Hartford, Conn. (WTIC Radio)-The U.S Coast Guard is conducting ice breaking activity on the Connecticut River in Connecticut for security purposes and to ensure supply, energy and emergency resources are delivered.
According to the Coast Guard, 85 percent of heating oil nationwide is used by Northeast consumers and 90-percent is delivered by ship on waterways maintained by the Guard.
In addition to making the Connecticut River navigable, the Coast Guard plans on replacing navigation aids with special ice buoys that remain under the ice and on location.
The effort, labeled Operation Reliable Energy for Northeast Winters, is underway and lasts through mid-March.
A 12-member crew, aboard the 65-foot ice-cutting Bollard will conduct the operations.