Permanent Exclusion Zone Set Up For Seal Island Due to UXO

Seal Island, Maine The Coast Guard announced that it will establish a permanent safety zone around Seal Island from the shoreline out to the 60 foot depth curve. The Coast Guard considered the safety zone to be necessary for "the safety of life on the navigable waters around Seal Island by protecting mariners from the hazards of MEC found in the area." The safety zone prohibits persons and vessels from entering transiting, diving, dredging, dumping, fishing, trawling, conducting salvage operations, remaining within or anchoring in the designated safety zone unless authorized by the Coast Guard Captain of the Port Northern New England.

The interim rule which was published in the Federal Register went into effect on September 8. The Coast Guard has an open comment period on the rule through December 7, 2009 and has offered to hold a public meeting if needed. Requests for a public meeting must be received by the Coast Guard on or before September 30, 2009.

The Federal Register listing providing the following brief history of the island.

Seal Island located to the east of Matinicus Island off of the coast of Maine was used as an aerial bombing and target range by the United States Government. The use as a bombing and target range ceased; however, recent exploration of the island and the surrounding waters led to the discovery of various munitions and explosives of concern that present safety hazards to those who may come in contact with them. Some of these MECs are located on Seal Island as well as in the shallow water immediately surrounding it. A danger zone currently exists around the island however it is only enforced during times of active aerial bombing exercises which no longer occur. The regulation for the danger zone can be found in 33 CFR 334.10. This regulation will establish a fixed safety zone around the perimeter of the affected portions of Seal Island out to the 60 foot depth curve so as to ensure mariners do not come into close proximity with MECs near Seal Island. This safety zone is necessary to protect vessels and persons from the hazards associated with MEC.

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