Military

· As a long-serving member of local government, I can tell you unequivocally that if the local government or a business tried to get federal permits to operate something like the James River Reserve Fleet it would be impossible.

· The Federal Government does not hold itself to the same standards that it holds others when it comes to environmental and safety regulations.

· I recognize that the purpose of the Reserve Fleet was a worthy one, however, time has passed that purpose by.

· If some other organization wanted to have such an operation there would be many regulations.

o There would be a requirement for an environmental assessment.

o Surely there would be a requirement for an environmental impact statement.

o Could anyone seriously imagine that a "finding of no significant impact" would result from a review of that operation?

· The reasons why we are alarmed about the continuing presence of these obsolete vessels have been stated many times.

· According to reports, over 70% of the ships in the Reserve Fleet are considered obsolete and should be scrapped.

· Several million gallons of oils and lubricants remain aboard these vessels in a quantity approaching that which was spilled in Alaska by the Exxon Valdez.

· In a 2002 report prepared by the government's own Maritime Administration, it was suggested that an oil or gas spill from these ships is no longer a possibility, but a probability.

· There have already been several documented fuel oil leaks from the Reserve Fleet in the last five years involving approximately $2 million of clean-up costs.

The potential for serious environmental damage and the potential for a break-away ship to damage property or the James River Bridge are obvious concerns.

· In today's world, we have to add the fear that these ships could in some way be used as potential terrorist platforms.

· On behalf of the citizens and City Council of Newport News, I urge you to move forward with all dispatch to eliminate this threat to our community's environment and public safety.