Volume XV, Issue 10

Inside this issue:

From the Commander

2

Awards and

Recognition

2

Flotilla Spotlight 4

Portland Harbor

Superfund Site

6

Around the District

Reporting

Discrepancies

8

10

Calendar

16

Vancouver, Washington

WATERWAYS 78 U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 78, Division 7

October 2012

District 13

Auxiliarist of

the Year: And the Award

Goes to…

Check the Activities

and Events Calendar

for important dates

Flotilla 78 is particularly proud

of this year’s District 13 Auxil-

iarist of the Year recipient,

Gay Sipes. Gay received this

celebrated award at the U.S.

Coast Guard Auxiliary District

13 dinner on September 22,

2012. Visit page 8 for a picto-

rial dedication showing what

makes Flotilla 78’s Gay Sipes

stand out.

PORTLAND, Oregon—Commander Kent Chappelka, USCG District 13, observes while Auxil-

iarist Gay Sipes accepts the Auxiliarist of the Year Award at the District 13 meeting.

Photo courtesy of Auxiliarist Daren Lewis.

The rain is back upon us, which could mean the end of Sum-

mer and the beginning of Winter. Cultural attitudes toward rain

differ across the world. In temperate climates, people become

more stressed when the weather is unstable or cloudy; with its

impact greater on men than women. Rain can also bring joy, as

some consider it soothing or enjoy the aesthetic appeal of it. In

dry places, like India, or during periods of drought, rain lifts peo-

ple's moods. In Botswana, the Setswana word for rain, "pula", is

used to name the national currency in recognition of the economic importance of rain in this desert

country. Several cultures have developed means of dealing with rain by developing numerous pro-

tection devices such as umbrellas and raincoats, or diversion devices like gutters and storm drains

that leads rain to sewers. Many people find the scent during and immediately after rain pleasant or

distinctive. The source of this scent is petrichor, an oil produced by plants, then absorbed by rocks

and soil, and later released into the air during rainfall.

On another note, elections have occurred at the District level, the Division level and in No-

vember, our Flotilla will undergo its own elections. A time of change for many, but the United States

Coast Guard still needs our assistance in all phases of RBS (Recreational Boating Safety). No matter

who is installed as the leadership of a flotilla, the Mission is still there, always needing to be accom-

plished. That leaves the Flotilla to continue to do the job of RBS.

At the District Conference, Flotilla 78 was recognized as the leader in adaptive techniques in

teaching and partnering. The Clark County- Auxiliary model was brought forward as the example to

follow in ABS for District 13, which covers the states of Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Montana. We

can’t relax now; we have to continue to be innovative and use our resources responsibly. Presently,

we have two ABS classes in the wind: October 27th and a new request for the ABS class on Novem-

ber 10th.

Though we are entering the season of blustery winds and torrential downpours, we still have

many hurdles to face. There are class offerings to maintain and update as well as training to attend.

Think of it this way, we are in an organization that shares its training with all of its members, in order

to make its members better citizens and better promoters of boating safety. Even though the thought

of more training may make us moan and shudder, like hearing about the approach of another storm

front, it makes us even better at accomplishing our mission: “Saving Lives”.

Respectfully Submitted,

Hall Guttormsen

Flotilla Commander—78

From the Commander

Page 2 Waterways 78

Volume XV, Issue 10 Page 3

Awards and Recognition

VE/RBS Program Service Award

Elizabeth W. Allen

Hall Guttormsen

Public Education Service Award with 'E' Device

Hall Guttormsen

Joann P. McCollum

Gay Sipes

Coast Guard Sustained Auxiliary Service Award – 1st with Ribbon

Dana M. Bergdahl

Coast Guard Sustained Auxiliary Service Award – 2nd with Bronze Star

Elizabeth Allen

Coast Guard Sustained Auxiliary Service Award - 8th with Bronze Star

Joann McCollum

Auxiliary Operations Service Award with 'O' Device

Hall Guttormsen

Joann McCollum

Page 4 Waterways 78

Don Lewallen currently serves as FSO-Operations for Flotilla 78 and exercises staff responsibility and su-pervision over flotilla operations pro-grams. He additionally serves as the FSO for Materials and ensures that members have all of the necessary items for program visits and public affairs events. Don joined the Auxiliary three years ago because he wanted to help make a difference. His daughter was being deployed with the Army Reserve. He felt that if his daughter was serving, then he should as well. He wanted to work out on the water and felt that the training provided through the Coast Guard Auxiliary would be helpful to his endeavors.

Don is boat crew qualified and enjoys going on patrols. He has spent a lot of time on the water since becoming crew qualified and would like to be more involved with the active duty Coast Guard. In addition to being boat crew qualified, Don is also a vessel examiner and conducts vessels exams and program visits for the Recreational Boating Safety Program.

Don Lewallen FSO-OP

Flotilla Spotlight

Page 5 Volume XV, Issue 10

Division 7 held its election for new 2013 officers in October. Congratulations goes out to Ken Babick, the new Division Commander and Rick Williams, the new Vice Division Com-mander. Ken Babick is a member of Flotilla 73 and Rick Wil-liams is a member of Flotilla 76.

Would you like to know more about what is happening in the Division? Up-to-date information about Division 7 can be found at http://www.division7.org/.

It’s that time of year again where Flotilla elections are

upon us. Be sure to attend the November 15 Flotilla

78 membership meeting and cast your vote for 2013

officers.

Page 6 Waterways 78

Alanna Conley and Cliff Humphrey, Environmental Protection Agency Region 10, attended the September Flotilla 78 membership meeting along with Matt McClincy, Senior Cleanup Specialist with the State of Oregon Department of Envi-ronmental Quality, to give a presentation on the Portland Harbor Superfund Site Cleanup. The site is highly complex and will require a wide range of methods to solve the hazardous waste issues. The Portland Superfund Site Cleanup vision includes the cleanup of contami-nated sediment; decrease of pollution sources; better wildlife and fish habitat; habitat restoration projects; and additional uses that support recreation, com-merce, industry, navigation and jobs in the Portland Harbor area. In March, 2012, a Feasibility Study was submitted to EPA by the Lower Willamette Group, a group consisting of representatives from several businesses along the Portland Harbor. Industries contributing to hazardous waste include ship repair; pesticides; wood treatment; bulk petroleum storage; manufacture of gas and sec-ondary lead smelters. These contribute to contaminants and toxins such as diox-ins and metals, in river sediment. EPA will be reviewing the study over the next several months for future proposal of a plan which will go out for public comment and peer review. EPA expects to have a proposed cleanup plan available for pub-lic comment in late 2013. An example of cleanup can be seen on the Southwest waterfront where a ship construction and repair business, Zidell Marine Corporation, dismantled approxi-mately 336 ships over a 30 year period. In 2003, a remedial investigation was completed which was the start of several years of cleanup and restoration. A cer-tificate of completion is expected for recovery and restoration of the site in 2014. Interested parties will see future information on this project as it continues to pro-gress. A draft of the Feasibility Study can be viewed at the Multnomah County Central Library. For more information on this project, visit Portland Harbor CAG at http://portlandharborcag.info/

EPA Officials Present Portland Harbor Superfund Site Information at September Flotilla Meeting By Dana Bergdahl, FSO-PB, Flotilla 78

Page 7 Volume XV, Issue 10

Attention Mariners

Check out the Coast Guard and

NOAA web cams to observe danger-

ous coastal bars and obtain

coastal forecasts. You will find

up-to-date information about bar

and weather conditions at

http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/pqr/

marine/bars_mover.php

Flotilla 78 Offers Boating Education in November

Due to increasing interest in the About

Boating Safely course, a class has been

scheduled for November 17, 2012. Invite

your neighbors and friends to join the No-

vember class. Families of 3 or more can

take the class for $20 for the entire family!

See www.flotilla78.org for more information.

Page 8 Waterways 78

Gay Sipes, recently honored as the District 13 Auxiliarist of the Year, gives her time in a variety of areas within the Auxiliary each month. Flotilla 78 has seen the true spirit of volunteerism through Gay. From serving as Vice Flotilla Commander for the Flotilla to engaging with the pub-lic at community events and everything in between, she inspires all of us. What makes Gay the ideal recipient for Auxiliarist of the Year?

Vessel Exams

School Programs

Around the District: Auxiliarist of the Year By Dana Bergdahl, FSO-PB, Flotilla 78

Page 9 Volume XV, Issue 10

Boating Safety

Boat Crew

Life Jacket Promotion

And much more….

Photos courtesy of Dana Bergdahl, John Hilbrands and Joann McCollum

Program Visits

Page 10 Waterways 78

Reporting Discrepancies

By Dana Bergdahl, FSO-PB, Flotilla 78

The Columbia River, as many know, is among the top ten longest rivers in the United States. What might not be common knowledge is that fact that it is a leading conduit for wheat, barley, paper, forest product and mineral bulk exports, and is second on the West Coast for automotive imports. While the Columbia River has a total length of 1,243 miles, only 465 miles of the river serve as navigable waters for import and export commerce. Statistical data from 2004 indicates that commodities transiting downstream included 4.5 million tons of grain, 1.8 million tons of for-est products, and 52,000 tons of other agricultural products. Besides the commerce moving downstream, there are a number of products transported upstream. These imports include re-fined petroleum products, fertilizer, and miscellaneous items serving agriculture and industry.

The water transportation system operating upon the Columbia and Snake Rivers consists of an estimated 40 tugboats and 180 barges. Presently, there are seven barge companies operating on the Columbia and Snake River system. Ten years ago, data suggested there was approxi-mately 1,400 barge transits.

VANCOUVER, Washington—Tugboat and loaded hopper barge on the Columbia River during October stormy weather

East of the I-5 Bridge. Photo by Auxiliarist Dana Bergdahl.

Page 11 Volume XV, Issue 10

Ensuring safe transit of these vessels and their valuable cargo are the federal aids to navigation. From the mouth of the Columbia River at Astoria, Oregon to Lewiston, Idaho, there are approximately 800 ATONs. Without these ATONs, commerce upon the Columbia and Snake rivers would be at tre-mendous risk. Anybody who has been to Hood River or The Dalles understands some of the perils (i.e., rock outcroppings, windsurfers, recreational boaters) faced by tugboats and their crews. Along these areas, numerous ATONs can be seen indicating either a hazard to mariners or a turn in the navigational channel that tugboat captains need to be aware of. However, if an ATON is not function-ing properly it is analogous to a city traffic light not operating as it should. As we all know, when traffic lights are improperly functioning, chaos can quickly occur.

As Auxiliarists, one of our responsibilities is to be aware of ATONs and to report any instance where an ATON is found to not be functioning properly. With nearly 800 ATONs along the Columbia and Snake Rivers, the Coast Guard has a daunting task of ensuring that these vital waterway traffic sig-

nals are working. This is where the Auxiliarist has the opportunity to assist in this critical mission. Whether you are on patrol on the water, or driving Washington or Oregon highways along the Colum-bia River, you have the opportunity to observe the condition and functioning of ATONs. However, there are some basics which must be understood by the Auxiliarist before they can effectively and efficiently report on the condition of ATONs. While not every Auxiliarist is a certified ATON verifier, you can learn and understand the basics of what to look for.

In essence, there are two categories of ATONs. Those being ATONs with lateral significance, and with no lateral significance. Both types of ATONs provide “traffic signals” to mariners to inform them of potential dangers to their vessels, advising of speed restrictions, or alert mariners of regulatory is-sues.

ASTORIA, Oregon—Heavy marine traffic on the Columbia River. Photo by Auxiliarist Dana Bergdahl.

Page 12 Waterways 78

Reporting Discrepancies

When a problem is discovered with an ATON, these problems are referred to as discrepan-cies, according to the Aids to Navigation Man-ual: Administration COMDTINST M16500.7A. A discrepancy can be any defect which prevents the particular navigational aid from functioning as it was designed. Discrepancies can be placed into three primary classifications: Criti-cal, Urgent and Routine. A Critical discrepancy is one that requires immediate attention as loss of life or damage to a vessel may result. An Ur-gent discrepancy is one where no loss of life or damage to a vessel is imminent, but could re-sult in the grounding of a vessel. The lowest classification is that of Routine.

Examples of each classification of discrepancy include but are not limited to the following:

Critical Discrepancy Aid entirely covered or obscured Light showing improper characteristics Light is extinguished ATON vandalized

Urgent Discrepancy Light is dim or exhibiting reduced inten-

sity Light partially obscured Dayboard damaged or missing Routine Discrepancy ATON obscured by foliage and re-

quires removal Dayboard color faded Supporting structure deterioration

On September 12, 2012, I discovered a dis-crepancy of a minor ATON structure situated at the Captain William Clark Park in Washou-gal. Upon discovering the discrepancy, four questions presented themselves:

What is wrong? Where is the problem? How big is the problem? When should it be fixed?

The answers to these very basic questions helped in reporting the discrepancies found. Understanding the importance of the situation, I sought measures to accurately report the dis-crepancies to the Coast Guard.

As can be seen in photographs on page 13, the range structure was obstructed by brush and apparently had been vandalized. While the brush did not obscure the range panels, the brush had caused damage to the security fencing around the skeleton tower. Close-up review of photographs of the panels showed that they were not exhibiting fading of the col-ors. The fence gate lock was missing and the gate was in the open position. The discrepan-cies, as discovered, were routine in nature.

Knowing the general location of the ATON, using Google Earth the longitude and latitude were determined to be 45°33’58.20”N 122°20’19.86”W. Referencing Volume 6 of the Light List, the Light List number for this par-ticular ATON was found to be 11535. The problem posed by this discrepancy was minor, and did not present an immediate hazard to tugboats or barges. Nonetheless, a failure to remove the debris in a timely manner could possibly result is serious damage to the skele-ton tower and/or the range panels.

Columbia River—Range board near Rooster Rock.

Photo by Auxiliarist Joann McCollum.

Page 13 Volume XV, Issue 10

Upon receiving the discrepancy report, an evaluation was conducted to determine the va-lidity and accuracy of the information. After vali-dation of the report, the Coast Guard authority determined a response level in order to correct the discrepancy. COMDTINST M16500.7A sets forth the entire process in Chapter 9. For any Auxiliarist desiring to understand more and learn about ATONs, I would suggest obtaining and studying the Aids to Navigation Manuals.

Along the Columbia River, from Astoria to Lewis-ton, there are various forms of navigational aids. On a recent road trip I discovered that the ATONs system incorporates an extensive and comprehensive variety of devices that are es-sential to safe navigation along the inland water-ways. I was interested to learn of the different design and maintenance requirements and what all is involved in ensuring that these devices are functioning in a proper manner. For example, many of us are familiar with nun and can buoys. What I was unfamiliar with was the fact that there are a number of different nun and can buoys that are positioned and that each serves a different purpose. [A full review of the various buoys can be made by referencing Chapter 2 of the Aids to Navigation Manual--Technical (COMDTINST M16500.3A)]

The current short range aids to navigation sys-tem is built around four categories of aids. These include daytime visual, nighttime visual, radar or reduced visibility, and sound systems.

Using the Columbia River for reference, we can see the application of these systems quite clearly.

The first system, daytime visual, consists of buoys, range boards and beacons. The sec-ond system consists of lighted buoys and retro reflective signals. Third, is radar reflec-tors, RACONS, and shore established radar systems. Lastly, sound systems. These are the non-directional sound producing devices such as fog detectors and horns.

Like our city traffic management systems, any noted discrepancy (failure of an aid to naviga-tion to display its characteristics as described in the Light List, or to be on its assigned

WASHOUGAL, Washington—Left: ATON obstructed by debris. Right: Debris removed after discrepancy report. Photos by Auxiliarist Dana Bergdahl

Reporting Discrepancies

Page 14 Waterways 78

position) with these systems must be reported immediately to the Coast Guard. These short range aids sys-tems provide the essential "traffic signs" to ensure the safe movement of commerce along the river. Detect-ing and reporting discrepancies is of utmost importance, especially along the Columbia River due to its heavy marine traffic. While only a small number of vessel accidents involve aids discrepancies, those that have resulted in extensive losses.

As Auxiliarists we play a vital role in assisting the Coast Guard in the maintenance of an extensive and com-prehensive aids to navigation system. We provide the Coast Guard with additional eyes to evaluate and as-sess the condition of ATONs and to report what we find. With our training and education, our reports enable the responding Coast Guard unit to evaluate and efficiently respond to the discrepancy report. It is of para-mount importance that our reports are accurate, timely, and thorough. The more information we can provide the Coast Guard the more effective their response can be.

References:

Aids to Navigation Manual: Administration (COMDTINST M16500.7A) Aids to Navigation Manual: Technical (COMDTINST M16500.3A) Aids to Navigation Manual: Structures (COMDTINST M16500.25A) Light List, Vol. VI, Pacific Coast and Pacific Islands (COMDTPUB P16502.6)

www.oregon.gov/osp/.../wasco_hood_river_counties_sept_2004.pdf

Reporting Discrepancies

ATONs serve as the “traffic signals”

for mariners

Page 15 Volume XV, Issue 10

November 6 Flotilla Staff Meeting To be announced (Peachtree Restaurant, Hazel Dell) November 6 Election Day November 7 Fellowship Breakfast 0800 (Vancouver Plaza I-Hop) November 7 Division Meeting 1900 (MSU Portland) November 10 Veteran’s Day Parade PA Event 1000 (Crosley Bowl, Vancouver, WA - start) November 15 Flotilla 78 Member Meeting 1930 (WA Fish & Wildlife Bldg., Vancouver) November 17 Fellowship Breakfast 0800 (Hometown Buffet, Vancouver, WA) November 17 About Boating Safely Class 0800 (4700 NE 78th St, Bldg. B-1, Vancouver) November 22 Thanksgiving Holiday

Flotilla 78

Activities and Events Calendar

Page 16

Sem

per

Pa

ratu

s

Sem

per

Para

tus

Confidentiality Notice of the

Privacy Act

The disclosure of the personal information contained in this publication is subject to the provisions contained in the Privacy Act of 1974.The subject Act with certain exceptions prohibits the disclosure, distribu-tion, dissemination, or copying of any material containing the home address, home telephone numbers, spouses’ names, and social security numbers, except for official business. Violation may result in disciplinary action by the Coast Guard and/or civilian criminal sanction.

Waterways 78 – A Coast Guard Auxiliary District 13, Division 7, Flotilla 78 Publication is

authorized IAW COMDTINST 1800.5D & COMDTINST M5728.2C. Published twelve times

yearly and circulated to Auxiliary members of Flotilla 78 via mail, electronically and on the

Flotilla 78 web site at www.flotilla78.org. Waterways 78 contains news of general interest,

suggestions, and information for Coast Guard Auxiliary members. The views and opinions

expressed are not necessarily those of the Department of Homeland Security or the U. S.

Coast Guard. Material is informational only and not authority for action. Internet release is

authorized.

Editor – Dana M. Bergdahl

Department of Homeland Security Coast Guard Auxiliary FSO-PB #78

PO Box 822740 Vancouver, WA 98682

503-828-8222 Photos and articles by the editor unless otherwise noted.

Publishing Deadline: 15th of each month

FC Hall C. Guttormsen

VFC Gay Sipes

IPFC George Sipes

FSO-CM Warren Cook

FSO-CS Dana M. Bergdahl

FSO-HR Karen Harmon

FSO-FN Lance Harmon

FSO-IS Barry Owens

FSO-MA Donald G. Lewallen

FSO-MS Todd Miller

FSO-MT Joann P. McCollum

FSO-NS Wayne A. Monroe

FSO-OP Donald G. Lewallen

FSO-PA John F. Hilbrands

FSO-PB Dana M. Bergdahl

FSO-PE Karl Johnston

FSO-PV Elizabeth W. Allen

FSO-SR Barry Owens

FSO-VE Tammie Longpre

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