|
|
 |
Site 19: General M.C. Meigs ShipwreckSite History and Background
The USS General M.C. Meigs, a 622-foot troopship, was launched on March 13, 1944, and was active until it was transferred to the Maritime Administration's Olympia National Defense Reserve Fleet in 1958 (Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary [CINMS], 2004). The ship had a displacement of 11,450 short tons, a beam of 75 feet, and a draft of 25 feet. It carried 19 fuel tanks ranging from 8,000 to 22,000 gallons in capacity. The vessel left the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard with a small Navy harbor tug, numerous steel lifeboats, and several drums of shipboard solvents lashed on deck as cargo (Clark et al., 1973). The unmanned troopship broke loose while being towed and went aground just south of Portage Head on January 9, 1972. It is estimated that approximately 116,000 gallons of fuel oil, or 16 percent of the vessel's capacity, remained in the 19 tanks. Prior to this accident, it was standard practice to leave some oil (usually stripped of its diesel oil-like cutter stock) in the fuel tanks to inhibit corrosion when a ship was placed in reserve status (Clark et al., 1973). Some 500 gallons of the fuel oil spilled into the water when the ship broke into two sections shortly after grounding. Another estimated 500 gallons spilled from the hulk six months later (Clark et al., 1973). Oil spillage occurred continually after the grounding (Clark et al., 1975). The remainder of the original fuel oil has likely been released over time into the surrounding waters. Environmental ImpactsAn investigation of impacts to biota from the oil spill was conducted over a 10-month period in 1972. Globules of oil washed onto the upper tidal zone of the beach and came in contact with plant life, animal life, and rock substrate in the intertidal zone. Several species of plants in the area were affected, as evidenced by physical changes (loss of fronds) and chemical changes (bleaching). Sea urchins in localized areas were also affected. In general, tangible evidence of impacts and pollutant uptake by the intertidal organisms was obvious (Clark et al., 1975; Clark, Patten, and DeNike, 1978). Activities to Date
The Makah Environmental Restoration Team performed site inspections in October 2000 and December 2002. During the December 2002 visit, Tecumseh was also on site to conduct a Phase I environmental site assessment for the USACE. The site's location was documented using global positioning system (GPS) units, and the site was photographed. At the time of the site visits, visible remnants of the wreck consisted of three heavily corroded pieces: a frame-type assembly, approximately 15 feet wide, 20 feet long, and 10 feet tall; a rectangular piece of steel, approximately 10 feet long, 4 feet wide, and 4 feet tall; and a steel cylinder, about the size of a 55-gallon drum. No impacts to beach sediments were obvious. Planned ActivitiesThe Tribe considers this site a moderate priority (Priority B). The following activities are planned for 2006 to 2010:
Residual Sediment Contamination Investigation: Prior to sampling, a work plan will be prepared. Beach sediment on and around the site will be sampled and analyzed for contaminants of concern to determine whether residual sediment contamination is present. Debris Removal Feasibility Study: The Tribe will coordinate with the Olympic Coast Sanctuary to determine whether there is a desire, method, or process for removing debris from the General M.C. Meigs shipwreck. The desirability and feasibility of removing the remnants of the shipwreck will be evaluated in light of the site layout, access, and other characteristics. Additional Information: |
|||||
|
COPYRIGHT: |
||||||
