As the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers works to deepen and expand the ship channels in Mobile Bay, state lawmakers, environmental advocates, and commercial fishermen are expressing growing concerns. They’re worried about how sediment is being handled and the possible impact on the local ecosystem and economy.
Drone footage from Mobile Baykeeper has captured sediment being released into the bay, raising alarms about the health of the ocean and the clarity of the water. State Senator Chris Elliott has urged the Corps to utilize established waste sites like Gillard Island instead of dumping directly into the water, a point highlighted in a post on Mobile Baykeeper’s social media.
In another report, the Army Corps is deepening the channels to allow larger ships access to the ports. Federal guidelines mandate that at least 70% of the dredged material should be allocated for beneficial uses, like restoring wetlands and reinforcing the coastline of Dauphin Island. However, any leftover materials are often dumped into the bay using what are called “thin layer arrangements.”
Mobile Baykeepers plan to release up to 90 million cubic yards of dredged material into the bay over the next two decades. This amount is roughly equivalent to covering about 42,000 soccer fields with sludge. Supporters of this measure claim it’s the largest deployment of such materials in open water, which could lead to unpredictable ecological impacts.
Members of the Alabama Commercial Fishermen’s Association report that the dumping is already adversely affecting the shrimp and oyster industries. They’ve mentioned that the buildup of silt impairs nets, changes the seabed, and renders traditional shrimping areas unusable for extended periods. Moreover, the oysters are being buried, which is detrimental to new larvae and leading to significant mortality rates. One fisherman noted that some areas have remained unusable for as much as two years after sediment buildup.
U.S. Senator Katie Britt from Montgomery supports the port expansion but stresses the need for responsible management of dredged materials. In recent communications, she highlighted provisions in the Water Resources Development Act of 2024, advocating for the beneficial use of at least 70% of the dredged materials with adequate engagement from local stakeholders.
Britt also secured a $47 million federal budget for useful projects and sediment flow research in partnership with the Alabama Port Authority and the Corps. This initiative aims to enhance environmental infrastructure throughout the state as well.
In response to the ongoing criticism, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers maintains that the thin layer arrangement is a widely accepted and safe method of managing dredged materials. They state that this strategy is crucial in maintaining navigable waterways while also helping to protect the environment.
On May 15th, Mobile Baykeeper hosted a Town Hall at St. Philip Neri Catholic Church in Theodore, allowing community members, officials, and advocates to voice their concerns and explore alternatives. A follow-up meeting is planned for May 22 from 6 PM to 7:30 PM at Fairhope United Methodist Church to further discuss the ongoing mud dumping in Mobile Bay. According to a spokesperson, the event will provide the public with an opportunity to engage with various stakeholders, including fishermen, ocean advocates, charter captains, and scientists.
