Environmental assessment for USS Chechalis Papo Pago, American Samoa

CH2M HILL

This report documents Phase I and Phase II of the investigations conducted to date of USS Chehalis, a 4,130 tons displacement Patapsco class gasoline tanker that sank in on 7 October 1949. While at Tutuila, American Samoa, she suffered a gasoline explosion, burned, and sank in Pago Pago Inner Harbor in about 160 feet of water adjacent to the fuel dock. Six of her crew lost their lives in this accident. Although there has not been documented or significant environmental damage resulting from release of fuel from the USS Chehalis' cargo or fuel tanks, there is the potential of future releases as the condition of the ship deteriorates. An environmental assessment of the possible future releases of the remaining fuel load was conducted. The evaluation is based on a review of available archival information, a preliminary site survey using a remotely controlled vehicle (ROV), a more detailed survey by divers, and sediment and water sampling conducted in the vicinity of the vessel. The hull and cargo tanks remain intact, corrosion is evident and ongoing, and at some point in the future any remaining contents will be released to the environment. The continued uncertainty regarding the nature of the contents of, and quantities within, the intact tanks is considered unacceptable by American Samoa Environmental Protection Agency.

Environmental assessment for USS Chechalis Papo Pago, American Samoa

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