Texas Clipper Update

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Mack Diver:
I don't know who they are using for inspectors. Every time they look at the thing they seem to find more stuff that needs to be removed. The current moving target is July 4.

Which year? :D
 
What is the latest news??
 
Mack Diver:
I'm now hearing September.

Thanks Mack on the update.....just had not heard anything of late. :wink:
 
Current Status
Status as of June 25, 2007
We now plan to reef the USTS Texas Clipper in mid to late August 2007. Work on the cleanup is in the final stages of completion. All decks have been sandblasted to remove the tar-like substance that covered most surfaces and the sand has been vacuumed up and disposed of in a certified landfill for hazardous waste. All fuel tanks have been cleaned and we will be conducting post-cleanup sampling to ensure they meet the national standards. We are preparing for a final walk-through of the ship in the next two weeks and are completing a report on the entire reefing process to be submitted to U.S. EPA and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for their review.

Modifications to the ship for diver safety, nautical safety and scientific study are in progress. Diver guide lines are being installed atop and between the masts which were cut to a level that will lie fifty feet below the surface when she is reefed. Marker buoy and mooring buoy attachments are being installed. A series of racks that will hold removable plates cut from deck steel will be mounted at various locations aboard the ship. These will be monitored and studied over time for their progress in providing substrate for marine life growth.

As work is completed and the approval process proceeds, we will provide an update with a more accurate prediction of when we expect to tow her into the Gulf and reef her. At this point, August is likely, and mid to late August is the probable window. We will know one to two weeks out the exact date we plan to reef her, but weather conditions will have to be right, so that could add days to the event, even at the last minute. If you are making plans to attend the reefing, flexibility is the key. After ten years of effort, the end is now in sight for Texas to have a world class artificial reef. We are confident that superb diving and sport fishing opportunities are just around the corner.

The local community is hosting a Dive Week September 15-23 to celebrate the reefing of the Texas Clipper. Information can be obtained by visiting www.spidiveweek.com.

From: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/landwater/water/habitats/artificial_reef/texas_clipper.phtml
 
I have heard it is off till sometime in September....who knows--lol.
 

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