Judge issues “opinion” on Del. dredging project

On Wednesday a federal judge cleared the way for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to begin deepening a small part of the Delaware River. Today she added to her ruling and appeared to be telling opponents of the project to give up the fight.

On Wednesday a federal judge cleared the way for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to begin deepening a small part of the Delaware River. Today she added to her ruling and appeared to be telling opponents of the project to give up the fight.

Listen:
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In a footnote to her earlier ruling, U.S. District Judge Sue Robinson wrote: “For those who oppose the project …. the time for that fight has long passed.” Robinson wrote that there are administrative obstacles ahead but said those hurdles are not “proof of insurmountable environmental risks.”

Maya van Rossum is the Delaware River Keeper.

Van Rossum: That’s the judge’s opinion. She is drawing the conclusion up front that when the process is applied that it will necessarily result in a “yes” all the way around for the deepening project and we don’t think that’s the case.

Van Rossum says once the dredging project has been thoroughly reviewed by local authorities, it will become clear that it doesn’t make sense environmentally or economically.

Supporters want to deepen the river channel to allow ships with heavier loads to do business in the ports.