Environmental Concerns Rise Over Okaloosa County's Plan to Sink SS United States as Artificial Reef
Okaloosa County plans to sink the SS United States as an artificial reef by April, facing opposition from environmentalists due to toxic zinc chromate coatings. Preservationists argue that the hazardous chemicals could leach into the Gulf of Mexico, harming marine life. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is reviewing the project, while concerns about the ship's environmental impact continue. The SS United States, historically significant, was sold in 2024 for this purpose.
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Okaloosa County intends to sink the SS United States, aiming for an April timeline, to create the world's largest artificial reef. Environmentalists warn that the ship's zinc chromate coating poses a serious risk, potentially leaching toxins into the Gulf of Mexico and affecting local fisheries.
The project is under review by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, with preservationists arguing for the ship's preservation, citing its historical significance. Zinc chromate has been classified as a carcinogen, raising concerns about the environmental impact of submerging the vessel, which has been docked in Mobile, Alabama, for remediation. The county's budget for the project is $10.1 million, but full remediation could exceed $50 million.
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