Project to remove hazardous waste from USS Yorktown enters final phase

MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (WCBD) — A multi-million-dollar effort to remove hundreds of thousands of gallons of hazardous pollutants from the USS Yorktown is nearing completion.

The governor and South Carolina Office of Resilience announced Tuesday that the second and final phase of the environmental remediation project will begin on February 24.

The second phase will include the removal of fuel oil and other contaminants such as asbestos-containing piping insulation from the carrier, according to officials. It is expected to take 10 months.

“Beginning the final phase of toxic waste removal from the USS Yorktown is critical to protecting the way of life in the Lowcountry,” Governor Henry McMaster said. “Without removal, this waste seriously threatens Charleston Harbor’s fragile ecosystem and the industries that define it – including commercial shipping and tourism. This undertaking ensures that our coastline remains protected.”

The U.S. Navy donated the warship to South Carolina in 1975 so that it could become a museum. However, toxic waste was left in the ship’s tanks when it was donated. Nearly 50 years later, a new effort began to clear those tanks of the material.

Gov. McMaster issued an executive order in July 2022 that directed the South Carolina Office of Resilience to begin the process of removing hundreds of thousands of gallons of toxic pollutants from the ship by commissioning a cost study.

The nearly $30 million project is largely funded through the American Rescue Plan.

“This project highlights the power of collaboration in tackling complex challenges,” said Chief Resilience Officer Ben Duncan. “Thanks to partners like Research Planning, Inc. and Patriots Point Development Authority, we were able to complete immediate repairs. This final step will ensure long-term resilience by remediating the ship, allowing the surrounding communities, economies, and ecosystems to thrive without the risk of contamination.”

The project was considered a priority due to the sensitive nature of the materials and the harmful environmental impacts to the Lowcountry should the chemicals leak into the harbor.

The initial phase of the project included the completion of an environmental assessment study to determine the amount of remaining toxic waste, and repairs to prepare the ship for remediation.

Officials said 568,800 gallons of oily water, 8.88 tons of sludge and mud, and 4.5 tons of asbestos waste were extracted, removed, and disposed of during the first phase. 35 hull repairs were also made.

“The Yorktown is a valuable historical asset for our area and state, symbolizing America’s naval history in both war and peace. It is our responsibility to preserve it for future generations while protecting our environment,” state Rep. Tom Hartnett, Jr. (R-Charleston) said.

This story is developing and may be updated.