Ship Breaking on Mare Island ?

Company Hopes to Utilize Dry Docks to Break up Suisun Bay

Mothball Fleet

10/28/08

By Marc Garman

Last night, at the Mare Island Conference Center, California Dry Dock Solutions (CDDS) presented an informational program regarding their hopes to initiate a ship breaking, and possibly repair or building operation using the dry docks on Mare Island. Breaking up the Suisun Bay mothball fleet would be the greater part of the company's business.

“We are here to re-open the dry docks” said Jay Anast of CDDS. Anast says his company wants to operate a “state of the art marine facility”. The company plans to put two dry docks into use to start.

Dry dock re-use has been a hot issue in recent months. The prospect of an industrial operation generating jobs in these difficult economic times has definite appeal.

While the company (CDDS) says a ship-breaking operation would provide between 60 and 120 jobs, there would be little in the way of sales tax revenue generated. Salvaged metals are considered “raw” material. Only items removed from stricken vessels and re-sold whole (eg, portholes or machine equipment) would perhaps be subject to sales tax. There would; however, be property taxes and fees paid to the city.

Fees and taxes generated would stay on Mare Island and not enter the City of Vallejo general fund though. Mare Island has its own CFD—similar to a general fund—to cover services on the island. Nonetheless, revenue and jobs are good. Hard to argue with that.

There are concerns; however, about safety and environmental issues associated with ship-breaking as well as its feasibility. Stan Golovich, a 25 year Mare Island veteran has raised concerns about the prospects of a scrap metal business during the current global fiscal crisis. The demand for metals has seen considerable decline worldwide. Golovich also has concerns about toxic substance containment. See his letter regarding these issues HERE

Jay Anast of CDDS gave lengthy assurances that the company would meet or exceed required environmental safety standards. Victor George and Werner Hoyt of CDDS described the use of “negative airflow containment” in conjunction with “tented” enclosures over the dry docks themselves as well as hepa filters to prevent friable materials such as asbestos from entering the air.

Company representatives also emphasized their willingness to interface with the community. They expressed a willingness to accommodate citizen input and were agreeable to the formation of a citizens' advisory group—an idea suggested by resident Myrna Hayes. “I'm comfortable with the concept, but the Devil is in the details.” said Hayes, bringing up the price that might be paid if there was a gap between concept and implementation in the remediation of hazardous materials.

Don Hazen, of Vallejo's planning department was also present. Hazen brought up the point that this project is not subject to approval by City Council. Under “fast-tracking” guidelines, the decision to approve the project will take place at staff level.

Other citizens present expressed concerns over noise pollution and the possibility of toxic smoke. CDDS representative Werner Hoyt explained that technological advances in recent years have resulted in less noise, and far fewer toxic by-products such as smoke. Prior to cutting steel hulls, all paint would be removed from the active area using high pressure water rather than abrasive means, as previously used. The result claimed is that there would be no burning of lead based paint leaving only water and iron oxide as the by-products of torch cutting.

One item of concern is the fact that the operation would be a mere 1730 feet from Mare Island Elementary School. This puts a profound emphasis on the operation being run cleanly.

Jay Anast stated several times that his company will be engaged in breaking the ships from the mothball fleet on a fee for service basis. The US government will retain liability for any residual environmental issues. Hmmm—Sounds like a double edged sword !

The operation of the dry docks would also squash the hopes some have of seeing the USS Iowa on Vallejo's waterfront. We can have industry or a floating museum—but not both.

At this point CDDS has a contract to break 4 ships from the mothball fleet. If their proposal moves forward—it is only in the initial stages—ship-breaking is likely to be a long-time activity on Mare Island. There are 76 ships in the mothball fleet—56 are considered “stricken” and slated for breaking. Ships being taken out of service in the coming years will likely add to the number as well.

We must carefully consider the long term result of having this activity on Mare Island. The dry docks are zoned “marine industrial”. That designation is not likely to ever change. In a city not known for its long-term-planning abilities we must carefully consider if this is consistent with the best and highest use for Mare Island. It's a tough question.