Marine Organisms Buried

The marine organisms removed from the Agate Beach derelict dock were buried landward from the site. Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife staff and volunteers removed about a ton and a half of plant and animal material. Oregon Parks and Recreation Department staff and a contractor excavated a hole approximately eight feet deep far above the furthest reach of high tides and storm surges. They emptied the bags into it and filled in the hole. Since the organisms require salt water to survive, this disposal method is safe and reliable.

No further action is expected at the site until a decision is made about disposing of the dock, a decision which should be made in the next couple of days. Two basic options are under review: towing it off the beach to a nearby port or harbor, or demolishing it on site and disposing of it in a landfill. No further information is available about the feasibility or potential costs of either method; we're still weighing the options.