Delaware, like many other states, has previously sunk ships, barges, tanks and other materials to create fish spawning grounds offshore. There would be no cost to Delaware taxpayers. The authority would pay to clean up the cars before they are sunk and would pay to ship them to the offshore site by barge. Delaware officials could inspect the cars before they are shipped and reject any they decide are unfit. States that have rejected the authority's offer have cited concerns about asbestos, but mainly with the perception of asbestos rather than the potential danger of underwater use.
Asbestos is a cancer-causing agent when inhaled.
Peter Constantakes, spokesman for the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, said his state rejected the offer because officials were concerned that questions about asbestos would prolong the approval process. He said the public perception of asbestos is bad and using the cars, no matter the risk or assurances from the EPA, would result in negative publicity, hurting Maryland's fishing industry and tourism. One environmental group, which has been instrumental in stopping use of the cars in New Jersey and Maryland, is the New Jersey-based Clean Ocean Action. Kristen Milligan, a staff scientist with the group, said there are serious unanswered questions about the environmental impact. Milligan questioned the EPA approval of the plan, saying the agency has not thoroughly investigated the matter.