USS Vandenberg

Off the coast of Key West, FL

Artificial reef preparation and environmental remediation.

Environmental Challenges

Prior to deployment, the vessel required comprehensive evaluation and removal of materials that could potentially impact marine environments. RCC assisted in identifying, characterizing, and managing regulated materials throughout the vessel in accordance with federal and state environmental requirements.

The project required coordination among multiple stakeholders, including regulatory agencies, contractors, marine engineers, and project developers. Environmental compliance efforts focused on ensuring that the vessel met applicable artificial reef program requirements and could be safely deployed without creating unacceptable environmental risks.

Given the size and complexity of the vessel, remediation activities required careful planning, documentation, and verification to address potential contaminants while maintaining project schedules and regulatory milestones.

Project Outcome

Following environmental preparation and regulatory review, the USS Vandenberg was successfully deployed as an artificial reef in the Florida Keys. The project transformed a retired military vessel into a valuable marine habitat and recreational resource while ensuring compliance with applicable environmental regulations.

The successful completion of the project demonstrated RCC's ability to manage complex environmental challenges associated with large-scale marine infrastructure and adaptive reuse projects, balancing environmental protection objectives with innovative beneficial-use solutions.

Project Overview

Resource Control Consultants (RCC) provided environmental consulting and technical support for the preparation of the USS Vandenberg prior to its deployment as an artificial reef off the coast of Key West, Florida. The project involved the environmental characterization, remediation, and regulatory compliance activities necessary to convert a decommissioned military vessel into a safe and environmentally responsible artificial reef.

At over 520 feet in length, the USS Vandenberg represented one of the largest vessels ever intentionally deployed as an artificial reef in the United States, requiring extensive environmental review and preparation before reefing operations could proceed.

RCC Services

RCC's involvement included:

  • Environmental characterization of vessel materials

  • Hazardous material identification and management

  • Regulatory compliance support

  • Environmental remediation planning and oversight

  • Waste management coordination

  • Agency coordination and reporting

  • Documentation and verification of reefing requirements

  • Environmental due diligence and project support