On Tuesday, U.S. Rep. Frank J. Pallone, Jr., D-NJ, called on Clinton to suspend the dredging project and to appoint a federal mediator to resolve the continuing dispute over ocean dumping and the use of the mud dump site off Sandy Hook. The Clinton Administration and U.S. EPA signed a federal order in 1996 to halt all dumping at the site. Connors, Moran and Connors said they joined Pallone and other environmentalists to oppose ocean disposal of the dredge materials because they contain levels of toxins that violate the spirit of the 1996 agreement to close the dump site announced by Vice President Al Gore. We must not return to the cesspool mentality that allowed the Atlantic Ocean to be used as a toxic and hazardous waste dump site for generations. Connors, Moran and Connors said the Army Corps and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency should devote greater resources and science to develop and promote land-based, environmentally safe alternatives for the disposal of dredge materials.
Pressure continues for ocean dumping because of the bottom line, according to the lawmakers.
There are land-based, environmentally safe alternatives for the disposal of dredged materials but companies look to the cheapest method. The fishing and shellfish industry also pumps billions into the economy and is dependent upon clean coastal waters.