Puget Sound Tire Reef

Removal & Replacement Project

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

In December 2005 Governor Chris Gregoire launched an initiative to revitalize efforts to protect one of the state’s crown jewels – Puget Sound.  The Governor enlisted some of the region’s leading citizens to form a new public/private group called the Puget Sound Partnership to develop an aggressive 15-year plan to solve Puget Sound’s most vexing problems.

Acknowledging the hard work already underway, the governor said that more needs to be done to protect and restore the Sound. And it needs to be done now. “Cleaning and protecting Puget Sound must be at the top of our state agenda. But I know from experience that state government can’t do it alone,” she said.

The Washington Scuba Alliance intends to play its part in the cleanup of Puget Sound.  To that end, this document outlines a project proposal by the Washington Scuba Alliance (WSA) to remove a number of tire reefs that were created in the 1970’s and 80’s.  To preserve access to dive opportunities, in some cases, WSA will propose replacing the tire reefs with rocky reef structure more suitable to the marine environment.  Examples might include quarry rock rubble and reef balls.

The proposal envisions a state-wide effort such that each project operates under a reasonably streamlined permitting and funding umbrella.

WSA has identified a little over 20 sites in Puget Sound where tire reefs are known to exist.  There are undoubtedly more, but the initial 20 serve as a good starting point for the dive community’s participation in the cleanup of Puget Sound.

Funding for the project is anticipated from NOAA’s Marine Debris Removal Program and other state and local sources.

TIRE REEFS IN PUGET SOUND

While there are a number of tire reefs in Puget Sound, there is no single repository of data that identifies the location of these sites.  The following is an up-to-date listing compiled from a variety of sources at WA Dept. of Fish & Wildlife, WA State Parks, and local divers.  Though it is incomplete, it represents a good starting point for removal and replacement of tires from Puget Sound.

Some of these locations are existing dive sites actively used by the dive community.  In most cases, the tire reefs are significant feature of the dive site. 

As the proposal is developed, sites where diving is not an activity will be segregated from sites where diving is a key activity.  For those sites where diving is not an activity, we will propose simply removing the tires.  For those where diving is an important activity, we will propose replacing the existing footprint of the tires with more suitable material like quarry rock or reef balls.

• Alki Beach Park.  West Seattle.  The Junkyard.  Enter water on far west end of Alki Beach Park.  Swim out to nearest mooring buoy.  Descend and follow line east parallel to shore maybe 100 yards.  2 or 3 small tire bundles are east of the buoyancy course.

• Edmonds Public Fishing Pier (Dept. of Fisheries project) - Only tire modules - under the pier, offshore of the pier, and between the pier and Ferry dock.

• Seattle Public Fishing Pier (DoF project) - Concrete and tire modules, tire modules - under the pier, and offshore of the pier.

• Tacoma (Les Davis) Public Fishing Pier (DoF project) - Concrete modules offshore of the pier and to the west in the area for divers, but some tire modules added later by the City of Tacoma (I think).

• Tacoma Old Town Dock (City of Tacoma) - Tire reef modules adjacent to dock.

• Langley Boat Harbor.  Langley tire reef is a mass of tires that was once a floating concrete breakwater/dock for the Langley Boat Harbor.  Consisting of thousands of tires, many telephone pole-sized logs, and a few tons of chain, the entire thing sank to the bottom in the 80’s.  It sits in 20 – 40 feet of seawater.

• Blake Island (DoF project) - Concrete modules only, but a few tire modules added by (I think)an old Cooperative Fishery Research Unit project (in the then School of Fisheries) for material comparison in an MS thesis.

• Burfoot Park, Budd Inlet (City of Olympia or Thurston County project) - Tire reef modules.

• Solo Point, southern Puget Sound (DNR) - Tire reef modules.

• Edmonds Underwater Park - (various agencies over the years) - Some tire modules added to mark trails, etc.
• Tatsolo point (Fort Lewis)
• Tolmie Underwater State Park
• Salt Water State Park
• Kopachuck State Park
• Three Tree Point, North Shore
• Les Davis Pier, Tacoma
• Entrance to Pleasant Harbor on Hood Canal
• Seattle Fishing Reef (100 yards south)
• Mike's Beach Resort (Hood Canal)
• Mukilteo Oil Dock (bay area)
• Admiralty Beach / Driftwood Park.  Located in the center of the Admiralty Bay, this dive is marked by the 90-degree turn in the road, one mile south of the Keystone Ferry terminal.  It is part of the 70’s era artificial reef program.  Two tire reefs exist here about 50 feet apart in about 40-50 fsw.  The larger one runs parallel to shore and consists of approximately 150 tires, the smaller one is perpendicular to shore and consists of about 60 tires.  The reef is straight out from the large pilings that stick up on the beach.

PERMITTING AND FUNDING

The program should be designed to provide as much of a permitting “umbrella” as possible to ensure a streamlined permit regime.  The goal should be to “boilerplate” as much of the process as possible and limit site-specific permit requirements to only those that represent truly site-specific circumstances.

Similarly, as a funding architecture is designed, it should provide broad criteria into which all sites will likely fit, again limiting site-specific elements to those that are truly unique.

POTENTIAL FUNDING SOURCES

This section presents a partial listing of potential federal and state funding sources that could be used to fund the project on a site-by-site basis, or possibly on a sound-wide basis.   Some may be applicable, some not.

NOAA MARINE DEBRIS REMOVAL GRANTS

NOAA’s Ocean Service, Office of Response and Restoration, Marine Debris Program (MDP) provides funding to catalyze the implementation of locally driven, community-based marine debris prevention and removal projects that will benefit coastal habitat, waterways, and NOAA trust resources including anadromous fish. Projects funded through the MDP have strong on-the-ground habitat components involving the removal of marine debris and derelict fishing gear that will provide educational and social benefits for people and their communities in addition to long-term ecological habitat improvements for NOAA trust resources. The role of NOAA in the MDP is to help identify potential marine debris prevention and removal projects, strengthen the development and implementation of habitat restoration through the removal of marine debris within communities, and foster awareness of the effects of marine debris through the funding of outreach and education proposals to further the conservation of living marine resource habitats across a wide geographic area. Proposals selected for funding through this solicitation will be implemented through a cooperative agreement. Funding of up to $2,000,000 is expected to be available for Community-based Marine Debris Prevention and Removal Project Grants in FY 2006. The NOAA MDP anticipates that typical awards will range from $15,000 to $100,000.

NATIONAL FISH AND WILDLIFE FOUNDATION

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation offers two types of grant programs.

General Matching Grant Program
The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation funds projects to conserve and restore fish, wildlife, and native plants through matching grant programs. The Foundation awards matching grants to projects that address priority actions promoting fish and wildlife conservation and the habitats on which they depend, work proactively to involve other conservation and community interests, leverage Foundation-provided funding, and evaluate project outcomes. Federal, state, and local governments, educational institutions, and nonprofit organizations are welcomed to apply for a general matching grant throughout the year, using the General Matching Grant Guidelines.

Special Grant Programs
In addition to the general matching grant, the Foundation administers a number of special grant programs with specific guidelines and time-lines. If your project does not meet the criteria of any program described below, please consider applying under the general matching grant program. Also, please note, if your project is not funded under the grant program for which it was submitted, Foundation staff may move your project to the general matching grant program or a different special grant program if it has the potential of being funded under it. Program deadlines are listed for the most recent grant cycle and are updated when a new call for proposals is released.

WASHINGTON STATE DEPARTMENT OF ECOLOGY, STATE REVOLVING FUND

The Centennial Clean Water Fund Program

In 1986 the Washington State Legislature established the Water Quality Account that funds a

variety of programs related to water quality. This account is financed primarily from tobacco tax

revenues and may also be supplemented from the State General Fund and other funds, subject to legislative appropriation. The Centennial fund provides low-interest loans and grants to local

governments and Indian Tribes for water pollution control facilities and water pollution control

activities designed to prevent and control water pollution to Washington State’s surface and

ground water. Ecology’s Water Quality Program has administered the Centennial fund since its

inception. The Legislature directed that the Centennial fund shall be used to finance the planning,     implementation, design, acquisition, construction, and improvement of water pollution control

facilities and water pollution control related activities. Ecology’s goal is to ensure that the fund is

distributed among those projects that address the state’s highest priority water quality protection

and water pollution control needs.

The Washington State Water Pollution Control Revolving Loan Fund Program (SRF)

The SRF provides low-cost financing or refinancing to local governments for projects that

improve and protect the state’s water quality. Projects may include publicly owned wastewater

treatment facilities, nonpoint source pollution control projects, and comprehensive estuary

conservation and management programs. The United States Congress established the SRF loan

program as part of the Clean Water Act (CWA) Amendments of 1987. The amendments

authorized the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to offer yearly capitalization grants

to states for establishing self-sustaining loan programs. In response, the State Legislature passed

a statute in 1988, Chapter 90.50A, RCW (Water Pollution Control Facilities – Federal

Capitalization Grants), which created Washington State’s SRF program.

INTERAGENCY COMMITTEE FOR OUTDOOR RECREATION GRANTS

The Interagency Committee for Outdoor Recreation (IAC) administers several grant programs for outdoor recreation and habitat conservation purposes. Most grant programs require that the IAC be given assurance that the proposed project will be operated and maintained in perpetuity for the purposes for which funding is sought. Most grant programs also require that sponsors complete a systematic planning process prior to seeking IAC funding. IAC has grant limits on most of its programs and encourages and often requires sponsors to share in the project’s cost. Grants are awarded by the committee based on a public, competitive process that weighs the merits of the proposed projects against established program criteria. Funding grants range from 100% (state agencies) to 50% of total project costs. The maximum grant awards and matching fund requirements change from year to year or even within a given funding cycle depending on the amount of funds available and the number of applicants.

Appropriate IAC grant programs may include the Boating Facilities Program,  BFP), Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program (WWRP), Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). Other grants are administered by the IAC, include the Salmon Recovery Funding Board (SRFB), Boating Infrastructure Grants (BIG), and Aquatic Lands Enhancement Account (ALEA).

Boating Facilities Program (BFP) Referendum 215 Funds (for Motorized boating facilities)

State fund administered by the State Interagency Committee for Outdoor Recreation (IAC

The BFP provides funds to acquire, develop and renovate boating facilities. Eligible projects

include launch ramps, transient moorage, breakwaters, sewage pump outs, parking, and upland

support. Funds are received from boating gas tax and allocated to marine related projects.  Funding is limited to up to $150,000 per project, but requires a 50% match. No more than 20% of the estimated construction cost may be used for planning.

Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program (WWRP)

A special fund created by a coalition of recreation and wildlife groups with the intent of

preserving wildlife habitats, open space and developing recreation areas. Eligible projects

include local parks, water access sites, trails, critical habitat, and natural areas. Funds and grant

processes are administered by the IAC to provide funding assistance for a broad range of land

acquisition, protection, park development, preservation/conservation, and outdoor recreation

activities. Generally a 50% local match is required for this program’s various funding categories

with a maximum IAC per project contribution of $500,000 for acquisition and $300,000 for

development. WWRP is a state funding source and does not require a Corps permit, but not

having a permit could affect how the project is evaluated and viewed in terms of “readiness to

proceed.” This is an even year only application, generally due in May of even years.

Applications for WWRP trails are only taken in even years. WWRP local parks category

provides acquisition grants yearly but development grants every other year like the trails category.

Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF)

The LWCFprovides funds for the acquisition and development of public outdoor recreation areas and open space. Specific projects that are eligible for funding include picnic areas, trails, fishing access, and interpretive facilities. This is a Federal fund administered by the IAC. In order to be

awarded a Land and Water Conservation Fund, an Army Corps permit must be in hand at award

time (July). The National Park Service does not authorize funding to the state for projects for

which a Corps permit has not been issued if one is required.   This is an annual grant, which must be matched with 50% funds. Only 20% of award may be

used for A&E services

Salmon Recovery Funding Board Grants (SRFB)

The Salmon Recovery Funding Board supports salmon recovery by finding habitat protection and

restoration projects and related programs and activities that produce sustainable and measurable

benefits for fish and their habitat. SRFB provides funds to acquire, restore, assess and study and

to plan and acquire land for salmon recovery projects. Eligible applicants, through a lead entity,

are cities/towns, counties, state agencies, private landowners, conservation districts, tribes,

Regional Fisheries Enhancement Groups and other on-profit organizations, and special purpose

districts.

Aquatic Lands Enhancement Account (ALEA)

ALEA is a federal fund administrated by the IAC. These funds are intended to assist in provision

of public access to water and water-related recreation (including support activities such as

parking and roads). Eligible projects include waterfront parks, public access, and environmental

protection. The maximum per project is typically $80,000 with a 25% local match. This is an

even year application grant, generally due June 1.

COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT GRANTS

Local jurisdictions within Washington's 15 coastal counties use CZM grants to improve local shoreline master programs, enhance public access to shorelines, provide environmental education, and conduct other shoreline related projects. The grant program was established by federal law in 1972 and is administered by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Approximately $400,000 dollars a year are passed through from NOAA to local governments every year. The Washington State Department of Ecology’s Shorelands and Environmental Assistance Program administer grants at the state level. Grants from the Coastal Zone Management Account pay 50% and are primarily used for planning, shoreline acquisition, and public access.

Appendix A

NOAA’s Marine Debris Program

Background

From 1985 to 1996, NOAA administered the Marine Entanglement Research Program, a marine debris research and management program that was created in response to growing public concern over the impacts of marine debris on wildlife. Since then, NOAA has continued to support marine debris clean-up and prevention activities, such as the debris assessment and removal project in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, the use of satellite and aerial remote sensing to locate and track oceanographic features likely to accumulate floating marine debris, and support for the development and testing protocols for removing derelict fishing gear from coastal waters.

In 2005, Congress appropriated funds to re-establish a centralized marine debris capability within NOAA to organize, strengthen, and increase the visibility of the marine debris efforts within the agency. By doing this, NOAA hopes to shed light on and better understand the sources and impacts of marine debris to our oceans and coasts, and contribute to developing the solutions.

NOAA has a number of mandates that require the agency to address marine debris. These include, but are not limited to, the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000 (section which states that NOAA must "provide assistance to States in removing abandoned fishing gear, marine debris, and abandoned vessels from coral reefs to conserve living marine resources", the Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act which regulates ocean dumping and monitoring and takes into account the aesthetic properties of the National Marine Sanctuaries in regards to marine debris. Other mandates for NOAA Marine Debris include the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 (section 309) and the Marine Plastic Pollution Research Control Act, which deals with outreach and education and pollution from ships. There is currently pending legislation on the hill to pass a bill that directly addresses marine debris, known as S362 and/or HR 3692, The Marine Debris Research, Prevention and Reduction Act.

Mission

The mission statement of the NOAA Marine Debris Program is to support a national effort focused on preventing, identifying, removing, and reducing the occurrence of marine debris and to protect and conserve our nation’s natural resources and coastal waterways from the impacts of marine debris. The NOAA MDP is committed to addressing debris in the marine environment on a national and an international level.

The Program has identified four strategies to address marine debris:

• Source Identification, Monitoring, Research and Information Transfer
• Reduction through Removal
• Prevention, including Education and Outreach
• Emergency Response

Through these strategies, the Program seeks to build a comprehensive and cohesive plan to address marine debris.

In January 2006, the Marine Debris Program held its first program implementation workshop with 40 internal (NOAA) and external (government, academics, industry, NGOs) marine debris experts to determine potential actions that will help guide the program over the next one to two years. A total of 105 actions were produced across the four strategies, ranging from title only to specifically detailed actions.

Categories identified within each strategy were further refined and expanded into focus areas by NOAA Marine Debris personnel to include an all-encompassing list:

• Education/Outreach and Training/Protocols
• Derelict Fishing Gear (DFG)
• Derelict Vessels
• Data Collection and Research
• On-the-Ground Efforts
• Coordination

Ultimately, the participation that took place at the workshop assisted in the development of the focus areas which will guide the implementation plan and the program to develop requests for proposals (RFPs) for federal funding opportunities.

Programs and Projects

The projects described throughout this Web site are elements of NOAA's Marine Debris Program.

The program seeks to bring greater attention and solutions to this environmental problem by:

• working with external partners such as The Ocean Conservancy and the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation to develop educational and outreach materials on the impacts and prevention of marine debris
• working with grant programs such as the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and the NOAA Restoration Center to co-sponsor projects to reduce marine debris
• working with other programs within NOAA, such as the National Marine Sanctuary Program, the National Sea Grant College Program, and the NOAA Community-based Restoration Program to address marine debris
• working with other federal agencies to re-establish the Interagency Marine Debris Coordinating Committee as stated in the U.S. Ocean Action Plan (pdf, 236kb) (page 20) and to address marine debris issues identified in Chapter 18 of the Final Report of the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy (pdf, 551mb)
• using international law to regulate commercial and recreational boating activities to reduce marine debris