The dredging project in Puerto Rico’s biggest seaport, San Juan, has begun despite opposition from environmentalists and a pending lawsuit filed by the Center for Biological Diversity. The $62 million project, overseen by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, aims to open the San Juan Bay to larger vessels, including tankers servicing a new liquid natural gas terminal. Despite concerns about the environmental impact of the dredging, Gov. Pedro Pierluisi has defended the project, stating that it has been authorized at all federal levels. The dredged material will be deposited into the Atlantic Ocean two nautical miles north of Puerto Rico, approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
The lawsuit filed by the Center for Biological Diversity argues that the dredging project poses a threat to marine life, including corals, seagrass beds, and manatees that swim in the San Juan Bay. The center is concerned that the dredging will cause sediment that could harm corals already struggling due to disease and warming waters. They also criticized the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for not fulfilling promises made during a previous dredging project in the early 2000s, particularly regarding seagrass restoration. The lawsuit, pending at a U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C., focuses on the potential negative impacts of the dredging on the local marine ecosystem.
Despite these concerns, Gov. Pedro Pierluisi sees the dredging project as a significant economic opportunity for Puerto Rico. He expects the project to give a $400 million boost to the local economy and create jobs. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, responsible for the project, has stated that the dredging will improve the economic efficiency and viability of the San Juan Bay as a crucial maritime hub. The Corps is investing almost $45 million in the project, with the government of Puerto Rico contributing the rest of the funding. The dredging vessel began operations in the background as the governor shared details of the project, highlighting the significant role the San Juan harbor plays in Puerto Rico’s economy and transportation networks.
Environmentalists argue that the dredging project poses a risk to wildlife and could have irreversible impacts on the delicate marine ecosystem of the San Juan Bay. The Center for Biological Diversity and other environmental groups continue to challenge the project in court, emphasizing the importance of protecting the environment and marine life. Despite these concerns, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers remains focused on completing the dredging project by October, highlighting the potential long-term benefits for Puerto Rico’s economy and maritime operations. The outcome of the pending lawsuit will determine the future of the dredging project and whether additional measures will be required to mitigate its environmental impact.
