Open Lake Disposal: Important Milestone Achieved

Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur secured language in the Energy and Water Appropriations bill released today to block the use of federal funds from being used for open lake dumping of dredged materials. 

“This language sends a clear message that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers must come to the table with real solutions,” said Kaptur. “Millions depend on Lake Erie for drinking water and the fishing industry here sustains thousands of jobs. Open lake dumping threatens our most precious resource and the many who rely on it. This practice cannot continue, especially when Congress has already provided the funds needed to do this work.”

The language recently inserted in the appropriations bill reads: “Sec. 108.No funds in this act shall be used for an open lake placement alternative of dredged material, after evaluating the least costly, environmentally acceptable manner for the disposal or management of dredged material originating from Lake Erie or tributaries thereto, unless it is approved under a state water quality certification pursuant to 33 USC 1341.”

Funding has been appropriated previously for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to fully dredge the Cuyahoga River and Port of Cleveland.