Attention!
Have you seen anything like these...

         

while diving or traveling along the
shores of Florida?

These are "Aids to Navigation" or "ATON" batteries. They are used by the US Coast Guard, US Navy, and private parties to power lighted buoys, signals, and other navigational aids. They may be found underwater or on the ground along the shorelines. ATON sightings may be the result of historical improper disposal methods, vessel collisions with ATON’s or from incidents of vandalism. Newer ATONs are solar powered and most organizations have an environmentally conscientious program for disposing of the batteries. However, current efforts may not have located all the ATON batteries abandoned throughout Florida waters and shorelines. For that reason, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection is enlisting your help.

ATON BATTERIES MAY CONTAIN ZINC, MERCURY, OR LEAD AND A CORROSIVE ACID OR ALKALI. IF BROKEN, THEY MAY CONTAMINATE NEARBY SOILS, SEDIMENTS OR WATERS. DO NOT APPROACH, MAKE CONTACT WITH, OR OTHERWISE DISTURB ABANDONED ATON BATTERIES. STAY UPSTREAM OF THE BATTERY’S LOCATION.

What you should look for:

• Brand names or words: may be printed or etched into battery casing: "Edison" or "SAFT"

• Color: Usually a dull blue or black

• Description: Similar to a standard automotive battery; may have poles, contacts, 1, 2, or 3 cells

• Size: Differs with brand, type, and age, but most are similar to automotive batteries in size, although a larger SAFT power unit can be 14"X17"X34"

• Weight: Usually 30-60 pounds each, the larger SAFT weighs up to 180 pounds

 

The DEP asks that you:

• Read the safety information provided above.

• Familiarize yourself with this information so you can identify ATON batteries.

• Call the DEP at (561) 681-6772. For state-wide long distance, you may call 1-800-774-5866 and access extension 6772. Leave a message stating where you saw the "ATON" batteries, when, and the estimated number. Your name and phone number are optional. We’d also like to know if you were diving near an ATON and saw no batteries around it.

• Pass this flier onto other divers or interested parties.