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Residents urge caution on plan to sink the SS United States; county scientist responds on paint risks
Summary
Public commenters told the board that sinking the SS United States as an artificial reef risks releasing contaminants including zinc chromate; a county consultant disputed an immediate high‑risk scenario, saying the paint is chemically bonded and unlikely to rapidly release hexavalent chromium in saltwater.
Several public speakers at the Okaloosa County commission meeting urged the board to halt or slow plans to sink the SS United States for use as an artificial reef, citing contamination risks.
Nineteen‑year‑old University of West Florida student Ryan Dunphy told commissioners he had interviewed preservation advocates and was alarmed by what he described as an “appalling” process. He warned of “30…
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