Contra Costa County Grand Jury
• 2007-2008
Aquatic Junkyards Exist in Contra Costa County
⚠️ Translation Notice: This content has been automatically translated. The original English text is the official version. Translation may contain errors.
⚠️ Este contenido ha sido traducido automáticamente. El texto original en inglés es la versión oficial. La traducción puede contener errores.
Findings and Recommendations 33 findings
F1
Sections 663 and 663.5 of the California Harbors and Navigation Code specify that county sheriffs have the primary law enforcement responsibility for waterways within their respective jurisdictions.
No recommendations for this finding
F2
Contra Costa County (County) shares waterway boundaries with Sacramento, Solano, San Joaquin, and Alameda Counties.
No recommendations for this finding
F3
The County is responsible for approximately 200 miles of waterways and shorelines.
No recommendations for this finding
F4
These waterways are important to the county and the state, not only because they are the source of drinking and irrigation water for millions of the state’s citizens, but because they also offer fishing and recreational opportunities.
No recommendations for this finding
F5
There are places in the County where waterways, shorelines, and adjacent land are littered with debris, abandoned vessels, docks and pilings, gutted mobile homes, and houses that have fallen into the waterway. 3
Related Recommendations (1)
R1
of this report, the Supervisors and the Sheriff create a joint task force to develop and present to the Supervisors a plan for the cleanup up of the County’s waterways and adjoining shoreline. Task force members should include, but may not be limited to, representatives from the Office of the Sheriff and the County’s Public Works, Building Inspection, and Health Services Departments.
F6
Residences like those shown below have been constructed adjacent to Delta waterways without the necessary building permits and are not in compliance with County codes in regard to electrical wiring, plumbing, sewerage disposal, treated water, fire protection, and building integrity. 4
No recommendations for this finding
F7
Derelict vessels and many other abandoned objects in the County’s waterways contain toxic substances. Examples include creosote-treated pilings, lead-acid batteries, fuel tanks, asbestos, and lead paint.
No recommendations for this finding
F8
Abandoned commercial vessels in the waterways include tugboats, commercial fishing boats, schooners, houseboats, barges, cranes, and dredges. Some vessels exceed 300 feet in length. These vessels are often accompanied by junk and debris, including butane and propane tanks, kitchen appliances, tires, barrels, scrap iron, and portable toilets.
No recommendations for this finding
F9
Abandoned creosote-covered pilings, some with the remnants of buildings on them, number in the thousands. 5 6
No recommendations for this finding
F10
The Office of the Sheriff (Sheriff) reports that some individuals have purchased derelict vessels and moved them into out-of-the-way locations. These derelict vessels are then inhabited in violation of County codes. Squatters also have moved into abandoned vessels. They pollute the waterways with garbage and untreated human sewage.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2
The Supervisors direct the joint task force to address the following elements in its Delta cleanup plan: a. The identification of state, federal, and adjoining county agencies, and representatives that are responsible for monitoring and addressing problems related to the Delta waterways, especially those involving abandoned recreational and commercial vessels, navigational hazards, and possible health and water quality issues. b. The identification of all state, federal, private sector, and non-profit organization funding that might be available to allow for the more timely and efficient removal of all abandoned vessels, dilapidated buildings, pilings, junk, and debris from the water and adjacent shoreline. c. An investigation of the practicality of establishing a non-profit organization to assist in fund raising efforts in support of the effort to clean-up the County’s waterways and adjacent shoreline. d. An investigation of the practicality of establishing a program similar to the state’s “Adopt-a-Highway” effort to allow citizens and the private sector to actively and visibly support the effort to clean-up the County’s waterways. e. An investigation of the practicality of establishing and promoting a dedicated telephone tip line to allow citizens to report abandoned vessels and aquatic dump sites that are detrimental to the County’s waterways.
F11
Counties adjacent to Contra Costa have not enacted ordinances that would enable them to participate with Contra Costa in removing derelict or abandoned vessels in the Delta.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2
The Supervisors direct the joint task force to address the following elements in its Delta cleanup plan: a. The identification of state, federal, and adjoining county agencies, and representatives that are responsible for monitoring and addressing problems related to the Delta waterways, especially those involving abandoned recreational and commercial vessels, navigational hazards, and possible health and water quality issues. b. The identification of all state, federal, private sector, and non-profit organization funding that might be available to allow for the more timely and efficient removal of all abandoned vessels, dilapidated buildings, pilings, junk, and debris from the water and adjacent shoreline. c. An investigation of the practicality of establishing a non-profit organization to assist in fund raising efforts in support of the effort to clean-up the County’s waterways and adjacent shoreline. d. An investigation of the practicality of establishing a program similar to the state’s “Adopt-a-Highway” effort to allow citizens and the private sector to actively and visibly support the effort to clean-up the County’s waterways. e. An investigation of the practicality of establishing and promoting a dedicated telephone tip line to allow citizens to report abandoned vessels and aquatic dump sites that are detrimental to the County’s waterways.
F12
Several County agencies administer regulations pertaining to the waterways. The primary agencies are the Sheriff and the Building Inspection Department.
No recommendations for this finding
F13
Four of the County’s five supervisorial districts have waterways that are polluted by abandoned watercraft, junk, and debris as shown on the following map.
No recommendations for this finding
F14
The Sheriff started patrolling the Delta in the 1960’s with its Marine Patrol Unit (MPU).
No recommendations for this finding
F15
The Sheriff began removing abandoned recreational vessels from the Delta in 1987.
No recommendations for this finding
F16
The County’s Building Inspection Department is responsible for the removal of derelict vessels, illegal buildings, junk, and debris on land adjacent to the waterways. 7 8
No recommendations for this finding
F17
Since 1997, the California Department of Boating and Waterways has provided grants to the County for derelict vessel removal. The use of this money is restricted to the removal of recreational vessels as well as pilings that are a threat to navigation.
No recommendations for this finding
F18
The Sheriff is not aware of the total number and location of all abandoned commercial vessels located in the County’s waterways.
Related Recommendations (2)
R2
The Supervisors direct the joint task force to address the following elements in its Delta cleanup plan: a. The identification of state, federal, and adjoining county agencies, and representatives that are responsible for monitoring and addressing problems related to the Delta waterways, especially those involving abandoned recreational and commercial vessels, navigational hazards, and possible health and water quality issues. b. The identification of all state, federal, private sector, and non-profit organization funding that might be available to allow for the more timely and efficient removal of all abandoned vessels, dilapidated buildings, pilings, junk, and debris from the water and adjacent shoreline. c. An investigation of the practicality of establishing a non-profit organization to assist in fund raising efforts in support of the effort to clean-up the County’s waterways and adjacent shoreline. d. An investigation of the practicality of establishing a program similar to the state’s “Adopt-a-Highway” effort to allow citizens and the private sector to actively and visibly support the effort to clean-up the County’s waterways. e. An investigation of the practicality of establishing and promoting a dedicated telephone tip line to allow citizens to report abandoned vessels and aquatic dump sites that are detrimental to the County’s waterways.
R5
The Sheriff conducts a semi-annual inventory of all abandoned vessels to provide additional evidence and documentation to support the department’s requests for additional funding. 14
F19
Over the past 10 years, the MPU has removed an average of 30 abandoned recreational vessels per year.
No recommendations for this finding
F20
The MPU is funded by state boat registration fees, the County’s general fund, and the state’s Boating and Waterways Agency. The MPU annual budget is approximately $1.3 million. The budget does not include funding for the Sheriff’s Air Support Unit. This unit is funded through the federal Drug Enforcement Administration.
No recommendations for this finding
F21
The MPU has 11 full-time-equivalent staff consisting of 4½ deputy sheriffs, one sergeant, 1½ staff in the air support unit, one lieutenant, and three full-time equivalent positions to provide part-time support. The MPU has seven boats, six vehicles, six trailers, and two helicopters.
No recommendations for this finding
F22
In fiscal year 2007-08, the MPU received a grant of $102,000 from the California Department of Boating and Waterways for derelict recreational vessel removal. This grant requires 10% matching funds from the County.
No recommendations for this finding
F23
The Sheriff has participated, and continues to participate with state legislators, to develop maritime policing legislation. 9
No recommendations for this finding
F24
The California Department of Motor Vehicles charges a $20 registration fee every two years for recreational boats, but it fails to track ownership changes. After seven years of registration inactivity, the records are purged.
No recommendations for this finding
F25
Abandoned vessels are often stripped of state registration numbers. This makes it impossible to identify vessel owners to charge them for removal of their property.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2
The Supervisors direct the joint task force to address the following elements in its Delta cleanup plan: a. The identification of state, federal, and adjoining county agencies, and representatives that are responsible for monitoring and addressing problems related to the Delta waterways, especially those involving abandoned recreational and commercial vessels, navigational hazards, and possible health and water quality issues. b. The identification of all state, federal, private sector, and non-profit organization funding that might be available to allow for the more timely and efficient removal of all abandoned vessels, dilapidated buildings, pilings, junk, and debris from the water and adjacent shoreline. c. An investigation of the practicality of establishing a non-profit organization to assist in fund raising efforts in support of the effort to clean-up the County’s waterways and adjacent shoreline. d. An investigation of the practicality of establishing a program similar to the state’s “Adopt-a-Highway” effort to allow citizens and the private sector to actively and visibly support the effort to clean-up the County’s waterways. e. An investigation of the practicality of establishing and promoting a dedicated telephone tip line to allow citizens to report abandoned vessels and aquatic dump sites that are detrimental to the County’s waterways.
F26
Based on available funds, 30 derelict recreational vessels are scheduled for removal in fiscal year 2007-08.
No recommendations for this finding
F27
Submerged derelict vessels are difficult to locate, identify, and remove. The cost to remove and dispose of sunken vessels is approximately twice the cost to remove and dispose of floating abandoned vessels. 10
No recommendations for this finding
F28
There is no County funding source for the removal of derelict commercial vessels. 11 12
Related Recommendations (3)
R2
The Supervisors direct the joint task force to address the following elements in its Delta cleanup plan: a. The identification of state, federal, and adjoining county agencies, and representatives that are responsible for monitoring and addressing problems related to the Delta waterways, especially those involving abandoned recreational and commercial vessels, navigational hazards, and possible health and water quality issues. b. The identification of all state, federal, private sector, and non-profit organization funding that might be available to allow for the more timely and efficient removal of all abandoned vessels, dilapidated buildings, pilings, junk, and debris from the water and adjacent shoreline. c. An investigation of the practicality of establishing a non-profit organization to assist in fund raising efforts in support of the effort to clean-up the County’s waterways and adjacent shoreline. d. An investigation of the practicality of establishing a program similar to the state’s “Adopt-a-Highway” effort to allow citizens and the private sector to actively and visibly support the effort to clean-up the County’s waterways. e. An investigation of the practicality of establishing and promoting a dedicated telephone tip line to allow citizens to report abandoned vessels and aquatic dump sites that are detrimental to the County’s waterways.
R3
The Supervisors identify the amount of general funds necessary to support the recommendations of the task force, including those that may be required to match state, federal, and private sector grants.
R4
The Supervisors and the Sheriff should be proponents of legislation and actions regarding the identification and removal of both recreational and commercial derelict or abandoned vessels and other debris. They should consider advocating for an increase to the state’s recreational watercraft registration fee and for a change in state law that would allow the additional revenue to be used for the abatement of abandoned commercial as well as recreational vessels.
F29
No County agencies are charged with removing garbage, debris, and junk from within the County’s waterways.
Related Recommendations (2)
R1
of this report, the Supervisors and the Sheriff create a joint task force to develop and present to the Supervisors a plan for the cleanup up of the County’s waterways and adjoining shoreline. Task force members should include, but may not be limited to, representatives from the Office of the Sheriff and the County’s Public Works, Building Inspection, and Health Services Departments.
R2
The Supervisors direct the joint task force to address the following elements in its Delta cleanup plan: a. The identification of state, federal, and adjoining county agencies, and representatives that are responsible for monitoring and addressing problems related to the Delta waterways, especially those involving abandoned recreational and commercial vessels, navigational hazards, and possible health and water quality issues. b. The identification of all state, federal, private sector, and non-profit organization funding that might be available to allow for the more timely and efficient removal of all abandoned vessels, dilapidated buildings, pilings, junk, and debris from the water and adjacent shoreline. c. An investigation of the practicality of establishing a non-profit organization to assist in fund raising efforts in support of the effort to clean-up the County’s waterways and adjacent shoreline. d. An investigation of the practicality of establishing a program similar to the state’s “Adopt-a-Highway” effort to allow citizens and the private sector to actively and visibly support the effort to clean-up the County’s waterways. e. An investigation of the practicality of establishing and promoting a dedicated telephone tip line to allow citizens to report abandoned vessels and aquatic dump sites that are detrimental to the County’s waterways.
F30
The Sheriff is authorized by County ordinance to cite individuals who litter the waterways.
No recommendations for this finding
F31
The MPU spends an average of 20 hours of staff time per week dealing with abandoned vessels. This represents 15% of the MPU’s total staff hours.
No recommendations for this finding
F32
The MPU assists other County departments and agencies by providing water transportation to help them fulfill their duties.
No recommendations for this finding
F33
The Health Services Department’s Environmental Health Division and the Building Inspection Department do not proactively address code violations on or adjacent to the County’s waterways. They only respond to complaints. * Photographic sources for this report were the Contra Costa County Grand Jury, the Office of the Sheriff, and Contra Costa County’s Geographic Information System. Images provided by the County Geographic System were licensed through Pictometry International Corporation. Additional photographs appear as an appendix. CONCLUSIONS
No recommendations for this finding
Conclusions 8
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CL1 Page 13Given the constraints on funding, the Sheriff’s MPU is efficient in identifying and disposing of derelict recreational vessels.
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CL2 Page 13The Supervisors and the Sheriff should be proponents of legislation and actions regarding the identification and removal of both recreational and commercial derelict or abandoned vessels and other debris.
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CL3 Page 13The Sacramento Delta waterways are an important state resource. Illegal dumping activities in the Sacramento Delta have an impact on much of the state since water from the Delta is conveyed across much of the state for drinking, recreation, manufacturing, and farming.
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CL4 Page 13The level of pollution in the Delta caused by abandoned vessels, debris, garbage, and human waste is unknown and it could present a potential health hazard.
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CL5 Page 13Cooperation among adjacent counties concerning the removal of derelict or abandoned vessels appears to be weak.
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CL6 Page 13The Supervisors have not placed a high priority on cleaning up the Delta waterways.
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CL7 Page 13Among County agencies having responsibilities over water quality, environmental protection, environmental health, and water pollution, only the Sheriff is taking a proactive role in the cleanup of the Delta waterways.
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CL8 Page 13Abandoned vessels, both recreational and commercial, will continue to be a County problem. 13
No Responses Found 2
Government entities assigned to respond to this report. No response documents have been linked in our database.
Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors
Elected County Office
Contra Costa County Sheriff
Elected County Office