Latest update from the ARSBC regarding the Annapolis.. June 29, 2013 Subject: Annapolis Dear friends and supports, In our public notices, the ARSBC promised to share any further updates from Environment Canada as they become available. We have explained that Environment Canada became concerned about the potential existence of certain deleterious materials contained in components of the Annapolis. Environment Canada collected samples of paint and insulation and conducted laboratory tests taken from the Annapolis. The lab work on these tests was conducted, and completed, in the winter and spring of 2013. The lab test results were then provided to the regional office of Environment Canada for analysis and consideration with respect to environmental laws. On June 25, the ARSBC received a request from Environment Canada to attend a meeting planned for June 27. At the same time, we also received a request from the Department of National Defense (DND) to allow their engineers to inspect the vessel on June 28. Members of the ARSBC met with the Disposal officer from DND and with Environment Canada’s Regional Director to be briefed on the findings of the lab analysis in addition to providing recommendations and actions required regarding the Annapolis being sunk as an artificial reef. Based on the findings, Environment Canada can only consider the readiness of the vessel for purposeful sinking after additional remediation work is conducted. The remediation work must include in part, the removal of all insulation from the vessel. We now have the official answers we have been waiting for and the ARSBC can now take next steps to work with government to explore what can be done about the situation. The Navy has expressed interest in exploring options to support the efforts of the ARSBC for this remediation work. On June 28, the ARSBC and representatives of the Navy engineering team boarded Annapolis to inspect the overall condition of the ship’s stability, structural integrity and to assess the volume of insulated materials present. Due to the significant importance of this inspection, the ARSBC extended an invitation to Wes Roots for him to attend the survey to learn more about our next step efforts, but he declined. During the tour it became very evident to the engineers that the ship was indeed very close to completion based on the extensive work conducted over the past 4 years. Next steps will involve the preparation of the engineer’s reports. A great deal of inter government discussions at the Department of National Defense is already occurring. The Navy will review the field information and get back to the ARSBC as soon as possible. We want to express that there are no guarantees that funding can or will be provided in these early stages of fact finding. Nevertheless the Navy is sympathetic to our no fault situation and time sensitivity. Most of the remediation work that must now be carried out cannot be done by volunteers as it will require skilled labour. Once this remediation work is complete, there will then be a number of tasks required with respect to making all final preparations before sinking. The contributions made by volunteers to this project cannot be understated. The ARSBC is extremely thankful for these contributions, as we are sure the entire dive community is. The ARSBC directors have also made enormous contributions, and sacrifices, to do whatever is responsibly possible to complete this project. The ARSBC remains committed to sinking the Annapolis as an artificial reef. The ARSBC has no intention of doing anything with the Annapolis other than taking whatever steps are necessary to successfully complete the project. We welcome any questions or suggestions. Sincerely, (Signed) Howard Robins President Cc: ARSBC Board of Directors
Posted on: Tue, 02 Jul 2013 01:49:34 +0000
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