Mystic – The large rotting coal barge that for decades has been part of the Route 27 landscape behind Twisters Ice Cream is slated to be removed today and Wednesday from the Mystic River.
Mystic River Harbormaster Paul Watts said that a crane and barge from Gwenmor Marine is slated to arrive last this morning to begin the work. The project is being done thanks to Clean Up Sound and Harbors, which has raised the approximately $10,000 for the removal.
Watts said the barge had remained intact for many years but more recently begun breaking apart, sending debris into residents’ yards and posing a hazard to boats.
“I really want to see this thing gone. It’s been on our books to do for years and it’s now coming together with the help of CUSH,” he said.
CUSH has received permits for the work from the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
