Dredging Connecticut’s Waterways

One of the keys to a stronger maritime economy is ensuring our deepwater ports and harbors are reliably accessible and safe to navigate. As such, the Connecticut Port Authority has made dredging one of our top priorities, leading the way for increased economic viability and activity along the shoreline. 

Dredging not only ensures ships are able to pass through our waterways but is also an environmentally important practice that reduces pollutants in our waters. The Port Authority has undertaken several initiatives to help address dredging needs across the state, including the creation of SHIPP Grants, the establishment of the Connecticut Dredging Team, and the coordination of an amicus brief to uphold the Eastern Long Island Sound Dredged Material Disposal Site off the coast of New London. In addition, we coordinate with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ New England District (USACE) on dredging projects themselves, such as on timelines, recommended project order, and securing funding support from the state. 

Active Dredging Projects 

Connecticut Dredging Team

 Connecticut Dredging Team is a technical workgroup established in 2022 to help facilitate dredging, by exchanging information and streamlining interactions between local authorities and federal agencies. Housed within the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CTDEEP), the Dredging Team includes representatives from:  

  • Connecticut Port Authority (Co-Chair) 
  • U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 1 
  • U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, North Atlantic Division 
  • Connecticut Marine Trades Association 

Dredging Team Goals:  

  • Provide a forum for state and federal agencies to strategize and resolve issues related to the management of dredged material from the coastal waters of CT and Long Island Sound (LIS).  
  • Reduce the reliance on open water disposal of dredged materials in LIS; promote beneficial use; seek lower cost alternatives to off-site disposal facilities for marginally contaminated sediments.  
  • Enhance early planning and evaluation of information on dredged material placement alternatives submitted for projects to review under the LIS site designation rule.  
  • Consider and plan for the reduction/mitigation of source of contamination in dredged sediment and for contaminant source reduction, from existing point source and nonpoint source water pollution.  
  • Identify necessary ways to address obstacles; address regulatory issues including testing requirement standards.  
  • Address management issues for open water disposal.  
  • Address the requirement to resume production of an annual LIS Dredge Material Management Plan progress report to track dredge material beneficially reused vs. disposed of at open water sites.