POLICY 35

DREDGING AND DREDGE SPOIL DISPOSAL IN COASTAL WATERS WILL BE UNDERTAKEN IN A MANNER THAT MEETS EXISTING STATE DREDGING PERMIT REQUIREMENTS, AND PROTECTS SIGNIFICANT FISH AND WILDLIFE HABITATS, SCENIC RESOURCES, NATURAL PROTECTIVE FEATURES, IMPORTANT AGRICULTURAL LANDS, AND WETLANDS.

Explanation of Policy

Dredging often proves to be essential for waterfront revitalization and development, maintaining navigation channels at sufficient depths, pollutant removal and meeting other coastal management needs. Such dredging projects, however, may adversely affect water quality, fish and wildlife habitats, wetlands and other important coastal resources. Often these adverse effects can be minimized through careful design and timing of the dredging operation and proper siting of the dredge spoil disposal site. Dredging permits will be granted if it has been satisfactorily demonstrated that these anticipated adverse effects have been reduced to levels which satisfy State dredging permit standards set forth in regulations developed pursuant to Environmental Conservation Law, (Articles 15, 24, 25, and 34), and are consistent with policies pertaining to the protection of coastal resources (State Coastal Management Policies 7, 15, 24, 26 and 44).