PRESS RELEASE — May 08, 2019

Today, Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush announced the results of the Vessel Turn-In program offered in Matagorda, Texas.

The total number of vessels turned in from both Matagorda and Sargent, Texas tallied 26 vessels for a total of 45 gallons of fuel/oil collected (which was recovered for proper disposal). The Vessel Turn-In program saved the state in excess of $90,000.00 if all vessels would have been removed by the GLO from state waters.The GLO's Vessel Turn-In event took proactive steps to prevent and protect Texas' natural lands and resources from potential threat material.  
 
“Vessels, if not disposed of properly, can be detrimental to our coast,” said MATAGORDA — Commissioner Bush. “Here at the Texas General Land Office, we work diligently to provide alternative ways for people to dispose of their vessels in an environmentally friendly way. This project always provides a great outcome as we collect a lot of debris that generates an untold cost from lost recreation opportunities and potential storm hazards.”

       


 
Working with petroleum and commercial fishing industries, U.S. Coast Guard and the public, the GLO Oil Spill Prevention and Response team supports educational opportunities, daily water and shore patrols and provides firehouse-ready response teams to prevent and immediately address environmental problems - because even the smallest spill can endanger Texas' precious natural resources. Abandoned vessels can leak fluids into coastal waters that can be harmful for the wetland environment, wildlife and humans. With hundreds of millions of barrels of crude oil and petroleum products passing through ports, bays and beaches along the Texas Gulf annually, the Texas General Land Office Oil Spill Prevention and Response team is on call 24/7, ensuring oil stays out of Texas coastal waters.

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