Gov. Henry McMaster and the South Carolina Office of Resilience (SCOR) have announced the start of the second and final phase of the USS Yorktown Remediation project. The goal is to remove hazardous materials from the aircraft carrier, which has been stationed at Charleston Harbor since 1975.
Progress and Phase One Completion
The project reached a significant milestone in February 2025 when crews removed the one millionth gallon of toxic pollutants from the USS Yorktown. The aircraft carrier, which was converted into an attack aircraft carrier before being donated to Charleston Harbor, contains materials that could pose environmental risks.
Gov. McMaster’s Statement on Phase II
Governor McMaster emphasized the importance of the second phase, stating that removing the remaining hazardous materials is essential for the protection of Charleston Harbor’s ecosystem. “Without removal, this waste seriously threatens Charleston Harbor’s fragile ecosystem and the industries that define it,” McMaster said, highlighting the potential risks to commercial shipping and tourism.
Details of the First Phase
The first phase, which concluded in December 2023, involved removing 568,800 gallons of oily water, 9.88 tons of sludge and mud, 4.5 tons of asbestos waste, and conducting 35 external hull repairs. This phase helped eliminate immediate risks, but the final step remains crucial.
Focus of Phase II
The second phase, expected to take 10 months, will focus on removing heavy fuel oil, oily water, contaminated oils and liquids, and asbestos-containing piping insulation. This final effort aims to mitigate any future risks of leaks that could damage the harbor’s ecosystem, including nearby marshes, estuaries, barrier islands, tidal creeks, and beaches.
Collaboration and Long-term Resilience
Ben Duncan, Chief Resilience Officer, underscored the power of collaboration, noting the involvement of partners like Research Planning, Inc., and the Patriots Point Development Authority in completing initial repairs. He emphasized that the remediation project is a key step in ensuring the long-term resilience of the area, protecting both the environment and local economies.
The completion of Phase II of the USS Yorktown Remediation project will ensure the protection of Charleston Harbor and its surrounding ecosystems. With the removal of hazardous materials, the area can continue to thrive without the threat of contamination.
