Enclosure 2 to COMDTINST 16478.12
6.0 Conclusions
The priority rankings of fixed lighted AtoN sites in this study are
recommendations for planning operations to recover AtoN batteries based on
consideration of actual, potential and perceived risks. The priority rankings
should not be confused with actual risk levels assigned to locations employing
legally defined environmental impact assessments.
Of the 12,000 plus fixed lighted AtoN sites evaluated in the study, less than
200 ranked in the highest priority category. In contrast, the preponderant
majority of sites ranked in the two lowest priority categories. These lower
priority rankings do not negate the need the Coast Guard may have to recover
AtoN batteries. They illustrate that most AtoN sites do not appear to require
immediate recovery action, based on their potential for affecting select
aspects of human health, the ecology, quality of life or the economy.
Due to greatly limited budget resources, the Coast Guard has proposed to
conduct survey and recovery operations on a phased, multi-year basis, as
Congress makes funds available for this effort. Based on the overall analysis
of this matter, this approach appears reasonable, provided locations with high
priority AtoN are addressed early whenever possible.
16
_______________________________________
Volpe National Transportation Systems Center
Priority Ranking Plan for Aton Battery Recovery
Previous Page
