Joyce measure ensures dredging in Ohio harbors supports economy, environment

U.S. Rep. Dave Joyce (R-OH) recently sponsored legislation that would call for dredged material management plans (DMMPs) at certain federally authorized harbors in his home state that would support the state’s economy and maintain the integrity of the environment.

“I’m proud to introduce this bill in the House to ensure dredging not only continues to support our regional economy, but also further northeast Ohio’s environmental sustainability,” Rep. Joyce said on Sept. 16. “The Great Lakes are both an economic powerhouse and an irreplaceable natural resource, and I will continue to do everything in my power to ensure they remain that way.”

Specifically, the Lake Erie Water Quality Protection Act, H.R. 8785, which Rep. Joyce introduced on Sept. 9, would direct the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to prioritize the development of DMMPs for Ohio’s eight federal commercial navigation harbors along Lake Erie that adhere to the state’s water quality laws, according to a bill summary provided by the congressman’s office. 

DMMPs are long-term planning documents the Army Corps uses to ensure that maintenance dredging activities are performed in an environmentally acceptable manner, use sound engineering techniques, are economically warranted, and ensure that sufficient placement areas are available for at least the next 20 years, the bill summary says.

The plans address dredging needs, environmental compliance requirements, and indicators of continued economic justification, among other items. An Ohio law that became effective in July 2020 limits open lake placement of dredge material under certain circumstances due to concerns about water quality, according to Rep. Joyce’s office. 

“Ohio’s eight federal commercial navigation harbors support more than 160,000 jobs, generate more than $25 billion annually in revenue, and provide a natural habitat for countless species of fish and other wildlife,” said Rep. Joyce. 

H.R. 8785 is the companion bill to the same-named S. 4684, which U.S. Sens. Rob Portman (R-OH) and Sherrod Brown (D-OH) introduced on July 28. The U.S. Senate version was included as Sec. 139 of the Water Resources Development Act of 2022, H.R. 7776, which passed both houses of Congress and is set to be signed into law by President Joe Biden.