Palmetto State News

Governor Henry McMaster, together with federal, state, and local officials, recently announced the successful completion of Phase 1 of the USS Yorktown Environmental Remediation project and the upcoming commencement of Phase 2. This initiative stems from Governor McMaster's 2022 Executive Order, which mandated the removal of over a million gallons of toxic pollutants from the USS Yorktown to prevent potential leakage into Charleston Harbor.

Governor McMaster emphasized the critical nature of the cleanup, stating, "There are few challenges that our state faces that are as urgent as the removal of toxic waste from the USS Yorktown – and we do not have another minute to waste." He highlighted the potential environmental disaster that could occur if the pollutants were to leak into Charleston Harbor, underscoring the importance of protecting the delicate ecosystem and maintaining the region's commercial shipping and tourism industries.

The USS Yorktown, which was donated to South Carolina in 1975 to serve as a museum ship, still harbors approximately 160,000 gallons of petroleum and 1.6 million gallons of polluted waters and compounds that pose a significant risk to the environment if released into the harbor. Department of Natural Resources Director Robert Boyles emphasized the enduring impact of these pollutants, noting the importance of their systematic removal to safeguard the natural resources of the area.

Phase 1 of the remediation project, conducted between August and December 2023, involved the extraction of 568,800 gallons of oily water, the removal of sludge, mud, asbestos waste, and hull repairs. Phase 2, set for approval by the Joint Bond Review Committee, will focus on the removal of hydrocarbons, fluid from compartments, and bulk liquid, along with tank repairs and cleaning.

The comprehensive efforts to address the toxic waste on the USS Yorktown underscore a commitment to environmental preservation and the protection of Charleston Harbor's ecosystem. As the project progresses into Phase 2, stakeholders remain dedicated to ensuring the successful completion of the cleanup to safeguard the region's natural resources for future generations.