Participants: Ed LeBlanc (USCG); Larry Davis (USACOE); Janine Commerford and Rich Packard (MassDEP); Bill Cass (NEWMOA)

At 10:10 a.m. Janine Commerford welcomed the participants and opened the meeting.  Rich Packard reviewed the meeting goals and agenda and invited Larry Davis to explain the existing vessel movement reporting system (VMRS) operated at the Cape Cod Canal, and changes that would be needed to implement the new USCG regulations for navigation in Buzzard's Bay  approaches to the Canal that become effective in November, 2007. 

VMRS & New USCG Regulations

Larry explained that the planned controlling depth of the Cape Cod Canal is 32' but that shoaling has reduced the actual controlling depth to 28' at the present time.  He noted that dredging at intervals of less than 5 years is required to maintain the planned depth.  He provided a navigation chart and a handout showing the Buzzards Bay approaches to the canal and the shoal/grounding hazard areas near the channel, and the alarm zone on each side of the channel.  He noted that when Automated Identification System (AIS) equipped vessels stray from the channel area an alarm is sounded at the ACOE control center, although at the present time no action is taken as a result.  Vessels may leave the channel for various reasons, not all of which are considered a problem. The AIS data showing vessel locations, etc., in Buzzard's Bay is provided to the ACOE control center via a data link from the Volpe Federal Building in Boston. Virtually all vessels of concern for OSA purposes are equipped for AIS.  The ACOE canal control center currently relies on its own radar for purposes of managing operation of the Canal although both radar images and AIS information are displayed on control center equipment.  The ACOE radar equipment does not presently reach the lower/southern portion of the Buzzard's Bay canal approach, although improvements that are being made will extend the range.  Larry commented that if the ACOE takes on responsibilities for operating the Vessel Movement Reporting System (VMRS) in Buzzard's Bay under the new regulations, AIS data transmission issues will need to be addressed. In addition, VHF repeaters may be needed to facilitate communications with approaching vessels that are required to report in at the southern end of Buzzard's Bay under the new regulations. 

Ed LeBlanc explained that attorneys for the ACOE and the USCG are developing an MOU between the two agencies that includes detailed protocols regarding implementation of the VMRS.  An operating guide for users is also under development.  He noted that hardware needs, such as VHF repeaters, did not appear to be a major obstacle.  Larry commented that staffing needs were being reviewed.  Ed also explained that if the ACOE and USCG are unable to work out a satisfactory arrangement, the USCG Station at Woods Hole would have the capability to implement the VMRS in order to implement the new regulations.  He provided meeting participants with a copy of the Federal Register, Vol. 72, No 168/Thursday, August 30, 2007, p50052-50059, and noted that it contains a detailed description of the regulations and discussion of the issues involved.

Existing Barges

In response to questions from Rich Packard and Bill Cass, Ed LeBlanc explained that single hulled barges are being phased out.  Many large operators now have 100% double hulled equipment.  In 2004, 60% of barges were double hulled and now the percentage is surely higher.

Compliance Costs

In response to questions from Rich Packard and Bill Cass, Ed Le Blanc provided information that the USCG had developed to estimate the economic impact of the new regulations.  The USCG determined that the cost of an escort tug for a transit through Buzzards Bay and the Cape Cod Canal in 2005 was about $3,200 and a pilot was about $1,375, although they noted that there would be variables associated with these costs.

Weather Buoy

Ed LeBlanc commented that funding to provide for a weather buoy for Nantucket Sound has been included in the USCG fiscal year 2008 Federal Budget.  NOAA would operate/maintain the buoy.

Physical Oceanography Real Time System (PORTS)

Ed LeBlanc commented that private funds or combinations of public and private funds support PORTS systems in some areas.  He mentioned that the PORTS in San Diego was privately funded.  He added that the State of RI supports the system in Narragansett Bay and MassDEP could talk with Mike Mulhare (RIDEM) about how that arrangement operates; and that Bob Hamilton of the Woods Hole Group could provide technical advice and assistance on PORTS to stakeholders.

Risk Evaluation

Rich Packard explained that this fall MassDEP would select a contractor to conduct a straightforward evaluation of what coastal areas in Massachusetts are most at risk for future oil spills.  This risk evaluation, based largely on past spill history, location of oil facilities and high vessel traffic areas, to help prioritize future equipment purchases, training and Geographic Response Plan development.

Chronic Oil Spills

Rich noted that MassDEP as a longer-term objective would be consulting with the USCG and other states concerning chronic spills and discharges, and identifying successful programs for reducing or eliminating them.