Ohio EPA is reviewing an application submitted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to perform maintenance dredging of the Lorain Harbor federal navigation channel.
The applicant is requesting to dredge up to 500,000 cubic yards of sand, silt and clay from the Lorain Outer Harbor and Black River. This material would be placed below the ordinary high-water mark in the designated open-lake disposal area in Lake Erie.
Anyone wanting to discharge dredged or fill material to waters of the State must first obtain a water quality certification from Ohio EPA and a permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Ohio EPA’s review is to ensure the project will comply with Ohio’s water quality standards.
The proposed project may result in a change from the current water quality conditions of the Black River and Lake Erie, 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.
[mappress]
Dredging Today Staff, March 29, 2012;