Several representatives of the SS United States Preservation Foundation urged the Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners on Nov. 18 to reconsider plans that would place the vessel in coastal waters without more extensive remediation of hazardous coatings.

Justin Ruby, the foundation's chief sustainability officer, read a statement from Dr. Todd Osborne (University of Florida) noting that zinc chromate coatings cover an estimated 1,500,000 square feet of ship surface and reporting "approximately 60,000 pounds or 30 tons of zinc chromate on the ship," calling that a conservative estimate that could be higher. Ruby warned of the environmental dangers of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) and its mobility and bioavailability in marine environments.

Steve Perry, vice president of the foundation, told commissioners that contractor allocations in the county's approved budget appeared limited to $130,000 for scribing/exfoliated paint removal and about $150,000 for surveyors and engineers within a larger approved amount, and said that suggested funding was inadequate to address zinc chromate. Perry reiterated concerns that the ship's primer could release legacy contamination if submerged and asked the county to consider additional remediation funding.

Commissioners accepted supplemental documents from the speakers and permitted additional public input at future meetings. Speakers cited the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act when describing zinc chromate as a hazardous material.

Why it matters: Preservationists say the vessel carries coatings that could create long-term contamination if not properly abated before placement in marine environments; county decisions about contractor scope and remediation funding could require additional technical review.

What happens next: Preservation foundation representatives submitted supplemental documents to the clerk; commissioners indicated the matter may return for further discussion and the foundation was told it could speak at the next meeting.