E.P.A. Looks for Public Input on Location Management and Monitoring Projects for 2 Long Island Sound Dredged Material Disposal Sites

BOSTON - E.P.A. has released updated "Site Management and Monitoring Plans" for the Central and Western Long Island Sound Dredged Material Disposal Sites for public review and comment. These plans, required for all EPA-designated disposal sites, guide monitoring and management of the 2 sites to ensure disposal is not causing any adverse impacts to the marine environment. E.P.A. and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers share responsibility for the monitoring and management of the disposal sites.

The Central and Western sites are in Connecticut waters and were designated on June 3, 2005, which is when the original monitoring and management projects went into effect. The Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act, the federal law that authorizes E.P.A. to designate dredged material disposal sites for long-term use, also requires that all sites have location monitoring and management plans, and that they are reviewed and updated as necessary every 10 years. E.P.A. and the Army Corps of Engineers began the review last year and have now completed updates to the 2 plans.

The revised projects identify a number of actions, provisions and practices to manage dredged material disposal to minimize adverse impacts to the marine environment and human health. E.P.A. and the Army Corps of Engineers have reviewed the projects annually and have found that the intent of the original procedures and protocols continue to meet the management objectives of the Central and Western sites, and should continue to be followed. Accordingly, E.P.A. is not recommending changes to the management or monitoring of the sites at this time.

The revised Location Management and Monitoring Projects are accessible for public review and review through April 6, 2016.

More information:

- Revised Location Management and Monitoring Plans: http://www.epa.gov/ocean-dumping/dredged-material-management-long-island-sound
- Comments may be submitted to [email protected] or mailed to: Jean Brochi (OEP06-1), USEPA, five Post Office Square, Suite 100, Boston, Massachusetts 02109

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