Tug May Pose Threat to Environment
For almost 50 years a tugboat that once pushed fuel barges up and down Lake Champlain has sat upright on the bottom. Federal officials are now trying to determine if the tug’s fuel tanks pose an environmental threat.
For nearly 50 years the tugboat has sat upright on the bottom of Lake Champlain. As shown in this underwater video, the paint scheme of the William H McAllister is still clear. The fire hoses remain coiled on the deckhouse walls and the tug’s fuel tanks sit inside – which is the cause for environmental concern. The tanks could hold as much as 14,000 gallons of diesel fuel. Although there were no reports of large amounts of fuel washing up on the shore, if the tanks failed, the fuel could foul Lake Champlain’s shores in Vermont and New York.
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Environmental officials sent a remote operated vehicle down to the wreck site to check its condition. Once the results of the expedition are analyzed, the EPA plans to send divers down for a closer look. If needed, at that point, the remaining fuel would be pumped out.
The William H McAllister sank five miles south of Port Kent, New York in November 1963 after the vessel ran aground on a reef. It is believed to be the last significant commercial vessel to sink on the lake.
Other Lake Champlain News:
- Vermont Fish & Wildlife Upgrading Fishing Access Areas
- Two fish certified as new Vermont state records
- Fishing Access Areas Are Not Safe for Swimming
- Reel Fun Fishing Program Expands at Vermont State Parks
- Melosira: Educational Boat Trips Teach Public About Lake Champlain