South Carolina Launches Cleanup of WWII Carrier to Protect Coastal Ecosystem

The $18 million project aims to remove hazardous waste from the USS Yorktown, safeguarding Charleston Harbor's environment and maritime industry.

South Carolina embarks on an $18 million effort to remove over 1.2 million gallons of toxic waste from the WWII aircraft carrier USS Yorktown, stationed in Charleston Harbor.
The initiative aims to protect the commercial shipping industry and coastal ecosystems by preventing potential leaks from the ship's deteriorating tanks.
Federal relief funds under an executive order by Gov. Henry McMaster have facilitated the cleanup, which began in 2022 after years of inaction.
So far, almost nine tons of oily waste have been extracted from nearly 50 of the more than 400 onboard tanks identified.
The USS Yorktown remains a popular tourist attraction, drawing around 300,000 visitors annually, even as the cleanup operation continues.