The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has upheld Electric Boat’s request to use an eastern Long Island Sound dredging disposal site, according to a news release from U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney, D-2nd District. Citing environmental concerns, the state of New York had taken several legal actions seeking to stop use of the site, referred to as ELDS. The state issued an objection to EB’s permit application with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in December 2019, prompting the company to file an appeal with the U.S. Department of Commerce through NOAA, which makes decisions in interstate disputes over coastal resources. The 1.3-mile underwater site, between the mouth of the Thames River and Fishers Island, was designated by the Environmental Protection Agency in 2016. It is viewed as crucial to maritime businesses like EB and Cross Sound Ferry, along with the Naval Submarine Base and a host of industries that depend on dredging of area channels, marinas, boatyards and harbors.
https://www.theday.com/local-news/20201118/noaa-rejects-objections-to-electric-boats-use-of-dredging-disposal-site