, delta waters where these ships come from are highly populated with mitten crabs, an invasive species not currently present in the bay.

Our mission at Steelheaders is to protect and enhance fisheries for the present and the future. Our goals are healthy watershed and oceans that will provide abundant and sustainable sport fisheries.

Northwest Steelheaders encourages the port solicit businesses that are friendly to the community, the environment and the Oregon lifestyle.

Douglas M. Hunt

Resource director

John Ward

President, Southwest Oregon Chapter