New Haven Register - Sediment from Milford won't sully Housatonic
SHELTON — The outcry over dumping dredged sediment from Milford’s Caswell Cove Marina in the Housatonic River has prompted an agreement to stop the dumping here.
Instead, the sediment will be dumped at an authorized site in Long Island Sound off New Haven.
"This agreement satisfies concerns raised about the disposal of dredged materials in the Housatonic River and allows Caswell Cove to conduct the dredging needed to keep that marina safe for recreational boaters," Mayor Mark Lauretti said at a press conference Thursday afternoon.
"The good news here is that the river has gotten its due respect," he said.
State Sen. Dan Debicella, R-Shelton, called it a "win" for the people of Shelton and the Housatonic River.
According to Debicella, the sediment placed in Long Island Sound will be capped to prevent any threat to the environment.
"The Housatonic River will be protected under this solution, which is an example of true problem solving in government," Debicella said. "I thank everyone involved for taking the time to hear the concerns of the community and for being willing to rethink this project."
Dennis Schain, a spokesman for the state Department of Environmental Protection, said he thanks the parties for working with the DEP to find an acceptable alternative.
"We realize the plan we proposed was creating friction, and it was appropriate to seek an alternative," Schain said. "We certainly heard everyone’s concerns and are pleased with this outcome. ..."
