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Atlanta, Georgia's public transit authority has initiated a $2 million plan to retire eight aging rail cars by disposing of them in an unconventional place—the ocean.
Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) representatives say the submerged rail cars will enhance an artificial reef off the Georgia coast, helping to increase marine biodiversity by providing a hard surface onto which algae, coral, mollusks, crustaceans, and other marine life can attach.
MARTA, which provides essential public transportation services in the Atlanta metro area, sought an environmentally responsible way to decommission older rail cars at the end of their operational lives. Rather than follow conventional methods such as recycling or scrapping, MARTA chose to help supplement an artificial reef by sinking several of its vehicles into the ocean off the shores of Savannah.
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Two of the eight retired MARTA rail cars were recently transported to the Savannah area in preparation for sinking. From there, they'll be transported by barge to an existing, two-mile-square artificial reef, about 23 nautical miles off the coast, where they'll be submerged in about 60 feet of water. Helping transport the rail cars out to sea is the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, which has assisted other groups with similar offshore artificial-reef projects.
Benefits & Challenges of Artificial Reefs
Artificial reef initiatives have caught the attention of environmentalists, marine biologists, oceanographers, and transportation specialists who say the projects have known benefits but can also carry potential cautions. They note that it's critical to consider all the implications of submerging vehicles and weigh them against alternative disposal methods.
Benefit Claims
Stable Marine Habitats: Artificial reefs are human-made structures placed on the seabed to simulate natural reef systems. One of MARTA's primary reasons for sinking rail cars to the ocean floor is to supplement artificial habitats that support coral, fish, and other aquatic species.
Enhanced Biodiversity: The presence of submerged rail cars can stimulate local biodiversity. New artificial reefs often attract a wide variety of marine species, creating a thriving ecosystem.
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Erosion Protection: In many seaside areas, artificial reefs can help protect against beach erosion and its impact on coastal ecosystems, nearby homes, and the local economy.
Research Opportunities: Artificial reefs are valued by researchers who monitor the health of reef ecosystems, study how their marine organisms grow and colonize, and observe how species interact.
Tourist Attraction: Beyond environmental benefits, the plan to turn submerged rail cars into an artificial reef may also help boost tourism and the local economy by attracting divers and snorkelers to explore the new reef.
Potential Challenges
Toxic Substances: Rail cars contain various potentially harmful materials and chemicals, including oils, lubricants, and paints. Submerging the vehicles could release these substances into the ocean, posing a risk to marine life and local ecosystems. Additionally, MARTA plans to dip rail cars after stripping them of all parts, oil, grease, and solvents.
Long-Range Impact: Currently, there needs to be more comprehensive research on the long-term impact of introducing large structures, like rail cars, to the ocean floor. However, most groups who construct artificial reefs conduct thorough environmental impact assessments. Experts evaluate how a new reef may impact ocean currents, ecosystems, fishing, and navigation.
Alternative Disposal Methods: Critics contend that more conventional methods for retiring older vehicles—such as recycling or repurposing parts—may be a better way to mitigate possible environmental risks.
Artificial Reefs in Other States
Artificial-reef initiatives in other areas of the U.S. have met with success, including:
Florida's Shipwreck Park: Pompano Beach has long embraced the concept of artificial reefs, and its Shipwreck Park is home to intentionally sunken ships. The area is a favorite of marine conservationists and stimulates local tourism by attracting divers to the reef.
New York's Artificial Reefs: N.Y. State's Artificial Reef Program began in 1962. It has 12 sites - 2 in Long Island Sound, 2 in Great South Bay, and 8 in the Atlantic Ocean on Long Island's south shore. They enhance marine life and offer fishing/diving opportunities.
North Carolina's concrete structures: Concrete pipes and other structures were submerged to form artificial reefs off the coast of North Carolina. Well received by the local community, the initiative has stimulated marine ecosystems there.