Preservationists and experts tell Okaloosa commissioners to pause SS United States reefing plan over contaminants and species risks
Loading...
Summary
Preservation groups and technical experts told Okaloosa County commissioners the county has not fully addressed potential hexavalent chromium, other contaminants and endangered‑species impacts tied to plans to sink the SS United States, and asked for additional testing and federal agency review; county staff said they are coordinating with EPA/DEP.
Preservation advocates and technical experts urged Okaloosa County commissioners on Jan. 6 to stop short of final action on plans to reef the SS United States until more environmental review and testing are completed.
Justin Ruby of the SS United States Preservation Foundation told the board that the ship carries zinc chromate and hexavalent chromium and that county staff have not budgeted for the potential expense of required remediation. "Your natural resources chief tells this board that the hexavalent chromium will simply be reduced to a less toxic trivalent chromium in the ocean water. This is, unfortunately, an oversimplification," Ruby said, arguing that federal regulatory requirements and endangered‑species protections could complicate reefing plans.
Technical commenters amplified those concerns. A local engineer and long‑time maritime expert urged the county to pursue additional contaminant testing (lead, PCBs, chromium) and to consider diver‑safety risks on a very large ship reef, arguing that open hatches and internal compartments could encourage unsafe penetration dives. "This ship is gonna be dangerous for divers," the commenter said, and asked the board to require further safeguards and technical review before moving forward.
County members and staff said they are communicating with state and federal regulators. Commissioner Sherry Cox noted staff engagement with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and asked that any technical reports be submitted to the clerk for distribution so commissioners and regulators can review them. One public commenter said he had a recent brief contact with an EPA Region 4 representative and that the official welcomed any additional data.
No county vote on reefing or a related approval took place at the Jan. 6 meeting. Several public commenters asked the board to add the issue to a future agenda with expert testimony and formal review; staff asked speakers to submit materials through the clerk so they can be shared with commissioners and with DEP/EPA contacts.
Why it matters The SS United States is a historically significant vessel; local reefing could produce tourism and dive benefits but, commenters warned, may also carry legacy contaminants and trigger Endangered Species Act concerns in Gulf waters that could require federal review or remediation. Commissioners and staff signaled they will continue interagency coordination and accept technical reports into the record.
Authorities and evidence Public commenters repeatedly referenced the Endangered Species Act and NOAA Fisheries species lists; a preservationist cited NOAA Fisheries' listing of roughly 20 threatened or endangered species that could overlap the proposed reef area. County staff said they are working with DEP and EPA but did not provide a completed county environmental impact study during the meeting.
What’s next Speakers asked the county to schedule an agenda item with expert testimony; the board asked for submitted reports to be filed with the clerk and indicated staff will continue coordination with state and federal regulators.
