Rep. Rob Andrews Continues Fighting the Delaware River Dredging Project; Publicly Asks Army Corps to uphold Gov’s Deal that Dredge Spoils NOT be Dumped in New Jersey

I was recently alarmed to learn of the Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) continuous ambiguity over the potential dredge spoils disposal sites for the Delaware River Main Channel Deepening Project.  In May 2007, both Governor Edward Rendell of Pennsylvania and Governor Jon Corzine of New Jersey publicly stated that Pennsylvania agreed to accept all spoils materials, “except to the extent that New Jersey seeks spoils for NJ port facility projects”. 

However, it has become apparent through the recent release of ACOE emails and documents acquired by the Delaware Riverkeepers through a Freedom of Information Act request, that the ACOE is still considering sites in New Jersey for dredge material disposal.  I continue to remain opposed to this dredging project altogether and I am especially against any disposal of dredge spoils in New Jersey.

Because of the continuous ambiguity over this issue, I have asked the Army Corps of Engineers to publicly state their position on where they intend to dump dredge spoils if this project goes forward.  I remain adamantly opposed to the plan to dredge the Delaware River because it is a waste of taxpayer resources and an undue risk to the environment in our region. 

Below is an article highlighting my recent effort:

Andrews Cites Ambiguity on Dredge Spoils Reports

November 3, 2007
Courier Post Online

A South Jersey legislator on Friday urged the Army Corps of Engineers to say whether dredge spoils from a controversial Delaware River project would be dumped in South Jersey.

U.S. Rep. Rob Andrews said he was alarmed that recently released e-mail and documents show "ambiguity" over the Corps' planned dump sites. The documents, related to a planned deepening of the river's shipping channel, were obtained by the Delaware Riverkeepers through a Freedom of Information Act request.

The documents indicate the Corps "has plans to dump some of the spoils in New Jersey," Andrews said in a letter to Army Secretary Pete Geren. Andrews said the governors of New Jersey and Pennsylvania in May "publicly stated that Pennsylvania agreed to accept all spoils material," unless New Jersey requested spoils for port projects.

Return to the Washington Updates Page