Derelict vessel turn-in event set in Orange County
Commissioner Dawn Buckingham, M.D. announced the Texas General Land Office (GLO) is partnering with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) and Orange County to provide the residents of Orange County with a free event to dispose of inoperable vessels. The Vessel Turn-In Program (VTIP) will take place April 18, 20, 22, 25, 27, and 29 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The drop-off location is the Orange County Collection Station, 11265 FM 1442, in Orange.
During the multi-day turn-in event, residents may bring their derelict or inoperable boats to the designated drop-off location to be verified by the GLO and TPWD for eligibility. Boats must be clear of all waste, debris, and trash. Verification of ownership along with a Release of Interest and Ownership must be provided to the VTIP agency, and the title must be free of any loan balances, liens, and/or taxes. Vessels exceeding the maximum length of 26-feet may be eligible for disposal with prior approval by the GLO.
Residents can call (409) 727-7481 for assistance.
VTIP provides owners with a free and voluntary method to dispose of their vessels and boats. The GLO sponsors the removal of all fuel, oil, and batteries and TPWD verifies ownership and clears the vessels for disposal.
Removing abandoned vessels from coastal waters comes at a considerable expense—around $200-300 per foot. The GLO and its partners encourage communities to participate in VTIPs to avoid these steep costs and to keep their boats from becoming environmental or safety hazards. Since it began in 2015, VTIP has hosted 31 events in various coastal communities – in total, 1,206 derelict and inoperable boats measuring 20,103 linear feet have been removed from coastal areas through these essential programs.
Hazardous haul
The South East Texas Regional Planning Commission is hosting a Household Hazardous Waste and Scrap Tire Collection Event on Saturday, April 15, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Ford Park Pavilion parking lot located at 5115 IH-10 South in Beaumont.
During this free event, the SETRPC is collecting items that could cause damage to your health or the environment if they are disposed of improperly. Some of the items include paints, cleaners, antifreeze, car batteries, used oil, insecticides, swimming pool chemicals, and many others. For a complete list of acceptable materials, call Bob Dickinson at (409) 899-8444 ext. 6600.
Scrap tires will also be collected during this event. There is no charge for a participant’s first eight tires. There will be a $1 charge for each additional tire. Oversized tires will not be accepted.