Tugboat and Gravel Barge

In this photo you can see the barge carrying the ?fish mix? gravel and the tug which moves it into  position. A conveyor belt moves the gravel to a truck, which  then carries the gravel to several backhoes for spreading on  the beach. The large, angular mounds in the background are slag which has been covered with plastic to prevent the wind  from blowing dust to nearby areas and to keep rainwater out  of the slag.

ASARCO is a Superfund site success story. The construction is going well so far and the new shoreline and intertidal habitats are nearly complete. The new habitat has  already attracted fish, seabirds, and a large bed of pink scallops. After years of planning, negotiating and design, it is great to see the trucks moving and the habitat basin being  formed. Construction of the rest of the project will continue  into 2003.

(08.28.00, Tacoma, Washington)