Allan Appel Photo
Calling it a violation of a beloved and sacred spot, New Haven State Sen. Martin Looney pronounced the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ proposal (known as “Plan A”) to move 50 million gallons of toxic sludge from Bridgeport harbor to Morris Cove “virtually dead.”
Looney was joined by Mayor John DeStefano, U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro, a half dozen other politicians and 100 neighbors including an 8‑year-old silver crab with scary claw (aka John C. Daniels fourth-grader Audrey Rivetta, pictured) in a passionate anti-Plan A rally Saturday morning.
It took place at the Pardee Seawall just 700 to 800 feet from where the proposal calls for the filling of the 30-foot pit in the cove with material ranging from PCBs to lead, chromium, and zinc.
Opposition has already been registered in public meetings, by the Board of Aldermen and local state legislators led by the State Rep. Bob Megna.
“This isn’t a Morris Cove issue [alone],” said DeStefano. “It’s a Newhalville and Dixwell issue too. The recreation facilities in East Shore are used by everyone. This is about the whole city.”
Both the mayor and DeLauro said there’s nothing wrong with dredging Bridgeport Harbor. They both endorsed a comprehensive port program for the state, thus far lacking. Only the toxic stuff should stay away, the said. They said the Morris Cove pit is needed for New Haven’s own dredging, which might occur as soon as 2013.
For any plan to pass, two regulatory approvals are required from the state Department of Environmental Protection, one for water quality and one for compliance with the comprehensive coastal environmental plans. “We’re not about to let that [the approvals for Plan A] happen,” said Looney.
The only skeptical voice in the crowd seemed to be that of Harbor Master Michael Pimer (pictured). He said called the Corps plan a done deal. “Show me,” he said, throwing down the gauntlet.
“There is no decision made,” declared DeLauro. She and DeStefano were adamant that the process would lend itself to the city ultimately prevailing through citizen pressure and legal action if necessary. However they urged people to keep up the voice of protest. The officials both pledged to put up pages on their website on the issue.
Stopping by on his get-out-the vote tour on his campaign’s final weekend, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Dan Malloy said, “I’ve put forward a port development policy. I support Bridgeport harbor [dredging], but you don’t bring it to a residential area.”
To rousing applause, he declared: “Plan A should be called Plan Z.”
We have to keep up the fight against plan A.
Please sign our online petition
http://www.petitiononline.com/elmcity1/petition.html
Write a letter in opposition to the responsible project manager:
Michael Keegan
US Army Corps of Engineers
696 Virginia Road
Concord, MA 01742-2751 [email protected]
And spread the word.
We can stop this if we stand united.