South Carolina Health Department launches Vessel Turn-In Program

South Carolina Health Department launches Vessel Turn-In Program

In a progressive move to manage abandoned and derelict boats, the Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) has announced the launching of a new Vessel Turn-In Program (VTIP) in South Carolina. The program is targeted towards eight coastal counties of the state, which include Beaufort, Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton, Dorchester, Georgetown, Horry, and Jasper.

A bid to protect coastal resources

The initiative brings an ample opportunity for residents and businesses across these coastal counties to responsibly discard their unwanted or aging vessels. This call to action will contribute to the preservation of the state’s invaluable coastal resources.

According to Marian Page, the interim bureau chief of DHEC’s Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, such stranded boats pose threats to sensitive habitats, impact the safe recreational use of waterways, and tarnish the state’s beautiful coastal landscape.

To avail of this service, applicants can apply to have their at-risk, unwanted, or end-of-life vessels taken care of without bearing any disposal charges. Following the approval of the application, the DHEC will coordinate the vessel’s disposal.

Sustainable disposal measures

The procedure for disposal includes the dismantling and separation of the vessels into various material types. As part of the sustainability efforts, wherever feasible, these materials will be reused or recycled.

In an innovative approach towards recycling, DHEC is exploring the feasibility of a fiberglass vessel hull recycling program within this project. Under this scheme, shredded fiberglass from the VTIP boats will be alternatively used as fuel at a local cement kiln.

Funding and program timeline

The funding for both these pilot programs comes from a Coastal Zone Enhancement grant provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The services of the Vessel Turn-In Program will be initiated with the first vessel drop-off day scheduled to occur in the Charleston County area in June 2024.

Interested applicants from the eight coastal counties have been encouraged to register online for the pilot VTIP by April 5, 2024.

For further details and queries on the project, residents can visit the official website or get in touch via email.

By launching such programs, South Carolina takes a substantial step forward in mitigating the issue of deserted boats along its coasts, and the solution focuses on not just the disposal, but also on the recycling potential of the discarded materials.

This initiative sheds light on the necessity of integrating sustainability and resource management for maintaining the health and aesthetics of the coastal regions, which will ultimately contribute to the wellbeing of South Carolina’s residents.