The 91原创 man whose ship graveyard in Mission has been making headlines will be on the hook for around $100,000, for the provincial government鈥檚 costs of securing seven derelict boats from washing away, including a rotting Queen of Sidney moored on the Fraser River in Mission.

But the lawyer for 91原创 Township says Gerald Tapp also owes nearly that same amount for a similar situation in 2002. So far, he hasn鈥檛 paid a dime, said Township lawyer James Goulden of Bull, Housser & Tupper.

The Township was awarded a judgment in 2002 to clean up a property he owns in the 24900 block of River Road.

That property had 鈥渦nlawful dwelling unit, the unlawful shed, the unlawful float homes and barges, the unlawful trailer, all unlawful construction, as well as rubbish, discarded items, pieces of wood, paint cans, tarps, hoses, wrecked motor vehicles and other miscellaneous chattels,鈥� said the Supreme Court Judge Davies in his 2002 judgment.

鈥淭he clean up cost was $75,000. That was 10 years ago, so plus interest, we are looking at around $100,000 he hasn鈥檛 paid,鈥� said Goulden. 鈥淭he money he owes has been put against the title of his property.鈥�

A piling company hired by the province and six other derelict ships moored at Tapp鈥檚 waterfront property in Mission on Friday.

Bridges, power transmission lines and the downriver house boating community were at risk if the ships were pulled loose by floodwaters and swept downstream.

B.C.鈥檚 environment minister issued an emergency declaration last week and experts came into to secure the ships so they could withstand the rigors of this year鈥檚 freshet.

Inside the former BC Ferry are a collection of classic cars and other vehicles and furniture.

On Wednesday, the Ministry of Environment said it will attempt to recover its costs from the Tapps under the provisions of the B.C. Environmental Management Act.