Agate Beach is open. Please stay off the dock.

STUCK IN SAND

June 5, 2012, tuesday
Derelict dock washes ashore near Agate Beach north of Newport
Visitors reported seeing a loose dock floating offshore near Agate Beach one mile north of Newport. The object has since washed ashore and is sitting at the high tide line.
The dock is very large and heavy: 7' tall, 19' wide and 66' long. It is made primarily of concrete and metal, but is clearly designed to float.

June 6, 2012,
A metal placard bearing Japanese writing was found attached to the dock.
Shortly after the dock made landfall, it was checked for radiation and was found to be negative.
Scientists at the Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport have verified that there is evidence of marine life specific to Japan attached to the dock.
There is some concern about potential invasive species exposure. OPRD is working with Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife to contain this threat.
The Japanese consulate has confirmed that the dock washed ashore on Agate Beach is debris from the March 2011 tsunami in Japan.

June 7, 2012, The dock sitting on the sand at Agate Beach is covered with marine organisms. Some are native, but others are specific to the waters of Japan. The salt water-dependent organisms will be removed from the beach. Among the exotic species are different kinds of mussels, barnacles and marine algaes. One invasive marine algae in particular -- Undaria pinnatifida, commonly called wakame -- is present on the structure.
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.

June 8, 2012,
The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department has reviewed options for removing the tsunami debris dock at Agate Beach. The department originally intended to pursue either of two options -- demolition in place, or towing it off the beach to the nearby Port of Newport -- but has since discovered the range of costs for these options overlaps. The reinforced concrete dock contains a large amount of styrofoam, making clean demolition a challenge and increasing the costs for that option.
The department released a request for bids Friday, June 8. Bids may cover either option -- demolition or removal of the dock and towing it to Newport.

  

 

Monday morning quarter mile south of the dock:

abit closer:

they (whatever they are) are alive and moving.