Members of the Ohio Delegation support Port of Cleveland’s proposal to stop open lake dumping

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge (OH-11), along with Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-9), Congressman Bob Gibbs (OH-7), Congressman Tim Ryan (OH-13), Congressman David P. Joyce (OH-14), and Congressman James Renacci (OH-16), sent a letter to the U.S. Army Corps expressing support for the Port of Cleveland’s plan modification to permanently stop sediment dumping in Lake Erie.  Following the recent dispute over how dredged material should be disposed of, the Port’s proposal would bring stability to this process and improve water quality for all Ohioans.

“The dumping of dredged sediment into Lake Erie is a hazardous process that could bring significant harm to our fishing, recreation, and shipping economies, as well as our drinking water.  I applaud the Port of Cleveland for proposing a plan to curtail this practice and provide a safer environment for everyone.  We must protect our water resources and sustain the growth and vitality of the Great Lakes region,” said Congresswoman Fudge.

“The Port of Cleveland system needs to be completely dredged every year. However, evidence has shown that dredged materials can contain dangerous legacy toxins that had been buried under rivers and lakebeds. Dumping these dredged materials directly into our lake threatens the safety of our drinking water and the ecosystems in and around Lake Erie, our most precious freshwater resource. Congress has already provided the funds needed to responsibly address this issue: keeping the port dredged and open for business without putting our lake further at risk,” said Congresswoman Kaptur.

“The Cleveland Harbor Project is a unique situation given the ecological sensitivity of Lake Erie. The health of the Cuyahoga River has come a long way, but the State of Ohio’s data shows there are still improvements to be made.  I do not believe that open-lake disposal for this project to be environmentally prudent. I urge the Corps to not consider it as an option for the Port of Cleveland,” said Congressman Gibbs.

“The Port of Cleveland is the economic backbone of Northeast Ohio and critical to the wellbeing of the Great Lakes and our nation. I am proud to stand with the Port and my Congressional colleagues to ensure that one of our most vital resources is not being damaged by allowing dredged sediment to be dumped back into Lake Erie,” said Congressman Ryan.

"This is absolutely critical for Northeast Ohio. I’m glad we can all come together to support this request from the Port of Cleveland, not only because it’s the right thing to do, but because jobs, the economy, and the health of Lake Erie rely on it," said Congressman Joyce.

“Dredging is an important tool to ensure commerce can easily move throughout northeast Ohio and the greater Great Lakes region.  I believe we need to listen to all stakeholders involved so our economy continues to grow for all Ohioans,” said Congressman Renacci.

Members of the Ohio Delegation sent the letter to army officials on November 13.  Click here to read the letter text.

###