Dredging Rivers While Dodging Dolphin Drama in the Pacific Northwest
Published Date: 6/23/2025
Notice
Summary
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers got permission to accidentally disturb some marine mammals while managing dredged material in the Lower Columbia River, Oregon and Washington. This plan helps keep the river clear and safe but makes sure marine animals are protected. The authorization is official now, so work can continue without delays, balancing nature and progress.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Dredging Allowed with Marine Mammal Take
If you live or work along the Lower Columbia River in Oregon or Washington, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers now has a Letter of Authorization under the Marine Mammal Protection Act to accidentally disturb ( ‘‘take’’) marine mammals while carrying out the dredged material management plan. That means dredging and related river work can continue under this permit without being stopped for incidental marine mammal impacts.
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