Encl. (7) to COMTINST 16478.12
better attachment of batteries to lighted aids to prevent future losses and
facilitate retrieval.
Since 1984, the Coast Guard has been picking up AToN batteries from various
sites. Site surveys are being conducted in locations across the country. The
Coast Guard, through the John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center,
is conducting an analysis of known sites and is investigating the most
effective site assessment, removal and remediation techniques.
An issue of concern is that greater damage not be done to the marine
environment by removing batteries that may be covered over with natural growth
(i.e. corals, algae, sponges) and used as "homes" by aquatic creatures.
Additional study and consultation with regulatory and environmental agencies
may be necessary to determine if removing the batteries is the best course of
action.
The Coast Guard is working cooperatively with the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency Office of Federal Facilities Enforcement (OFFE) and affected state
environmental agencies to develop a national remediation plan. Technical
assistance is being provided by the U.S. Navy Supervisor of Salvage (SUPSALV),
the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency's National Estuarine Program. Recovery
operations currently underway in Florida will provide information necessary to
develop the national plan. The Coast Guard anticipates completion of an
initial draft of the plan in the summer of 1994.
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