Ghost Fleet Haunts California Ecology

An aged maritime fleet located in Suisun Bay off the coast of California is an environmental threat -- dumping tons of lead, zinc, barium, copper and other toxic metals into the bay.

The fleet consists of dozens of World War II era warships and cargo carriers.

The Contra Costa Times reports the rusting hulks have shed more than 21 tons of toxic metals into the water (see picture). And that's created a big environmental problem -- much worse than the federal Maritime Administration office has admitted. (Contra Costa Times)