I first heard about this story from an editorial in the Press of Atlantic City.
Basically, New York City has offered to give New Jersey (out of the kindness of their golden hearts) 600 stainless steel subway cars for placement in offshore artificial reefs.
Right off the bat, I thought about the stories from Florida, where they are now attempting to retrieve discarded tires used for the same purpose, as they have found them harmful to the coral reefs in the area.
As the editorial in the Press lays out, New Jersey doesn't have any coral reefs to worry about, but there are important questions to be asked, like if the artificial reefs are creating new fish habitats, or just merely attracting fish from other areas.
Not to mention the potential environmental impacts of such a dumping.
MORE SUBWAY CARS FOR THE SEA? End dumping program
Press of Atlantic City Editorial
Ocean off N.J. likely to be last stop for subway cars
Press of Atlantic City
