Name and Location of Project
The project described in this DEIR is the New Bedford/Fairhaven Harbor DMMP, in New Bedford/Fairhaven, Massachusetts. An Environmental Notification Form (ENF) was noticed in the Environmental Monitor for the New Bedford/Fairhaven Harbor DMMP on June 10, 1998, by Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management (CZM), the project proponent. The location of New Bedford/Fairhaven Harbor is shown in Figure 1-1. The Executive Office of Environmental Affairs (EOEA) file number for the New Bedford/Fairhaven Harbor DMMP is 11669.

Project Description
This DEIR includes an analysis of alternative upland and aquatic dredged material disposal sites and alternative technologies to treat sediments that are unsuitable for unconfined open water disposal (“unsuitable dredged material” or “UDM”) for eventual disposal or beneficial reuse. The DEIR identifies two (2) proposed preferred alternatives for disposal of UDM, consisting of two Confined Aquatic Disposal (CAD) sites.

At this time, CZM is proposing two preferred alternatives, to gain public input into the disposal options proposed. Public comment will be invited on this DEIR in full compliance with the regulations implementing the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA). The proposed preferred alternatives will be evaluated by additional site specific analysis in the Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR) subject to comments received on the DEIR.

The New Bedford/Fairhaven Harbor DMMP provides a mechanism for balancing existing and future needs for the disposal of UDM associated with proposed harbor development projects while maintaining existing environmental resources. The framework established in the New Bedford/Fairhaven Harbor DMMP provides technical information in support of the harbor management goals of the City of New Bedford and Town of Fairhaven and the sound management of the Commonwealth’s environmental and maritime economic resources.

• Complete New Bedford/Fairhaven Harbor DMMP DEIR (PDF, 7.1M)