There are several threatened and endangered species of salmon in the area. Yet the Corps rejected state and federal requests to time their work to avoid threatened species. The plan to dump millions of tons of dredged-up material on 75 square miles of productive fishing grounds violates two other federal laws. The Coastal Zone Management Act and the Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act. Failure to show any alternative to the proposed dumping grounds is also violation of the National Environmental Protection Act.
Alternatives being ignored are cheaper and less environmentally destructive.
The other would help the lower Columbia economy by creating a topping off port at Astoria. This option deserves consideration as we look long term to the future economy of the lower river. This would also allow Portland ports to take advantage of the next generation of freighters, which would require a depth of 50 feet. Yet the Corps dropped it from consideration as an alternative. The Corps also doesn't want to discuss an alternative to ocean dumping that could replenish Benson Beach on the Long Beach Peninsula.