BOLIVIA – Brunswick County’s board of commissioners have approved an ordinance aimed at keeping public waters clear of abandoned and derelict boats, the Wilmington StarNews reported.
The ordinance approved Monday following a public hearing during the board’s regular meeting in Bolivia would give the county sheriff’s office enforcement power and sets penalties for violations. The ordinance also defines disposal of abandoned boats.
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Abandoned boats that do not pose a threat to navigation would not likely be removed, officials said. Rather, the rule is to prevent more boats from being abandoned in local waters.
The ordinance makes it illegal to anchor, dock, moor or store a vessel in county waters for more than 10 days in a 30-day period, except at a private dock or marina.
The ordinance does not apply to any shipwreck, cargoes, tackle or other underwater archaeological remains that have been in place and unclaimed for more than 10 years, the removal of which would require approval of the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources.
The board considered a proposed ordinance in March 2016 but tabled action to allow more time to study the issue.
