§4704 Removal of abandoned barges

Summary

The Secretary can remove an abandoned barge, but must follow certain steps first. If the owner or operator is known, the Secretary must send a certified letter telling them the barge will be removed at their expense if they do not remove it, and must inform them of the penalty under section 4703. If the owner or operator is not known, the Secretary must publish a notice in a Notice to Mariners and in the county’s official newspaper where the barge is located. The United States and its employees are not liable for damage from the removal. The owner or operator must pay the United States’ removal costs, and the barge itself can be used to cover those costs. After giving the required notice, the Secretary may ask for sealed bids and award a removal contract. The contract can make the barge and any property on it the contractor’s, and must include the contractor’s removal plan. Removal may start 30 days after the notice steps are completed.