Long Island Sound dump plans puts NY, Connecticut at odds

Connecticut officials say they agree with goals set by the EPA and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to find alternatives to dumping the silt, but say it's not always practical, and that "open water disposal" of the dredged material is likely to be necessary for years to come.

The majority of dredging activities occurs in Connecticut and the dump sites are technically in that state's waters.

Besides dredging of rivers for recreational boating, ferries and water-borne commerce including fuel deliveries, Connecticut officials say there are national security interests in keeping waterways clear for the Naval Submarine Base and U.S. Coast Guard Academy, both in New London, Connecticut.

"Given the characteristics of our state and its coastline — Connecticut's dredging needs are vastly more significant than other states that share the benefits and beauty of Long Island Sound with us," Robert Klee, the state's Department of Energy and Environmental Protection said at a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers hearing last year.