Debris Recovery

 The M/V Puget is the debris recovery vessel for Seattle District. It operates under congressional authority listed below:

(a) Removal of Wrecks and Obstructions (Section 19, River and Harbor Act of 3 March 1899). The Corps may remove sunken vessels and similar objects if they are determined to be obstructions to navigation.

(b) Snagging and Clearing for Navigation (Section 3, River and Harbor Act of 1945).  The Corps may remove trees, brush and other debris that may be determined to be obstructions to navigation or that may promote flooding.

(c) Drift and Debris Removal (Section 202, Water Resources Development Act Of 1976).

The Corps has continuing authority to study and undertake projects to remove and dispose of derelict objects such as sunken vessels, waterfront debris and derelict structures, and other sources of drift that may damage vessels or threaten public health, recreation, or the environment at publicly maintained commercial boat harbors. The harbor need not be, but usually is a Corps project. Congressional authorization is required for projects with Federal costs of $400,000 or more.  (USACE Engineering Regulation 1105-2-100)

Contact Us

Chief, Navigation Section
(206) 764-6908   
 
Chief, Waterway Maintenance Unit
(206) 764-3429   
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Seattle District
Navigation Section
4735 East Marginal Way S.
Seattle, WA 98134-2385

 

Report a Hazard to Navigation Here

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Notes:

Priority of debris response:

  1. Debris and obstructions in the Federal Navigation Channels.
  2. Debris at Navy, Coast Guard or WA State Ferry docks.
  3. Debris in local police and fire holding pens.
  4. Debris at local port docks.
  5. Debris outside of a Federal Navigation Channel that could potentially enter the channel.
  6. Debris on Lake Washington.

Debris recovery work schedule: Monday-Thursday 0700-1730

Reports can also be made to: Chief of Waterway Maintenance Unit 206-764-3429 or Master, M/V PUGET 206-399-0358

M/V Puget

 The Puget patrols the inland waters of Puget Sound collecting debris and obstructions to navigation.  The Puget, built for the Navy in 1944, is 104 feet long with a 30-foot beam flat bottom steel vessel.  During a recent repowering, the Puget received new twin Cummins diesel engines (Tier 2), which resulted in a considerable increase in fuel efficiency and reduction in exhaust pollutants.  A 30-kilowatt and 55-kilowatt diesel generators supply electrical power.  The Puget has a five-person crew and is based out of the Hiram M. Chittenden locks in Ballard, Washington.

 

 

 

 

Area of Operation