Tougher Regulations Sought For Barges On Buzzards Bay

Three members of the Mass. Congressional delegation are urging the Coast Guard to adopt strong regulations for all barges transporting at least 5,000 barrels of oil or other hazardous materials on Buzzards Bay.

Senators Ed Markey and Elizabeth Warren, and Congressman William Keating have sent the Coast Guard a letter, asking the agency to mandate barges to use independent vessel pilots and escort tugs when on Buzzards Bay.

Senator Elizabeth Warren says the added protection is a minimal cost for companies, compared to the costs of an oil spill.....

The Coast Guard proposed back in July to require barges to only use escort tugs in the event of bad weather.  But Senator Warren says the Bouchard spill in 2003 happened during good weather.

The letter urges the Coast Guard "in the strongest possible terms" to create sensible regulations that will protect Buzzards Bay for future generations.