PROBLEM: Rafting or improper tie-up of vessels.

Rafting or improper tie-ups of vessels on the Miami River pose many problems including: navigation hazard, fire safety hazard, personnel safety hazard, restriction of river flow near salinity dam, break away vessels from moorings, infringement on the rights of property owners, and delays in loading and unloading at piers.

SOLUTION: Miami River Regulated Navigation Area.

In 1996, the QAT created a Miami River Rafting Policy which allowed for the safe mooring, rafting, or tie-up of vessels. That policy was adopted and later published by the Coast Guard as a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) in the Federal Register.

The NPRM announced plans by the Coast Guard to establish the Miami River Rafting Policy as a Regulated Navigation Area (RNA) in federal regulations under the authority of the Ports and Waterways Safety Act.

A Final Rule published in the Federal Register on September 26, 1997, established the Miami River Rafting Policy as a Regulated Navigation Area.

Since the establishment of the Regulated Navigation Area in September 1997, Coast Guard personnel have investigated approximately 10 complaints regarding improper mooring, rafting, or tie-up. In half those cases, improper rafting or tie-up of vessels was observed. In each case, vessel and facility owners voluntarily moved or shifted vessels to achieve compliance. PROBLEM: Unsafe welding and hotwork. The National Fire Protection Association establishes safety guidelines for welding, cutting, grinding and related practices, which are often performed at marine terminals. These practices are commonly referred to as "hotwork" for the heat, sparks and flame that result. Failure to follow recommended safety guidelines when performing hotwork may create a severe fire or explosion risk when combustible materials or explosive atmospheres are present. SOLUTION: Enhanced enforcement. Through the QAT, a series of multi-agency compliance inspections have targeted problem facilities on the River where unauthorized welding and hotwork was conducted. These facilities were required to meet federal, state and local safety standards, and obtain the necessary Coast Guard and local permits before hotwork could commence.

Oil Spill Recovery Rates On Miami River The following information is provided for spills where cleanup was feasible and was performed by Coast Guard, State, responsible parties, and/or contractors. Spill size range: 15-200 gallons Average oil spilled: 71.3 gallons Average oil recovered: 46.8 gallons % oil recovered: 65.0% *Average size of all spills on Miami River is less than 5 gallons. Many are mystery spills and are not recoverable. Coast Guard - Pollution Statistics Summary Responses to reported oil or hazardous materials spills on the Miami River January 1, 1995 - December 31, 1997 1995: 76 1996: 48 1997: 46

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