For Release: Monday, January 28, 2008

Marine Construction Firm Cited for Barges Abandoned in Jamaica Bay

DEC and the U.S. Coast Guard Identify Possible Responsible Party

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has issued a notice of violation to Pile Foundation Construction, Inc. for allegedly abandoning two barges in Jamaica Bay's Barbadoes Basin last fall. Under New York State's Tidal Wetlands Act, the company faces up to $10,000 a day in penalties while the barges remain in place.

According to eyewitness accounts, the barges were abandoned at the end of September. DEC launched an investigation into the incident shortly thereafter. With the help of the U.S. Coast Guard, DEC identified the responsible party as Pile Foundation Construction, Inc., a company that specializes in marine construction in the New York City Metropolitan Area.

Since being abandoned, the barges have taken on water and become derelict. Both are currently resting on the basin bottom and represent potential dangers to navigation.

As this enforcement action proceeds, DEC will direct the company to develop and implement a removal plan that minimizes the possibility of further damage to the sensitive ecosystems of the basin.