Jaclyn Smith

Document ID: USCG-2004-19621-0079
Document Type: Public Submission
Agency: Coast Guard
Received Date: July 11 2008, at 10:39 AM Eastern Daylight Time
Date Posted: July 11 2008, at 12:00 AM Eastern Standard Time
Comment Start Date: July 11 2008, at 12:00 AM Eastern Standard Time
Comment Due Date: July 22 2008, at 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time
Tracking Number: 80668650
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This is comment on Rule

NPRM - Dry Cargo Residue Discharges in the Great Lakes

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Allowing ships to dump potentially harmful cargo residues into the Great Lakes, a practice that sends about 550 tons of coal, limestone, iron ore and taconite into their waters annually, will continue to destroy an already fragile eco system. The Coast Guard’s interim enforcement policy, in place since 1997, has allowed ships to “sweep” their waste cargo residues to the bottom of the Great Lakes and much of the St. Lawrence River Basin. Many of the cargo residues -- especially iron ore and taconite -- contain mercury and other toxic metals that can harm natural habitats in the lakebeds, as well as people who eat fish contaminated by the metals. This cannot continue. I vote no in allowing the dumping of potentially harmful cargo residues into the Great Lakes. Thank you. Jaclyn Smith