DNR Removes Derelict Barges At Somers Cove Marina

Annapolis, MD (April 12, 2010) — The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has removed two sunken barges from the Somers Cove Marina, making it ready to welcome boaters this season. The barges sank in the marsh of Jersey Island near Somers Cove Marina approximately 20 years ago.

"For years, this area of the marina has been a bit of an eyesore. Now, we can begin the first stage of a beautification project in that section,” said Lloyd Tyler, executive director of Somers Cove Marina.

Beautification efforts include covering the land next to the project area with topsoil and grass, and planting new trees.

Steven’s Marine Construction was awarded the contract to remove the sunken barges. Fuel tanks from the barges were properly drained and removed before the barges were hauled out, which will result in safer navigation of the area. Following removal, the barges’ corroding steel was taken to Delmarva Recycling Inc. to be recycled.

"The commission is very supportive of this effort to remove the old barges,” said Somers Cover Marina Commissioner Ladell Dorman. “They were a potential hazard to navigation as well as a possible source of pollution."

In conjunction with ongoing projects to replace an old dock with a floating dock, and to upgrade and repair the fuel dock, removal of the sunken barges has Somers Cove Marina ready to welcome boaters for the 2010 boating season.

This removal was made possible by $13,500 from the Waterway Improvement Fund, which is supported by the five percent excise tax boaters pay when registering a vessel in Maryland.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), which celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2009, is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages more than 467,000 acres of public lands and 17,000 miles of waterways, along with Maryland's forests, fisheries, and wildlife for maximum environmental, economic and quality of life benefits. A national leader in land conservation, DNR-managed parks and natural, historic, and cultural resources attract 12 million visitors annually. DNR is the lead agency in Maryland's effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay, the state's number one environmental priority. Learn more at www.dnr.maryland.gov