Media Advisory

ASTORIA, Ore. — The final section of the derelict barge Davy Crockett will be lifted out of the Columbia River near Camas, Wash., Thursday.

Members of the Unified Command - comprised of the Coast Guard, Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) and Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and a representative from Ballard Diving and Salvage will be available for interviews.

The 431-foot former World War II-era Liberty Ship partially sank Jan. 27, 2011, while moored near the Washington shoreline. The vessel buckled due to structural instability, likely caused by improper deconstruction practices. Approximately 70 gallons of oil discharged to the river in late January, causing patches of sheen 14 miles downriver. The Unified Command was established at that time to respond to the unknown environmental threat posed by the Davy Crockett.

A cofferdam and impermeable barrier were built to surround the barge during deconstruction to keep any hazardous material releases contained inside. The decision to do in-water deconstruction was made after exhausting all feasible dry dock options.

Work will continue for several more weeks while divers dredge the river bottom inside the cofferdam to remove contamination resulting from the deconstruction work. The cofferdam will be removed after worksite cleanup is complete.

Media are invited to watch alongside representatives of the Unified Command, which has provided daily oversight of the nearly seven-month effort to remove this environmental hazard from one of nation’s most important river and estuary systems.

WHAT

Final section of Barge Davy Crockett removed from Columbia River

VISUALS

A crane lifting the final piece of the barge from the river will signify the end of the barge deconstruction work.

WHO

Members of Unified Command: Coast Guard Captain Daniel LeBlanc; Ecology incident lead Jim Sachet; DEQ incident lead Mike Greenburg and a representative from Ballard Diving and Salvage

WHEN

Thursday, Aug. 25, 2011

9:50 to 10 a.m. – Media gather at Port of Camas-Washougal boat launch

10: 10 a.m. – Boat departs for Davy Crockett cofferdam

Noon – Reporters return to boat launch 

WHERE

Port of Camas-Washougal for escort to barge. Directions:  http://www.columbiawatertrail.org/access/port_camas_washougal_boat_ramp_and_marina

Bring safety gear: steel or hard-toe boots or shoes; safety glasses; hard hats; long-sleeved shirts.  Safety glasses and hard hats can be provided to visitors.

Space is limited. Video and photography pooling may be necessary. 

Media Contacts:

Kim Schmanke, Ecology media relations, 360-407-6239

Shawn Eggert, Coast Guard, 503-861-6237                            

Barge Davy Crockett website: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/spills/incidents/DavyCrockett/DavyCrockett.html