144 
ER 1145-2-301 
1 July 68 
approve plans for bridges and causeways. When plans for any structure 
have been so approved, it is unlawful to modify the structure unless 
the modification has been approved by the responsible Federal agency. 
b. Section 10 of the River and Harbor Act approved 3 March 
1899 (30 Stat. 1151; 33 U.S.C. 403) makes it unlawful to build any 
structure riverward of established harbor lines or where no harbor 
lines have been established, or to excavate or fill, or in any manner 
‘to alter or modify the course, location, condition, or capacity of any 
navigable water of the United States, unless the work has been recom- 
mended by the Chief of Engineers and authorized by the Secretary of 
the Army. 
11. Wrecks and Similar Obstructions. 
a. Section 15 of the River and Harbor Act approved 3 March 
1899 (30 Stat. 1152; 33 U.S.C. 409) makes it unlawful to tie up or anchor 
any craft in navigable channels in such a manner as to prevent or 
obstruct the passage of other craft, or to voluntarily or carelessly 
sink, or permit or cause to be sunk, any craft in navigable channels, 
or to float loose timber and logs or sack rafts of timber and logs in 
streams or channels actually navigated by vessels in such manner as 
to obstruct, impede, or endanger navigation. An Act of Congress approved 
9 May 1900 (31 Stat. 172; 33 U.S.C. 410) authorizes the Secretary of 
the Army to prescribe regulations to govern the floating of loose timber 
and logs and sack rafts and other methods of navigation on any navigable 
river or waterway of the United States or any part thereof whereon the 
floating of loose timber and logs and sack rafts is the principal 
method of navigation. 
b. By the maritime law the owner of a vessel which is sunk 
without fault on his part may abandon the wreck, in which case he 
eannot be held responsible for removing it. That law has not been 
changed by the River and Harbor Act approved 3 March 1899 which fully 
recognizes the owner's right of abandonment. However, a person who 
willfully or negligently permits a vessel to sink in navigable waters 
of the United States may notrelieve himself from all liability by 
merely abandoning the wreck. He may be found guilty of a misdemeanor 
and punished by fine, imprisonment, or both, and in addition may have 
his license revoked or suspended. 
