Golden Ray is ready for next step before demolition but some are concerned process is being rushed

Jacksonville, FL — To do so, they’re requesting permission from the Army Corps of Engineers to place a barrier around the ship before crews cut it into pieces.

Before the ACOE can issue the permit, it must hear from the public first because the proposed barrier is going to alter the federal navigation channel.

Crews are going to be installing 50 to 80 steel piles that are 48 inches in diameter to construct the barrier.

“The purpose of environmental barriers is to contain any oil or gasoline or any other pollutants that fall into the water,” said maritime expert Rod Sullivan.

Once the cutting begins, Sullivan said it’s possible the 4,200 cars still inside the ship could fall out.

“The only way you’re going to be able to contain that is by having a barrier of this type,” said Sullivan.

The ACOE issued a notice for public comment one week before the deadline.

The comments need to be mailed or emailed.

The Altamaha Coast Keeper, Susan Inman, said that’s not enough of a heads-up.

“I’m going to try to get an extension and I’m going to encourage the public to also do that, too, because hearing from them is so important,” said Inman. “There’s just a lot of questions that we don’t know. We don’t have an opportunity to ask. We only have six days to comment on it when we usually have 30 days.”

But the ACOE said its notice is within the law because no minimum length of time is required for the public comment period.

The ACOE said it’s working to expedite the application process because of the unique nature of the project.

Inman is worried about the environmental impacts.

“The likelihood of something leaking out is great, so we want to have the best option out there,” said Inman.

According to the public notice, hammers will be on-site for the project in case they’re needed. The current plan doesn’t include the use of hammers.

Also, crews say they will survey the riverbed once the Golden Ray is removed to make sure no debris is left behind.

The public has until Feb. 4 to mail or email their comments regarding the proposal for an environmental protection barrier.

You can mail your comments to:

Department of the Army

Corps of Engineers, Savannah District

Attn: Cynthia Gose (CESAS-PM-P)

100 W. Oglethorpe Ave.

Savannah, GA 31401

Or you can email your comments to cynthia.a.gose@usace.army.mil.