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What we need is intelligent, considered solutions to our problems like the dredge dump. The dump does need to be stopped if it causes any of several things:
Contamination of those waters,
Sediment run off,
Any long term negative impact of the fisheries and environment found there,
Large economic impact to the region,
Improper use of natural resources,
Selction of site due to convenience (NIMBY of the people on the commitees).
It would be beneficial if the dump had a positive impact on those waters. Like the disposal of less contaminated water which would inprove the overall quality of those waters and enhance the marine environment.
Unfortunately, many people felt that the rug was being pulled under them and it is likely that this happened but maybe not intentionaly. Last night's meeting was positive in the sense that a road map was laid out on how this would occur if it ever does happen. Unfortunately, not many people listened or understood all of what was being said. Some even wrongly associated other problems such as chloroform bacterial counts from sewage runnoff (a different problem) shutting down the swimming with the proposed dumping. Two seperate but important items. People also assumed that they were being lied to.
Now I'm not in favor of this plan but would be more receptive if the dredge materials disposed of there were of sufficiently higher quality than what exists there now with the idea being that it would be cleaner (probably not noticeably) than what is there now which isn't great to begin with. I would also be more receptive if there was an independent. peer-review to take place which would verify that the proper steps and procedures are followed and that the materials are beneficial to the site and not just "suitable".
These waters are rated on a scale of A,B,& C, with A being the best quality (minimal or no contamination), B partial contamination, and C being excessively contaminated, poor quality areas. Conimicut currently ranks as a B. The DEM states that they will not allow lesser quality materials to be dumped there but only allow dumping of the same quality classification of better. I don't want the dumping to happen if there is going to be no improvement to the local waters.
As far as this states ability to see the forest through the trees (or lack thereof) it isn't that much different than up in Mass. I haven't lived in Rhody long enough to really make up my mind. I was suprised that there seems to be more, let's say, corruption and scandals than in Mass. And I didn't think that was possible :P
But there is a lack of communication between those that are working to implement this and those that are concerned about it and those that live there.
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