'Mothball' menace: Toxic paint flaking from fleet (WW2 era ships in Suisun bay)

[The Straight Story]

'Mothball' menace: Toxic paint flaking from fleet
By THOMAS PEELE--MediaNews Group
Article Launched: 06/19/2007 01:05:48 AM PDT

BENICIA — More than 21 tons of lead, zinc, barium, copper and other toxic metals have fallen or washed away from decaying government ships in Suisun Bay and high levels of the materials were found in sediment under the vessels, according to a draft report.

Tests on water extracted from sediment samples indicate a significant risk to aquatic life on the bay bottom and that toxic metals are likely entering the food chain and could be passed on to people who eat fish from the area, said two scientists who reviewed the report for the Contra Costa Times.

The 610-page document suggests that the "mothball fleet" of dozens of World War II relics and rotting cargo carriers is more of an environmental threat than the U.S. Maritime Administration, which maintains it, has previously acknowledged.

The fleet is clearly visible to motorists on Interstate 680 in the Bay Area.

The report lists seven toxic metals in peeling and flaking paints in quantities that exceed California's standards for hazardous waste.

In addition to the 21 tons of metals that are estimated to have fallen, at least another 66 tons remain on the ships.

http://www.chicoer.com/breakingnews/ci_6175263