NEWPORT NEWS, Va., Aug. 18 (UPI) -- The U.S. Maritime Administration says there is no deadline for removal of the "ghost fleet" from the James River in Virginia.
Kevin Tokarski, an associate administrator, told local officials at a public meeting Monday the speed at which the ships are moved depends on uncertain factors, including the price of scrap steel and a lawsuit filed by an environmental group over a similar fleet in California, the Newport News Daily Press reported.
The government has removed 82 ships since 2001, Tokarski said, leaving 27 moored in the James near Fort Eustis. He said most of the ships have been sold as scrap, but sometimes, when steel prices have been down, the government has to pay for removal and recycling.
The ships in Virginia, California and a third fleet in Texas are known officially as the reserve fleet although for most their sailing days are over. Tokarski said the National Resources Defense Council lawsuit has actually speeded removal of the Texas and Virginia ships by suspending any action on those in California.
Local officials fear the ghost ships could begin leaking oil, creating an environmental disaster in the James River and Chesapeake Bay.
