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MarineDesignBarge Sinking

 
Site Contact:
Benjamin Franco
OSC

(franco.benjamin@epa.gov)

Site Location:
Jackson Cemetery
Greenback, TN 37772
 epaosc.org/marinedesignbargesinking
NRC#: 950998

On the morning of August 15, 2010, a 60 foot barge sunk along the bank of Tellico Reservoir. The barge was located next to the Lotterdale Cove Recreation Area public boat ramp. The Tellico Reservoir is a large lake that is part of the Ft. Loudon Dam reservoir system and it is connected to the Little Tennessee River. The owner did not have insurance and was not able to conduct the clean up. On August 15, Phone Duty Officer Negron dispatched OSC Franco to assess the spill and conduct response action. ERRS contractor Environmental Restoration (ER) was activated to assist with the response.


Barge that sunk in Tellico Lake, TN. Captain house that contains the barge's tank. Part of the crane that landed on the public boat dock. Campground located across within 500 feet of the sinking. Containmnet boom placed around the sunken barge. Absorbent boom was placed in front of it. Placed on August 17, 2010. Containmnet boom placed around the sunken barge. Absorbent boom was placed in front of it. Placed on August 17, 2010. Containmnet boom placed around the sunken barge. Absorbent boom was placed in front of it. Placed on August 17, 2010. Containmnet boom placed around the sunken barge. Absorbent boom was placed in front of it. Placed on August 17, 2010. Company subcontracted by ER to raise the barge. Sea-Tow diver. Removal of sunken crane using a tow truck and a crane barge. Crane was uprighted on its track and then dragged out using a tow truck. Crane barge used to lift he submerged crane and barge. Lifting of the wheel house from the submerged barge. Oil that spilled from the submerged crane. Tow truck dragged the crane on its tracks to the other end of Lotterdale Cove boat ramp parking lot. The crane barge was finally able to grab on to a strong point on the barge and lift the first compartment out of the water. Sea Tow then attached pumps and emptied the compartments. The barge is slowly rising as the compartments are emptied. Barge is empty and floating on its own. The barge was pushed to the shore and the spud was driven to the lake's floor to keep it from sinking again.