COOS BAY, Ore. -- It's been eight years since the New Carissa ran aground in the surf near Coos Bay's North Spit.

The New Carissa ran aground near the entrance to Coos Bay and spilled 70,000 gallons of oil in 1999. (KGW file photo)

Now, a request by the ship's salvager to close public access on part of the spit is drawing criticism from some locals.

The New Carissa ran aground on February 4th, 1999, while waiting to enter Coos Bay.

The ship broke apart, spilling an estimated 70,000 to 140,000 gallons of fuel oil into the surrounding waters.

Titan Maritime is scheduled to begin dismantling the wreck sometime in March.

The project is expected to take eight weather-working months and cost the state about $16 million.

Titan is hoping to close off public access to the area during the process.

But a number of hikers, tourists and birdwatchers visit the area, especially during the summer months; surfers and surf fisherman also use the area.