House Republican Press Release

March 15, 2007

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Miller: DEP Should Halt Caswell Cove Dredging

Environmental Impact Jeopardizes Dredge Area and Dump Site

HARTFORD- State Representative Larry Miller (R-122) today called on the State’s Department of Environmental Protection to halt the dredging of the Caswell Cove Marina in Milford.  The DEP granted a permit for Caswell Cove to dredge 23,000 cubic yards of sediment that is filling the boat mooring area without notifying local officials.  The sediment removed from the marina will be deposited upstream along the Housatonic River in Shelton.  Miller says the permit should be revoked.

“I’m not so sure that this dredging project has been properly evaluated,” said Miller.  “There are a number of large concerns that accompany this project that I don’t feel have been given adequate attention.”  Among those concerns Miller cited were the presence of potentially cancer-causing trichloroethylene, as well as heavy metals and other contaminants present in the marina silt.  

“There is also a question of the sense in bringing the silt back up the river where it will be washed down toward the marina again,” said Miller.  “The Caswell Cove was dredged a short thirteen years ago due to the same problems they face now.  Perhaps we should be looking at a more permanent solution to the silt build up in the marina.”

Miller noted that stirring up the silt in both areas could have a detrimental environmental impact on the fish and other life that occupy the riverbed, as well as potentially circulate pollutants into the river water and out into Long Island Sound.

“Ports and docks having trouble because of rising silt levels is hardly a new problem,” said Miller.  “Freighters are having difficulty docking in Bridgeport, and New Haven, which is our most busy port, is in serious jeopardy due to silting conditions exacerbated by the unburied electrical cable lying on the floor of the shipping lane.  It is fascinating that these two ports, which are essential to the continued success of Connecticut’s economy, are getting less attention from DEP than this little marina up the Housatonic. I think DEP may need to re-examine its priorities.”