Long-abandoned barges are being removed from Flushing Bay thanks to a major cleanup effort by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. NY1's Clodagh McGowan has more details.
It looks like clear sailing now, but just a few months ago, rusty abandoned barges filled with Styrofoam was an all too common sight in Flushing Bay.
"We don't want this going in, getting hit by a larger ship causing an oil spill, making the contamination in this harbor even worse," said John Parker, the director of legal programs for Riverkeeper, a not-for-profit dedicated to cleaning the city’s waterways.
Congressman Joseph Crowley and representatives from the Army Corps of Engineers met with local environmental activists Monday to announce the removal of the barges is almost complete.
Officials say the barges were left in the bay for at least two years. The data plates were cut out, so the owner could not be identified.
"We must send a powerful message that Flushing Bay is not a dumping site and Queens will not stand for people who treat it that way," said Crowley.
Crews from the Army Corps of Engineers have been working for about two weeks to remove the barges.
Officials say the Corps worked with the Coast Guard and U.S. Navy to expedite the process.
"The work had to occur at night because of the airport operations couldn't happen during the day. So out of that, the three barges were collected, and about four barges of debris was collected and is now leaving the bay and will be properly disposed," said Thomas Creamer, a Chief of Operations in the US Army Corps of Engineers’ New York district.
Because whoever is responsible for abandoning the barges has not yet been identified, Crowley's office is offering a $10,000 reward to anyone with more information
"If they can forward or give us any indication of where it came from, it'll help us find out who is responsible for perpetrating this crime," said Crowley.
The bay is also an important location for recreational boaters, like the Empire Dragon Boat Team. Head coach Akila Simon says the barge removal is a big victory.
"You're hitting this Styrofoam. It's rusted. Definitely, you know, not safe for boating, especially, things are going under the boat. It really, really was an eyesore beyond the safety factor," said Simon.
The removal is expected to cost about $1 million.