Ohio EPA Seeks Input on Cleveland Dredging

Maintenance dredging in the Cuyahoga River federal navigation channel will be the focus of a February 24, 2015, Ohio EPA public meeting.

The information session and hearing will begin at 6 p.m. at Cleveland Metroparks’ Watershed Stewardship Center at West Creek, 2277 West Ridgewood Drive, Parma.

Ohio EPA is holding the meeting to accept comments concerning an application by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to dredge up to 475,000 cubic yards of material in Cleveland Harbor. The applicant is requesting to open-lake dispose up to 180,000 cubic yards of the dredged material into Lake Erie.

The remaining material would be disposed at existing confined disposal facilities located near the Burke Lakefront Airport. Ohio EPA also is evaluating alternative plans with less environmental impact.

The proposed project may result in a change from the current water quality conditions of Lake Erie and the Cuyahoga River, but cannot violate Ohio’s water quality standards that protect human health and the environment. Ohio EPA will consider the technical, economic, social and environmental aspects of the project before deciding to issue or deny a water quality certification.

During the information session, Ohio EPA representatives will present details about the proposed project. During the hearing, which follows the information session, the public can submit comments and questions for the record regarding the application.

Ohio EPA will accept written comments on the annual dredging application through March 3, 2015.

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