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Copper Capers Going to Extremes

In recent weeks the theft of shore power cords at several Sausalito marinas has angered many local boaters, some of whom assume the culprits are from the adjacent anchor-out community. "I guess it’s the new tweaker recycling program," said one with a laugh, refering to the alleged widespread use of methamphetamine by some anchor-outs.

But the scavenging of copper and other valuable metals is no laughing matter — and the problem stretches far beyond Marin County. With copper currently bringing $3.50/lb at recycling facilities, scavenging efforts have recently gone to extremes throughout the country.

Monday, the theft of brass valves at a Richmond manufacturing plant apparently resulted in the spillage of 3,300 gallons of the toxic chemical toluene into San Pablo Bay, requiring a massive clean-up effort and yet-undetermined environmental damage. A remarkably similar case occurred last week in Rhode Island when the removal of similar valves caused a huge land-based spill of now-banned, highly toxic PCBs.

We’re not sure what can be done to quell the lust for copper and other precious metals — within the marine community or elsewhere — but we welcome your ideas, as well as reports of power cord thefts and related metal objects. Email Andy.

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