Discovering Underwater Ordnance on Your Property? Here’s What the Coast Guard Requires You to Know
Property owners along America’s coastlines face a unique challenge that many never consider until it’s too late: the potential discovery of underwater ordnance from decades of military activity. Coastal regions present a unique risk, as sea currents and tides can wash munitions ashore that were lost at sea. Whether you own waterfront property, operate a marina, or conduct marine construction projects, understanding Coast Guard regulations for underwater ordnance discovery could save lives and protect you from serious legal complications.
Understanding the Scope of Underwater Ordnance Contamination
Unexploded ordnance (UXO) refers to munitions that were designed to be fired, dropped, or launched but failed to detonate as intended. These items, remnants of past military conflicts or training activities, remain live and pose a significant, indiscriminate hazard. The problem is more widespread than most property owners realize. Wars and hasty post-war dumping over the last century have left our global waters littered with ordnance. Military air and naval bombardments, naval mining operations, military firing ranges, sea-dumping of munitions, ship and aircraft wrecks have all contributed to the problem.
Former military training ranges and impact areas constitute the most frequent discovery sites. Construction and development projects undertaken on land previously used for military purposes frequently uncover buried ordnance, requiring immediate work stoppages and specialized remediation. Property owners living near active or decommissioned military installations should maintain situational awareness, as accidental overshoots can result in contamination of adjacent private land.
Coast Guard Jurisdiction and Regulatory Framework
The U.S. Coast Guard maintains broad authority over underwater ordnance discoveries in American waters. The Coast Guard is responsible for enforcement of all Federal laws on waters to which they have application, safety of life and property at sea, aiding navigation, and readiness to function with the Navy. It sets forth in general language the primary responsibilities of the Coast Guard: enforcement of all Federal laws on waters to which they have application, safety of life and property at sea, aiding navigation, and readiness to function with the Navy.
When underwater ordnance is discovered, multiple federal agencies may become involved depending on the location and circumstances. In the event of a discovery of potential MEC, the Lessee should contact the following government agencies within forty-eight (48) hours of discovery during site assessment activities, pre-construction, or post construction surveys, or within twenty-four (24) hours of discovery during seabed clearance activities, construction, or operations.
Immediate Response Requirements for Property Owners
If you discover suspected underwater ordnance on your property, your immediate response can mean the difference between safety and catastrophe. After retreating to a safe distance, the next action is to immediately contact local emergency services by dialing 911 or the non-emergency number for local police or the fire department. These initial responders are trained to manage the scene, establish a wider exclusion zone, and coordinate the arrival of specialized military or governmental Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams.
Providing accurate and detailed information to the dispatcher is paramount for a rapid and effective response. The caller must specify the precise location of the item, using cross streets, landmarks, GPS coordinates, or mile markers if possible. A brief, non-technical description of the ordnance should be provided, noting its size, color, and general shape without speculating on its type or origin.
For maritime discoveries, additional reporting requirements apply. If at sea, contact USCG on Channel 16, or 911 if in port. After contacting emergency services, any explosive accident should be immediately reported to the USCG and BSEE.
Professional Underwater Ordnance Recovery Services
Given the complexity and danger involved in underwater ordnance situations, property owners should rely on professional services with specialized expertise. Companies like Miller Marine Services have developed the capabilities to handle these challenging situations safely and in compliance with federal regulations. With over 30 years of experience in marine operations, Miller Marine Services offers comprehensive torpedo recovery long island services and underwater ordnance management.
Miller Marine Services offers a wide range of marine services including offshore wind farm development, torpedo recovery, and environmental monitoring in Long Island, NY. Their capabilities extend to geophysical surveys, submarine cable installation, and marine construction support. Miller Marine Services, Inc. is outfitted with a well-equipped fleet of vessels that are designed to perform a variety of marine tasks, including Torpedo Recovery. Should you require torpedo recovery, our US Coast Guard inspected and certified vessels are outfitted with the latest technologies to accurately locate expelled torpedoes, and ensure their retrieval is done as quickly and as safely as possible.
Legal and Environmental Compliance Considerations
Property owners must understand that underwater ordnance discoveries trigger multiple regulatory frameworks beyond immediate safety concerns. These wrecksites are often the final resting places of sailors who paid the ultimate sacrifice in service of the nation, carry significant historical importance, or may contain environmental or public safety hazards such as oil or unexploded ordnance. Archaeological and historical preservation laws may also apply, particularly for ordnance from World War II or earlier conflicts.
Information management is also used to satisfy the reporting requirements of relevant stakeholders; this includes support to organisations such as national authorities, donors, legal staff, researchers and actors in other development activities. Proper documentation and reporting are essential for legal compliance and future reference.
Prevention and Risk Assessment
Smart property owners take proactive steps to assess underwater ordnance risks before problems arise. As maritime construction projects become more prominent and our exploration of the underwater environment increases, we will more frequently encounter these EO. In some areas, encounters with underwater ordnance have become routine during commercial fishing, recreational beach- going, laying pipelines, maritime construction and diving.
Miller Marine Services welcomes marine survey and data collection projects. They can assist with marine mammal observation and protected species observer platforms, pilot transportation, launch service, stores and spares deliveries. They also provide vessels and crews for multiple types of marine constructions and environmental monitoring support.
The Importance of Professional Expertise
Underwater ordnance recovery requires specialized knowledge, equipment, and regulatory compliance that goes far beyond typical marine operations. Water does not make EO less dangerous; however, it provides a barrier to access just as a fence would be a barrier to accessing a protected site. Access in this case is more difficult because it requires specialised equipment and skills (diving). In many ways water complicates EO clearance and mitigation efforts. Locating underwater EO is challenging because it requires specialised equipment and training.
The consequences of improper handling can be severe. The threat stems from their unstable chemical composition or mechanical failure, meaning any disturbance can trigger an unintended and potentially catastrophic explosion. Understanding the nature of this threat and the correct procedures for handling a discovery is paramount for public safety. This knowledge is the first line of defense against severe injury or death when encountering these dangerous items.
When faced with underwater ordnance discoveries, property owners need experienced professionals who understand both the technical challenges and regulatory requirements. Companies with proven track records in underwater ordnance recovery, like Miller Marine Services, provide the expertise necessary to handle these situations safely while ensuring full compliance with Coast Guard regulations and other applicable federal requirements.